NDSU has turned up the heat on the field, and the fans are filling the stadium and beyond. The fan base extends well beyond the campus as Bison fans throughout the community show up on game day to celebrate their team. In fact, the demand for tailgating spots has resulted in the university issuing 279 more reserved tailgating spots for the 2017 season. Bison Nation is growing, and everyone wants in.
Bison Fever is not limited to Fargo and the Fargodome. Fans and alumni across the nation are demanding access to watch their team on Saturdays in the fall. The desert of Mesa, Arizona, has become the center of Bison Nation south. NDSU transplants come out in the hundreds to watch the Mighty Herd, and R.T. O’Sullivan’s Pub in Mesa is the place to be. Averaging over 300 strong every Saturday, the Bison Nation gathering includes fans, alumni, and even retired NDSU faculty.
The most notable things on display at Bison tailgate parties are food and friendliness. Bison fans are notoriously nice. They welcome visiting opponent fans and even offer to share their food with some friendly banter. Some university towns have a hostile environment for visitors, but not at NDSU where folks are happy that you made the trek out to the game. Now what would you like as a side for your Bison burger?