Fargodome Authority Acknowledges Potential Funding Gap for Convention Center

Concerns raised about using Fargodome funds for convention center instead of needed Fargodome renovations.

Mar. 4, 2026 at 11:59pm

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The Fargodome Authority (FDA) has identified a potential funding issue with its Phase Two proposal for the new Fargo Convention Center project. The FDA had previously committed to using funds from the Fargodome Permanent Fund to help finance the convention center, but now says NDSU believes those funds should be reserved for necessary improvements to the Fargodome itself, especially with the recent move of NDSU football to the Football Bowl Subdivision. The FDA says this could make the land lease amendment needed for the convention center more challenging than expected, and may require additional public investment or alternative funding solutions.

Why it matters

The Fargodome is a key asset for the city of Fargo, hosting major events and serving as the home stadium for the popular NDSU football team. Ensuring adequate funding for both the convention center project and necessary Fargodome renovations is crucial to maintaining Fargo's status as a regional hub for sports, entertainment, and business events.

The details

The FDA's Phase One proposal had stated the authority was 'willing to pledge a significant amount of funds from the Fargodome Permanent Fund' to help finance the convention center. However, the FDA now says NDSU believes using those funds for the convention center would prevent needed improvements at the Fargodome itself. This could complicate the land lease amendment required for the convention center to proceed. The FDA also acknowledged a potential funding gap that may require additional public investment or alternative funding solutions.

  • The FDA's Phase Two proposal for the convention center was submitted recently.
  • The FDA is scheduled to be interviewed by the Convention Center committee on March 10, 2026.

The players

Fargodome Authority (FDA)

The group overseeing the Fargodome stadium and proposing the new Fargo Convention Center project.

David Suppes

President of the Fargodome Authority.

North Dakota State University (NDSU)

The university that plays its football games at the Fargodome and has a land lease agreement with the FDA.

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What they’re saying

“Using Fargodome Permanent funds toward the Convention Center would preclude other necessary improvements at Fargodome.”

— NDSU

“The current land lease between the FDA and NDSU 'must ultimately be amended to allow the Convention Center, hotel, and entertainment district to proceed,' saying it could 'now be more challenging than previously understood.'”

— David Suppes, President, Fargodome Authority

What’s next

The FDA is scheduled to be interviewed by the Convention Center committee on March 10, 2026 to discuss the potential funding issue.

The takeaway

The Fargodome Authority is facing a delicate balancing act in securing funding for both the new convention center project and necessary renovations to the Fargodome itself, which serves as a crucial community asset and home to the popular NDSU football team. Resolving this funding challenge will be key to ensuring Fargo maintains its status as a regional hub for events and entertainment.