Redbirds to Hold Eating Contests Ahead of Chestnut Visit

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – World-renowned competitive eating champion Joey Chestnut is on his way to AutoZone Park to compete against local fans in a competitive eating competition.

To earn the right to compete against the best competitive eater of all time, fans have the chance to compete in one of three preliminary contests after a Memphis Redbirds game. The eating contests are scheduled to take place after the final out on July 2nd and before fireworks shows on July 3 and July 4 as part of the Redbirds’ Red, Whtie and Boom weekend. Fans can enter to win a spot in the preliminary contests here.

The winner of each preliminary contest will earn the right to eat against Joey Chestnut at the Memphis Redbirds game on Saturday, July 18. Joey’s attendance at the game will be his first live appearance following his participation in the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, where he will look to defend his title as champion for the 17th time in his eating career. Each winner will be paired with a local Memphis celebrity in attempt to dethrone the best competitive eater of all time.

Preliminary Contests

• Thursday, July 2 – 10-inch pizza, presented by Exline’s Best Pizza in Town

• Friday, July 3 – Memphis Slider’s, presented by Slider Inn

• Saturday, July 4 – Grandma’s Meatballs, presented by Aldo’s Pizza

Championship Contest

• Saturday, July 18 – BBQ Nachos vs. Joey “Jaws” Chestnut

The Memphis Redbirds return to AutoZone Park on Tuesday, June 30 to begin a six-game series against the Charlotte Knights to kick off the first homestand of the second half of the 2026 season with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CDT. Fans looking to enter for a chance to be selected for any of the eating competitions can head to memphisredbirds.com/joeychestnut to learn more.

About the Memphis Redbirds

The Memphis Redbirds are the proud Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. Since their affiliation with St. Louis began in 1998, the Redbirds have claimed four League Championships and one Triple-A National Championship. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, the Redbirds play their home games at AutoZone Park, one of the premier ballparks in the nation. Alongside their parent company, Diamond Baseball Holdings, the Redbirds are committed to providing an exceptional baseball experience for fans of all ages, featuring top Cardinals prospects, exciting promotions, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With a tradition of excellence both on and off the field, the Memphis Redbirds actively contribute to the community by hosting a wide variety of events at AutoZone Park and participating in numerous charitable initiatives. For more information, visit www.memphisredbirds.com.

Contact

Memphis Redbirds Communications Team, (901) 721-6000 or [email protected]