UND Fan Gift Guide!

The University of North Dakota (UND) is an amazing school with outstanding athletic programs, and whether you’re a life-long fan of UND sports or you’ve recently found your fandom, here’s a guide to equipping yourself for the next big game.

Let’s start with the obvious shopping destinations, but I promise that the “smaller” shops hold just as many gems.

The Sioux Shop at Ralph Engelstad Arena is one of the three main retailers for UND, Fighting Hawks, and legacy Fighting Sioux merchandise.  You can fill your closet and your house – and even outfit your dog – with all the Sioux Shop has to offer.

If you’re looking to support athletes with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals, this is the place to go (I believe it’s the only place to go).  And if you can’t find athlete-specific gear in the store, you can order custom merch by going to the Sioux Shop online.

Another one of the main retailers is Scheels.  The Grand Forks location has a large selection of UND apparel and other items.  It’s undoubtedly one of the best stops for shopping UND gear, and shoot, so much more.

Throughout the years, I’ve seen some items that come from Scheels that turn into real head-turners and conversation starters.  But sometimes, once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Most UND students are probably aware that the UND Bookstore is a legit merch destination, but why would anyone go there if they aren’t in need of a textbook?  Well, let me tell you why!

This place is much more than just a bookstore anymore.  In fact, apparel and merchandise control about 60% of the store, and some of those items can only be found here!  For example, for all you parents of UND students out there, got a kid in med school?  Maybe they’re an engineering student. This place can help you show how proud you are with some parent- and other family-specific merchandise.

But it’s not just that; the UND Bookstore has some amazing fan apparel and unique gifts worth being shopped by any proud UND fan or alum.

Before reading this list, please know that the vendors and shopping locations are nearly endless for this loud and proud fanbase.  So, if you sell, create, or stock UND merchandise and I haven’t named you, I’m sorry!  But here goes…

The big three retailers are excellent options for finding your style, but there are so many others out there, and you never know what you might come across – including at thrift stores, estate sales, or online auctions.  Here is a list of worthwhile locations to check out in alphabetical order…

• AeroStop (store in Robin Hall on the campus of UND)
• Dirt Roads Dakota – The Collective
• JC Penney
• Kohl’s
• Larger convenience stores/truck stops
• Local farmers market vendors
• Midtown Marketplace
• Northern Roots Boutique
• Sam’s Club
• Silo Boutique
• Target
• Walmart

At the end of the day, finding great UND gear is part of the fun.  You might head out looking for a new sweatshirt and come home with a vintage Fighting Sioux hat, a gift for your favorite UND alum, or something you didn’t even know you needed.

The big retailers will always be great places to start, but don’t overlook the smaller shops, local vendors, and unexpected stops along the way.  Grand Forks and East Grand Forks are full of UND pride, and sometimes the best finds are the ones you weren’t looking for.

So, get out there, shop around, support local when you can, and most importantly, wear your UND gear proudly.