The Alerus Center: A Forks Icon Steps Into a Grand New Era

The Alerus Center has long been one of Grand Forks’ most important gathering places. It is where fans cheer, families celebrate, businesses connect and world‑class performers take the stage. In 2025, this regional landmark entered an exciting new chapter with a $6.4 million transformation of its Conference Center, creating a modern, flexible and beautifully refreshed space designed for the next generation of events.

A PREMIER ARENA FOR BIG MOMENTS

Beyond football, the Alerus Center arena has hosted Professional Bull Riders, national conventions, monster trucks, wrestling and concerts from Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Metallica, Cher, Zach Bryan, George Strait and many more. It has always been a place where unforgettable moments happen.

To support these large‑scale events, the arena offers a strong lineup of features and amenities:

  • 22,000 seat capacity for major concerts and sporting events
  • State‑of‑the‑art acoustics and a powerful sound system
  • Climate‑controlled environment for year‑round comfort
  • Spacious concourses designed for smooth crowd flow
  • Multiple entry points, including Doors 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
  • Premium seating options such as club seats and suites
  • Versatile staging and rigging capabilities for touring productions
  • On‑site catering and concessions
  • Integrated video boards and LED displays
  • Ample parking and connected walkways for easy access

These amenities highlight why the Alerus Center continues to attract national performers and large‑scale events. They also stand separate from the Conference Center remodel, which focuses on a different part of the facility.

UPCOMING EVENTS

  • August 8-9: River Cinema Grand Forks Comic Con 2026
  • August 18: The Red Clay Strays Grateful Tour
  • August 29: “Weird Al” Yankovic Bigger & Weirder 2026 Tour
  • September 19: Altru Gala
  • October 1: UND Alumni Honors Banquet
  • October 2: Journey Final Frontier Tour

PROUD HOME OF UND FOOTBALL

The Alerus Center is known for many things, but its identity as the home of UND Football is central to its story. Every fall, thousands of Fighting Hawks fans fill the arena with energy that can be felt from the field to the rafters. The venue’s acoustics, sightlines and atmosphere make it one of the most exciting places to experience college football in the region.

UPCOMING HOME GAMES

  • August 27 at 7 PM vs. LIU
  • September 5 at 3 PM vs. St. Thomas (Potato Bowl)
  • October 3 at 1 PM vs. Murray State (Homecoming)
  • October 17 at 1 PM vs. South Dakota State
  • November 7 at 1 PM vs. Illinois State
  • November 21 at 1 PM vs. Southern Illinois

A $6.4 MILLION REMODEL THAT ELEVATES THE CONFERENCE CENTER

The 2025 remodel focuses entirely on the Conference Center, giving the facility its first full refresh since the Alerus Center opened. The goal was to modernize the environment, improve functionality and create a more versatile experience for conferences, weddings, expos, corporate gatherings and hybrid events.

Visitors now enjoy:

  • Revitalized interiors with contemporary finishes
  • Upgraded lighting and acoustics for more immersive events
  • Flexible spaces that adapt to gatherings of all sizes
  • Enhanced technology infrastructure for hybrid and digital‑forward events
  • Improved accessibility and flow throughout the facility

This remodel matters because it positions Grand Forks as a stronger regional magnet for national conventions, corporate events, trade shows and community celebrations. It signals growth, ambition and pride in the region’s future. By investing in the Conference Center, the Alerus Center is ensuring that Greater Grand Forks can compete for high‑profile events while also providing a polished, modern space for local organizations and families. It is a reinvestment in the community and a commitment to serving the region for decades to come.

STEP INSIDE AND FEEL THE GRAND DIFFERENCE

There is something special about walking into the Alerus Center. The energy meets you at the door and follows you all the way to your seat. It might be the rumble of fans gearing up for UND Football, the excitement of a crowd waiting for a concert to kick off or the steady flow of people arriving for a conference or expo. No matter the event, the Alerus Center makes every visit feel like a moment worth showing up for.

This is your chance to experience it firsthand. Cheer on the home team, take in a show, attend a conference or simply explore the space and soak in the atmosphere. Whether you come for sports, entertainment, business or community, the Alerus Center delivers an experience that is welcoming, polished and uniquely grand!