================================================================================ UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 _______________ FORM 8-K CURRENT REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 _______________ Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): MARCH 31, 2003 BRIGHAM EXPLORATION COMPANY (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 000-22433 75-2692967 (State or other jurisdiction (Commission (IRS Employer of incorporation) File Number) Identification No.) 6300 BRIDGEPOINT PARKWAY BUILDING TWO, SUITE 500 AUSTIN, TEXAS 78730 (Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (512) 427-3300 ================================================================================ ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS On March 31, 2003, the Registrant issued a press release announcing the filing of its Form 10-K for 2002 and updates to its 2002 financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2002, which is attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto. The full text of the press release is filed and incorporated in this Report as if fully set forth herein. ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS. (c) Exhibits The exhibits listed in the accompanying Index to Exhibits are filed or furnished as a part of this Form 8-K. SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. BRIGHAM EXPLORATION COMPANY Date: April 1, 2003 By: /s/ Eugene B. Shepherd, Jr --------------------------- Eugene B. Shepherd, Jr. Chief Financial Officer 2 INDEX TO EXHIBITS Item Number Exhibit ------------ ------- 99.1* Press Release dated March 31, 2003 3