Rapid City residents gathered at The Monument for a public open house where city leaders revealed the first design concepts for the upcoming Sanford Health Sportsplex. The facility will sit on a 22‑acre parcel donated by Pete Lien & Sons near East Mall Drive and Seger Drive.

Project scope and timeline

The sports complex is planned to feature eight basketball courts that can be reconfigured into 16 volleyball courts, an indoor turf area, a walking track and a family play zone. Officials hope to break ground in the first half of 2027, with an anticipated opening in early 2029, though construction timing may be affected by weather conditions.

Community benefits

Rapid City Sports Commission Executive Director Domico Rodriguez said the Sportsplex has been a priority since the commission’s inception in 2023. “Within three and a half years, we finally get something to show the public, to show our potential partners, to get excited about this project,” Rodriguez said, adding that additional fundraising will still be needed.

Rodriguez noted the complex could expand existing events and attract new tournaments throughout the year, giving local families more opportunities to compete close to home.

Sanford Health partnership

In August, the city and the Sports Commission secured a 20‑year, $10 million corporate partnership with Sanford Health, granting the health system naming rights and dedicated space for sports‑medicine, performance and a Sports Academy. Sanford Health Black Hills CEO and President Kyle Wiese said the partnership aims to benefit the broader community and its youth. “Sanford Health is here to invest and make better this community, but this community has always been invested in its kids,” Wiese said.

Funding and operations

Mayor Jason Salamun addressed tax concerns, explaining that the project will be funded without raising property taxes. Funding sources include a hotel business‑improvement‑district fee, a tax‑increment‑financing district for public infrastructure, the Sanford partnership and city funds. The hotel fee will help cover construction and ongoing operations, while the facility is expected to generate revenue from lease fees, concessions and sponsorships.

The city has selected TSP, Inc. as the architect, Scull Construction Service, Inc. as construction manager at risk, and Sports Facilities Companies to manage the venue once built.

Original reporting: KOTA (Gray) – local — read the source article.