FARGO, N.D. – North Dakota State University’s athletic department has received its single largest one-time gift commitment in support of a new indoor practice facility on the NDSU campus that will transform Bison Athletics for years to come.

The WE B Giving Foundation, a private family foundation established by Tom and Dawn Blattner, has pledged $15 million to the Nodak Insurance Company Football Performance Complex, a year-round training facility for Bison student-athletes in football and other outdoor sports including soccer, baseball, softball and golf.

“We are incredibly grateful to Tom and Dawn for their generosity, passion and belief in Bison Athletics,” said NDSU director of athletics Matt Larsen. “The impact of their support and this facility will provide long-lasting training and development opportunities for all student-athletes and athletic programs at NDSU. This is truly an investment in our current and future success.”

Pending approval by the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education and the state legislature, the additional funds will enable NDSU to finish the project with space for a locker room, team meeting room, athletic training and equipment alongside the indoor and outdoor fields already under construction. The total project is estimated at $50 million.

“Having been part of NDSU and Bison Athletics for over 25 years and experiencing firsthand the culture and character within the institution, the players and fan base along with the history of success both on and off the field, we have been called to invest in continuing that legacy,” said Tom Blattner, a 1996 graduate of the NDSU construction management program.

Construction began in mid-September and expected completion is October 2022. The complex will include two full 120-yard fields – one indoors and one outdoors – both with artificial turf, LED lighting, camera platforms, scoreboards, clocks, sound systems and a storage warehouse.

“Bison Football cannot express enough the gratitude we have for the WE B Giving Foundation and Tom and Dawn Blattner,” said NDSU head football coach Matt Entz. “The positive impact these facilities will have on our current and future student-athletes is immeasurable. It is this type of generosity and Bison Pride that allows NDSU to be such a special place to so many people.”