Sioux Falls Closing In On Grand Opening of Sanford Sports Complex

After years of starts and stops, Sioux Falls, S.D. is moving forward with the construction of several sports and recreational developments that total more than $165 million, turning Sioux Falls into a national competitor and regional hub for sports and entertainment events in the coming years. The cornerstone is the 162-acre Sanford Sports Complex, expected to draw 1 million visitors for sporting events each year and home to $50 million in announced developments so far. Here are some of the highlights:

Sanford Fieldhouse: The 62,000 square foot fieldhouse was the first facility to open within the complex last year. The building is equipped with professional grade Field Turf® and state-of-the-art training and rehabilitation facilities. It will also house the National Institute for Athletic Health & Performance, which draws athletes from across the country, like UFC’s Gray Maynard and Miami Heat small forward, Mike Miller.

Sanford Pentagon:  The crown jewel of the sports complex is a new 160,000 square foot, $19 million facility with 11 basketball courts, designed like a pentagon to give ample room and privacy for the NCAA, AAU and regional classics expected to take place here. Construction is underway and due for completion this fall.

Heritage Court: At the center of the Sanford Pentagon sits Heritage Court, a state-of-the-art basketball court designed to look like a classic court from the 1950s or 60s (it was modeled after the Boston Garden) but with all of the amenities of a modern facility. Once completed, Heritage Court will be the stage for a number of national events, the first of which is a NBA exhibition game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Milwaukee Bucks on November 8.

Additionally, South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota are also beginning work on new sports facilities about an hour in each direction of Sioux Falls: a 200,000 square foot, $23-$28 million indoor practice and human performance facility, and a 6,000 seat, $70 million sports arena, respectively.