“I love that this partnership is local supporting local. We live and work in a small community in Northwest Iowa, and so many of us are proud of this area and understand how closely agriculture, business, education, and community are connected.”
Hot dogs have long been a staple of sporting events. This fall, Dordt University is putting its own spin on the game-day classic with the Defender Dog.
The custom hot dog, developed by Dordt Athletics in partnership with Sioux Center-based Member’s Cut, is now available at Defender athletic events. Featuring cheese inside the hot dog as a nod to Dordt’s black and gold school colors, the Defender Dog was created to become a fun part of the game-day experience.
“I wanted to create a signature concession item that fans would associate with Defender Athletics,” says Trent Roose, associate athletic director of facilities and operations. “It was an opportunity to enhance the game-day experience while featuring a high-quality local product.”
The idea began taking shape during a partnership meeting between Dordt and Member’s Cut, as the two organizations discussed ways to create something specifically for Defender fans.
“We wanted the product to feel connected to Dordt, but also showcase what Member’s Cut can do: creating custom products, unique flavors, and items that not every meat shop has the ability to develop,” says Jen Sawyer, marketing and communication director at Member’s Cut and Farmers Coop Society.
A hot dog seemed like a natural fit: easy to serve in a concession setting and something fans of all ages could enjoy. From there, the Member’s Cut team developed several flavor combinations and held tastings before landing on the final recipe.
“Beyond the name, we wanted it to have something unique, so we included cheese in the hot dog to reflect Dordt’s school colors,” says Roose. “It adds a distinctive touch while delivering a high-quality product our fans can enjoy.”
For Sawyer, the Defender Dog also represents the close relationships among organizations within the Sioux Center community.
“I love that this partnership is local supporting local,” she says. “We live and work in a small community in Northwest Iowa, and so many of us are proud of this area and understand how closely agriculture, business, education, and community are connected.”
The Defender Dog is also available for purchase at the Member’s Cut store in Sioux Center, allowing Defender fans to put them on the grill at home.
For Roose, the new signature food is one more way to make attending a Dordt athletic event memorable beyond what happens on the court or field.
“We want concessions to be part of the overall game-day experience,” he says. “Our goal is to provide quality food, friendly service, and an atmosphere that keeps fans coming back.”
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, alumni, and the broader community to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.
Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt offers undergraduate and graduate programs that help students live their faith in every area of life. Through rigorous learning, meaningful relationships, and whole-person formation, students gain the practical wisdom to serve God and neighbor through their work and in their communities. Dordt has been named among the nation's leading Christian universities by U.S. News & World Report, Niche, and other national publications.
Dordt University theology professor Dr. Gayle Doornbos has co-authored The Essential Herman Bavinck: A Reader and Commentary, an introduction to the writings and theological vision of Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck.
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