RAPID CITY, SD – South Dakota Mines is celebrating its annual homecoming, known as Rocker Days, with a week of events that highlight the university’s traditions and connect students with the community. The festivities, which began Sunday, are drawing students and local residents into the spirit of the Hardrockers, with a full schedule of activities culminating in a downtown parade and homecoming games.
The week’s traditions include students painting the windows of local businesses in downtown Rapid City, a tradition that kicked off the week on Sunday. A highlight of the week is the annual “Whitewashing of the M” on Friday, Sept. 26. Students will trek to the iconic “M” on Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park to refresh the university’s landmark.
This year’s Rocker Days also features the inauguration of Mines President Brian Tande, Ph.D., on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at the King Center. Following the inauguration, a concert will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. at O’Harra Stadium’s parking lot.
The celebration continues throughout the week with events like the Coronation, Bonfire and Pep Rally on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Beck Ballroom and O’Harra Stadium. On the same evening, students will take part in the Car Bash at the stadium’s parking lot.
The week of festivities wraps up on Saturday, Sept. 27, with a full slate of events for the community to show its Hardrocker spirit. The day begins with the Rocker Days Parade at 10 a.m. in downtown Rapid City, featuring more than 30 local businesses and student groups. Following the parade, the Hardrocker football team will take on the Fort Lewis Skyhawks at 2 p.m. at O’Harra Stadium. During halftime of the game, the traditional Frosh Run and Formation of the M will take place, where freshmen students run to the field to form the letter “M.” The day of athletic competition concludes with the Hardrocker volleyball team facing the Colorado Christian Cougars at 6 p.m. at the King Center.
The community of Rapid City and the Black Hills region are invited to join in the celebrations and traditions throughout the week.
Schedule of Events – Rocker Days 2025
- Sept. 24 – Presidential Inauguration, 3 p.m., King Center
- Sept. 24 – Inauguration Concert, 5 – 8 p.m., O’Harra Stadium Parking Lot
- Sept. 25 – Coronation, Bonfire and Pep Rally, 7:30 p.m., Beck Ballroom and O’Harra Stadium Parking Lot
- Sept. 25 – Car Bash, 8 p.m., O’Harra Stadium Parking Lot
- Sept. 26 – Whitewashing of the M, noon, Hanson-Larsen Memorial Park
- Sept. 26 – Volleyball Game vs. Colorado State University Pueblo, 6 p.m., King Center
- Sept. 27: Rockers Day Parade, 10 a.m. downtown, Main and St. Joseph streets, 4th to 7th
- Sept. 27 Football game vs. Fort Lewis, 2 p.m., O’Harra Stadium
- Sept. 27: Frosh Run and Formation of the M, O’Harra Stadium, halftime of the homecoming game
- Sept. 27: Volleyball vs. Colorado Christian University, 6p.m., King Center
