UND-FB-FAN

I completely understand where you're coming from. With that said, since you are so invested, do you really feel many would arrive before you if the lots were all open ("first come, first serve")? The way I see it, those who are invested and committed to tailgating are typically the first ones to arrive to the lots anyways. Considering that, opening the lots to everyone (no reservations) would likely improve the layout of tailgating by eliminating the gaps and not harm those invested ("diehards"). You may end up seeing more people out and about tailgate alley than you would think if people didn't have to reserve a tailgate spot. Issue with not allowing reservations for tailgate is it is a gamble for the athletic department; it directly eliminates cash flow from those paying for spots. For that reason, it likely won't happen. It could potentially pay off though if open tailgating translated to increased attendance.

I agree with this. It would possess the most potential if businesses rather than individuals purchased the remaining spots. The spots shouldn't be purchased just for the sake of purchase; they need to be actually utilized by folks who want to be there. Secondly, I agree that the student tailgate should be integrated into the reserved tailgate spots (tailgate alley). There is no reason to keep them separate as it seems to hurt the collective tailgate effort more than anything.

I do not know any specific details about this, but I can imagine it would be nice for UND football to have a grass practice field at their disposal for 2017. With that said, I do not believe UND has a regular season game scheduled on a grass field for 2017.

All of those are fine questions. It will be an interesting lead-up, as usual, to the first game in Utah.

UND elite 1-day camps are crucial. I would expect committments after the first one, June 22nd. Not only does it allow the staff to evaluate prospective student-athletes in person (which is key), but it also implicitly shows who really wants to be at UND as the participants travel up to Grand Forks. I absolutely couldn't agree more with the emphasis that the staff puts on these camps - they have been phenomenal for UND football recruiting since Bubba has been HC.

The recent offers are coming from in-person evaluations at camps (Wisconsin and Northwestern): I anticipate these prospective student-athletes have tons of potential and I hope to see them eventually commit to the University of North Dakota. Go Hawks!

This has me the most optimistic about 2017. Three all-conference quality runners all on the same team; provide average to above average blocking for them and UNDs offense should take the next step and compliment the defense very nicely. With all that said, injuries and off-the-field variables all are considerations to how a disappointment could occur. Excited but yet cautious.

If there's a silver lining, it's that the offense hasn't lost much of anything and will be one year more experienced. They will need to play better starting out, though; no question.

I was impressed with USD's team last year. It will be a good game. UND is still the favorite. UND's 2017 team is going to be quite experienced; also, UND will already have played @ Utah by the time the USD game comes around (for 2017 road experience sake). I expect plenty of UND fans in attendance to cheer on UND to victory.

The lingering nature of the contract talks is certainly atypical, even considering low-major DI basketball programs. It's not optimal and I won't blindly support UND's athletic department on this ordeal.

Given the very odd situation with UND, Brian Jones, and his contract (or lack thereof), I personally can't rule that out as a factor in this. Recent history suggests coaching continuity definitely helps prevent such transfers; that much has been established in both DI NCAA basketball and football.

This is another example of small DI schools, like UND, being hurt by the graduate transfer rule. Another reason to strongly dislike that rule if you're a UND supporter. Too early to say his departure won't hurt - he was a talented big man for UND's level of play. The contemporary situation (with Hooker done, Jones' contract in limbo and now this) makes me think 2017-18 UND Men's Basketball could be a disappointment of sorts. I don't have any insider information, but I immediately want to look at the Brian Jones situation as a major factor in this. The NCAA tournament appearance certainly helped Jones' reputation but not to the point of complete immunity. I am sort of on the fence now with the future prospects of him as UND's head coach for years to come. Faison, don't overextend Jones and let's see how 2017-18 turns out. I fear disappointment.

The transfer-happy culture of today's college basketball; I don't like it but NDSU has also dealt with some transfer issues, although not necessarily the same as this or Shanks. All in all, UND has to retain players like Shanks and Bernstine. This is likely a knock against the program and/or Brian Jones. You would think established mid-to-low major programs wouldn't have this issue, but as I said earlier, individual and collective trends these days in college sports (specifically DI NCAA basketball) sort of support this. Hurts either way you look at it if you're a UND supporter.

Game times released for UND's two out-of-conference road games: @ Utah: 6:30 PM CT, August 31, 2017 (TV: PAC12 Network) @South Dakota: 2:00 PM CT, September 16, 2017 (TV: Midco and ESPN3)

Game time released: 2 PM CT, Saturday, September 16

I like it. Keep the ideas coming; maybe the marketing and gameday folks at UND will take notice. Of course, one could always contact them directly.

I agree; this is now the bottomline expectation (Great job Bubba and staff). Beyond the expectation, the goal is obviously an FCS national championship. No different with UND men's hockey; every season one expects UND to be in the national tournamant but the goal is still a national championship.

Great points by everyone. End zone seating/clubs with bar service needs to be considered. I too wouldn't sit there, but I'm thinking towards the atmoshphere and aesthetics of gameday. Filling the endzones with folks wanting to socialize or "continue the tailgate" would certainly improve both areas. Lastly, consider the two bar clubs in the REA; both are very popular and a similar idea would takeoff with UND football too, I believe.

Even if the "end zone row" had its own bar service? Just a thought - it might grow on some with that offered. The more I think about it, the more I do think the endzone space needs to be utilized so they aren't so bare and negative or neutral towards the atmosphere (they certainly don't add to anything as is).

I like the idea. I've always thought the dead space behind the end zones was a contributor to the relatively poor gameday atmosphere at the Alerus Center. Filling those end zones with fans using temporary seating of some kind would help the atmosphere and certainly the aesthetics of gameday, in my opinion. I think it should be considered by Kennedy and his rumored "Gameday committee".

I agree with what @ericpnelson just posted above. Call the Ralph Englestad Arena Ticket Office and they will work with you to find the best available options. If you're looking for something they don't have, it's probably too early to know yet if season ticket holders are willing to sell single game tickets or packages quite yet. Season ticket holders possess most seats between the 40s.

... or this, perhaps. Just a thought. Go Hawks

Be careful; I wouldn't build up that hypothetical wall. All it takes is a UND FCS national championship and things could change albeit temporarily.

Couldn't agree more. In fact, given the current state of UND athletics, I'd argue UND football should have by far the most marketing in terms of investment. UND hockey has already built and established their following to impressive levels.

I'm not losing any sleep over the move. In fact, it's about time the move was made. Doesn't make sense for UND, a school in the Midwest, to be in a west coast conference. Montana and Montana State are impressive venues for the FCS but the rest of the Big Sky Conference is quite average. I will enjoy being able to actually attend UND football road games within the Missouri Valley Football Conference.