Bison Fans Hopeful for Victory at Semifinal Game

they tailgated all day outside the fargodome

FARGO, ND — Win and you’re in.
NDSU is taking on Sam Houston State to advance to the FCS Championship.
Bison fans have been outside the Fargodome all day tailgating.

There really is no fan like a Bison fan.
Not even the cold weather and snow can keep them from cheering on their beloved football team tonight.

“We stay pretty cozy in here and like I said, have it down to a system and we’re North Dakota tough we can handle it,” said Katie Johnson.

It’s all thanks to the Bison making it into the semifinals. If they win this game, they’re going to Frisco, Texas.

“Very confident they’ll win tonight. They’re playing pretty solid and have playoff experience and I think they’ll pull it off,” Johnson said.

Kari Kleingartner is one of the many tailgators out hoping for a win.

“I’ve been pretty spoiled because the last well now six years, I’ve gotten to have a birthday tailgate so that’s pretty exciting,” Kleingartner said.

Many fans have already purchased airline tickets and booked hotel reservations because they believe the Bison can make it down south.

“It’s very exciting. It really is to know that people support Bison Athletics to the extent that we do,” said Dean Garberry.

But some say that support and love is only amplified when the Bison are in Frisco.

“They already know that if we make it, the one big tailgating lot will be dedicated for us and they’ve tried in the past to give the bigger lot to the bigger team but that didn’t work out,” Garberry said.

With the loss last year, fans say this game will be one of the most important thus far.

“This is huge to get back for them. It’ll be good for recruits as far as the fan base, it’ll be really rewarding sticking through the one loss last year,” said NDSU student Nick Swanson.

But with a fan base like this, Swanson says the team will probably feel more motivated than ever.

“Thankfully we’re in a dome but to see people out there, in the cold, in the wind, tailgating still, showing their Bison pride, I think that shows a lot about the community,” Swanson said.