North Dakota State Bison Overview

Fast facts

League: Division I FCS

Head Coach: Matt Entz

Team Mascot: Thundar

Year Opened: 1992

Capacity: 18700

City / State: Fargo / North Dakota

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

Dakota Marker North Dakota State Bisons South Dakota State Jackrabbits Image Source

Dakota Marker

Rival Team: South Dakota State Jackrabbits

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.

North Dakota State Bison Image Source

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.

North Dakota State Bison tailgate
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North Dakota State Bison tailgate
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NDSU Bisons tailgate
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Traditions

NDSU Bisons marching band Image Source

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.

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North Dakota State Bison tailgate vehicle Image Source

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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

NDSU Bisons football
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NDSU Bisons football
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NDSU Bisons football
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NDSU Bisons football
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Things to check out

North Dakota State Bison pregame tunnel walk Image Source

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.

NDSU Bisons football Marching Band Image Source

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.

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NDSU Bisons football mascot Thundar Image Source

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.

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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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Fight Songs

  1. On Bison

    Fight Song

    On Bison carry the fight,
    State is backing you.
    Green and yellow colors bright,
    To them we will be true.
    State Bison!
    Fight them right back to the goal,
    A victory for our name.
    On You Bison, Fight You Bison,
    Stampede and win this game.

  2. The Yellow and The Green

    Alma Mater

    Ho! a cheer for Green and Yellow,
    Up with Yellow and the Green;
    They’re the shades that deck our prairies
    Far and wide with glorious sheen,
    Fields of waving green in springtime,
    Golden yellow in the fall-
    How the great high-arching heaven
    Looks and laughs upon it all!

  3. In Heaven There Is No Beer

    Played after every NDSU win

    In heaven there is no beer.
    That’s why we drink it here (Right Here!)
    and when we’re gone from here,
    our friends will be drinking all our beer!

  4. We Are the Pride

    We are the pride of North Dakota
    State collegiates are we
    Sons of the green and yellow prairies
    Our colors will ever be
    (Yell) STATE BISON!!
    Cheer for our dear ol’ alma mater
    Proud and loyal are we
    And we’ll fight — RAH! RAH!
    Yes we’ll fight — RAH! RAH!
    For North Dakota State U team.

    Chorus:
    Cheer for the Bison — HIT ‘EM AGAIN! HIT ‘EM AGAIN!
    Cheer for the Bison — HIT ‘EM AGAIN! HIT ‘EM AGAIN!
    Band refrain — (Yell) FIGHT!
    Band refrain — (Yell) FIGHT!
    Band refrain — (Yell) FIGHT!
    Repeat chorus.

North Dakota State Bison Bars & Restaurants

  1. Rooters Bar

    Rooters Bar

    A place for anyone looking for a good time. Fantastic drink specials accompanied by a great atmosphere and a variety of personalities creates a feeling like no other.

    107 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  2. Woody’s Bar

    Bull McCabes Irish Pub beer

    Great food, very friendly staff, and nice atmosphere.

    1550 32nd Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  3. The Bulldog Tap

    beer

    Great drinks, pool tables, dart boards, crowd, and service!

    4265 45th St S #161, Fargo, ND 58104, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $

  4. Rookies Sports Bar & Grill

    Rookies Sports Bar Grill

    A locally-owned bar that has great food and drinks!

    715 13th Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078, USA

    Bar website

    american - sportsbar - $$

  5. Fort Noks Bar of Gold

    bar drink

    Excellent drinks, good service, and great food.

    52 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  6. Silver Dollar Bar & Flying Pig Grill

    Hurricane Maggies Bar and Grill

    One of West Fargos landmarks for over 50 years! "It's better at the Buck"

    221 Sheyenne St, West Fargo, ND 58078, USA

    Bar website

    american - bbq - $$

  7. The Blarney Stone Pub

    The Blarney Stone Pub

    Stop in for a great meal, enjoy an authentic Irish atmosphere, and choose from our 36 draft beer selections! Bring your friends, or meet some new ones!

    1910 9th St E, West Fargo, ND 58078, USA

    Bar website

    european - $$

  8. Bordertown Bar & Grill

    Bar Bordertown Grill

    Good food, excellent service and a great list of drinks!

    807 Main Ave E, West Fargo, ND 58078, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  9. The Box Sports Bar & Casino

    Criterion beer Mazzys Brewballs Cogans Deli Sports Pub Kamikazes Libbys Bar Grill Knot Pub Cara Irish Mess Hall

    Offering great food at low prices, fantastic drink specials, pull-tab tickets, and blackjack. The Box is a great place to sit down, relax, or have a blast shooting pool or to throw some darts.

    1025 38th St S, Fargo, ND 58103, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  10. Dempsey’s Public House

    Dempseys Public House

    Dempsey’s features a friendly atmosphere with great food and live entertainment.

    226 Broadway N, Fargo, ND 58102, USA

    Bar website

    european - pizza - $

  11. Grand Junction Grilled Subs

    Grand Junction Grilled Subs

    Grand Junction offers gourmet sub sandwiches grilled to perfection right before your eyes and fresh-cut fries that will have your taste buds celebrating!

    5050 13th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  12. Red Pepper Fargo

    Red Pepper Fargo

    The Red Pepper’s reputation for delicious fresh-made grinder sandwiches, tasty tacos and mouth-watering homemade sauces has grown into a national passion for local and nonlocals alike.

    1105 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102, USA

    Bar website

    american - mexican - $

  13. Kroll’s Diner

    Krolls Diner

    Kroll’s Diner is a 50s-style restaurant serving up German and American dishes since 1972.

    1033 45th St S, Fargo, ND 58103, USA

    Bar website

    american - european - $

  14. Mezzaluna

    Mezzaluna

    Elevated American fare made from locally sourced ingredients alongside craft cocktails in hip digs.

    309 Roberts St N, Fargo, ND 58102, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$$

  15. Labby’s Grill & Bar

    Labbys Grill Bar pizza

    Labby's Grill and Bar is the "Cheers" bar of Fargo!

    1100 19th Ave N, Fargo, ND 58102, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$