A study group is poised to recommend demolition of Sioux Falls Arena, which would come amidst debate over the facility’s future.
Multiple venues around the Denny Sanford Premier Center, including the arena and Sioux Falls Stadium, have been the subject of an analysis led by a study group that was tabbed by the city. It appears that the group is starting to emerge with some recommendations, including a potential demolition of Sioux Falls Arena.
The subcommittee tasked with considering long-term strategies for Sioux Falls Arena looked into other scenarios, such as a possible renovation or expansion. However, it appears that the group was not sold on the economics of making long-term investments in the venue–which first opened in 1961–and will instead recommend that it be demolished. More from SiouxFalls.Business:
The subcommittee that studied the arena spent considerable time looking at options for renovating and expanding it, including adding a second story, members said.
“We just never got comfortable that would be the best return on investment for our community,” said committee member Tony Nour, a senior vice president at First Premier Bank.
“It was expensive … and resulted in something less than desired in terms of additional square footage … and didn’t provide the best user experience.”…
“Twenty years from now, do we envision a campus that includes an 80-year-old arena, even if it’s just a shell?” Nour asked.
Sioux Falls Arena has been used for a variety of events over its years of operation, including concerts for big-name performers such as Elvis Presley, Elton John, and more. It has also used been used for collegiate sports and has had some professional tenants in the past, among them the NBA Gatorade League’s Sioux Falls Skyforce, who played there until moving into the Sanford Pentagon in 2013.
