SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The SDSU Jackrabbits will face off against the NDSU Bison on Saturday for the chance to keep the Dakota Marker trophy. This year, the game will be at the Fargodome in North Dakota, but plenty of bars in South Dakota are hosting watch parties.
Kickoff is at 7 p.m. Friday and will be broadcast on ESPN2. According to the Fargodome website, tickets for the game are sold out.
Sioux Falls
The Sioux Empire Staters, a group with SDSU’s alumni association, are hosting watch parties on the east and west sides of Sioux Falls. Both locations will have specials for fans.
Shenanigans on the west side will have $3 SDSU Bud Light cans.
“I feel like people are always wanting to sit and watch with other SDSU crowds,” said Val Ellens, president of the Sioux Empire Staters. “It’s just fun to go in there and see all of the blue at each table. When we do get a touchdown, they cheer, like everyone gets really into it. Some people bring their cowbells to the watch party. So, it’s pretty fun.”
At Gib’s Sports Bar on the eastside, they’re serving $25 pizza with domestic pitchers, along with an SDSU branded glass. Gib’s owner, Jackson Rentschler, said they will have the same specials at their other location, The Gateway Lounge.
“At the Gateway, we just always have on games when they’re on,” he said. “They’ll both be in surround sound and on all the big screens on Saturday. With us playing NDSU, it’ll be a big one.”
Renstchler said they’re doing a raffle for tickets to later season games at Gibs. Both Gib’s and Gateway will have $4 Ears Up beer available.
Rapid City
The West River Jacks alumni group’s watch party will be at Thirsty’s bar in Rapid City. Kickoff is at 6 p.m. MT.
There will be a silent auction during the game with the chance to win gift packs with sweatshirts, other swag and gift cards.
Britton
The Britton Country Club, 15 miles from the North Dakota border, is hosting an Oktoberfest and football event starting at 1 p.m.
They’ll be serving traditional German-style beer, along with sauerbraten, schnitzel, smoked sausage, German meatballs, boiled potatoes, spaetzle and desserts. The German buffet is from 5-9 p.m. or until the food runs out.
Free 12 oz taps will be available at game kickoff.