I am a firm believer that hot dogs are the lifeblood of sporting events. Behind every great home crowd there is usually a great concession stand and Madison is the home to some of the finest concession stands the world over.
Believe me, I know.
I've traveled around the world and tasted concession stand hot dogs everywhere. From the over-hyped/over-priced Miller Park wieners in Milwaukee to the fine New York hot dogs of Shea Stadium and Madison Square Garden, I've tried them all. I've even eaten a hot dog at the Stade de France outside of Paris, where they forsake the traditional bun in favor of a hard French baguette.
The reason I bring up my favorite mystery meat is because this weekend is the final home series for the Badger hockey team. In two weeks, the basketball team plays its final home game too, meaning the window of opportunity to try an amazing UW concession stand wiener is closing faster than you can say, \I'll have that with mustard.""
I admit, not all UW hot dogs are created equal. For some reason, the dogs made at Camp Randall just aren't that great. The McClimon Soccer Complex concession stand, however, makes a frankfurter so succulent it can make a grown man weep.
You see, each hot dog is a work of art. If you gave Leonardo and Michelangelo (not turtles) each a block of marble, you wouldn't expect them to sculpt the same statue. Hot dogs work the same way. Each concession stand has its own unique take on the frankfurter.
You're probably wondering where I get off scrutinizing these hot dogs so closely.
I admit, my credentials are impressive. I learned from the master.
My dad, Big Joe, has spent much of his life in search of the ultimate concession stand hot dog. As research for this story, I had him e-mail me a list of his all-time favorite hot dogs. Right now, the 2003 McFarland High School soccer concession stand's version holds the prestigious honor of being his top-rated hot dog, but he also gave high marks to the Kohl Center dog.
The love of hot dogs must be hereditary, because I've definitely got the passion too. Two years ago, I organized the first-ever hot dog eating contest in my high school's history. I still consider it to be the crowning achievement of my tenure as the assembly director of the student council. Unfortunately, the contest was also the last one. Apparently, my unparalleled knowledge of hot dogs could not be replaced.
So, be it basketball or hockey, if you're lucky enough to be at the Kohl Center over the next few weeks, make sure to pick up one of the concession stand wieners. You won't know exactly what you're eating but just put a little ketchup on it. I guarantee you'll love it.
Joe is a sophomore majoring in journalism. He can be reached at jphasler@wisc.edu.
