A Game With Meaning
North Dakota State University will stage a Military & First Responder Appreciation Game against Fordham on Saturday at 2:30 p.m. inside the Fargodome, turning a regular college football matchup into a tribute to the nation’s service members and emergency personnel.
The university has made free or discounted admissions available to active duty troops, veterans and first responders through the VetTix.org and 1stTix.org platforms, while general fans can purchase tickets on GoBison.com and add a donation ticket for a service member.
In coordination with the Fargo Police Department, the Fargo Fire Department and the North Dakota Army and Air National Guard, the event commemorates the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, weaving the remembrance into the pre‑game ceremony.
Members of the North Dakota Air National Guard’s ‘Happy Hooligans’ unit, who played a pivotal role in securing Washington, D.C., on that fateful day, will be highlighted during the presentation, linking past heroism to today’s community.
Fans are encouraged to don yellow attire as a visual symbol of support, and to consider donating a ticket to a military or first‑responder family, a gesture that the athletics department hopes will extend the spirit of giving beyond the stadium.
Beyond the pageantry, the game serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between the university, the city of Fargo and the broader region, reinforcing a shared commitment to honor those who protect and serve.