The University of North Dakota’s recent Dollar Dog Nights turned out to be a resounding success, with fans devouring a staggering total of 1,600 hot dogs at men’s and women’s basketball games this month. On January 15, during the matchup between UND and St. Thomas, every one of the 1,000 hot dogs available was sold before the game even began.
This remarkable feat highlights the demand for affordable food options at sporting events. With customers limited to purchasing just four hot dogs each, the rapid sales took concession workers by surprise. “In hindsight, I wish we would have made additional hot dogs and had them ready to go,” said Jody Hodgson, General Manager of the Ralph Engelstad Arena. “But as you can imagine, you are not really able to keep up with the demand and make them on the go.”
Growing Popularity and Operational Challenges
The Dollar Dog Night promotion has been part of the sports program’s offerings for several seasons, featured once per year over the past four years. Although attendance varies, the enthusiasm for affordable food is unmistakable, as evidenced by the crowds on January 15 and another Dollar Dog Night scheduled for January 21 against South Dakota State.
Hodgson explained that the number of hot dogs prepared is determined in advance based on anticipated attendance. The operational aspect also considers the available labor, with nine concession workers tasked with cooking before the men’s game on January 22. “It’s a bit of a guessing game to find the right balance,” he noted. “For the men’s game, it took nine people about 90 minutes to prepare.”
Balancing supply and demand is crucial, as past events have seen leftover hot dogs leading to waste. “We’ve had nights in the past where we have done it and thrown 300 or 400 hot dogs away, and nobody feels good about that,” Hodgson added. The promotion aims to provide fans with an enjoyable experience while minimizing excess.
A Family-Friendly Initiative
The timing of this promotion is particularly advantageous given the rising costs of food. With prices increasing, families are often looking for budget-friendly meal options. Hodgson remarked, “It’s been very successful and we’ve been really happy with that ability to attract an audience and get more people into The Betty.”
The January 22 event, which matched previous records with another 1,000 hot dogs served, demonstrates the growing popularity of this initiative. Looking ahead, Hodgson plans to increase the quantity of hot dogs available for next year’s promotion, potentially surpassing current records.
The success of Dollar Dog Nights at the University of North Dakota illustrates how innovative promotions can enhance the game-day experience while catering to community needs. With enthusiastic fans and a well-received concept, future events are likely to see even more participation.
