University of South Dakota Athletics

General Information

One of the region’s most recognizable, man-made landmarks, the DakotaDome has served as the cornerstone of Coyote athletics for decades. Originally constructed in 1979, the 9,100-seat facility was one of the first multi-purpose domes in the nation. Today, it serves as home for Coyote football, indoor track and field. Basketball and volleyball competed in the Dome before the Sanford Coyote Sports Center came online in 2016, and swimming and diving transitioning to the newly constructed Natatorium in 2025. 
 
In addition to Coyote athletic teams and events, the DakotaDome hosts many other events. The championship games of the state high school football playoffs take place annually inside the Dome. The DAKOTA Farm Show called the Dome home for more than 30 years. The facility also hosts community youth events, including camps and high school track meets, and graduation ceremonies.
 
RENOVATIONS: South Dakota completed an 18-month, $26 million renovation to the west side of the DakotaDome in the summer of 2020. This “first phase” featured two new entrances to the facility, bringing the total to four main entrances. It also included a new football locker room that covers more than 6,000 square feet and boasts 110 individual lockers.
 
The most noticeable improvement for fans are the installation of permanent seating throughout the west side, the addition of loge boxes and suites right above the sidelines, and a new modern concourse with an industrial kitchen. New lighting and sound system also enhance the game day experience.
 
The second phase of this renovation was completed in January of 2021. It focused primarily on the 400 level of the west side where football offices and meeting spaces were designed. It also saw the creation of a new equipment room and athletic training space on the 100 level.

Ahead of the 2024 season, a brand new turf was placed down inside the DakotaDome with updated USD branding and fonts. The Coyotes went 8-0 at home in 2024 and a combined 14-1 in the first two seasons on the new turf (2024-25), including three home FCS Playoffs victories. 
 
These improvements ultimate pave the way for others. Locker rooms and office spaces on the east side for coaches and support staff will be updated and reassigned. There are plans for new playing surfaces for both football and track. A modern concourse and fan amenities will be installed on the east side.
 
CURRENT AMENTIES:  DakotaDome amenities include Coyote Landing – a gathering area on the northeast side of the facility. Similar spaces have been created on the northwest and southwest sides with the renovation. The Midco Club (August 2026) - formerly the Dome Club - is a spectacular space featured behind the south wall where patrons can gather and oversee the action on the field. In August 2026, updates were made to the Midco Club following a $1.5 million gift from Midco for naming rights. Updates included new windows that open to enhance the Midco Club game day experience, plus Midco signage. 
 

 
The playing surface for football is AstroTurf PureGrass, and a high-definition video board from Daktronics was installed ahead of the 2016 campaign.