South Dakota and South Dakota State are the two largest public universities in the state of South Dakota, and the two schools have been fighting it out in the gridiron since 1889. The rivalry has been played 112 times, and the Jackrabbits hold a slim 53-52-7 lead in the all-time series. You won’t want to miss it when the Coyotes take on the Jackrabbits, so make sure to get tickets to the annual South Dakota-South Dakota State game.

Sitting Bull Trophy

Rival Team: North Dakota Fighting Hawks

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.

South Dakota Coyotes Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

SouthTailgating is one of the best parts of attending a South Dakota Coyotes football game meaning you’ll want to arrive early to get the most out of your trip to Vermillion. Coyotes fans from all over the area head to the DakotaDome on game days creating a festive feeling that any college football fan will enjoy.

The heart of the South Dakota tailgate is Coyote Tailgate Nation. Coyote Tailgate Nation is where you’ll find the biggest tailgates on game days and is something everyone attending a Yotes game should check out. Tailgate Nation features a kids area, reserved tailgating, and much more making it the perfect place to tailgate before the game.

Don’t worry though if you can’t reserve a spot in Tailgate Nation. There are plenty of general admission spots in the West Lot. The west lot fills up quickly though so make sure to get here early to make sure you get a spot.

You’ll have a lot of fun grilling out and throwing back some drinks with fellow Yotes fans before the game, so make sure to get to the DakotaDome early to take part in the pregame festivities.

Traditions

Yippin’ Yotes Kid Zone

Those of you taking the kids to the game will want to stop by the Yippin’ Yotes Kid Zone. The Kid Zone is home to a variety of fun activities making it an excellent place for kids before the game.

Dakota Days Parade

If attending the Coyotes game during Dakota Days, then make sure to attend the Dakota Days Parade. The parade takes place the morning before the game and is a great way to get into the Yotes spirit.

Where to tailgate

Coyote Tailgate Nation

You won’t find a better place to tailgate at a Coyotes game than Tailgate Nation. Tailgate Nation features reserved tailgating, open areas, the Yippin’ Yotes Kid Zone, and much more. Even if you aren’t tailgating here, stop by and check it out before the game.

West Lot
If you want to tailgate but don’t have a reserved spot, then head on down to the West Lot. The West Lot is home to general admission tailgating and is an excellent place to set up the tent, grill, table, and chairs for a fun day of tailgating.

Student Tailgate

South Dakota Students will want to hit up the student tailgate before the game. The student tailgate is the perfect place to hang out with your fellow students before the game, so stop by and join in the fun.

South Dakota Coyotes Stadium Guide

In Game

You won’t find a louder place in South Dakota on Saturdays in the fall than the DakotaDome making a trip to Vermillion a must for any FCS football fan. Yotes fans go all out to cheer on their team and everywhere you look you’ll see a sea of red and white in the stands. No group is louder than the student section, known as the “Coyote Crazies,” so if you want to sit with the wildest fans at the game, then make sure to sit in the student section.

Another great part of any Coyotes game is The Sound of USD. The band puts on a fantastic show throughout the game, and they play a significant role in creating a fun atmosphere inside the DakotaDome.

Additionally, you won’t want to miss Charlie the Coyote. The lovable mascot brings everyone to their feet as he leads the team onto the field via motorcycle and during the game, you’ll see him get into all kinds of shenanigans. You never know what crazy thing Charlie will do next so keep an eye out for him throughout the game.

A Coyotes football game is an excellent time for any diehard FCS football fan, so plan your trip to Vermillion today.

Things to check out

Championship Banner

Take a minute to see all of the Coyotes conference championships listed on the big red banner. The banner honors all of the greatest teams in Coyotes history and is an excellent way for you to remember all your favorite USD Athletics moments.

Charlie the Coyote

Charlie the Coyote is a big part of South Dakota game days and kicks things off by leading the team onto the field on a motorcycle. Fans young and old adore Charlie, so keep an eye out for him throughout the game.

The Sound of USD

Enjoy the performance of The Sound of USD throughout the game. The marching band puts on incredible pregame and halftime shows, making them a can’t miss part of any USD football game.

USD Cheer

Join the USD Cheer team as they aid the Coyotes to victory with their cheers and chants. The cheer team does a fantastic job of pumping up the crowd, so get loud and join in the fun.

USD Dance

Don’t miss the USD Dance performance. The dance team will dazzle you with their moves making them a must-see part of any Coyotes sporting event.

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