A Bold Fundraising Push
On July 1, North Dakota State University will kick off a 24‑hour fundraising marathon called "701 Day," targeting $10 million in matching contributions. The campaign coincides with the Bison's official entry into the Division I Football Bowl Subdivision and their first season in the Mountain West Conference.
The effort seeks to attract 701 new donors, each pledging at the stroke of 7:01 a.m., and will channel the proceeds into scholarships, day‑to‑day football operations, facility upgrades, and the Green and Gold Fund that supports NIL opportunities for student‑athletes.
Key partners in the drive include the We B Giving Foundation, Corwin Auto Group, Bell Bank and Blattner Energy, alongside several anonymous benefactors. Their involvement underscores a community‑wide commitment to the university's athletic ambitions.
Beyond the monetary goal, the campaign features a statewide outreach tour. Athletic staff, volunteers and coaches will be present in eleven North Dakota towns, hosting tailgate‑style gatherings at every road game to rally fans and spark new season‑ticket subscriptions.
The excitement extends to the schedule, with tickets for the inaugural FBS road game at Air Force on September 12 slated to go on sale July 6. University officials say the move to a higher competitive tier is expected to reignite alumni interest and broaden the fan base across the country.