Coney Island Astrotower Removal Will Not Affect Nathan's Famous Contest

CONEY ISLAND: The demolition of the historic Coney Island Astrotower will not affect the 98th Annual Nathan's Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog Eating Contest. The contest will proceed as planned, with the stage show starting at 10.30am, at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues in Brooklyn, NY.

Nathan’s July 4th Event Information:

The greatest competitive eaters on earth will gather on the corner of Surf and Stillwell avenues in Coney Island on Thursday, July 4, 2013 to compete in the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July International Hot Dog-Eating Contest, an event that has been held each year since 1916, according to the archives.

Last year, Joey Chestnut—the number-one-ranked eater in the world—tied his own world record by consuming 68 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes in front of a crowd of 40,000 fans. While in the women’s competition, Sonya “The Black Widow” Thomas set a new world record by consuming 45 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes.

The contest is free and open to the public. Pre-show festivities will start at 10:30AM and will feature varied entertainment including the Brooklyn Community Choir, the Ken Gross Orchestra, the Skyriders, a rap performance by Eric “Badlands” Booker, a drum battle to the death, magic acts and more.

Those fans planning to attend the contest will want to arrive early. The event will also be broadcast live on ESPN2.

For those on mass transit, take the subway—D, F, Q, N—to the final stop, Stillwell Avenue. You will not be able to miss it from there. Those driving will want to take the Belt Parkway to Exit 6, Cropsey Avenue, and head south toward the water until you hit Surf Avenue. Take a left and you will see Nathan’s on the right at Stillwell Avenue.

Other attractions in Coney Island include the Cyclone, Deno’s Wonder Wheel and Luna Park, and Ruby’s Bar.

WHERE: Nathan’s Famous Restaurant 1310 Surf Avenue (corner of Stillwell) Coney Island, Brooklyn

WHEN: July 4, 2013 from 10:30AM to 1PM