The rivalry between North Dakota and North Dakota State dates back to 1894 and is always one of the Fighting Hawks biggest games of the year when it's played. The winner of the rivalry game takes home not only bragging rights but also the Nickel Trophy giving the game extra importance. The rivalry is currently only played sporadically because the two teams are in different conferences. However, the rivalry is expected to be re-established as an annual contest in 2019. You won’t want to miss it when the UND-NDSU rivalry starts up against, so make sure to get tickets to the next matchup between these two longtime rivals.

Sitting Bull Trophy

Rival Team: South Dakota Coyotes

The North Dakota Fighting Hawks and South Dakota Coyotes play for the Sitting Bull Trophy when they square off on the gridiron. The rivalry dates back to 1903, and it was an annual contest from 1919 to 2007. While the rivalry may no longer take place every year, you still want to be in attendance when the Fighting Hawks and Coyotes battle it out for the Sitting Bull Trophy.

North Dakota Fighting Hawks Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

UND has a fantastic tailgating scene for a school that moved up to the FCS less than a decade ago, and as a result, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to tailgate with Fighting Hawks fans before the game. Outside the Alerus Center, you’ll find UND fans packing the parking lot five hours before kickoff in preparation for the game. You won’t want to miss out on tailgating before a Fighting Hawks game, so make sure to arrive here early and join in the fun.

One of the best places to hang out before the game is the North Dakota Tailgate Village. At the Tailgate Village, you’ll find live music, kids games and activities, food for sale, and much more. The Tailgate Village features a fun atmosphere making it a must before every Fighting Hawks.

Finally, UND students will also have a fantastic time tailgating before a game due to the presence of the student tailgating lot. The student tailgating lot is free for all students and is the perfect place to grill out and throw back a few brews with your fellow students before the game.

The tailgating scene outside the Alerus Center is among the best in the Big Sky Conference, so get here early and enjoy all the sights and sounds of a UND tailgate.

Traditions

Team Walk

Catch a glimpse of your favorite Fighting Hawks players as they walk through the tailgate to the Alerus Center. The team walk is an excellent way to show your support for the team and give them some last minute inspiration before the game.

Jr. Champions KidZone

Those of you taking the kids to the game will want to stop by the Jr. Champions KidZone before the game. The KidZone features lots of activities and inflatables making it a great place to entertain the kids before the game.

Where to tailgate

North Dakota Tailgate Village

The North Dakota Tailgate Village opens two and a half hours before kickoff and is an excellent place to pregame before a Fighting Hawks game. Here you’ll find live music, food, hospitality tents for large groups, and the Jr. Champions KidZone, making it the perfect place for the whole family.

Student Tailgating Lot

If you’re a UND student and want to tailgate before a Fighting Hawks game, then the student tailgating lot is the spot for you. The student tailgating lot is filled with UND students partying and having a good time, and best of its free. Get here early to get one of the 300 spots available before the game.

Season Private Tailgating

The season private tailgating area is where you'll find the most diehard Fighting Hawks fans on game days. The season ticket holders in these lots tailgate before every game, so if you’re looking for the best tailgates UND has to offer here is where you’ll find them.

Single Game Tailgating

Those of you who don’t have season tailgating passes and want to tailgate with your friends and family will want to arrive early to secure a spot. There are a limited number of spots, but you can still tailgate even if you don’t have a season pass.

North Dakota Fighting Hawks Stadium Guide

In Game

The hockey team may be the pride and joy of UND, but on Saturdays, in the fall you’ll find fantastic support for the Fighting Hawks football team. Fans from all over the area come out to support the team and thanks to the team’s dome stadium you won’t have to worry about braving the cold late in the season. There isn’t a bad time to come to a Fighting Hawks game making every UND football game a must-see for fans, alumni, and students.

The fan support isn’t’ the only notable thing about attending a Fighting Hawks football game. The team itself isn’t too shabby, having finished number 12 in the country last season, and the band and spirit squads put on a fantastic show throughout the game. The Pride of the North marching band is an especially notable part of the game as they create a lot of the noise and atmosphere inside the Alerus Center on game days.

You won’t want to miss the opportunity to take in a Fighting Hawks game at the Alerus Center, so start planning your trip to Grand Forks today.

Things to check out

Banners

Hanging from the stands are banners celebrating UND’s many football conference championship banners. The banners are a fun way to remember all of the best Fighting Hawks teams over the years, so take them all in during your trip to Grand Forks.

Pride of the North

The Pride of the North marching band is a big part of Fighting Hawk football games. The band puts on fantastic pregame and halftime shows and all throughout the game they’ll keep the energy inside the Alerus Center at a fever pitch with their tunes.

UND Cheer Team

Join the UND cheer team as they cheer the Fighting Hawks on to victory. The cheer team keeps the fans in the game with their routines, so join in the cheers and chants to help aid the Fighting Hawks to victory.

UND Dance Team

The UND dance team will keep you entertained throughout the game with their incredible routines. The dance team puts on a great show, so don’t leave your seat when you see them take the field.

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