GRAND FORKS, N.D. – North Dakota Athletics and Oak View Group, the provider of venue management, food services & hospitality and partnerships at Alerus Center, are set to begin another season of home UND football beginning on Saturday night at 6 p.m. against Portland State.
 
"Cashless" Facility
Beginning with UND football's home opener on September 6, most purchases made inside the Alerus Center will be cash-free. Parking, along with a majority of concession stands, will now only accept debit, credit, pre-paid cards, and gift cards. The shift is designed to streamline transactions at concession stands and other point-of-sale locations in the arena and conference center, reducing wait times and improving operational efficiency. During the transition period, select concession lines and arena floor vendors will continue to accept cash. To ensure accessibility for all guests, cash exchange locations will be available at both the Transystems Box Office and Guest Services, where patrons can convert cash into pre-paid cards. Cash will still be accepted when purchasing tickets directly at the Transystems Box Office.
 
50/50 Remains Cash Only
The 50/50 Raffle is still CASH ONLY and will be sold throughout the tailgate lots and inside the arena by the North Dakota Spirit Squads until end of halftime. Winner will be announced during the first media timeout of the fourth quarter. Fans must be present to win.
 
Home Opener Highlights
It will once again be a special home opener this weekend, as the Fighting Hawks are set to play in only the 18th night game in the history of Alerus Center (2001-present).
 
Fans are set to be treated to plenty of highlights before-and-after UND takes the field:

• Tailgate lots open at 11 am 
• Slamabama performing on the Bluepeak Fiber Internet Band Stage in the Bud Light Tailgate Village starting at 2 pm 
• Post-game fireworks  

Tailgate City, U.S.A.
Fans are once again encouraged to start their tailgates early for every North Dakota football game, with lots opening at 8 a.m. for all home games following the home opener.
 
Season Tailgaters MUST be in their spots 2 hours prior to kick-off. Entry to the season tailgate lot will be shut down 2-hours prior to kick, each home game from both Alerus Drive and South Drive. This is the season tailgate lot only. 
 
Three Times the Field Suites
Alerus Center is expanding its on-field suites for all home UND football games. With three suites alongside the field, these spaces will provide up close and personal views that are unmatched throughout the facility. Food and beverage service will be available through the standard suite operation and will also include other premium upgrades such as complimentary VIP parking in the Valvoline Instant Parking lot, expedited entry through the VIP doors, dedicated restrooms for those field suites and exclusive on-field access to be able to access the space. Contact Carli Jordan at carli.jordan@oakviewgroup.com for more information regarding field suites and other premium options.
 
Chick-fil-A
Alerus Center is excited to announce a new partnership with Chick-fil-A® Grand Forks.  Starting this fall, guests will now have the opportunity to enjoy Chick-fil-A menu items at select Alerus Center events.  Chick-fil-A Grand Forks will offer their signature Chicken Sandwich and Spicy Chicken Sandwich along with original flavor waffle potato chips and the new Chick-fil-A Sauce-flavored waffle potato chips.  Treat yourself to dessert with their chocolate chunk cookie and chocolate fudge brownie!
For UND football games, guests can find Chick-fil-A in their permanent stand on the west concourse behind Section 210 and at their mobile cart on the east concourse.
The addition of Chick-fil-A Grand Forks is part of Alerus Center's ongoing effort to expand and enhance the overall guest experience for attendees.
 
SCHEELS Entrance
Alerus Center is excited to announce a new partnership with SCHEELS, officially designating Entrance Two as the SCHEELS Entrance. Conveniently located directly off Tailgate Village, this entrance will now serve as the primary access point for guests on the west concourse.
 
Lyft
Let Lyft be your ride to the action! As the Official Rideshare Sponsor of Alerus Center, Lyft is here to make getting to and from the event easy. Lyft drivers will drop you off at any game near entrance 6. New to Lyft? Use code ALERUSCE for 50% off your first 2 rides (up to $10/ride). *Subject to Lyft Terms
 
Specialty Concession Items
New this season, the Happy Hawk Everything Sub will be available at the east and west grills for each game. Additionally, each game now has its own flavor. Kick off the season with Kickoff Nachos on September 6, and follow Alerus Center social media for updates on upcoming specialty menu items: Blitz Bowl, Loaded Linebacker, End Zone Italiano, Tailgater's Touchdown, and the Herd Stomper.
 
For more information on North Dakota football, follow on social media @UNDfootball or visit FightingHawks.com.