What's Happening?
An initiative led by Experience Sioux Falls and Forward Sioux Falls is restarting efforts to explore options for a new convention center in Sioux Falls. The current facility, built in 1996, is now considered smaller than competing regional centers and suffers
from a lack of walkability to amenities. Teri Schmidt, CEO of Experience Sioux Falls, noted that the need for a larger convention space has been recognized for at least a decade, with national associations consistently citing insufficient meeting and exhibition space and attached hotels as reasons for not booking events. While a previous study in early 2024 recommended an 8.3-acre property in the Riverline District for a new downtown convention center, that committee paused its work a year ago. The current approach leans towards retaining the existing Convention Center for local exhibition-style events while developing a new downtown facility specifically for out-of-town conferences.
Why It's Important?
The push for a new convention center is crucial for Sioux Falls' economic development and its standing as a regional destination. The current facility's limitations in size and location hinder the city's ability to attract larger, more lucrative out-of-town conferences, which bring significant external revenue to local businesses. By potentially developing a new downtown convention center, Sioux Falls aims to capitalize on the growing trend of in-person meetings and enhance its appeal to national associations. This initiative could boost the local tourism and hospitality sectors, create jobs, and stimulate economic growth. The proposed strategy of having two facilities—one for local events and another for larger, out-of-town conferences—suggests a comprehensive approach to maximizing the city's event hosting capabilities and ensuring a broader economic impact.
What's Next?
The current effort will begin with an educational campaign this fall, focusing on raising public awareness about the need for additional convention space. This campaign will include television and online video advertisements, social media promotions, and nearly two dozen presentations to various groups. Two public open houses are scheduled: the first on November 12 at 7 p.m. at the current Convention Center, and the second on December 2 from 6 to 7 p.m. at the Downtown Library. Initially, the public conversation will concentrate on the concept of a new downtown convention center without addressing specific sites, costs, or financing options. Funding options under consideration include a temporary sales tax, which would require 60% public approval, as well as naming rights, sponsorships, and city bonding capacity. A new study on the event center campus is planned for the summer of 2027.
Beyond the Headlines
The debate over a new convention center in Sioux Falls touches upon deeper urban planning and community identity issues. The emphasis on walkability and proximity to downtown amenities reflects a broader shift in how cities attract and retain visitors and businesses—prioritizing vibrant, integrated urban experiences over isolated event venues. The potential repurposing of the existing convention center or the demolition of the Sioux Falls Arena also highlights the challenges and opportunities in managing aging infrastructure and adapting urban spaces for future needs. This project could serve as a catalyst for broader downtown revitalization, fostering a more dynamic and engaging environment for both residents and visitors. The public awareness campaign and reliance on public support for funding mechanisms underscore the democratic process involved in large-scale urban development and the importance of community buy-in for such transformative projects.
