UNDeniably Grand: The Spirit of Fighting Hawks Football 2026

The University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks are officially taking flight and the coaching staff has one message for fans everywhere: Suit up, because you’re the 12th player this season! Every touchdown, every tackle, every heart‑stopping takeaway…they want you on your feet, roaring, celebrating and pushing this team to new heights. And with a roster loaded with elite talent, don’t expect to spend much time sitting down.

This year comes with a fresh spark of determination and a renewed identity under Head Coach Eric Schmidt, now entering his second season at the helm. A former UND standout and longtime assistant, Schmidt knows this program inside and out. He’s blending UND’s proud traditions with modern, high‑octane strategy to help build a team that’s disciplined, physical and explosive on both sides of the ball. Expect ferocious defense (a Schmidt signature) paired with an offense that can adapt, attack and keep opponents guessing.

ALERUS CENTER: THE HEART OF HAWKS FOOTBALL

Game days at the Alerus Center are more than football, they’re an experience. Fans get all the indoor comforts plus a jumbotron that captures every angle of every play.

Recent upgrades include:

  • A booming, crystal‑clear sound system
  • State‑of‑the‑art LED sports lighting
  • And the showstopper: on‑field suites – the first of their kind for UND fans

These suites sit at the southeast end zone and offer a front‑row, up‑close view of the action that feels downright cinematic.

Hungry? The concessions lineup is stacked with fan favorites: hamburgers, prime rib sandwiches, pizza, taco‑in‑a‑bag and ice‑cold cocktails, beer or soda. Want to rep the Green & White in style? Swing by The Hawk Shop on the concourse for the newest UND apparel and gear. And with the Alerus Center now fully cashless, every purchase is quick and easy. Bring your card and you’re ready for a seamless fan experience.

TAILGATE VILLAGE: WHERE UND SPIRIT STARTS HOURS BEFORE KICKOFF

If you want to soak in the full UND football atmosphere, head to Tailgate Village at least two hours before kickoff. The south parking lot transforms into a festival of live music, food vendors, merch booths, yard games and giant inflatables for kids. True to UND tradition, tailgaters are famously welcoming, so don’t be surprised if someone waves you over with a smile and offers a bite and a brew to share. It’s a place where families, students, alumni, locals and visitors come together to share food, stories and that unmistakable UND camaraderie.

2026 HOME TURF THROWDOWNS

  • October 3 at 1 PM vs. Murray State (Homecoming / Hall of Fame)
  • October 17 at 1 PM vs. South Dakota State (Family Weekend)
  • November 7 at 1 PM vs. Illinois State (Military Appreciation)
  • November 21 at 1 PM vs. Southern Illinois (Fan Appreciation/Senior Day)

Tickets are available online or at the Alerus Center Transystems Box Office (10 AM–5 PM, Monday–Friday and on game days).

UND FOOTBALL: WHERE FANS BECOME FAMILY

UND football and tailgating thrive on community and tradition, creating memories that stay with fans long after they leave the Alerus Center. Whether supporters are in the stands raising the volume or out in the parking lot firing up the grill, everyone becomes part of a larger Fighting Hawks family driven by pride and genuine excitement for the team. This season brings fresh momentum, great expectations and the excitement of cheering for a squad already ranked among the nation’s top ten. Fans are encouraged to come out, cheer loudly and be part of the atmosphere that makes University of North Dakota football UNDeniably Grand!