USD to Celebrate 111th Annual Dakota Days Sept. 29-Oct. 4
“Dakota Days is more than a tradition—it’s a celebration of what makes USD such a special place,” said USD President Sheila K. Gestring. “It's a moment for students, alumni, faculty, staff and our community to come together, share in our pride and honor the Coyote spirit that connects us all.”
On Monday, Sept. 29, all are invited to attend the Dakota Days Kickoff Carnival held at Coyote Alley. This student-led event runs from 4:30-7 p.m. and features a Dome Dog eating contest, carnival games, inflatables and more, hosted by a variety of student organizations. The carnival will conclude with the Dakota Days Royalty Reveal.
Campus will be buzzing with events and activities through the week, including a street dance, a lip-syncing competition and a Fresh Friday event. The week will also include programming for faculty, staff, alumni and friends of USD, such as a Feed the Funnel volunteering opportunity on Wednesday, Oct. 1 and a Dakota Days Fireworks Show on Friday, Oct. 3.
Friday evening, the Unleash Your Legacy Alumni Achievement Awards will occur from 5:30-9 p.m. in the Sanford Coyotes Sports Center. This cornerstone Dakota Days event celebrates outstanding alumni for their personal and professional achievements, service within their communities and loyalty to USD. The 2025 award recipients are Travis Rhoades ’07, Gov. Dennis Daugaard ’75, Doyle Estes ’71, ’75, Bruce Nolop ’72 and the Legacy Family of the Year, the Riter Family.
Coyote pride will be in full swing Saturday, Oct. 4, as students, alumni and the Coyote community line the streets for the 111th annual Dakota Days parade. Starting at 9 a.m., the parade begins on Main Street near Vermillion High School and will be led by parade marshal Bob Nielson. Student and community floats, the SOUND of USD marching band and community leaders will make their way downtown and end at the intersection of Main and High Streets. A hospitality tent will be available at the Inman House at 415 E. Main St.
The week's events all lead to South Dakota Coyotes football taking on Murray State at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, in the DakotaDome. Before the game, Coyotes and fans are invited to the Coyote Alley Tailgate, where students, alumni, faculty, staff and community come together to build support for the Yotes. Tickets to the game are available online.
Dakota Days is USD’s most highly anticipated campus tradition, and with so many ways to get involved, there is a chance for everyone to join in the Coyote experience.
Visit the Dakota Days webpage to see the full schedule of events.
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