Why does food and drink cost so much at a sports ballpark?

Question

I have heard people say it is because the city taxes the items much higher at a stadium and others say it is simply the way the stadium makes money.

Answer 1

A captive audience is the primary reason.  You generally can't take much food into the stadium and you generally can't re-enter once you leave unless you buy another ticket.  Therefore, they can charge high prices and people who are hungry and/or thirsty will pay them.