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NCAA FBS

FargodomeFargo, North Dakota

North Dakota State

πŸ‘₯
Capacity
18,700
πŸ†
Conference
Mountain West
πŸ“…
Opened
1992
🌱
Surface
AstroTurf RootZone 3D Series (installed 2022)

πŸ“–About Fargodome

The Fargodome is a fixed-roof indoor stadium in Fargo, North Dakota that opened on December 2, 1992, and serves as the home of the North Dakota State Bison. With a football capacity of roughly 18,700, it is one of the largest indoor venues in FCS football and the centerpiece of college football's most dominant modern dynasty: from the 2011 season through 2024, North Dakota State won 10 FCS national championships, more than any other program. Routinely packed and famously loud, the climate-controlled Fargodome is widely regarded as one of the toughest road environments in the FCS.

πŸ›οΈFargodome History

Origins

Following a 1987 proposal, the City of Fargo built the Fargodome at a cost of roughly $48 million to give the region a large multi-purpose indoor arena and convention space capable of hosting NDSU football, concerts, and major events regardless of North Dakota's severe winters. Though early plans called for an inflatable roof, the design evolved into a permanent fixed hard roof.

Major Renovations

2012New AstroTurf playing surface installed in August at a cost of approximately $2.9 million
2016Four aging corner video boards replaced with new HD boards at a cost of roughly $7.7 million
2022Playing surface replaced again with new AstroTurf in July for about $1.1 million

Notable Moments

Dec 2, 1992Fargodome officially opened to the public
Oct 12, 2013Football attendance record set: 19,108 vs. Missouri State, during NDSU's run of five straight FCS titles (2011-2015)
Jan 2025North Dakota State won its 10th FCS national championship (2024 season), the most of any FCS program

🎟️Visiting Fargodome

Best Seats

Lower-bowl seats along the sidelines between the 30-yard lines offer the best balance of sightlines and proximity in the enclosed bowl. Seats nearer the student section amplify the trademark noise, while the fixed roof keeps every seat warm and dry through a North Dakota winter. End-zone sections are the most affordable and stay loud throughout.

Parking Tips

The Fargodome sits on the north edge of the NDSU campus off North University Drive with large surrounding lots. Arrive 2-3 hours early for Bison home games and playoff dates, which regularly sell out, and plan extra time for postgame exit. As an indoor venue, weather never delays a game.

Game Day

Bison fans turn the Fargodome into one of the loudest buildings in college football, with crowd noise measured around 120 decibels during a 2015 playoff game. Tailgating fills the surrounding lots well before kickoff, and the indoor setting means the atmosphere stays electric regardless of the temperature outside. The Bison have built a near-unbeatable home record here, especially in the FCS playoffs. (Note: North Dakota State is moving up to FBS and the Mountain West Conference as a football-only member effective July 1, 2026, after a dominant run in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.)

πŸ—ΊοΈLocal Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Herd and Horns Bar and Grill

$$

Bison-themed sports bar and grill just off the NDSU campus, founded in 2015 and owned by NDSU alumni. Reclaimed-wood decor, a large tap list, and TVs throughout, plus a burger-and-mac-and-cheese menu.

πŸ“ 0.8 miles1414 12th Ave N, Fargo

πŸ’‘ A go-to Bison gameday spot near campus; family-friendly and open to the under-21 crowd.

The Bison Turf

$

Classic NDSU college bar on North University Drive with a lively atmosphere, pool table, dart boards, and a deck overlooking the southeast corner of campus.

πŸ“ 0.9 miles1211 N University Dr, Fargo

πŸ’‘ A longtime student-and-alumni hangout near the Fargodome; karaoke on Saturday nights.

🍽️Restaurants

Mezzaluna

$$$

Upscale downtown Fargo restaurant behind the historic Fargo Theatre, serving elevated American cuisine with European influences, locally sourced ingredients, and craft cocktails.

πŸ“ 3 milesDowntown Fargo (near Broadway)

πŸ’‘ One of the most acclaimed dining rooms in the state; reservations recommended for game weekends.

WΓΌrst Bier Hall

$$

German-inspired beer hall in downtown Fargo with gourmet sausages, schnitzel, currywurst, and a deep beer list in an industrial space.

πŸ“ 3 miles630 1st Ave N, Fargo

πŸ’‘ Budget-friendly and lively; a fun pre- or post-game stop in the downtown district.

🏨Hotels

Jasper Hotel

$$$

Boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Fargo with an on-site restaurant, cafe, and fitness amenities, minutes from NDSU and the Fargodome.

πŸ“ 3 milesDowntown Fargo

πŸ’‘ Walkable to downtown dining and nightlife; ask about NDSU rates and book early for home football weekends.

🎭Attractions

Fargo Theatre

$$

Art deco movie palace and arts center on Broadway that opened in 1926. Its lighted vertical "FARGO" marquee is the most photographed landmark in downtown.

πŸ“ 3 miles314 Broadway N, Fargo

πŸ’‘ Worth a downtown stroll for a photo at the marquee; check the schedule for films and live events.

πŸ…ΏοΈParking Options

πŸ…ΏοΈ

Fargodome Campus Lots

LotπŸ“ 0.1-0.3 miles

πŸ’‘ Large lots surround the venue off North University Drive on the north edge of NDSU's campus. Arrive 2-3 hours early for sellouts and tailgating; indoor venue means no weather delays.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Fargodome? Share it with us.

Roof TypeFixed dome (rigid hard roof, indoor)

Closest Stadiums to Fargodome

Frequently Asked Questions About Fargodome

What is the capacity of Fargodome?
Fargodome has a seating capacity of 18,700.
Where is Fargodome located?
Fargodome is located in Fargo, ND.
What team plays at Fargodome?
Fargodome is the home stadium of North Dakota State in the Mountain West.
When was Fargodome built?
Fargodome opened in 1992.
Where are the best seats at Fargodome?
Lower-bowl seats along the sidelines between the 30-yard lines offer the best balance of sightlines and proximity in the enclosed bowl. Seats nearer the student section amplify the trademark noise, while the fixed roof keeps every seat warm and dry through a North Dakota winter. End-zone sections are the most affordable and stay loud throughout.
What are the best parking tips for Fargodome?
The Fargodome sits on the north edge of the NDSU campus off North University Drive with large surrounding lots. Arrive 2-3 hours early for Bison home games and playoff dates, which regularly sell out, and plan extra time for postgame exit. As an indoor venue, weather never delays a game.
What type of surface does Fargodome have?
Fargodome has a astroturf rootzone 3d series (installed 2022) playing surface.
What stadiums are near Fargodome?
The closest stadiums to Fargodome are Alerus Center (71 mi), Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium (178 mi), Target Field (215 mi), American Family Field (508 mi), Kauffman Stadium (555 mi), Wrigley Field (566 mi).

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.