Dordt Athletics and Sioux Center-based Member’s Cut have teamed up to create a new signature concession item for Defender fans.
The Defender Dog is a custom hot dog that is now available at Dordt athletic events. It features cheese inside the hot dog as a nod to Dordt’s black and gold school colors.
“I wanted to create a signature concession item that fans would associate with Defender Athletics,” said Trent Roose, Dordt’s associate athletic director of facilities and operations. “It was an opportunity to enhance the game-day experience while featuring a high-quality local product.”
Partnership Produces Custom Recipe
The idea began taking shape during a partnership meeting between Dordt and Member’s Cut as the two organizations discussed creating 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,” said Jen Sawyer, marketing and communication director at Member’s Cut and Farmers Coop Society.
The Member’s Cut team developed several flavor combinations and held tastings before the final recipe was selected. Roose said the cheese gives the hot dog a distinctive touch while connecting it to Dordt’s school colors.
Local Product Available to Take Home
Sawyer said the Defender Dog also reflects the connections among agriculture, business, education and the broader Sioux Center community.
“I love that this partnership is local supporting local,” she said. “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.”
In addition to being served at Dordt athletic events, Defender Dogs are available for purchase at the Member’s Cut store in Sioux Center.
Roose said Dordt hopes the new signature food will help make attending a Defender event memorable beyond what happens on the court or field.
“We want concessions to be part of the overall game-day experience,” he said. “Our goal is to provide quality food, friendly service, and an atmosphere that keeps fans coming back.”
