Sioux Falls residents gathered Thursday night at the Sioux Falls Convention Center for an open house aimed at restarting the conversation about a new, larger convention facility. The event, organized by Experience Sioux Falls and Forward Sioux Falls—a partnership of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation—invited the public to share input on location, design and financing, according to Dakota News Now.
Experience Sioux Falls CEO Teri Schmidt highlighted that visitors generated more than $400 million in economic activity for the city in 2025. She warned that the existing 1996‑built center is “not big enough anymore,” noting that Sioux Falls lost 325 countable events in 2024 and 2025, each loss representing millions of dollars in missed sales‑tax revenue and jobs.
Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. CEO Brandon Hanson argued that downtown remains the most walkable and visitor‑friendly location. He said a downtown convention space would allow attendees to walk to restaurants and hotels, boosting local businesses and potentially bringing 1,400 additional people into the city on a typical Tuesday.
While the open house did not feature architectural renderings or a definitive site, participants viewed a presentation at 7:20 p.m. and were encouraged to voice ideas for the future. Schmidt emphasized that “the sky’s the limit” and that community ownership of the project is essential. Hanson echoed that sentiment, describing the prospective center as a “quality of life investment” that could revitalize downtown commerce.
Potential sites discussed include the Riverline District—though that option was paused last year—and a proposed Sanford district at the current Smithfield site. Both leaders agreed that downtown remains the preferred area because of its existing hotel, restaurant and coffee‑shop infrastructure.
For residents who missed Thursday’s session, a second open house is scheduled for December 2 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the downtown Sioux Falls library. Organizers said the follow‑up meeting will continue to gather public feedback and explore financing options.
What’s next: City officials will compile community input from both open houses and present a formal recommendation to the Sioux Falls City Council later this year. The council’s decision will shape whether a new convention center proceeds, potentially unlocking additional regional and national events for the city.
Sources: dakotanewsnow.com, dakotanewsnow.com, dakotanewsnow.com
