The North Dakota State Bisons and the South Dakota State Jackrabbits play each year for the Dakota Marker. The two teams first met in 1903, and since then they have developed a long running rivalry that became an annual fixture in 1919. In 2004, the Dakota Marker trophy was added to the rivalry, and today the winner of the NDSU-SDSU game takes home bragging rights as well as the trophy. The Bison may lead the all-time series 60-41-5, so come out and watch them try to extend their lead over rivals SDSU.

Nickel Trophy

Rival Team: North Dakota Fighting Hawks

The rivalry between North Dakota and North Dakota State dates back to 1894 and is always one of the Bisons 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.

North Dakota State Bison Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

North Dakota State isn’t just home to one of the best tailgating experiences in the FCS it’s home to one of the best tailgating experiences in college football. The city of Fargo lives and dies with the Bison and everywhere you look around town on game days you’ll find fans decked out in green and gold ready to cheer on their team. Fans from all over the Dakotas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Manitoba, and even further away come out to cheer on the Bison creating a fun and festive tailgating experience that any college football fan would enjoy.

In addition to Fargo being home to some of the most diehard fans and tailgaters out there, it’s also home to some of the friendliest tailgaters as well. Bisons fans are very welcoming to opposing teams, so don’t worry about showing your colors when tailgating outside the Fargodome. In fact, the NDSU fans are so friendly that if they see you wearing opposing teams gear, they’ll likely invite you for a few drinks to learn more about you and your team.

Finally, no trip to an NDSU game is complete without enjoying some deer sausage or a bison burger. Bring something to share, and you’ll likely have the opportunity to enjoy some North Dakota delicacies as for the most part everyone in Fargo is happy to share their tailgating wares.

The tailgating scene at NDSU is among the best around, so make sure to arrive early and enjoy a Bison game day to its fullest by tailgating before the game.

Traditions

March Over

Don’t miss the Gold Star Marching Band’s march over before the game. The band marches from the music building to the Fargodome where they break into three bands and perform in the west lot. The performance is one of the best parts of any tailgate making it must-see.

Tailgate Vehicles

Bison fans are some of the best tailgaters around, and as a result, you’ll find lots of tricked out tailgate vehicles throughout the tailgate lots. Stop by and check them out as the owners will more than likely be happy to talk to you about their pride and joy.

Where to tailgate

Reserved Tailgating

If you want to tailgate alongside the biggest Bison fans around, then make sure to reserve a spot. Lot E, F, and G North are the reserved lots and where you can find the biggest and best tailgates on game days. These lots open 5 and a half hours before kickoff for a full day of tailgating fun.

Non-Reserved Tailgating

Those of you who don’t reserve a spot can still tailgate before a Bison game in south half of Lot G. The non-reserved tailgating area opens five hours before the game and fill up quickly, meaning you’ll want to get here early like Friday night early.

Bison Corral Group Tailgate Tents

The Bison Corral tailgate tents are perfect for entertaining a large group. Whether its coworkers, family, or friends, you can’t beat a Bison Corral tent rental for your group event.

North Dakota State Bison Stadium Guide

In Game

North Dakota State has been one of the best teams in college football over the past several seasons winning five of the last six FCS national championships and compiling a 9-3 record against FBS competition. As a result of the Bison’s success fan from all over the Dakotas, Minnesota, and elsewhere have been flocking to games to cheer on NDSU. The Bison are the pride and joy of Fargo making every NDSU home game an unforgettable experience.

The Bison have compiled a .849 winning percentage in the Fargodome since it opened, so you better believe you’ll experience an incredible atmosphere at an NDSU football game. The fans in the Fargodome can bring the noise, and the facility has even earned the nickname “The Thunderdome” due to its loudness. Come prepared to cheer on the Bison and if you’re a fan of the opposing team don’t expect to walk away with a W.

In addition to the incredible fan support and atmosphere, the Gold Star Marching Band also puts on quite the show at NDSU games. The band’s pregame and halftime shows are both fantastic, and all throughout the game, you’ll be treated to their performances as well.

The Fargodome is home to one of the best home crowds in the country as well as an excellent marching band, so come out to Fargo for a fantastic day of college football action.

Things to check out

Pregame Tunnel Walk

The pregame tunnel walk gets everyone pumped up and ready to cheer on the Bison. The walk brings everyone to their feet and gets the Fargodome rocking, making it one of the best parts of any NDSU game.

Gold Star Marching Band

The Gold Star Marching Band is a can’t miss part of any Bison game and will keep you entertainedthroughout the game with their performances. The pregame and halftime shows are must-sees, so don’t miss either during your trip to the Fargodome.

Thundar

Keep an eye out for NDSU’s beloved mascot Thundar. Thundar gets into all kinds of shenanigans at Bison games, and he was even a top seed in the 2008 Capital One mascot challenge. He’s a fun part of any Bison game, so enjoy his antics during the game.

NDSU Cheer Team

The NDSU Cheer Team pumps up the crowd throughout the game with their cheers and routines. Join in the cheers and chants to show your support for the Bison when taking in a game at the Fargodome.

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