Opinion: The hot dog continues to be the most popular snack this Oregon Ducks football season — here’s why.

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It goes by many names. The hot dog. Pig in a blanket. The dachshund sausage. The weenie. Yet for Eugene, Ore., it’s known as the Oregon glizzy.

It’s undeniable that the glizzy is the most popular snack at sporting events. University of Oregon fans love the beloved weenie, whether under the beating sun at Autzen Stadium or courtside in the Matthew Knight Arena. But what makes it so special? Why does it make everyone’s mouth water?

The University of Oregon concession stands offer an array of snacks. Spectators can buy cheeseburgers, popcorn, pretzels, nachos and drinks. However, many still favor the Oregon glizzy.

Brodae Sutherland, an incoming student at UO, said, “Nachos you can spill. Pretzels? I mean who eats a pretzel at a football game? So a hot dog is the best thing.”

And the quality doesn’t fall short. Since 2019, Autzen Stadium has offered an all-beef hot dog, otherwise known as a sausage. “They’re juicy. The buns are great. It’s the perfect atmosphere for the best hot dog,” a spectator named Jennifer said at the Ducks game versus Hawaii.

The beautiful thing about the glizzy is its fluidity. It can be dressed up in many different ways. You may want to keep it simple with ketchup and mustard, or go on an adventurous route and throw on some relish and onions. One UO student even likes to add sauerkraut and barbeque sauce. Personally, I’ve always been a ketchup, mustard, mayo and relish kind of girl.

The glizzy also accommodates a variety of diets. Looking for a high-protein snack? Snag a dog or two. Gluten-free? Just eat the sausage. Vegetarian? Pair the bun with some condiments. 

Ultimately, the Oregon glizzy is versatile for whatever gameday cravings you’re having.

Then there’s the expense aspect. The Autzen concession stands list the Oregon dog at $4. “It’s the one thing on the menu I can afford,” Sutherland said. The glizzy is the cheapest impulsive decision an intoxicated student can make.

“It’s a quick downer. It takes five seconds to eat. And then you can pound more. They’re cheap, so it’s not that bad for your bank account either,” UO student Kaitlyn McTaggart said.

Aside from the money, some consider the hot dog a tradition at UO. It’s all about the gameday experience. UO student Lizzy Woods, also referred to as Lizzy Glizzy, thinks it contributes to the Autzen lore.

“You walk to Autzen. You trek up those stairs and you get to the top. What do you need? An Oregon hot dog. Let’s go!” Woods said.

Truthfully, I don’t care for football. I go to games for the tailgates and the stadium’s atmosphere. But what keeps me going time and time again is the hot dog. I see it as a reward after the two-mile hike to Autzen Stadium.

UO students consider the Oregon glizzy to be a classic American snack. The Autzen staple. The Ducks would be nothing without the hot dog, as the glizzy may only thrive in football season. So, if you haven’t yet, try it. I know it’s my favorite part.