Dacotah Field likely to become practice facility

FARGO (AP) — North Dakota State University is seeking state approval to turn Dacotah Field into a practice facility.

The outdoor stadium is where the Bison played when they were among the elite in NCAA Division II football, winning several national titles.

NDSU, now ranked among the top teams in Division I-AA, has played in the Fargodome for years.

NDSU on Thursday plans to ask the state Board of Higher Education for permission to replace the artificial turf at Dacotah Field and turn it into a practice facility. No state money would go toward the $900,000 cost.

“We’re hoping to get some of (the work) donated,” said NDSU athletic director Gene Taylor.

The proposed project grew in importance when a late spring snowfall rendered NDSU’s grass football practice fields unplayable. The Bison had to postpone several spring football practices.

The project calls for the practice turf to be moved 20 yards to the west in anticipation of a proposed addition to the Bison Sports Arena. The turf also will be larger in area to accommodate a soccer field.

The NDSU women’s soccer team has had to use the Fargo Park District’s Metro Rec Center or the Sports Bubble golf facility in south Fargo in times of poor weather late in the fall.

Taylor said the Dacotah Field lights will remain, though they need some work. The north stands also will remain.

Removal of the old scoreboard is not part of the bid, though Taylor said that might be done by campus maintenance workers.

Tags: ndsu, dakotah, field, stadium