Trojan Days brings DSU community together Oct. 5–10

October 2, 2026

MADISON, S.D. - The 2026 Dakota State University Homecoming schedule includes campus traditions, athletic contests, alumni gatherings, student activities, and opportunities to support DSU students and the greater community.

A centerpiece of this year's celebration will be Trojans Give Back on Thursday, Oct. 8. The annual day of service invites members of the Trojan community to contribute their time, talents, and resources in support of others.

"Trojans Give Back is our annual day of service, answering the call to serve our communities and one another," said DSU President John Ballard. "At Dakota State, answering that call can take many forms. It can mean giving your time, sharing your talents, serving your community, or helping create an opportunity for somebody else."

Thursday's activities will begin with Donuts for Donations at 7 a.m. A Trojans Give Back kickoff and food truck festival will be held at 12:30 p.m. in the Beacom PREMIER Complex Tailgate Zone, followed by Trojans Give Back activities at 2 p.m. at Brian Kern Stadium.

The virtual Trojans Give Back fundraising campaign will continue throughout the day. This year's greatest philanthropic need is Champion Scholarships, which help make a DSU education possible for talented students who may require financial support to attend college.

"A scholarship is more than financial assistance," Ballard said. "Your support sends a message to a student that someone really believes in them, sees their potential, and is willing to invest in their future."

The Trojans Give Back donation portal will remain open through Oct. 15. Gifts of all sizes will support opportunities for current and future Trojans.

Homecoming festivities begin Monday, Oct. 5, with a Colorful Kickoff featuring tie-dyeing and color dodgeball at 4 p.m. on the west lawn of the Trojan Center. The DSU women's soccer team will host Dakota Wesleyan University at 6 p.m. at the Dan Beacom Track and Field Complex, while the junior varsity volleyball team will face Iowa Lakes Community College at 6 p.m. in the DSU Fieldhouse.

On Tuesday, Oct. 6, the DSU community will gather for the Homecoming coronation and a performance by comedic magician Derek Hughes at 7:30 p.m. in the Dakota Prairie Playhouse.

Wednesday's activities include Donuts for Donations, Educators Rising, a World Mental Health Day event, Stuff-a-Stuff, custom tote bag decorating, and a women's soccer match against Waldorf University. Traveling Trojan clues will also be posted on Facebook at 10 a.m. each day throughout the week.

Alumni activities will take center stage on Friday, Oct. 9. The schedule inc

ludes an alumni and faculty picnic at noon, the DSU Alumni Golf Tournament at 1:30 p.m., the Trojans Together Social at 3 p.m., the DSU Alumni Baseball Game at 6 p.m., and the Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony at 6:30 p.m. A Hall of Fame Social will follow at 8:30 p.m. in downtown Madison.

Trojan Days culminates Saturday, Oct. 10. The day begins with the Community Center Color Run at 8 a.m., followed by alumni and student parade watch parties beginning at 9:30 a.m. The annual Homecoming parade will start at 10 a.m., traveling from North Washington Avenue to Sixth Street, then to Egan Avenue.

Campus tours will begin at 11 a.m. at the Trojan Zone, and tailgating activities will start at 11:30 a.m. at the Beacom PREMIER Complex. The Trojans will close the week's festivities by taking the field for the Homecoming football game at 3 p.m. at Blankley Field against Dickinson State.

For the complete Trojan Days schedule, visit the Trojans Days homepage. To support Trojans Give Back, visit the online campaign page.

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