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 hosting Fighting Hawk football beginning Thursday, Aug. 27 night at 7 p.m. against LIU. A season ago, UND fans set records for highest-average attendance as all six homes games in 2026 drew 10,000-plus fans for the first time in program history.
Cashless Facility
As a reminder, the Alerus Center shifted to a cashless facility in 2025. Parking and concession stands only accept debit, credit, pre-paid cards, and gift cards. The shift was 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. To ensure accessibility for all guests, cash exchange locations will be available at Guest Services, where patrons can convert cash into pre-paid cards. Cash will still be accepted when purchasing tickets directly at the Alerus Center Box Office.
50/50 Remains Cash Only
The 50/50 Raffle is still CASH ONLY for 2026 and will be sold throughout the tailgate lots and inside the arena [ main concourse by the escalators] by the North Dakota Spirit Squads through the 1
st quarter. Winner will be announced during the first media timeout of the fourth quarter on the videoboard. Fans must be present to win and will claim their prize at the security table at entrance 1 [Transystems Box Office].
Home Opener Highlights
It will once again be a special home opener next Thursday, as the Fighting Hawks are set to play in only the 19th 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 for their home opener:
- Tailgate lots open at Noon
- 8th Hour performing on Band Stage in the Busch Light Tailgate Village from approximately 3:45–5:45 p.m.
- Busch Light Tailgate Village will feature inflatables, games and food
- Post-game fireworks
Sioux Shop Opens Gameday Locations
The Sioux Shop, a longtime official retailer of University of North Dakota merchandise and based inside Ralph Engelstad Arena, will open an additional gameday location inside the Alerus Center, giving fans a new spot to shop before and during UND Football games this season.
The kiosk will be located on the East Concourse, behind Section 206, and will operate during all UND Football home gamedays. It will carry a wide selection of football merchandise, including jerseys and a variety of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) apparel featuring current UND student-athletes.
The new kiosk will be open throughout gameday, opening before kickoff and remaining open through the game. Fans can find it on the East Concourse behind Section 206.
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 two hours prior to kickoff as access to those lots will close at this time prior to each home game from both Alerus Drive and South Drive. These closures are for the season tailgate lots only.
For more information on tailgating, parking and the Busch Light Tailgate Village, visit FightingHawks.com/Tailgate.
Field Suites Return
Back by popular demand, Alerus Center's exclusive on-field suites are returning for the 2026 UND Football season. Located directly alongside the playing field, these premium spaces offer an unmatched gameday experience with some of the closest views of the action anywhere in the venue. Field suite guests will enjoy food and beverage service through Alerus Center's premium suite operation along with a variety of exclusive amenities, including complimentary VIP parking in the Valvoline Instant Parking Lot, expedited entry through the VIP entrance, dedicated restrooms, and exclusive on-field access throughout the game. For more information about field suites and other premium hospitality options, contact Carli Jordan at
carli.jordan@oakviewgroup.com.
Veterans In Premium
Launched in 2025, Veterans In Premium presented by Express Employment Professionals returns to Alerus Center for the 2026 UND Football season! Throughout the season, selected veterans and active-duty military members will receive the opportunity to experience UND Football up close from a dedicated field suite at Alerus Center.
Help us recognize those who have served and continue to serve our country. Nominate a deserving veteran or active-duty military member, or nominate yourself, at AlerusCenter.com.
SCHEELS Entrance (West Side)
Located directly adjacent to Busch Light Tailgate Village, the SCHEELS Entrance provides convenient access to the west concourse and serves as the primary entry point for fans on the west side of the stadium.
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 door near entrance 6. New to Lyft? Use code ALERUSCE for 50% off your first 2 rides (up to $10/ride). *Subject to Lyft Terms.
Security Reminder
To help ensure a safe and enjoyable gameday experience, Alerus Center reminds guests that bags larger than 8.5" x 5.5" are prohibited. Additional prohibited items include outside food and beverages, professional cameras, weapons, drones, umbrellas, and other items deemed unsafe or inappropriate. Guests are encouraged to review the complete list of prohibited items and security policies before arriving by visiting AlerusCenter.com. Please note that prohibited items cannot be stored or checked at the facility.
Pyrotechnics
As part of each home football game, fireworks and special pyrotechnics will be used in the venue during pregame and throughout the game following a Fighting Hawk touchdown. While these fireworks are safe to be used indoors, please be aware that they will cause loud noises and bright flashes which could startle some fans.
Peterson Porch
Peterson Porch seating on the south end bridge deck is officially sold out for the sixth year in a row. Interested in securing your spot for a future season? Contact Val Sussex, Director of the Champions Club, at vals@undfoundation.org to be added to the waitlist.
Season Tickets
Season tickets are on-sale starting at $170 per seat. To purchase season tickets today, please complete the online season ticket form found at
fightinghawks.com/tickets.
Single Game Tickets
Single game tickets are on-sale and can purchased by visiting the UND Box Office at Ralph Engelstad Arena, the Alerus Center Box Office, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
For more information on North Dakota football, follow on social media @UNDfootball or visit FightingHawks.com.
