1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Nickel Trophy
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 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Sitting Bull Trophy
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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
