Late‑Night Kickoffs Test Fans' Stamina
The upcoming season will showcase ten Bison games spread across four national networks, with ESPN alone carrying the non‑conference showdown at Sacramento State on September 19. Additional prime‑time slots belong to FS1, CBS Sports Network and The CW, while two early‑season contests may find a home on WDAY‑TV if the larger networks pass.
Because the Mountain West stretches across four time zones, most kickoff times are set to accommodate West Coast broadcast windows, resulting in games that start as late as 11 p.m. Central in Sacramento and 11 p.m. Central at Hawaii. Former Bison head coach Matt Entz, who initially championed the move to the Mountain West, has voiced concerns that these late hours could alienate older supporters who prefer earlier starts.
The scheduling quirks are not merely a curiosity; they shape the fan experience. One home game is slated for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff, while another may not wrap up until after 2 a.m. Sunday in Fargo, underscoring the logistical challenges of a coast‑to‑coast conference.
To offset the inconvenience, the conference will launch a subscription streaming service on July 1, giving viewers a direct line to every matchup. NDSU conducted a feasibility study for a potential shift to the American Conference, but the financial and logistical analysis concluded that staying in the Mountain West remained the most viable path.
For those who cannot stay awake for the late‑night action, a subscription to The Forum of Fargo‑Moorhead provides daily coverage and analysis, ensuring that the excitement of each game remains accessible even after the final whistle.