Anyone can support their local university’s football team, but there are some specific rites of passage that fans will have to experience before they can officially call themselves Bison fans. These are the things that any Bison fan, new or old, have been a part of. They are a part of Bison culture and prove that you have what it takes to be a part of the pride of North Dakota.

1. It’s pronounced Bizon-not Bison

•  This is the first lesson that any Bison fan must learn. When stating the team in the green and gold-the s must turn into a z. “Home of the BiZon” often accompanied with a horns up that can replace a midwestern two finger wave during football season.

2. Survive the experience that is morning tailgating

• When the air starts getting cold you may think Fargo fans would hibernate inside. But not Bison fans. When the notorious second season of football arrives and playoffs begin, games get slotted for 11 in the morning. This has never stopped a true fan from tailgating here in Fargo, North Dakota. We simply put our horns up a little earlier, bundle up a little bit more and engage in a few local libations inside heated tents. The cold never bothered us anyways.

3. Book your tickets to South Fargo. Oh, we mean Frisco

• Nearly every year the Bison advance to the championship game down in Frisco, Texas. So often, in fact that Frisco’s mayor awaits our arrival - we do contribute quite a bit to the local business. Frisco natives are even becoming close friends and often share that Bison fans should know their way around by now. South Fargo here we come!

4. Learn & participate in the many Bison cheers

• The famous fargo football games are no sitting matter. The FargoDome routinely goes over 100 decibels and is known as one of the loudest environments to play college football...not too shabby for little old Fargo, huh? The students are known for participating in all the cheers, turn to them for guidance. The students will become the teachers as the Bison move those chains and dance around following each touchdown.

5. Learn that Texas usually includes tips on their service

• Fargonians are well known for their appreciation and hospitality especially when visiting other places. This includes how we tip our servers; however, if you are looking to save a few bucks when in texas know that the state does have mandatory gratuity laws. Meaning your tip might already be included on your bill. If you are feeling truly appreciative, tip your server extra - we all know they will be working for it when Fargo migrates south!

6. It's not 'for' it's 'fer': fer da herd

• Our accents don’t stop at the door of the FargoDome. The well known Midwestern charm is heard all throughout football season especially during a phrase that is said frequently at football games “that’s another first down fer da herd.” No for or the to be found here.

7.Tailgate in both 80 degree weather and a blizzard

• Fargonians are tough and so is the herd. We all know how the North Dakota weather likes to take us on a roller coaster ride while we mow our lawns one morning and shovel the next. Tailgating is no different. Fargo is known for having quite the tailgating scene with large attendance of fans who won’t be stopped no matter the weather.

8. Drive to Frisco

• The journey to our Southern home is a mere 16 hour drive over 1063 miles; a drive that builds character and teamwork. Through apps, car flags, signs on nearly every state sign and the biggest convoy you’ve ever been a party of - the Bison travel down to Texas. The smart will book flights even before the Bison have booked their tickets to Frisco, but a true Fargonian fan knows the drive builds character.

9. Eat at one of the many restaurants North Dakota doesn’t grace us with 

• Fargo has one of the highest restaurants per capita in the nation, but there are still a few national chains we are missing. While visiting Frisco we encourage you to eat local restaurants. However, if you are looking for a quick chain restaurant that isn’t native to North Dakota be sure to stop by In-N-Out Burger, Whataburger and Raising Canes!

Bison fan or not, we are proud to see our Fargonian community coming together to support our local sports teams! We hope to see Fargo make national news again and know support will come from the community! Did we miss any tips about traveling to Frisco? Let us know!

Until next time,

Stay warm Fargo!