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NCAA FCS

DakotaDomeVermillion, South Dakota

South Dakota Coyotes

👥
Capacity
10,000
🏆
Conference
Missouri Valley
📅
Opened
1979
🌱
Surface
N/A

📖About DakotaDome

The DakotaDome, home to the South Dakota Coyotes, is a 10,000-seat multi-purpose indoor venue on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion, South Dakota. Opening in 1979 at a cost of $8.2 million, the DakotaDome was one of the first multi-purpose domes in the nation. After numerous roof collapses from heavy snow led to a complete replacement in 2001 with a $13.7 million steel roof, the facility has proven to be a durable year-round venue. A comprehensive $26 million renovation to the west side in 2020 further modernized the DakotaDome, solidifying its place as a premier FCS facility.

🏛️History

Origins

The DakotaDome was built to provide the University of South Dakota with a year-round indoor facility capable of hosting multiple sports and events regardless of South Dakota's harsh weather conditions. The multi-purpose design was innovative for its time, serving football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, and swimming and diving.

Major Renovations

1979DakotaDome opened in September with distinctive air-supported Teflon-coated fiberglass roof, one of first multi-purpose domes in nation
1982Heavy snow caused portion of roof to collapse in October; repaired and Coyotes back on field in less than 10 days
2001Air-supported structure replaced with $13.7M steel roof after numerous weather-related collapses
2020$26M renovation to west side completed after 18 months, modernizing facilities
2016Basketball and volleyball moved to new Sanford Coyote Sports Center

Notable Moments

Sep 1979DakotaDome officially opened for South Dakota athletics
Oct 1982Roof collapse from heavy snow; rapid 10-day repair showcased resilience
2001Steel roof installation ended era of weather-related structural issues

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The renovated west side offers premium seating and modern amenities. Lower bowl seating provides intimate views of the action. The indoor environment creates excellent acoustics and atmosphere. End zone seating is affordable and energetic.

Parking Tips

Parking is available in lots surrounding the DakotaDome on the USD campus. The facility's central campus location makes it easily accessible. Arrive 90 minutes early for best parking. The indoor venue means weather is never a factor.

Game Day

The DakotaDome provides climate-controlled comfort year-round. The steel roof ensures games are never delayed by weather. The venue now serves football, indoor track and field, and swimming and diving after basketball and volleyball moved to the Sanford Coyote Sports Center in 2016. The 2020 west side renovation significantly improved fan amenities, concessions, and restrooms.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Main Street Pub

$

Hometown pub that always welcomes new faces with friendly service, a Vermillion staple.

📍 0.5 milesMain St, Vermillion

💡 Classic small-town bar atmosphere, popular with locals and students.

Charcoal Lounge ("the Char Bar")

$

Downtown Vermillion's token college dance bar with large venue, dance floor, and expansive bar.

📍 0.6 milesDowntown Vermillion

💡 The go-to spot for post-game celebrations.

Dakota Brick House

$

Focuses on making downtown Vermillion an affordably unique place, featuring local bands and artists.

📍 0.6 milesDowntown Vermillion

💡 Distinctive atmosphere and community vibe.

🍽️Restaurants

Red Steakhouse

$$$

Local favorite for quality steaks and upscale dining in Vermillion.

📍 0.8 milesVermillion

💡 Best option for special occasions or pre-game fine dining.

Café Brulé

$$

Popular local café with diverse menu and comfortable atmosphere.

📍 0.7 milesVermillion

💡 Great for breakfast or lunch before afternoon kickoffs.

Pizza Ranch & FunZone Arcade

$

Family-friendly buffet with pizza, chicken, salad bar, desserts, and full arcade.

📍 0.4 miles912 N Dakota St

💡 Perfect for families, less than 5 minutes from DakotaDome.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

DakotaDome Campus Lots

$5-10
Lot📍 0.1-0.3 miles

💡 Central campus location with convenient access. Indoor venue eliminates weather concerns.

Suggest a Tip

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

Stadiums Near DakotaDome

References

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