If you’ve ever driven through Brookings, South Dakota, on a Saturday in October, you’ve seen it. That massive blue and yellow structure rising out of the prairie. It's the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, and honestly, it’s a bit of a flex for a school in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Most people just see a bunch of concrete and turf. But for the Jackrabbits, this place is basically a fortress. Since it opened in 2016, South Dakota State University has turned this patch of land into one of the most intimidating environments in college football. We aren't just talking about a nice place to watch a game; we're talking about a $65 million statement of intent.
The House That Dana Built (Literally)
Before we had this modern marvel, there was Coughlin-Alumni Stadium. It served its purpose for 50 years, but let’s be real—it was showing its age. It sat about 11,000 people and felt more like a high school field that got a little out of hand.
Then came Dana Dykhouse. He’s a former Jackrabbit football player turned CEO of First PREMIER Bank. He and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford dropped a cool $12.5 million to get the ball rolling on a new home for the Jacks. By the time the dust settled in August 2016, the university had a 19,340-seat powerhouse.
The coolest part? They built it right on top of the old site. They did it in phases so the team didn't have to play in a parking lot for two years.
👉 See also: The Brutal Reality of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Records: From 0-26 to Two Rings
Why the Design is Kind of Genius
Most stadiums are just bowls. Dykhouse is different. It’s tight. The stands are right on top of the action, which makes 19,000 people sound like 50,000.
- The Video Board: Daktronics is based right in Brookings. Naturally, they hooked the stadium up with a 3,100-square-foot LED video board. It’s huge. If you’re sitting in the south end zone, it’s basically like having a movie theater in your face.
- The Turf: It’s not just plastic. It’s a soy-based turf system. Considering SDSU is a premier ag school, playing on "homegrown" ground is a pretty slick touch.
- Premium Seating: They’ve got 29 luxury suites and 36 loge boxes. If you've got the cash, the "Club 71" area offers the kind of amenities you’d expect at an NFL stadium, not a mid-sized town in South Dakota.
The Winning Streak Nobody Talks About
You can have all the fancy suites in the world, but if your team loses, the stadium is just a quiet building. That’s not the case here.
Entering the 2025 season, the Jackrabbits carried a staggering 29-game home winning streak. Think about that. Most students go through their entire college career without seeing their team lose a game at home. It’s a ridiculous statistic.
The atmosphere reached a fever pitch on November 4, 2023. A record crowd of 19,431 packed the place to see the Jacks dismantle North Dakota State 33-16. It wasn't just a game; it was a coronation. When that many people are screaming in a tight space, the ground actually vibrates.
Beyond the Gridiron: What It Does for Brookings
This stadium isn't just for the university. It’s the heartbeat of the community.
Brookings has a population of about 24,000. When 19,000 people show up for a game, the town’s population nearly doubles. Every hotel room is booked. Every restaurant has a wait time. The "Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium" is an economic engine that runs on blue and yellow diesel.
It's also versatile. You'll see Brookings High School playing their games here. You’ll see concerts and community events. It’s the town square, just with better lighting and more concession stands. Speaking of concessions, the stadium has 56 points of sale. No more waiting 20 minutes for a lukewarm hot dog while you miss a touchdown.
The Recruitment Edge
College football is an arms race. If a recruit from Texas or Florida flies into Sioux Falls and drives up to Brookings, they expect to see a cornfield. Instead, they see a world-class facility that rivals many Power Five schools.
Former head coach John Stiegelmeier once noted that the stadium changed the "vibe" of the program. It told players that SDSU wasn't just happy to be there—they were there to win national championships. And well, looking at the trophy case lately, it seems to have worked.
🔗 Read more: Max Kellerman: What Really Happened to the Former ESPN Star
What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a trip to see a game at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium, don't just wing it.
- The Dairy Bar is Mandatory: You cannot go to a game without hitting the SDSU Dairy Bar first. They invented Cookies and Cream ice cream there. Seriously. Get a scoop (or three) before heading to the gates.
- Tailgating is an Art Form: The parking lots open hours before kickoff. The "Orange Lot" is where the hardcore fans live. Be prepared to be offered a bratwurst by someone you’ve never met.
- Dress for Four Seasons: It’s South Dakota. It might be 70 degrees at kickoff and snowing by the fourth quarter. The stadium is open to the elements, so layers are your best friend.
- Buy Early: Since the Jackrabbits have become a national powerhouse, "sellout" is a common word around the ticket office. Don't expect to walk up to the window on game day and find a seat.
The Future of the Jacks' Home
The stadium is still relatively young, but the university isn't sitting still. They recently finished the First Bank & Trust Arena nearby, creating a massive athletic complex that makes the campus feel like a professional sports village.
There's always talk about expansion. Could they add more seats? Maybe. But the magic of Dykhouse is how intimate it feels. Adding another 10,000 seats might actually ruin the "loud and proud" vibe that makes it so hard for opposing quarterbacks to hear their own thoughts.
Honestly, the Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium has become more than just a venue. It’s a symbol of how far South Dakota State has come. From a small-town ag school to a Division I titan, this stadium is the proof that if you build it—and if you win—they will definitely come.
To make the most of your visit, check the official SDSU athletics site for the current bag policy, as they've shifted to clear bags in recent seasons to speed up entry. Also, if you’re looking for the best views without breaking the bank, try for the 100-level sideline seats; the sightlines were specifically engineered so you don't feel "distant" from the turf even at the top of the lower bowl.