South Dakota Coyotes Overview

Fast facts

League: NCAA Division I FCS

Head Coach: Bob Nielson

Team Mascot: Charlie Coyote

Year Opened: 1979

Capacity: 9100

City / State: Vermillion / South Dakota

Rivalries & Top Games to Attend

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South Dakota Coyotes vs South Dakota State Jackrabbits

Rival Team: South Dakota State Jackrabbits

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 Image Source

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.

South Dakota Coyotes DakotaDome tailgate marching band
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South Dakota Coyotes tailgate mascot
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South Dakota Coyotes tailgate parade
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Traditions

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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 South Dakota Coyotes Image Source

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.

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Where to tailgate

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.

South Dakota Coyotes
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South Dakota Coyotes DakotaDome fans
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South Dakota Coyotes DakotaDome
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Things to check out

South Dakota Coyotes championship banners Image Source

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.

South Dakota Coyotes Charlie the Coyote Image Source

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.

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South Dakota Coyotes the sound of USD marching band Image Source

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.

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South Dakota Coyotes cheerleaders Image Source

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.

South Dakota Coyotes dance team Image Source

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.

Fight Songs

  1. “South Dakota Victory”

    Fight Song

    Fight, South Dakota
    You’re the pride of the Western plain!
    As we cheer each victory,
    Ever loyal will our love remain for you South Dakota,
    You’re a great university!
    So, Yipeeo, here we go forward today,

    South Dakota victory!
    Hail South Dakota, Pride of the West,
    Old alma mater, Noblest and best,
    We rally ’round thee, Marching abreast,
    Hail thee! Hail thee! Riding the crest.
    Thy sons and daughter ever will be
    Loyal and true to thee. Rah! Rah! Rah!
    Varsity, varsity Hail varsity! U-S-D!

  2. “Hail South Dakota”

    Hail, South Dakota, Pride of the West,
    Old alma mater, Noblest and best,
    We rally ’round thee, Marching abreast,
    Hail thee! Hail thee!
    Riding the crest.
    Thy sons and daughters ever will be
    Loyal and true to thee.
    Varsity, varsity, Hail varsity! U. S. D.

  3. “Get Along Coyotes”

    Get along, you Coyotes, get along.
    Sing a song, you Coyotes, sing a song.
    For Vermillion and White
    You gotta fight, fight, fight.
    Get along, you Coyotes, get along.

    Raise the dust, you Coyotes, raise the dust.
    Win you must, you Coyotes, win you must.
    Chase ’em on till they drop
    Don’t ever stop, stop, stop
    South Dakota raise the dust, you Coyotes, raise the dust.

    Cheer for the Coyotes,
    We’re for the Coyotes,
    Cheer! We’re here for vitory today.
    Oh South Dakota, Go South Dakota,
    Go! Go! Go! Dakota, win today!

  4. “University Hymn”

    Alma Mater

    South Dakota! How dear to thy childrenthy name,
    How daring the tales oft retold
    Of thy builders who first
    to thy wilderness came,
    Theirs a glory that never grows old.
    O the pine crested peaks
    of the storied Black Hills,
    The Missouri that ribbons thy plain.
    Where the slant summer sunshine
    so lavishly spills
    Over prairie and pasture and grain.
    Alma Mater, Dakota,
    we drink thee a health
    As we go from thy sheltering walls;
    Younger feet shall come trouping
    to gather thy wealth,
    Younger voices shall ring through thy halls.
    Keep us true to the type of the brave pioneer,
    No hardship e’er daunted his quest;
    Alma Mater, lead on to the untried frontier,
    We follow the trail to the west.

South Dakota Coyotes Bars & Restaurants

  1. Dakota Brick House

    Dakota Brick House

    A cocktail bar and grill in beautiful Downtown Vermillion featuring a unique menu from our copper-wrapped Wood-Stone oven, and a selection of 20 rotating craft beers from our custom manufactured copper tap system.

    15 W Main St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  2. Main Street Pub

    Hurricane Maggies Bar and Grill

    All breakfast, lunch or dinner are equally fantastic and drinks are awesome!

    11 W Main St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  3. Leo’s Sports Bar & Grill

    beer

    Great food and a good selection of drinks!

    11 S Market St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

    Bar website

    sportsbar - $$

  4. Old Lumber Company Grill and Bar

    burger fries Old Lumber Company Grill and Bar

    A wide variety of delicious dishes for Lunch and Dinner. Whatever you're in the mood for, you can find it here!

    15 Court St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

    Bar website

    american - $$

  5. Mister Smith’s

    Mister Smiths sandwich

    People come from near and far to enjoy one of our many first-class sandwich creations and it's safe to say that these fine foods have reached iconic status.

    812 Cottage Ave, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  6. R-Pizza

    R Pizza

    We make our dough and sauce from scratch. We shred our own cheese, and our burgers are always fresh!

    2 W Main St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

    Bar website

    american - pizza - $

  7. Bunyan’s

    Owlz Pub Sand Trap Scorpions Bar Grill

    Bunyans, "Home of the Bomber". Great food, great times, and great people!

    1201 W Main St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

    Bar website

    american - $

  8. Cafe Brule

    Ernies Cafe Steak House

    Bru2 offers a drive thru, as well as a modern and cozy dining area where patrons can enjoy delicious pastries, sandwiches, wraps, and coffee.

    24 W Main St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

    Bar website

    american - cafe - $$

  9. Mexico Viejo Mexican Restaurant

    La Isla mexican El Toro Bar Grill

    Amazingly delicious food and good service.

    432 E Cherry St, Vermillion, SD 57069, USA

    Bar website

    mexican - $$