FARGO – NDSU Athletics is excited to announce new enhancements to the football game day experience for fans heading to the Fargodome this fall. Listening to the feedback of Bison Nation, the department has worked diligently during the offseason to implement several positive enhancements. Below are just a few items we have implemented to improve your game day experience in 2024.
Stampede March and Tailgating
Bison Football is bringing a pregame team walk to fans. Help welcome the team by lining Albrecht Boulevard between the Fargodome and the west tailgate lot as the team marches to the Fargodome. Fans are encouraged to celebrate the team’s arrival, give high fives, and wish them luck as they enter the dome.
You’ll know it’s time for the stampede when you hear the band leading the way with a fanfare, followed by Thundar and the NDSU cheer team. The Stampede March will happen 2 ½ hours prior to kickoff, 12 p.m. for a 2:30 start and 10:30 a.m. for our 1 p.m. start for homecoming.
Also new outside of the Fargodome, come take a photo with the inflatable NDSU football helmet. After years of Bison greats running through the helmet during the team entrance on game days, it’s now YOUR turn! Take a photo and remember to use the hashtag #ScheelsGameDay on X and Instagram to be featured on the videoboard.
Concessions
The Fargodome along with NDSU Athletics is excited to announce new and improved concessions options for Bison game days at the dome. Enjoy traditional fan favorites like Perfectly Nuts, Domino’s, Maui Wowi Smoothies and Coffee, Cold Stone Creamery, and Dippin’ Dots in addition to new offerings around the stadium.
New vendors include Buzzy Bee Nitro Coffee, Cowboy Jack’s burgers and fries, Brew Bird funky fried chicken (with gluten-free options), MinneDonut Co mini donuts, Fargo Fillies & MacDaddy’s, and Mahana Fresh (with vegetarian and vegan options).
In addition to the new vendors, the Fargodome will be rolling out two cashless Grab & Go Markets (behind sections 8 & 16) for fans to quickly grab their favorite game day snacks and beverages and return to their seats so they don’t miss any of the action.
Pregame Show
Be sure to be in your seats early for a brand-new pregame show on the field! The Pride of North Dakota, the Gold Star Marching Band, will kick off the festivities with a new show featuring new songs and new formations, leading into a new stadium chant and tradition.
During the team intro video, fans can now participate in the Bison Lights light show powered by Xcel Energy. Be sure to download the NDSU Athletics app prior to arriving at the Fargodome and click “Bison Lights” in the menu to participate during the intro video.
The Bison will keep their traditional tunnel walk, but now fans have the opportunity to be in the tunnel with the team thanks to the Team Makers Tunnel and brand-new Game Day Experiences. When the team takes the field, experience the new pyrotechnic and smoke elements, designed to excite fans of all ages. The NDSU cheer team will lead the Bison football team onto the field with the traditional NDSU flags while the Gold Star Marching Band plays “On Bison” to the cheers of Bison Nation.
Game Day Experiences
Get field access, see behind the scenes, and experience game day like never before with Game Day Experiences. Fans now have the opportunity to upgrade their experience to include pregame field access during warmups and team entrance, take a photo on the field with Thundar, retrieve the kicking tee for the Bison, and even run out of the tunnel with the team listening to the roar of the crowd!
If you’re celebrating a special occasion, share a message on the videoboard for everyone to see. Wish a loved one happy birthday, celebrate an anniversary, or celebrate a first game with a videoboard message.
To learn more or purchase an experience, visit GoBison.com/Experiences. Purchases close at 11:59 p.m. the Tuesday prior to game day.
My First Game
If you’re coming to the game with someone who is experiencing game day at the Fargodome for the first time, be sure to stop by Guest Services on the east concourse to pick up an official “My First Game” certificate and button to commemorate the occasion! The official certificate, signed by NDSU athletic director Matt Larsen, and button pin are the perfect keepsakes to help them remember the day they joined Bison Nation.
Videoboard
A new layout for the videoboards will make finding game information and stats even easier for Bison Nation. Enjoy a revamped look for the 2024 season that prioritizes game information and readability for fans, while still showcasing the corporate partners that support our programs.
Scheels Game Day fan photos will have a new look for the fall as well, making it even easier for fans to upload photos to be seen on the videoboard throughout the game. Fans can still use the hashtag #ScheelsGameDay on X and Instagram, but can now upload a photo directly to the platform using GoBison.com/ScheelsGameDay. Take a photo while you’re in the tailgate lot, on the concourse, or at your seat and you can upload it to the videoboard at any time!