The Fargodome is a multi-purpose indoor stadium located on the campus of North Dakota State University (NDSU) in Fargo, North Dakota, United States. Opened in 1992, it serves as the home field for the NDSU Bison football team and is a prominent venue for a wide array of other events.
History and Construction
Planning for the Fargodome began in the late 1980s as a way to replace the aging Dacotah Field as the home for NDSU's successful football program and to provide a large, climate-controlled venue for regional events. Construction commenced in 1991, and the facility officially opened its doors in December 1992. It was designed to be an adaptable space, capable of hosting not only sporting events but also large concerts, trade shows, conventions, and other gatherings, a necessity given North Dakota's often harsh weather conditions.Features and Capacity
The Fargodome features a fixed roof, providing a completely enclosed environment. Its playing surface is artificial turf, suitable for football and other field sports. The seating capacity is adaptable, typically configured to hold approximately 18,700 spectators for football games, with the ability to expand for concerts or other events that utilize the floor space. The facility includes various amenities such as concession stands, restrooms, and accessible seating.Notable Uses and Events
- North Dakota State Bison Football: The Fargodome is best known as the home stadium for the North Dakota State University Bison football team, a highly successful program in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The Bison have won multiple national championships since moving to the FCS level, and the Fargodome is frequently sold out for their home games.
- Concerts: Numerous national and international musical artists have performed at the Fargodome, making it a major concert venue for the Fargo-Moorhead metropolitan area and the wider region.
- Trade Shows and Conventions: Its large floor space makes it ideal for large-scale trade shows, conventions, and expos throughout the year.
- High School Sports: The Fargodome frequently hosts North Dakota High School Activities Association (NDHSAA) state championship events for football and other sports.
- Other Sporting Events: Beyond football, the venue has hosted other athletic events, including basketball games, wrestling tournaments, and monster truck rallies.