Home Field Advantage: DakotaDome Renovations

DAKOTADOME RENOVATIONS

What to know about the upcoming DakotaDome renovations
As one of South Dakota's most recognizable landmarks, the DakotaDome has been a cornerstone of Coyote athletics for decades. Our goal is to ensure it remains a cornerstone by transforming the DakotaDome into a championship-level facility befitting a highly competitive Division I athletics program.

When it comes to recruiting top athletes and building lifelong fans, a university's training and game day facilities are as important as its reputation. In fact, a 2016 study showed that 99 percent of surveyed schools planned to invest in space improvements in the next five years. Infrastructure updates and state-of-the-art amenity upgrades will ensure South Dakota remains not only competitive, but continues to lead the way.

Now is the time to invest in the DakotaDome, to celebrate the tradition and achievements that have created the legacy of USD athletics, and to build a strong future for the student-athletes and fans of tomorrow.

What are the priorities of this project?
The DakotaDome will transform in phases to keep the ball moving down the field. The first phase focuses on the west side and will include:

A football locker room, team meeting spaces and offices that excite and advance student-athletes
A USD-worthy game experience with new permanent seating, club seating, concessions and services
Smart lighting, sound and operational efficiencies
Two new main entrances to the facility on the west side

Future phases will include:

Upgrades to locker room and office elements for all sports
Updated administrative and support spaces
Competition and training areas for all sports
New playing surface for football and track
Modern concourse and fan amenities on east side of the DakotaDome

		FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When will construction begin, and what is the timetable for the project? The practice field north of the DakotaDome is complete and was put to use for the first time ahead of the Coyotes' final game of the 2018 season. Construction on the DakotaDome renovation began in February of 2019. We anticipate the project to take 18 months and to be complete before the start of of the 2020 football season. Access to the playing surface of the DakotaDome was returned ahead of the 2019 season and all six of the Coyotes' home games in 2019 will be played inside the DakotaDome. How will construction impact home football games in 2019? All six home games on the schedule for the 2019 season will be played inside the DakotaDome. We will exclusively use the east side, which brings the capacity to 5,500. Priority for those seats will remain with season ticket holders, USD students, the band and corporate sponsors, meaning single-game tickets will be at a premium. What is the most unique part of this project? One of the best features of the new west side will be the addition of 10 executive suites and 15 loge boxes that will offer a game day experience with an unobstructed view so close to the action, it will be unlike anything else in the country. The 10 executive suites will be situated between the two 35-yard lines. They will be high-walled areas with their own access and will offer a private, secluded area and 12 luxury padded seats. Amenities include a catered menu with expanded food and beverage options, an in-suite refrigerator, and a private flat-screen television. The 15 loge boxes will be stationed between the goal line and 35-yard line on both sides of the west seating area. A smaller version of the executive suites, the loge boxes can accommodate eight guests in luxury padded seats. Similar amenities are available with a catered menu that includes expanded food and beverage options and an in-suite refrigerator. How do I gain access to those suites and loges? Interest in the premium seating areas has been high and only a limited number of suites and loges remain. For more information on these seating options, please contact USD Associate Athletic Director Andy Carr at (605) 658-5507. What about the sky boxes on the east side? Starting in 2020, the sky boxes at the top of the east side will be utilized by game management and members of the media. If I would like to move to the west side of the DakotaDome, should I renew my current seats first or wait until I get to pick new seats? The seating process will begin after the renewal period. To be able to change your seats, you will first have to renew your current seats and request an upgrade at that time. If you renew your season tickets online, there will be an option for you to request a seat upgrade. If you renew over the phone, please tell the ticket representative that you would like to request a seat upgrade. Click here for more information on 2020 football tickets. What if I want to stay in my current seats? Renew your seats during the renewal period and additional seats may be requested at that time as well. Click here for more information on 2020 football tickets. I want to sit on the new west side of the DakotaDome in 2020. Where will I park? Parking accommodations on the west side of the DakotaDome are developing. Further details will be released soon.

		THE FUTURE
What can Coyote fans expect in 2020 and beyond? The DakotaDome will be reseated for season ticket holders in a process similar to the one used inside the Sanford Coyote Sports Center. People will be able to choose their seats on either the west or east side of the facility. Transport from one side to the other will run through the hallway of the adjacent Sanford Coyote Sports Center. With two new entrances being constructed on the west side, there will be four main entrances to the DakotaDome. The University and athletic department are also studying additional parking possibilities for the future. The total number of seats available following the west side renovation is expected to be 9,037. The first home game of the 2020 season is slated for Sept. 19. Be here!

		DONATE
What is the cost of the project, and how can I contribute? The cost of the outdoor practice facility and this west side renovation is $26.3 million. Fundraising for this project and future phases of the DakotaDome continues. Inquiries, including naming opportunities for all levels of gifts, can be made by contacting USD Associate Athletic Director Andy Carr at (605) 658-5507. Future phases of the DakotaDome will be incorporated into the University's Facility Master Plan under the guidance of President Sheila Gestring.

		RENDERINGS
Outdoor Practice Field "The addition of the outdoor practice facility will give us, in combination with the Dome, a state-of-the-art practice facility that provides us the ability to practice on multiple surfaces indoors and outdoors." - Bob Nielson, USD head football coach Executive Suites and Loge Boxes "We have the opportunity to transform the DakotaDome into a facility that once again sets the standard on the training, competitive and fan experience for all those who enter its doors." - David Herbster, USD athletic director Football Locker Room "The DakotaDome renovation project will provide our football program with a state-of-the-art locker room, meeting and office facilities, and enhance game day amenities for our fans." - Bob Nielson, USD head football coach Concourse

		USEFUL LINKS
2020 Football Season Ticket Booklet Mick's Minute 08.20.19 \| Dome renovations commence as kickoff approaches 02.23.19 \| Real Deal - DakotaDome renovations begin DakotaDome Renovation monthly newsletter archive