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Team: University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks
Former Name: University of North Dakota Fighting Sioux
Location: Grand Forks, North Dakota
Conference: FCS independent, will join the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2020
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While
North Dakota State University Bison Football
gets all the attention these days, they aren't the only football team in North Dakota worth talking about. For a state with such a low population, there is a huge football scene with two excellent college teams. Formerly known as the Fighting Sioux, the UND sports teams have officially been the Fighting Hawks since 2015. After many years in Division II, the Fighting Hawks have been Division I since 2008. Currently in the Summit League, the Fighting Hawks will join the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2020. Until 2020, the Fighting Hawks will be ineligible to win the conference championship due to their independent status. As the excitement builds to join the new conference, and Coach Schweigert's aggressive and energetic coaching style drives momentum, this season is sure to be electric. Don't miss the excitement. Get your University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks Football tickets at StubHub.
''This will be Kyle “ ”Bubba“ ” Schweigert's fifth season as head coach of the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks football team. Before joining the Fighting Hucks, Schweigert was head coach of the University of Minnesota Duluth. He previously served as defensive coordinator at Southern Illinois University, a position he also held at UND from 1997–2003. He was also an assistant coach for UND in 1989–1996, winning AFCA DII Assistant Coach of the Year after helping UND clinch the Division II National Championship. Bubba is known for an aggressive style, favoring a blitzing 3-4 scheme that forces short gains and lots of turnovers.'
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An indoor arena and convention center, the
Alerus Center
is the home turf for University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks Football. The football stadium seating capacity is 12,283.
''The UND Fighting Hawks have won four bowl games, 26 conference championships, and one national championship while playing Division II football.'
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The biggest rivalry for Fighting Hawks football has a long history. The
North Dakota State University Bison
are located just 70 miles north of UND, and the two teams have been fighting it out on the turf since 1894. This rivalry is so legendary that ESPN has even featured it in a documentary. The
University of South Dakota Coyotes
are another longtime rival. UND and USD have lately been competing in non-conference games but in 2020, the rivalry will be officially back on when North Dakota joins the Missouri Valley Football Conference. While part of the Big Sky Conference, Montana State University and the University of Northern Colorado were protected rivals.
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The Fighting Hawks will take on the Sam Houston State Bearcats for the 54th Annual Potato Bowl USA on Saturday, September 14, 2019. The Potato Bowl is always a big deal in Grand Forks and it's definitely peak time for tailgating. The whole week is jam-packed with activities, including the World’s Largest French Fry Feed. Other notable games are those with rivals
North Dakota State University Bison
on September 7th, Montana State University Bobcats on October 26th, and University of Northern Colorado Bears on November 16th.
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To watch Kyle Schweigert and his Fighting Hawks soar either at their
Alerus Center
home turf or on the road, StubHub is your top source for tickets.
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