Night Lights Return to Fargo
North Dakota State University has locked in kickoff times for two more contests as it prepares for its debut season in the Football Bowl Subdivision and the Mountain West Conference. The schedule blends afternoon and evening slots, but the highlight is a series of six night games — the most since the 2005 campaign — that will be broadcast nationally on the CW.
The first of those night fixtures arrives on September 5, when the Bison host Fordham University at 2:30 p.m. Eastern at Gate City Bank Field at the Fargodome. While the start is technically an afternoon kickoff, the later road game at the University of New Mexico will begin at 9 p.m. Central, with the broadcast moving to the CW for a prime‑time slot.
Six evening contests mark a strategic shift toward night football, a move championed by the Mountain West Conference philosophy. Coach Tim Polasek has warned that the later dates will ripple through travel itineraries and tailgating traditions for families across the region.
Beyond the New Mexico showdown, the Bison will travel to a handful of western venues, including stops in Colorado Springs, Reno, Las Vegas, Honolulu, San Jose, Jacksonville and Laramie. Each location brings its own logistical challenges, from airport connections to hotel availability, all of which are being factored into fan planning.
The full slate also features a final regular‑season road test at San Jose State on a Saturday afternoon, capping a year that sees NDSU navigating the transition from the Football Championship Subdivision to the FBS ranks while maintaining a strong regional presence.