The University of North Dakota’s (UND) recent Dollar Dog Nights have proven to be a resounding success, with a total of 1,600 hot dogs distributed during men’s and women’s basketball games this month. The promotion, held at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, saw particularly high demand on January 15 during the men’s game against St. Thomas, where the entire supply of 1,000 hot dogs was sold before the game even began.
Jody Hodgson, the General Manager of Ralph Engelstad Arena, acknowledged the challenge of meeting such high demand. “In hindsight, I wish we would have made additional hot dogs and had them ready to go,” he stated. The promotion allows customers to purchase a maximum of four hot dogs each, which makes the rapid sales even more impressive.
While Dollar Dog Night has been a recurring event, it has gained traction over the past four years, despite fluctuations in attendance that complicate sales projections. The recent games illustrate the enthusiasm of the crowd, with a significant turnout for both the men’s game against St. Thomas and the women’s game against South Dakota State on January 21.
Hodgson emphasized the importance of balancing supply with waste management. “We want to try to provide them and have them available but we also want to try and balance out waste,” he explained. Past experiences have resulted in excess, with some nights leading to the disposal of up to 400 hot dogs.
Planning for each event is a meticulous process. The number of hot dogs offered is based on estimated attendance, which can be challenging to predict accurately. For the men’s game on January 22, nine concession workers spent about 90 minutes preparing the hot dogs. “It’s a bit of a guessing game to see if we can find the right balance,” Hodgson noted.
This promotion has seen a surge in popularity, especially as rising food prices make it difficult for families to find affordable dining options. The opportunity to enjoy a game while feeding a family of four for under $5 has resonated with attendees.
Hodgson expressed satisfaction with the promotion’s ability to attract larger audiences to the arena. “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,” he said.
The success of the recent events has led to plans for increasing the number of hot dogs prepared for next year’s Dollar Dog Night, potentially surpassing the record number sold this year. The enthusiasm surrounding the promotion reflects not only the appeal of affordable food options but also the community’s support for local sports events.
