Celebrate and Support Bison Athletics in Statewide 701 Day Event
6/22/2026 10:01:00 AM | Football, Team Makers
FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota State University Athletics will be celebrating 701 Day in cities across the state on July 1, 2026, holding a day of giving and hitting the road, bringing the excitement of NDSU's first day in the Mountain West Conference and Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) directly to fans across North Dakota. NDSU staff will travel to communities throughout the state, meeting fans, handing out prizes and giveaways, and celebrating this historic milestone as they help fuel the day of giving for Bison Athletics.
Supporting scholarships, football operations, NIL support and facility enhancements, 701 Day is a major fundraising initiative aimed to accelerate the Climb the Mountain campaign and position Bison Football for success as it transitions to FBS in 2026.
The 24-hour giving event will officially begin at 7:01 a.m. on July 1 and continue through 7:01 a.m. on July 2. Supporters can learn more and make their gift at 701Day.com.
Thanks to generous matches from anonymous donors, Bell Bank, David & Stef Clouston, Corwin Automotive Group, South University Dental Associates, ETHOZ Group and We-B-Giving Foundation, the 701 Day initiative has an overall goal of 701 donors. By reaching this goal, NDSU will unlock up to $10 million in donor matching dollars for the Climb the Mountain campaign.
"This is a defining moment not only for Bison football but for our entire university, community and state," said Derrick Lang, Executive Director of NDSU Team Makers. "This move to the Mountain West brings incredible opportunity and visibility for the whole university, and it will require all of Bison Nation to rally together and invest in the future of our success."
Coaches and athletics staff will be stationed across the state of North Dakota, giving fans the opportunity to celebrate this historic day with members of NDSU Athletics. As part of the scavenger hunt, the exact locations will be shared on NDSU Athletics social media channels on July 1. The first fan at each location will win a grand prize including branded gear and an exclusive game day experience at a Bison home game, with more prizes available while supplies last.
Fans across the state will have the opportunity to locate and win giveaway items placed throughout North Dakota on July 1. Follow @NDSUathletics on Facebook, Instagram and X, and use the hashtag #BISON701. You can also upload your photos to our 701 Day Fan Wall at GoBison.com/My701 to show where you're celebrating 701 Day.
About Climb the Mountain: The Climb the Mountain Campaign was created to help position NDSU Football for long term success at the FBS level. Campaign support will directly impact areas including student-athlete scholarships, expanded operational resources, recruiting, staffing, NIL opportunities, and facility improvements.
NDSU officially transitions to the FBS subdivision on July 1, 2026.
701 DAY CELEBRATION LOCATIONS
Ashley
Bismarck
Devils Lake
Dickinson
Fargo
Grand Forks
Minot
New Salem
Wahpeton
Williston
DONOR TOTALS FOR CHALLENGES
50: South University Dental Associates (Chad Bergan, Alex Althoff & Todd DeBates) — $100,000
100: ETHOZ Group (Aaron Tait, Paul Zenker, Zane Erickson, Brady Helmer & Mike Opat) — $200,000
200: Dave & Stef Clouston — $200,000
300: Bell Bank — $500,000
400: Corwin Auto Group — $600,000
500: Anonymous — $1 million
600: Anonymous — $2.5 million
701: We-B-Giving Foundation — $5 million
Supporting scholarships, football operations, NIL support and facility enhancements, 701 Day is a major fundraising initiative aimed to accelerate the Climb the Mountain campaign and position Bison Football for success as it transitions to FBS in 2026.
The 24-hour giving event will officially begin at 7:01 a.m. on July 1 and continue through 7:01 a.m. on July 2. Supporters can learn more and make their gift at 701Day.com.
Thanks to generous matches from anonymous donors, Bell Bank, David & Stef Clouston, Corwin Automotive Group, South University Dental Associates, ETHOZ Group and We-B-Giving Foundation, the 701 Day initiative has an overall goal of 701 donors. By reaching this goal, NDSU will unlock up to $10 million in donor matching dollars for the Climb the Mountain campaign.
"This is a defining moment not only for Bison football but for our entire university, community and state," said Derrick Lang, Executive Director of NDSU Team Makers. "This move to the Mountain West brings incredible opportunity and visibility for the whole university, and it will require all of Bison Nation to rally together and invest in the future of our success."
Coaches and athletics staff will be stationed across the state of North Dakota, giving fans the opportunity to celebrate this historic day with members of NDSU Athletics. As part of the scavenger hunt, the exact locations will be shared on NDSU Athletics social media channels on July 1. The first fan at each location will win a grand prize including branded gear and an exclusive game day experience at a Bison home game, with more prizes available while supplies last.
Fans across the state will have the opportunity to locate and win giveaway items placed throughout North Dakota on July 1. Follow @NDSUathletics on Facebook, Instagram and X, and use the hashtag #BISON701. You can also upload your photos to our 701 Day Fan Wall at GoBison.com/My701 to show where you're celebrating 701 Day.
About Climb the Mountain: The Climb the Mountain Campaign was created to help position NDSU Football for long term success at the FBS level. Campaign support will directly impact areas including student-athlete scholarships, expanded operational resources, recruiting, staffing, NIL opportunities, and facility improvements.
NDSU officially transitions to the FBS subdivision on July 1, 2026.
701 DAY CELEBRATION LOCATIONS
Ashley
Bismarck
Devils Lake
Dickinson
Fargo
Grand Forks
Minot
New Salem
Wahpeton
Williston
DONOR TOTALS FOR CHALLENGES
50: South University Dental Associates (Chad Bergan, Alex Althoff & Todd DeBates) — $100,000
100: ETHOZ Group (Aaron Tait, Paul Zenker, Zane Erickson, Brady Helmer & Mike Opat) — $200,000
200: Dave & Stef Clouston — $200,000
300: Bell Bank — $500,000
400: Corwin Auto Group — $600,000
500: Anonymous — $1 million
600: Anonymous — $2.5 million
701: We-B-Giving Foundation — $5 million
Tuesday, August 19
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Wednesday, August 31
Wednesday, August 31
