Aug. 26—GRAND FORKS — A year ago, all six home UND football games exceeded 10,000 fans for the first time.
UND officials expect to continue that trend to kick off the 2026 season, although the school will still rely on a walk-up turnout when the Fighting Hawks take on Long Island University at 7 p.m. Thursday in the Alerus Center.
As of late last week, UND was sitting at roughly 3 percent attrition for season tickets compared to 2025. Early this week, that number started to improve, according to UND deputy athletic director Erik Martinson.
UND's season ticket sales have fluctuated in recent years around approximately 5,000 to 6,000, with the North Dakota State home-road matchup often the key variable between totals.
The Bison are no longer on UND's schedule as NDSU moves into the Mountain West Conference this season.
"It takes people a little longer to flip the page to fall from summer," Martinson said. "We're trying to hit (sales) hard right now, knowing people are slower in August looking ahead to the fall. We know there'll be a huge walk-up crowd and buying the week of (the opener)."
UND, ranked No. 10 in the Stats Perform Preseason FCS Top 25, hasn't lost a home opener since 1986 — a Potato Bowl setback to Texas A&M-Kingsville.
UND's home opener in 2025 drew 11,469 fans as Portland State also served as the Potato Bowl matchup.
The Hawks, in Year 2 of head coach Eric Schmidt, are at home the first two weeks of the year — against Long Island University and St. Thomas (Sept. 5, Potato Bowl).
UND then hits the road for three straight — Portland State (Sept. 12), Nebraska (Sept. 19) and Indiana State (Sept. 26).
The Hawks' home slate then includes Missouri Valley Football Conference matchups Murray State (Oct. 3, homecoming), South Dakota State (Oct. 17), Illinois State (Nov. 7) and Southern Illinois (Nov. 21).
UND football season tickets start at $170 per seat.
For the home opener, UND's tailgate lots will open at noon. A band will be playing in the tailgate village from 3:45 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. The tailgate lot will feature inflatables, games and food.
Post-game fireworks are also planned for the opener.
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