FAQ
Answers to the questions venues actually ask us. If yours isn’t here, email info@halftimedogs.com or call (619) 889-5859.
About the show
How long is a frisbee dog halftime show?
A standard Halftime Dogs halftime show runs 5 to 6 minutes, with one to two performers and two to three dogs. We can run shorter or longer to fit your run-of-show. We’ve done 1-minute pre-game teasers and 25-minute ground acts. Tell us your window and we’ll build to it.
What actually happens during the show?
High-energy freestyle disc choreographed to music: multi-disc sequences, vaults where the dog launches off the handler’s body, big-air catches, and long throws. On a field, we add long bombs, with the dog running down a throw of 70 to 80 yards. It’s fast, it’s loud, and it holds a crowd that would otherwise be looking at their phones.
How much setup time do you need?
None. We require no equipment other than a stack of frisbees. When it’s our turn we walk out onto the court or field and start performing, and we finish on time.
Do you need a rehearsal?
No. If you have a practice court or warm-up area available we’ll use it while we’re waiting, but no rehearsal is required and we don’t need floor time before the game.
How many dogs perform?
Two to three for a standard halftime show. Five to seven for an extended ground act at a festival or campus event.
What kind of dogs are they?
World-class canine athletes: Border Collies, Belgian Malinois, Australian Shepherds, cattle dog mixes, and rescue mixes of every description. Our dogs and handlers include world champions, national champions, and record holders in canine disc. Many of our dogs came from shelters and rescue organizations.
Do you provide the music?
We’ll send music tracks and a suggested announcer read if you want them, but plenty of venues just play their own music and that works perfectly well. We’re not particular about it. Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll build the show around it.
Can you do a meet and greet with the dogs?
Yes. We regularly add 20 to 30 minutes of meet and greet and photo opportunities after a show. It’s popular at family weekends, kids’ days, and community nights, and it’s an easy way to fill a longer entertainment block.
What’s a long bomb?
A full-field frisbee throw with a dog running it down and catching it in stride. It only works on a football, soccer, or rugby field. Typical game-day throws land in the 70 to 80 yard range. Our longest catch at a live sporting event is 92 yards, set at Stetson University in 2021, and in open-field distance competition our throwers regularly clear 100 yards.
Can we make a record attempt part of the show?
Absolutely, and venues love it. The crowd counts down, the PA gets involved, and whether or not it lands, everybody’s on their feet. Our 83-yard catch at an Orlando Apollos game made SportsCenter’s Top 10 and passed 20 million views on social media.
Logistics
What time do you arrive?
One to two hours before game time, unless you need us earlier. We’ll coordinate an exact arrival time with your game-day contact about a week out.
What do we need to provide?
A safe performance surface, a way to get the dogs and crates into the building, and a parking spot for a full-size van near that entrance. Nothing technical. Most venues just have their announcer bring us out and play some music, same as any other in-game element.
Do we need a loading dock?
No. A loading dock is the easiest option, but a service door or side entrance works fine. We just need to park close enough to carry crates in without hauling them across a concourse.
What surfaces can the dogs perform on?
Hardwood, turf, natural grass, sport court, and pavement with matting. We need a surface with traction and enough clear space for the dogs to run and land safely.
Will the dogs damage our floor?
No. Our dogs wear purpose-built boots on hard flooring. They give the dogs traction for hard cuts and landings, and they don’t mark or scuff the floor. If your facilities team has concerns, put them in touch with us directly. This is a conversation we’ve had with a lot of arena managers.
Are there surfaces you won’t perform on?
Hot asphalt and bare blacktop in warm weather. Pavement gets dangerously hot for the dogs’ paws and we won’t put them on it. If a parking lot is your only option, we’ll need matting or turf laid down, or a start time after the surface has cooled. Tell us early and we’ll work it out.
What vehicle do you arrive in?
A full-size cargo van. We’ll provide exact make, model, height, and license plate for your credentialing and parking teams ahead of the event.
Do the dogs need anything before the show?
A patch of grass nearby is helpful so they can stretch and relieve themselves before going out. Not essential, but it makes game day smoother.
Do you travel? How far?
Everywhere in North America. We have performers based in multiple regions, so travel is often shorter than you’d expect. Our fee includes all travel and expenses.
Can you perform outdoors in bad weather?
Usually yes. The dogs work in cold and light rain without issue. Heavy rain, lightning, and extreme heat are judgment calls we make together. If you’re worried about weather, ask about our cancellation terms up front.
Can the show be done indoors instead of outdoors?
Yes, as long as there’s enough clear space and a safe surface. We’ve performed in arenas, field houses, gyms, and concert halls. Tell us the dimensions of the space and we’ll tell you what format fits.
Booking and business
How far in advance should we book?
College basketball venues typically book from September through the season. Football books in spring and summer. Pro teams usually start planning once schedules are released. That said, don’t assume a date is gone. We have multiple performance teams, and if we’re already going to be in your region we can often make a last-minute date work at a better rate.
How much does a frisbee dog halftime show cost?
We quote per event, based on event type, travel distance, show length and format, and whether you’re booking a single show or a doubleheader. Our fee includes all travel and expenses, so there are no add-on costs. Email info@halftimedogs.com with your venue, event type, and possible dates and we’ll send a number.
Do you offer a discount for multiple shows?
Yes. Men’s and women’s basketball doubleheaders are priced as a package. Multi-day events and multiple shows on the same trip are also discounted. And if we’re already scheduled to be in your region, tell us. Routing savings get passed along.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry general liability with a $2,000,000 occurrence limit and a $4,000,000 aggregate limit. We provide a certificate of insurance on request before the event, and we’ll have it issued with whatever additional-insured wording your business office requires. Just tell us how it needs to read.
Do you have a W-9 and can you register as a vendor?
Yes to both. We’ll complete a W-9 and any vendor registration system your institution uses, PaymentWorks or otherwise, as part of the booking process.
What’s your cancellation policy?
If you cancel the day before the event and our performer hasn’t started traveling, there’s no charge. If you cancel the day of the event, we collect half the contracted fee.
Who will actually perform at our event?
We’ll tell you exactly who’s coming, and we’ll connect them with your game-day contact by phone before the event. Every Halftime Dogs performer is a world qualifier, world champion, or record holder in canine disc. Because we have several performance teams rather than a single act, we can cover dates other shows have to turn down, and if something unexpected happens, your halftime still happens.
What if our marching band already has halftime?
Then we’ll work your media timeouts instead. We’ll be on the field throughout the game, performing during breaks. We’ve run this format for SEC football and it works well. You get frisbee dogs multiple times over the course of the game instead of once.
Still have a question?
Email info@halftimedogs.com or call (619) 889-5859. Or see full show formats and requirements.