SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Augustana hockey opens the doors to Midco Arena for the first time in the 2026-27 season Friday night as the Vikings host Minnesota Duluth for a two-game series. The puck drops at 7:07 p.m. Friday, followed by a 6:07 p.m. start Saturday.

The Vikings and Bulldogs meet for the second consecutive season after Augustana traveled to Duluth during the 2025-26 season. The two teams split the series, with Minnesota Duluth earning a 4-1 victory in the opening game before Augustana responded with a 4-0 shutout in the series finale.

What's New at Midco Arena for 2026–27

• Nordic Wrap at Midgard Meatball: Shredded chicken, grilled onions, and melted Havarti cheese stacked on grilled naan bread, finished with field greens and lingonberry aioli.
• Vaffler Stand Upgrades: Ice Cream Sundaes are now available at the Vaffler Stand.
• Expanded Pizza & Smash Favorites: Midco Arena has launched new local partnerships with Union City Pizza and Smash.
• Beer at All Concessions: Beer is now sold at all concession stands throughout the arena (be sure to bring your ID).
• SE Concourse Grab N Go: A new Grab N Go station on the SE concourse makes grabbing quick snacks and drinks faster during intermissions.
• Goal Song Fan Vote: Help choose the song played after every Augustana goal! Listen to the options and vote for your favorite at GoAugie.com/goalsong.
• "Let's Play Augustana Hockey" Tradition: Select home games will feature a special guest to fire up the crowd with the ceremonial call: "Let's Play Augustana Hockey!"
• Augustana Hockey Cheer: The new Hockey Cheer team will perform on the ice during pregame and support the crowd from the stands throughout the game.

Puck Drop Block Party Presented by First PREMIER Bank / PREMIER Bankcard

• When & Where: Saturday, Oct. 18 | 3–5 PM | Outside Midco Arena
• Event Details: Kick off the season before Saturday's game at the first-ever Puck Drop Block Party prior to Augustana Hockey's Opening Weekend matchup against Minnesota Duluth.
• Activities: Features food trucks, a beer garden, a live DJ, yard games, inflatables, a fan raffle, and more.

The Bulldogs
Minnesota Duluth finished the 2025-26 season with a 24-15-1 record and reached the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs advanced to the NCAA Regional Final before their season came to an end, while also finishing as runners-up in the NCHC Frozen Faceoff. Head coach Scott Sandelin enters his 27th season behind the UMD bench after leading the Bulldogs to their 12th NCAA Tournament appearance last season.

Minnesota Duluth opened the 2026-27 season at home against Long Island University, sweeping the series opener at AMSOIL Arena. The Bulldogs will make their first trip to Sioux Falls for the series against the Vikings, marking UMD's first games played at Augustana's Midco Arena.

The Vikings
Augustana enters its fourth season of NCAA Division I hockey following the best season in program history. The Vikings finished 22-11-4 in 2025-26 and placed third in the CCHA with a 14-8-4 conference record. 

The Vikings opened the 2026-27 season with an exhibition matchup against North Dakota in Grand Forks. Augustana now turns its attention to its first regular-season game and its first home contest of the year against the Bulldogs.

The Vikings return to Midco Arena after posting a 16-2-3 home record during the 2025-26 season. Augustana's home opener begins a 19-game home schedule for the 2026-27 campaign, including five non-conference games and 14 CCHA contests.

The two-game series against Minnesota Duluth marks the beginning of a three-game homestand for the Vikings. Augustana will remain at Midco Arena for its first three regular-season games before traveling to Omaha to finish the home-and-home series.