According to Dakota News Now, two public open houses were held to restart the conversation about building a new convention center in Sioux Falls, a project supporters say is essential for the city’s continued economic growth.
The existing Sioux Falls Convention Center opened in 1996, and organizers say it is now too small to meet demand. Experience Sioux Falls CEO Teri Schmidt told attendees that the city generated over $400 million in economic benefit from visitors in 2025, and that the city lost 325 events in 2024 and 2025, each loss representing millions of dollars of missed revenue.
Schmidt and the Forward Sioux Falls partnership – a joint effort of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Sioux Falls Development Foundation – argue that a larger venue would capture regional and national business that currently declines because of space constraints. They emphasize that more sales tax, jobs and local commerce would flow from visitors who could stay, dine and shop without needing to rent a car.
Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. CEO Brandon Hanson echoed the downtown‑centric vision, noting that the area offers the most walkable environment for convention attendees. Hanson said a downtown facility would “infuse downtown with 1,400 people on a Tuesday,” boosting restaurants, coffee shops and small businesses that already serve visitors.
While the Riverline District downtown was previously considered for a new site, that option was paused last year. Organizers mentioned the Sanford district at the current Smithfield site as a possible future location, but both Schmidt and Hanson stressed that downtown remains the preferred area because of existing hotel capacity and pedestrian appeal.
The first open house ran on a Thursday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the current convention center, featuring a presentation at 7:20 p.m. A second session is scheduled for December 2 at the downtown Sioux Falls library, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., giving residents additional opportunity to share feedback.
What’s next: Organizers will compile public comments from both sessions and use the input to refine location options and design concepts. Further community meetings are expected as the planning process moves forward.
Sources: dakotanewsnow.com
