The Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium opened Sept. 8 with the Jacks Bash concert and the Jackrabbits opened their new stadium with a 56-28 victory over Drake. Here we show a glimpse of all of the activities that take place before, during and after a game as well as photos of current and future Jackrabbits.
This photo, courtesy of Nikki Brower, shows the west tower and a good portion of the 15,000+ fans who attended the opener.
Parking tips: With 15,000-plus fans expected to arrive on game day, nearly 50 individuals work the parking lots to help fans either find their assigned location or an open lot.
Tailgating 101: There are 85 spaces available for lease in the area north of the Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex. There are other areas available to park and tailgate at $10 per game. And there is always the First Bank and Trust Alumni Rabbit Den provided by the Alumni Association.
Alumni tailgating: The First Bank and Trust Alumni Rabbit Den allows alumni of all ages a place to meet before the game. The Alumni Association tent opens 2 1/2 hours before each home football game.
Happy to see Jack: Seeing Jack the Jackrabbit always brings smiles to the faces of fans of all ages.
Thirsty or hungry? With 56 points-of-sale concession stands, fans are never too far from finding something to satisfy. More than 130 people, including 120 volunteers, staff the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium concession stands. Many of the volunteers come from a 50-mile radius of Brookings to raise money for various organizations.
Taping time: Home football games demand a lot of time and attention from the sports medicine staff. Including undergraduate students and graduate assistants, 10 individuals work on game day. The day starts at 9 a.m. and could end at midnight, depending on if any injuries took place and the number of postgame treatments.
Jack!! Over here!!! This fan takes “Ears Up!†to heart when cheering on the Jackrabbits.
The Pride: The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band has 190 members and practices five hours each week. The color guard and percussion sections typically practice nine hours each week. While The Pride’s pregame performance remains the same, it will do three different halftime shows this season. Photo by Jon Kieckhefer ’00.
Ready to cheer: Approximately 40 cheerleaders perform during a football game. Including their time doing strength and conditioning, the cheerleaders practice 15 hours a week getting ready for their performances.
Calling the action: President Barry H. Dunn joined Tyler Merriam ’11 in the radio booth to talk about his new role on campus and help describe the Jacks win over Drake. Merriam has been covering the Jacks football team since 2009. He and the Jackrabbits can be heard on the Jackrabbits Sports Network, which covers seven states.
Catch this: Possible future Jackrabbits attempt to re-enact Goedert’s catch and think of making their own memories at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. For years, Jackrabbits fans showed their skills postgame at Coughlin-Alumni Stadium and the tradition continues today.
