FRISCO, Texas — North Dakota State marks its 11th visit from Fargo to Frisco for the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) title game in the last 15 years since it relocated to a professional soccer stadium situated approximately 30 miles from Dallas, and near the NFL Cowboys’ headquarters.
“Having a fan base that frequently visits their favorite spots like restaurants, bars, and hotels at the national championship venue shows we’ve been here several times,” commented Matt Larsen, the athletic director of North Dakota State. He added, “It’s a really special experience.”
The Bison, who have won nine championships, are set to compete against top-seeded, undefeated Montana State on Monday night. Following this game, a comprehensive renovation project will commence at Toyota Stadium. For at least the next two years, the FCS title game will take place at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Frisco has hosted the FCS championship game more frequently than any other location. It was previously scheduled to host next year’s game and had the potential for another event at the close of the 2026 season, prior to the NCAA’s recent announcement.
Ty Halpin, the NCAA director of championships, noted, “Frisco has been a successful venue, and the community has been exceptional. That aspect remains consistent.” He elaborated that the venue’s capacity would be reduced to about half if it stayed in Frisco, which was not sustainable for both fan bases vying for tickets.
The renovation, which costs an estimated $182 million, aims to enhance the stadium’s capacity by approximately 10%, ultimately providing a larger and more modern facility. The project will unfold in phases; during this year, the Major League Soccer team FC Dallas will play with one side of the stadium being renovated, while another side will undergo renovations until 2026. Completion of the project is expected to extend into 2027, featuring upgrades such as a new roofing structure, enhanced club areas, and a more prominent video display.
While Halpin acknowledged the project’s benefits for the community and the FCS on a long-term basis, he refrained from making absolute commitments regarding a future return to Frisco, though he acknowledged the possibility.
A forthcoming bidding process will determine future host cities for the games after the upcoming two years in Nashville.
“Until construction beings and we see cranes at work, we’re in a position where we must ensure the game is safeguarded,” Halpin stated. “Flexibility is key, as is agility. Frisco has been integral in our development, and with the decision to explore additional options, many significant venues and well-organized cities showed great interest.”
Montana State’s solitary FCS championship victory occurred four decades ago in Charleston, South Carolina. They first reached Frisco during Brent Vigen’s inaugural season as head coach three years ago, only to face a loss against North Dakota State, his alma mater.
Vigen, who served as an assistant coach while North Dakota State secured championships in their initial three trips to Frisco from 2011 to 2013, remarked, “Frisco has seen substantial growth in the past 15 years.” He noted that the area’s population has nearly doubled since 2010, now approaching around 230,000 residents. “This community has continually embraced the opportunity to host the championship and certainly merits another chance to do so.”
