The Missouri Valley Football Conference announced Friday it is moving our eight-game conference slate to the spring of 2021. The President's Council also voted to allow teams to play up to three games this fall – home or away – at the discretion of each institution.
 
We informed our student-athletes of this news shortly before Friday's release. I value input from Coach Nielson and his program on how they would like to proceed, and we are continuing to evaluate our options.
 
The announcement was bittersweet. We all have been looking for clarity on what the 2020-21 academic year looks like, and we got some in this announcement. We know that there are not enough FCS programs competing in the fall to sustain an FCS playoff. Our players would tell you that competing for a national title is one of their top priorities, and we are hopeful this move to the spring will keep their dream alive.
 
Secondly, we have been eager to show you this incredible renovation to the DakotaDome – the updated west side with new entrances, suites & loges, the concourse, the lights and the sounds. We want to see you surrounded by as many friends and family as possible, and for our student-athletes to feed off as much energy as you can provide as they compete. But most importantly, we want to provide as safe a space as possible for each and every one of you.
 
We don't know what our spring schedule will look like, but we do know that it will include four home games against MVFC programs. Last night's vote gives us an opportunity to play games in the fall, and when we have more information on our fall plans, we will let you know as soon as we can.
 
Many of you have already expressed enthusiasm on what a spring season can provide in terms of excitement and atmosphere inside this iconic DakotaDome, and have expressed a desire to simply carry your season ticket package over to the spring. That said, we want to provide as many options to you as possible regarding your purchase, and we certainly welcome any questions you may have:
 
Option 1: Maintain and use your current football season ticket purchase to any and all games to take place this fall and next spring, subject to attendance restrictions. If the number of home games is to be fewer than five games, or your attendance is restricted, you will receive a credit per ticket for each impacted event up to the full cost of your season tickets. Credits may be refunded or used as follows:

• Charitable gifts (no Howling Pack benefits) in support of critical student-athlete scholarships, in which case the USD Foundation will issue a charitable gift acknowledgment
• Howling Pack donations with priority points applied to your account at three times (3X) the normal rate
• Payment towards your 2021 football season tickets

 Option 2: Request an immediate refund for your 2020 season ticket purchase.
 
This is an unprecedented situation, but we appreciate your patience and your support of Coyote athletics. We can't wait to see you inside the DakotaDome. Until that time, should you have any questions, please reach out to our ticket staff at 605-677-5959.
 
Thank you, Coyote Nation, and Go Yotes!
-David Herbster, USD Athletic Director