The University of North Dakota’s (UND) recent Dollar Dog Nights attracted significant attention, with a total of 1,600 hot dogs sold during men’s and women’s basketball games this month. The event, held at the Ralph Engelstad Arena in Grand Forks, witnessed an overwhelming demand, especially during the men’s game against St. Thomas on January 15, where all 1,000 hot dogs were sold out by tip-off.
Concession workers faced a considerable challenge as they tried to keep pace with the enthusiastic crowd. According to Jody Hodgson, General Manager of Ralph Engelstad Arena, “In hindsight, I wish we would have made additional hot dogs and had them ready to go.” He acknowledged the difficulty of preparing food on the fly while trying to meet the high demand.
The Dollar Dog promotion is not new to the arena; it has been conducted intermittently over the years. However, it has gained traction recently, with the event now taking place once per season for the past four years. The uncertainty of attendance figures has impacted the decision-making process regarding the number of hot dogs to prepare. Hodgson explained that the preparation involves careful planning based on anticipated attendance, with staff striving to minimize waste.
“We want to try to provide them and have them available, but we also want to try and balance out waste,” Hodgson noted. Past events have seen significant over-preparation, resulting in hundreds of hot dogs going unsold. The staffing logistics also play a critical role; for the men’s game on January 22, nine concession workers were involved in cooking the hot dogs, which took about 90 minutes.
The rising popularity of Dollar Dog Nights comes at a time when food prices are increasing, making it challenging for families to find affordable dining options. This promotion allows families of four to enjoy a meal for under $5, making it a compelling choice beyond traditional sports promotions like “green outs” and “senior nights.”
Hodgson expressed satisfaction with the success of the promotion, stating, “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 game likely matched a record for hot dogs sold in one night at the facility, and plans are underway to increase the number available for next year’s events, potentially surpassing this year’s impressive sales figures.
As the University of North Dakota continues to engage its community through these promotions, Dollar Dog Nights have become a staple event that not only provides affordable food options but also enhances the overall game-day experience for fans.
