VERMILLION, S.D. — South Dakota officially enters the Travis Johansen era at the DakotaDome this weekend in Vermillion, playing host to Northern Colorado. In the 47^th season of the DakotaDome as the home of Coyote football, fans should be aware of a few updates and reminders of new things they can expect to see on game days this fall.
 
GAME DAY TIMELINE
4 hours prior to kickoff – Priority and General Parking Lots Open
*2.5 hours prior to kickoff – Coyote Walk through Bud Light Tailgate Nation
2 hours prior to kickoff – SCSC Ticket Office Opens
1.5 hours prior to kickoff – DakotaDome Doors Open to the public
*45 minutes prior to kickoff – Coyote Parade through Bud Light Tailgate Nation
6 minutes prior to kickoff – Coyotes Take the Field
*Weather Permitting
 
TIMELINE NOTES:
Parking lots will open 5 hours prior to kickoff for Dakota Days.
Parking times will be determined for the South Dakota State game when game times are announced.
 
Outside the DakotaDome
Expanded Bud Light Tailgate Nation
Bud Light Tailgate Nation spots have been added to Lot D, located directly east of the DakotaDome and west of the tennis courts. Each spot is three parking spots wide and is available for $600 (must be a $1,500 Yote Fund member) on a season basis, while grass tailgate spots, located north of the DakotaDome are $400 per season. Passes can be purchased on a single-game basis for $200 by contacting the South Dakota Athletics Ticket Office at 605-677-5959 or tickets@usd.edu.
 
Early Access
Also new to Bud Light Tailgate Nation is early access, available for purchase on a season basis for $100. Early access grants you the ability to enter Bud Light Tailgate Nation and Grass Tailgate Nation at 7 a.m. for each home game. Single game early access can be purchased at $40 per game at the Dakota Street entrance the morning of each game.
 
DakotaDome Re-Roof
A light gray re-roof material has been applied to the DakotaDome roof. This surface gives the roof a consistent look and spans the entire surface. 
 
Inside the DakotaDome
Charlie's Fan Shop
A new storefront for the 2025 season, Charlie's will sell merchandise in a permanent location the east concourse of the DakotaDome. Charlie's will continue to sell outdoors near the east side parking lots during tailgate. Items in this gameday location will reflect game themes, featuring new items each week.
 
 
Pepsi Howl & Go
New to the DakotaDome, a Pepsi "Howl & Go" concessions location has been added to the east concourse for football gamedays. These streamlined concessions offering enables fans to navigate an intentionally designed queue, hand pick items and proceed to the checkout lane. The Pepsi Howl & Go features expanded food and drink options available only at this location.
 
 
Clear Bag Policy Reminder
Beginning in the 2024 football season, Coyote Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed events in the DakotaDome and the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. Each attendee will be allowed to enter with one clear bag: either a plastic, vinyl or PVC bag that does not exceed 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches or a one-gallon plastic freezer bag (Ziploc or similar). Small clutches – approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap – can be taken into the stadium.
 
Visit FAQ here.
 
Mobile Ticket Reminder
A reminder that tickets are sent digitally and should be downloaded to your device's wallet prior to your arrival at the DakotaDome.
 
Click here for a guide to download your tickets.