It was funded through private gifts and long-term revenue streams, including expanded club seats, loge boxes, and a premium suite level.

Lead gifts totaling $12.5 million from Sioux Falls banker Dana Dykhouse and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford were announced in October 2013 and the stadium opened in 2016.

The stadium project was approved by the state Legislature during the 2014 session and signed into law by Governor Dennis Daugaard.

[2] The opening event at the stadium in 2016 was the Jacks Bash concert, which featured country music artists Lee Brice, Little Big Town, and Luke Bryan on September 8.

The student section often fills the end zone and helps to create a loud environment inside of Dana J Dykhouse Stadium.