Sioux Falls – Community leaders gathered Thursday night at the Sioux Falls Convention Center for an open house aimed at reviving the conversation about a new, larger convention facility in downtown. 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 residents to share ideas before any site is chosen.
Economic case for a bigger venue
Experience Sioux Falls CEO Teri Schmidt highlighted that visitors generated more than $400 million in economic activity for the city in 2025. She argued that a modern convention center would amplify that impact by creating additional sales‑tax revenue, new jobs, and more business for local merchants.
“It creates more sales tax. It creates more jobs. It creates more business for our community,” Schmidt said. “When people travel from fifty miles away and spend their hard‑earned money here, it makes us economically stronger as a community.”
Current facility falling short
While the existing center, opened in 1996, still serves a purpose, Schmidt warned that it is no longer sufficient. She cited the loss of 325 countable events in 2024‑2025, each representing millions of dollars in missed economic benefit.
“We are losing business every single week,” she explained. “We need a space that can accommodate regional and national events that currently say, ‘We can’t come because you don’t have the space.’”
Downtown location favored
Downtown Sioux Falls, Inc. CEO Brandon Hanson argued that the city core is the most logical site. He emphasized walkability, existing hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops, noting that visitors prefer not to rent cars when amenities are within walking distance.
“The most walkable place in our community is downtown,” Hanson said. “A downtown convention space will not only draw visitors but also help downtown businesses thrive.” He added that an influx of 1,400 people on a typical Tuesday would be “absolutely game‑changing” for the local economy.
Open‑house format and next steps
The open house featured a short presentation at 7:20 p.m. followed by a public comment period. No renderings or definitive site plans were displayed; organizers stressed that community input will shape every stage of the project.
“The sky’s the limit right now,” Schmidt said. “We need the community to come together and decide what’s reasonable for Sioux Falls.” Hanson echoed the sentiment, noting that public ownership of the project will foster lasting support.
Future meetings
Those unable to attend Thursday’s session can join a second open house on December 2 at the downtown Sioux Falls library, 6:00‑7:00 p.m. Additional details are available on the Experience Sioux Falls website.
With the Riverline District option on hold, the group also mentioned the potential of the Sanford district at the current Smithfield site, though downtown remains the preferred choice for most stakeholders.
Local officials and business leaders see the convention‑center initiative as a chance to strengthen Sioux Falls’ reputation as a regional hub, boost family‑friendly tourism, and provide a lasting quality‑of‑life investment for residents.
Original reporting: Dakota News Now KSFY Sioux Falls (local) — read the source article.
