Fargodome

[Clawman]

First, Congratulations on #7!
When did the city of Fargo build the Fargodome? Does it contribute to the Bison success? Does the city like the relationship? Does the University like it?
As everyone knows we need better facilities in Cheney and no money to build it. I have long thought it is a great partnership.
Thanks

[HerdBot]

The dome was built in 1993. Its on NDSU property and on campus. It houses our coaching offices too. Its perfect for what we have going but is kind of maxed out if we ever need 25-30k . There are plans for some expanded seating but maybe a thousand, so if were lucky we can get it to 20k. Were technically a tenant which means we dont pay for the upgrades, such as the insane video boards they put in and turf. But it also limits where we can practice (the dome isnt always available) which has lead to fundraising a 38 million dollar indoor practice facility.

Its interesting because we won 8 D2 National Championships outdoors with some mediocre facilities and crappy weather. So the dome isnt the reason we've been successful, but its taking us to another level. Overall facilities are right up their with many G5 schools. Ironically, our road record is as good or better since 2010.

It is certainly good for recruiting because it's a great facility, fun game day atmosphere, and gives us an incredible home field advantage unlike anything in the FCS. It also gives us a nice revenue source in the playoffs with good attendance in the winter

[THEsocalledfan]

The dome was built in 1993. Its on NDSU property and on campus. It houses our coaching offices too. Its perfect for what we have going but is kind of maxed out if we ever need 25-30k . There are plans for some expanded seating but maybe a thousand, so if were lucky we can get it to 20k. Were technically a tenant which means we dont pay for the upgrades, such as the insane video boards they put in and turf. But it also limits where we can practice (the dome isnt always available) which has lead to fundraising a 38 million dollar indoor practice facility.

Its interesting because we won 8 D2 National Championships outdoors with some mediocre facilities and crappy weather. So the dome isnt the reason we've been successful, but its taking us to another level. Overall facilities are right up their with many G5 schools. Ironically, our road record is as good or better since 2010.

It is certainly good for recruiting because it's a great facility, fun game day atmosphere, and gives us an incredible home field advantage unlike anything in the FCS. It also gives us a nice revenue source in the playoffs with good attendance in the winter

Bot, thought NCAA took most of that dough? Made me curious if you've looked at what NDSU actually gets for profit on those games.

[PattyBison]

Bot, thought NCAA took most of that dough? Made me curious if you've looked at what NDSU actually gets for profit on those games.

Its my understanding the Fargodome gets parking and concession revenue.

[IzzyFlexion]

There are:

(2) 100' X 30' high definition video boards; one above each end zone.
(4) 22' X 20' high definition screens; one above each corner of the field.

That's 7,760 square feet of video board capability. (not counting the corner ribbons or the reverse side of the end zone screens)

Remarkable for a facility with a football capacity of 19k. I enjoy watching the visitor's sideline during the intro. They always have that "WOW" look on their faces.

I guess that isn't a direct contributor to success, but it sure helps enhance the fan's Fargodome football experience.

[MankatoBison]

It definitely helps us in recruiting, that's for sure. When the team is successful- the games sell out, when the games sell out, the atmosphere is awesome, when the atmosphere is awesome, recruits love the experience, when they love the experience etc etc.

The reverse is also true- if the stadium is half empty, its laughable and embarrassing from an atmosphere standpoint. Think the Metrodome when there is only 15k in the stands, HAHR-UH-BUL atmosphere. When its packed, there is nothing like it.

[HerdBot]

Bot, thought NCAA took most of that dough? Made me curious if you've looked at what NDSU actually gets for profit on those games.

They get like 75% but pay all the expenses. At our high ticket prices, tailgating revenue, 3 more 50/50 raffles, and merchandise sales... it's a good money maker. Gotta be a few hundred grand per game. 15,000 x 40 ave = 600k x .25 = 150,000

Good money maker for the dome and NDSU I assume makes money with extra radio broadcasts too

[THEsocalledfan]

They get like 75% but pay all the expenses. At our high ticket prices, tailgating revenue, 3 more 50/50 raffles, and merchandise sales... it's a good money maker. Gotta be a few hundred grand per game. 15,000 x 40 ave = 600k x .25 = 150,000

Good money maker for the dome too

I've seen Fargo data in past years showing how the playoff runs have been good for Dome finances.

[BattleBorn]

It definitely helps us in recruiting, that's for sure. When the team is successful- the games sell out...

Unless the team is too successful. :hide:

[Clawman]

It definitely helps us in recruiting, that's for sure. When the team is successful- the games sell out, when the games sell out, the atmosphere is awesome, when the atmosphere is awesome, recruits love the experience, when they love the experience etc etc.

The reverse is also true- if the stadium is half empty, its laughable and embarrassing from an atmosphere standpoint. Think the Metrodome when there is only 15k in the stands, HAHR-UH-BUL atmosphere. When its packed, there is nothing like it.

I heard your play by play radio guy say a couple of the playoff games did not sell out. Is that typical of playoffs for the Bison?

[EC8CH]

I heard your play by play radio guy say a couple of the playoff games did not sell out. Is that typical of playoffs for the Bison?

Second round games are typically lower turnout unless it is against a team with some name recognition with the fanbase.

Sometimes late releases for returned visitor or student tickets have been difficult to resell on short notice. Student attendance has been trending down over the years making this issue worse.

Semifinal games are always packed. Those are always the most fun games of the year. Night game with everyone dressed crazy for the holidays and amped up over a game they have championship tickets, hotel reservations, and airfare riding on.

[G_Funky]

I heard your play by play radio guy say a couple of the playoff games did not sell out. Is that typical of playoffs for the Bison?

Not until folks started "getting tired of winning too much"....

[HerdBot]

I heard your play by play radio guy say a couple of the playoff games did not sell out. Is that typical of playoffs for the Bison?

Student tickets didn't sell out and that section was empty. Typically they would sell those to non students at 40 a crack to regular fans but it didn't happen this year. But the game vs south dakota state sold every ticket. 2nd round games vs mediocre teams and 3rd round at 11 am vs a no name school at 11 am seem to drop a little. Comparatively, most FCS schools not Montana/JMU/JSU are only drawing 3-5k for playoff games.