A Look Inside The Trojan Zone
Whether you’re grabbing a notebook between classes or searching for a hoodie to survive South Dakota winters, the Trojan Zone inside the Trojan Center is a familiar stop for DSU students. More than just a campus bookstore, it’s a neatly organized, multi-section store that blends school essentials with a heavy dose of Trojan pride.
The entrance is clean and inviting, with glass doors leading into a bright space filled with rows of neatly arranged merchandise. To your left and right, clothing racks display a wide variety of licensed DSU apparel—from classic navy-blue hoodies to breathable workout gear and long-sleeve shirts. Sizes range widely, and there’s a clearance rack too, marked with a color-coded discount key to help you figure out the best deals.
Near the front, a wall of mannequins dressed in coordinated DSU gear sits behind glass. The setup feels like something you’d see in a retail store downtown, with beanies, joggers, and even DSU-branded socks and accessories. It’s not just there for decoration either, it sets the tone for what the store is really about: campus identity.
There’s a Spirit/Gift section where rows of mugs, tumblers, and water bottles all feature various DSU logos and designs—from the sharp, modern Dakota State “D” to vintage-style Trojans fonts. Whether you’re picking up a coffee mug for your desk or a water bottle for the gym, there’s no shortage of branded options.
Somewhere in the middle, a pegboard-style wall display holds smaller items like keychains, magnets, lanyards, pins, plush mascots, and cellphone card holders—all featuring DSU logos or mascot artwork. These make for easy gifts, especially during move-in week or when visiting family needs something to take home.
“I always grab a magnet and a pin when my cousins visit,” said a sophomore. “It’s tradition now.”
One surprising highlight of the store is its Game Zone. It features an impressive spread of board and card games—from casual favorites like Uno, Taboo, and Scattergories to strategy games like Catan, Munchkin, Qwirkle, and Warhammer. There’s even a Fortnite-themed Monopoly edition and Super Mario Monopoly for the Nintendo fans.
This section has quietly become a hit with students planning weekend game nights in the dorms. “I wasn’t expecting to find Warhammer figures here, honestly,” said one student browsing the shelf. “It’s nice not having to order online all the time.”
Of course, the Trojan Zone also covers the basics. There’s a stock of school and office supplies—folders, notebooks, pens, binders—as well as electronic accessories like USB drives, chargers, headphones, and even some simple gaming hardware. You’ll also spot art supplies like markers, sketch pads, and colored pencils, useful for students in digital arts or creative majors.
When it comes to prices, student opinions vary. “Some stuff is definitely more than I’d pay on Amazon,” said one student looking through sweatshirts. “But it’s right here, and sometimes that’s worth it.” Others pointed out that pricing is in line with what you’d expect from any university store.
There is a discount system on certain apparel pieces, and students can often find deals if they look around or wait for seasonal restocks.
The Trojan Store gives students the chance to wear their school on their sleeve, literally, while also handling practical needs without a trip off campus. Whether you’re stocking up for finals, finding a last-minute gift, or just killing time between classes, there’s probably something inside worth checking out.
