A Word from Athletics Director David Herbster

The past six months have seen an unbelievable transformation occur inside the DakotaDome. I will be giving you monthly updates going forward on the progress and timelines of the process. If you have not already, visit the facility webpage to learn more about the project.

Construction Updates

With six months of the west side DakotaDome renovation behind us, a tremendous amount of progress has been made. The initial months of the project focused on the demolition of the pre-existing interior structure of the west side of the Dome with the only significant item remaining being the floor where volleyball previously competed. Following the conclusion of demolition, foundations were laid for the new levels and seating area.

In more recent weeks, columns and raker beams were placed to allow the stadia to be put in place. At this point, the future look of the west side is taking shape with around 80 percent of the stadia complete and ready for future seating in addition to the suite and loge level now being visible. Construction will continue throughout the football season with much of the work taking place behind the newly erected precast structure.

Project Highlights

One of the most exciting highlights of this project are the suites and loge boxes. There are 10 executive suites and 15 loge boxes, located on the 200 level on the west side of the DakotaDome. "Having premium seating this close to the playing field will provide a unique game-day experience," said Andy Carr, associate athletic director for development.

Executive suites will seat guests toward the center of the field to be close to all the action. They have seating for up to 12 guests and offer luxury padded seats with armrests and beverage holders, bar top and moveable table and chairs for casual seating, catered menu for purchase with expanded food and beverage choices, plus in-suite refrigerator and a private flat-screen television.

Loge boxes offer a more casual setting but with many of the same amenities as the executive suites. These can accommodate eight guests and offer luxury padded seats with armrests and beverage holders, a catered menu for purchase with expanded food and beverage choices, plus refrigerator.

Interest in the premium seating areas has been high and currently, there is a limited number of suites and loge boxes remaining. For more information on these seating options, please contact Andy Carr at Andrew.Carr@usdfoundation.org or (605) 658-5507.

Supporting the Project

Renovating the DakotaDome – a South Dakota icon – would not be possible without the support of Coyote fans and friends who share our vision to create a championship-level facility that will benefit student-athletes and fans alike. One of those visionary donors, Jack Hopkins of CorTrust Bank, shared his motivation for getting involved in the project. "I view college athletics as the marketing arm for the university. We need, and want, more qualified employees in our great state and having a top-quality athletics program helps to recruit students that will be great, well-educated, future employers and employees in our state."

With improvements to the football locker room and team meeting spaces, new premium seating options and concessions and upgrades to sound and lighting, there's something for every fan to get excited about. "The DakotaDome is an icon, as well as the only enclosed football stadium, in our state. With the improvements to the stadium facilities, we will continue to have the best game-day experience for both our fans and our players. It will guarantee we have the home-field advantage every game and will be somewhere that our athletes will be proud to say they played. This stadium will end up being 'the' premier stadium in all of FCS football and should help us recruit the type of players it takes to win championships," said Jack.

With construction already underway, fundraising continues to complete the current project and for what comes next. For information on how you can support the project, contact Andy Carr, Andrew.Carr@usdfoundation.org or 605-658-5507. Also, watch for the "Finish the Dome" text-to-give campaign at each home game. Preview the campaign and move the needle before the first game by contributing today!