What is the capacity of Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium?

Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium has a seating capacity of 19,340.

Where is Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium located?

Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium is located in Brookings, South Dakota.

What team plays at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium?

Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium is the home stadium of South Dakota State Jackrabbits in the Missouri Valley.

When was Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium built?

Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium opened in 2016.

What stadiums are near Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium?

The closest stadiums to Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium are DakotaDome (106 mi), Target Field (178 mi), U.S. Bank Stadium (179 mi), Huntington Bank Stadium (180 mi), O'Shaughnessy Stadium (182 mi), Jack Trice Stadium (225 mi).

Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium - home of South Dakota State Jackrabbits in Brookings, South Dakota

NCAA FCS

Dana J. Dykhouse StadiumBrookings, South Dakota

South Dakota State Jackrabbits

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Capacity

19,340

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Conference

Missouri Valley

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Opened

2016

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Surface

N/A

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📖About Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium

Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium is a premier outdoor college football stadium on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. Completed in August 2016 at a cost of $65 million, this state-of-the-art facility replaced the aging Coughlin-Alumni Stadium and now seats 19,340 fans. Named after Sioux Falls banker Dana Dykhouse and featuring major contributions from philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, the stadium showcases soy-based turf, an expanded press box, and the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex with elite training facilities. The stadium attendance record of 19,431 was set in 2023 when SDSU defeated arch-rival North Dakota State 33-16.

🏛️History

Origins

Planning for Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium began in response to the limitations of Coughlin-Alumni Stadium (1962-2015). By the early 2010s, frequent sellouts and growing attendance for Jackrabbit games highlighted the old facility's obsolescence. SDSU needed a modern stadium to match its rising competitive level and provide an elite game-day experience.

Major Renovations

2013Lead gifts totaling $12.5M announced in October from Dana Dykhouse and T. Denny Sanford

2016Stadium construction completed in August on site of former Coughlin-Alumni Stadium; features soy-based turf field, greatly expanded press box, and Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex behind north end zone with locker rooms, coaches' offices, training facilities, and indoor practice facility

Notable Moments

Sep 10, 2016First game played - Jackrabbits defeated Drake 56-28

Nov 4, 2023Stadium attendance record set: 19,431 fans watched SDSU defeat rival North Dakota State 33-16

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The expanded press box side offers premium seating and excellent sightlines. Lower bowl seats between the 30-yard lines provide the best views. The grass berm in the south end zone offers affordable, casual seating. Chairback seats are available throughout for added comfort.

Parking Tips

Parking lots surround Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium on the SDSU campus. For rivalry games and playoff matchups, arrive 3+ hours early as the stadium regularly sells out. Tailgating is popular in designated lots. Follow parking attendant directions for smoothest entry and exit.

Game Day

Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium represents the gold standard for FCS facilities. The Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex behind the north end zone showcases SDSU's commitment to excellence. The soy-based turf is environmentally friendly and provides excellent playing surface. Visit Club 71 inside the stadium for premium hospitality. The SDSU Dairy Bar on campus offers over 100 ice cream flavors - a Brookings tradition. Hobo Day (homecoming) is one of the largest celebrations in FCS.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Pints & Quarts

Unique bar in historic downtown Brookings offering burgers and wide selection of beer, bourbon, tequila, and spirits.

📍 1.2 milesDowntown Brookings

💡 Great craft beer selection, popular pre-game destination.

Cubby's Sports Bar and Grill

Classic sports bar atmosphere with multiple TVs and gameday specials.

📍 1.5 milesBrookings

💡 Perfect for watching other games before or after Jackrabbits.

🍽️Restaurants

Craft Chophouse & Lounge

$$$

Family-owned restaurant where farm-to-table philosophy meets innovative American fusion cuisine. Signature dry-aged steaks and handcrafted pasta creations.

📍 1.3 milesBrookings

💡 Upscale dining experience, reservations recommended for game weekends.