The all-sports rivalry series between South Dakota's two Division I athletic programs enters a new phase with First Interstate Bank taking over as presenting sponsor of the competition between University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University.
"Sports are more than just a game; they create opportunities for families and friends to come together, focus on a common goal, and build fan followings—a community," said Ryan Boschee, First Interstate Bank Regional President. "First Interstate is proud to support both USD and SDSU Athletics with the Interstate Series because we know opportunities in higher education help create strong, vibrant communities. We stand behind these schools and the student athletes working hard to ensure this rivalry series is one to remember."
The Interstate Series will use the same points system first established during the rivalry series' inaugural 2012-13 athletics season, which features both athletic and academic components. On the athletics side, a total of 20 points will be up for grabs in 16 sports. Points will be awarded to winners of head-to-head matchups in football, men's and women's basketball, women's soccer, volleyball and softball, while the team with the higher finish in Summit League postseason events in cross country, track and field, golf, and swimming and diving will earn points in those respective sports.
In addition, schools can earn up to three points each for academic performance.
"We are thrilled to partner with First Interstate Bank and renew the interstate rivalry with South Dakota State," said USD Senior Associate Athletic Director Joe Thuente. "It is a good fit for our university, our community and the great state of South Dakota. Now let's bring the trophy back to Vermillion!"
Over the previous 11 seasons, SDSU holds a 6-5 advantage in the rivalry series, including posting a 14-12 victory during the 2022-23 athletics season.
“The partnership with First Interstate Bank will continue to showcase athletic and academic excellence for both universities,” said SDSU Director of Athletics Justin Sell. “We are excited to brand the Interstate Series and look forward to future years of head-to-head competition.”
Over the previous 11 seasons, SDSU holds a 6-5 advantage in the rivalry series, including posting a 14-12 victory during the 2022-23 athletics season.
The Interstate Rivalry is presented in conjunction with Learfield Sports and their respective Coyote Sports Properties and Jackrabbit Sports Properties divisions. First Interstate is a community bank with more than 300 branches across 14 states, including branches in more than 20 cities in South Dakota.
The 2023-24 Interstate Rivalry Series kicks off Sunday, Sept. 24, when South Dakota hosts South Dakota State in women's soccer. A complete list of Interstate Rivalry Series dates and locations is as follows:
- Sept. 24 – Women's Soccer at South Dakota, 1 p.m.
- Oct. 17 – Volleyball at South Dakota, 7 p.m.
- Oct. 28 – Men's and Women's Cross Country Summit League Championships at SDSU, 11 a.m.
- Oct. 28 – Football at South Dakota, 1 p.m. [2 points]
- Nov. 11 – Volleyball at SDSU, 7 p.m.
- Jan. 20 – Men's Basketball at South Dakota, TBA
- Jan. 20 – Women's Basketball at SDSU, 6 p.m.
- Feb. 3 – Men's Basketball at SDSU, 1 p.m.
- Feb. 3 – Women's Basketball at South Dakota, TBA Feb. 21-24 – Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving Summit League Championships; Minneapolis
- Feb. 23-24 – Men's and Women's Indoor Track & Field Summit League Championships; Fargo, N.D.
- Apr. 21-23 – Women's Golf Summit League Championships; Lincoln, Neb.
- Apr. 28-30 – Men's Golf Summit League Championships; Lincoln, Neb.
- TBA – Softball series at South Dakota
- May 9-11 – Men's and Women's Outdoor Track & Field Summit League Championships; St. Paul, Minn.