South Dakota State’s blue-and-yellow checkerboard end zones will soon have a surrounding structure befitting a Division I football program.

The Jackrabbits are a year away from transitioning out of the 50-year-old Coughlin-Alumni Stadium and into the new $65 million Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium.

But even those attending Saturday’s home opener against Southern Utah will notice dramatic improvements, such as a 100-foot-by 31-foot high-definition video display and wraparound seating on the south and east sides with bathrooms and concessions.

The new seats boost the stadium’s capacity to 17,000. Further improvements scheduled for completion next year will add luxury seating and bump capacity to about 19,350.

Coach John Stiegelmeier says it’ll give the team a bounce in its step.