Skyforce Move Creates More Event Opportunities

SIOUX FALLS, SD - According to officials, the Sioux Falls Skyforce's move to the Sanford Health Pentagon is not a death sentence for the newly-approved events center.

"Not at all. It's going to help Sioux Falls as a whole, I believe," Executive Director of the Sioux Falls Sports Authority Mike Sullivan said.

In fact, the economic projections for the events center only included plans for the Stampede and Storm. Sioux Falls Planning Director Mike Cooper said commitment from the Skyforce was never a slam dunk.

"We never really anticipated for sure the Skyforce was going to move into the events center. In terms of impact, it doesn't change what we anticipated," Cooper said.

Sullivan said the Skyforce moving out of the Sioux Falls Arena will not be as big of a problem as one might think.  It actually might make event planning easier.

"That's one of the problems we have in the Arena now. The minor league teams take up a lot of dates," Sullivan said.

According to Sullivan, organizers of the Home and Patio Show have wanted to expand for years. Other events have passed up Sioux Falls because the Skyforce's home dates, 24 this season, have taken priority. For the events center, it also gives more opportunity to fill up those 12,000 seats. 

"If something comes along and we think it will be good for the city and it will be successful financially and help the building run, then we're going to try to get it," Sullivan said.