The University of North Dakota’s (UND) recent Dollar Dog Nights turned out to be a resounding success, with a remarkable total of 1,600 hot dogs distributed during men’s and women’s basketball games held in January 2023. The promotion, which has been part of the sports program for the past four years, saw particularly high demand during the men’s game against St. Thomas on January 15. On that night, all 1,000 hot dogs available were sold by the time the game began.
The rush for hot dogs caught the concession team off guard. Jody Hodgson, General Manager of Ralph Engelstad Arena, noted, “In hindsight, I wish we would have made additional hot dogs and had them ready to go. But as you can imagine, you are not really able to keep up with the demand and make them on the go.”
This promotional event aims to attract more fans to the games while offering affordable options for families. The price of $1 per hot dog provides a rare opportunity for attendees to enjoy a meal at such a low cost, especially given the rising prices of food in general. The initiative not only enhances game day experiences but also competes with traditional promotional themes like “green outs” and “senior nights.”
While the event has been successful, it also presents logistical challenges. Hodgson explained that planning for the number of hot dogs to prepare is a delicate balance between anticipated attendance and minimizing waste. “We’ve had nights in the past where we have done it and thrown away 300 or 400 hot dogs, and nobody feels good about that,” he said.
The preparation requires significant manpower, with the men’s game on January 22 having nine concession workers cooking hot dogs for approximately 90 minutes. This extensive preparation underscores the complexities of managing such a popular promotion.
The enthusiasm from fans at both games illustrated the potential for further growth. “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,” Hodgson remarked, referencing the venue’s nickname. The total of 1,000 hot dogs sold during the January 22 game likely matched a record for the facility, indicating a promising trend for future promotions.
Looking ahead, the success of the Dollar Dog Nights has prompted plans to increase the number of hot dogs available for next year’s events, further capitalizing on the growing interest and demand. As Hodgson noted, “Considering the success this year, we expect to push upward the record number sold.” This proactive approach aims to ensure that fans can enjoy their game day experience without the worry of missing out on a beloved snack.
