About the Task Force
Sioux Falls has been looking at improving its arena venue for many years. In 2004, a group was formed to make recommendations on the city’s future facility needs. This included an events center. In 2007, a small group of business leaders presented a recommendation for an even larger facility involving the current site of the Sioux Falls School District’s Howard Wood Field.
To reach a final recommendation, Mayor Dave Munson and Superintendent Pam Homan decided to form a third, independent group of citizens to review all the research and ask further questions. They put out an open call for applicants and were overwhelmed with the interest citizens had in this project. They selected 18 task force members representing a range of ages, experiences and occupations.
The new task force began studying the issue in mid-2008. They have been hard at work researching what they believe Sioux Falls needs in a new facility. They have talked with potential tenants, studied potential locations, analyzed financing options and explored new concepts like adding convention space and recruiting NCAA and Olympic events. The task force has also visited facilities in Fargo, Omaha and Sioux City to learn from these cities.
Click here to watch their tour
In 2009, the task force will be holding many forums to communicate back to residents what they’ve learned so far. They are always willing to speak to groups.
To invite them, email here.
