The End of the Dome Dog Era has come: Hormel and Twins Split Ways

Last week an announcement stated that the very famous Dome Dogs are now dead and that the Austin-based Hormel Foods Corp. and the Minnesota Twins no longer have a corporate partnership. This has stirred an outcry from many Twins and Hormel hot dog fans, wondering why this change is happening and what will replace the popular menu item.

When the Metrodome went down, those who love baseball's concessions as much as the game wondered if the Dome Dog would go with it, or if the popular snack would simply be renamed to suit the new outdoor stadium, well the answer is out.

Hormel began a corporate partnership with the Twin in 2001. They supplied Dome Dogs (hot dogs) at the Twins games and other promotional opportunities, but the agreeable split was tied to the real estate change. Hormel spokesperson cited increased costs for sponsorships at the new stadium as one reason the Minnesota meat maker will be "focusing on different marketing initiatives in 2010," Julie Craven, Hormel's vice president of corporate communications wrote. "We wish the Twins the best of luck during the inaugural season at the new stadium."

Hormel hot dogs have played a prominent food role at Twins home games in the Metrodome, including Hormel Dollar-A-Dog Night on Wednesdays and the Hormel Hot Dog Row of Fame, which featured a jingle that proclaimed a "wiener winner." The company also sponsored Minnesota Twins bobblehead doll giveaways at games. Spammy, the Spam can mascot for Hormel, took part in the team's annual Mascot Softball Game at the Metrodome. The announcement of the split stated that there may be other Hormel products offered at Target Field, but the decision is pending. We should find out Hormel's fate sometime before the first preseason exhibition games starting April 2.

Kevin Smith, the Twins' executive director of public affairs, said the team and Hormel "enjoyed a great corporate relationship for nearly a decade" but both entities have "amicably parted company." At the new stadium, the Twins have promised "Minnesota-focused signatures items" being part of their concessions offerings.

I wouldn't say this is a crisis, but it definitely is a public relations issue that the Twins need to address. Of course, no remorse is shown in either company public statement, but Hormel could be upset with the big change and the Twins need to consider this and care about the relationship. Also, the new ballpark better be looking for new great food promotions and creations that could take the place of the Dome Dog in Twins fans hearts.