MINOT, N.D. – Excitement is in the air for the start of the new era in Beaver football and the Minot State Athletic Department is ready to celebrate with Beaver Nation!

The celebration kicks off on Thursday, August 31, when Minot State football hosts Southwest Minnesota State at 6 p.m., and everyone is invited to help "DEFEND THE HERB!"

Minot State Athletics is passing out free tickets to the season opener and welcoming the community to come out and cheer on new head coach Ian Shields and the Beavers as they battle the SW Minnesota State Mustangs at First Western Bank Field at Herb Parker Stadium as Minot State looks to break the all-time attendance record.

"We are gearing up to celebrate a win at the first football game of the year," Janna McKechnie, Minot State's Assistant Athletic Director of External Operations said. "Free shirts, fan engagement giveaways, and fireworks! We are kicking this season off with a bang. We hope the community is as excited as we are!"

Minot State will pass out free tickets to the August 31 opener at local schools, and fans can pick up free tickets on Monday, August 28, at the "Meet The Beavers" social at Scheels at the Dakota Square Mall from 5-7 p.m.

Along with passing out more than 5,000 free tickets to kick off the season, the first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a free t-shirt. There also will be promotional games throughout the evening, a local mascot race at halftime, and following the game a firework display sponsored by Lizotte Fireworks and Ryan Family Dealerships.

Tailgating at the MSU Dome starts at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 31. Gates open at 4:30 p.m., and kick-off for the 2023 season is scheduled for 6 p.m.