Fargo, North Dakota, has been recognized as one of the top college football towns in the United States, according to a recent list published by The Washington Post. The city ranks tenth among a selection of renowned locations, including Baton Rouge, Madison, and Ann Arbor, which are traditionally recognized for their vibrant college football culture.
While Fargo is not as large or well-known as some of its peers, it boasts a rich history in college football, particularly through the achievements of the North Dakota State University (NDSU) Bison. The team’s championship pedigree, including multiple national titles and numerous NFL draft picks, has solidified its reputation beyond its Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) status.
Fargo’s Unique Football Culture
The Post’s list highlights the unique atmosphere of college football towns, showcasing a blend of community spirit and enthusiasm for the sport. Fargo’s ranking comes just below Boulder, Colorado, where the University of Colorado is located. In the previous year, NDSU faced off against Colorado in a season-opening game, further establishing Fargo’s competitive presence.
The complete list compiled by The Washington Post includes:
- Madison, Wisconsin – University of Wisconsin
- Baton Rouge, Louisiana – LSU
- Ann Arbor, Michigan – University of Michigan
- Eugene, Oregon – University of Oregon
- Clemson, South Carolina – Clemson University
- Athens, Georgia – University of Georgia
- South Bend, Indiana – University of Notre Dame
- Austin, Texas – University of Texas
- Boulder, Colorado – University of Colorado
- Fargo – NDSU
Notably, among the nine schools preceding Fargo on the list, each is part of the higher-level Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). This includes three institutions from the Southeastern Conference, three from the Big Ten, and others from the Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference, along with Notre Dame, an independent institution.
Acknowledgment from Sports Writers
The selection process for the ranking was guided by the insights of seasoned sportswriters at The Washington Post, who collectively brought decades of experience from attending college football games. According to the publication, the rankings were determined based on votes from the sports staff, geographic considerations, and conference parity. Each locale was also evaluated through firsthand experiences during the peak of the football season.
Reporter Kent Babb visited Fargo in early October, attending a game where the Bison faced their in-state rival North Dakota. His observations encompassed various aspects of the game day experience, from the lively downtown scene to the energetic atmosphere at the Fargodome, where NDSU triumphed with a score of 41-17.
“The lights lower, and AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ blares as NDSU players charge onto the field. The noise is earsplitting. The dome may only seat about 19,000, but the acoustics have been clocked at similar levels to a jet engine,” Babb noted.
Fargo is set to continue its football season with an upcoming game against Tennessee State University in Nashville, followed by its first home game against Southeast Missouri State. Fans can expect a celebratory atmosphere, including a banner raising for NDSU’s tenth national championship and replica title rings for the first few thousand attendees. This event not only marks a significant moment for the team but also reinforces Fargo’s status as one of the premier college football towns in America.
