MADISON, S.D. — Dakota State University is hosting Trojan Nights to celebrate the opening of the Brian Kern Family Stadium at the Beacom PREMIER Complex. The event will kick off on Tuesday, August 27, with a concert featuring Old Dominion with special guests Brothers Osborne, Elle King, and Host/DJ Blake Horstmann. The concert is exclusively sponsored by First PREMIER Bank and PREMIER Bankcard. Trojan Nights will conclude Thursday, August 29, in the new stadium, with DSU taking on the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers in the annual Ag Bowl on the new Blankley Field.

The $41 million Beacom PREMIER Complex is the first new DSU athletics facility since the Fieldhouse was finished in 1960. The South Dakota Board of Regents approved the naming of the Beacom PREMIER Complex and the Brian Kern Family Stadium at their meeting this week.

“This new facility is entirely privately funded by stakeholders whose generous support will help our student athletes achieve great things and bring recognition to Dakota State,” said José-Marie Griffiths, President of Dakota State University. “The kickoff concert and first football game are perfect events to celebrate this milestone.”

BEACOM PREMIER COMPLEX

The impact the Beacom family has had on Dakota State University has been pivotal. Alumnus Miles Beacom and his wife Lisa’s financial generosity have resulted in academic, athletic, and research facilities being built on campus. Miles’ brother, Dan Beacom, impacted DSU through his positive personal character as a humble mentor, leader, and motivator who believed in teamwork. PREMIER has long been a strong and active supporter of Dakota State.

“The experience my brother and I had at Dakota State University allowed us to obtain degrees, which helped us succeed in life,” said Miles Beacom, PREMIER Bankcard CEO. “Lisa and I believe it’s important to give back so future DSU students have this same learning experience both in the classroom and on the field.” 

BRIAN KERN FAMILY STADIUM

Madison businessman Brian Kern is a long-time supporter of Dakota State University, providing scholarship and program support for student athletes, and has donated to the new athletics facility. The Brian Kern Family Stadium is an appropriate tribute to the family’s efforts, which benefit DSU student-athletes, the University, and the greater Madison area.

BLANKLEY FIELD

George Blankley served an important role in the early history of Dakota State Athletics as an instructor, coach, and athletic director who also taught students life skills necessary after graduation. He and his wife Shirley continue to impact students through an endowed scholarship. Their giving spirit will live on through future athletes who play on the new field, which previously was named Blankley Field.

TROJAN NIGHTS TICKET INFORMATION

Concert pre-sale tickets for DSU students and employees begin June 28, 2024. Depending on availability, tickets may be released to additional audiences and the general public at a later date. More information about the concert and artists can be found at dsu.edu/trojan-nights.

Ag Bowl celebrates the economic impact of our agricultural partners from across the state of South Dakota. Information about Ag Bowl tickets will be released at a later date.