SF Events Center Progress Visible

by Ashley Kringen, Reporter
January 22, 2013 9:06 PM


January marks the 7th month of construction on the new events center in Sioux Falls.

The $115 Million project will be called the Denny Sanford Premier Center and construction is well under way.

Plenty of work is being done on-site and on Tuesday at the Sioux Falls city council meeting, team members making this events center a reality presented another update to council members about just how smoothly they believe this building process is going.

"We heard over and over again we need a nice, high-quality facility," said Cotter.

Mark Cotter, Director of Public Works, said the team in place to bring the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center to life, is working so well together, they're constantly anticipating a finish date.

"Just looking for the day now to actually open the facility," said Cotter.

Even though the weather is in the teens right now, construction workers are hard at work.

A stand-alone structure is standing tall where the new events center is being built.

"The first of the four stair towers is currently being erected. Very soon in early February we'll start to see structural steel arrive on site and that we'll ultimately support this 105 foot tall structure," said Cotter.

“It's a huge milestone," said Jason Miranowski.

Jason Miranowski with Mortenson Construction said the project is going seamlessly.

"To be able to have the pre-cast fabricated here locally and erected with the locals workforce, we really hit the ground running here at the first of the year," said Miranowski.

Throughout the course of this year, the shell of the building will be built.

The Events Center team also addressed parking concerns that are coming up in March.

There are a handful events being held at the existing convention center and arena, such as the Summit League tournament and the South Dakota High School Basketball AA tournament.

"Those will be the big events in March that we will make sure we have our parking issues figured out," said Mike Cooper, with building and planning services.

With construction happening around the clock, a lot of action is expected in the near future.

"In the coming months, a lot of vertical work,” said Cotter.

Another update deals with Ovations, the company in charge of food and beverage.

They’re looking to alter and upgrade menu items and look at pricing and not to make you hungry, but they mentioned their own slow roasted pulled pork.

The building will continue to take shape throughout the year and will be completed in fall of 2014.