More Parking For Upcoming SF Arena Events

by Breanna Fuss, Reporter
March 02, 2013 6:38 PM


Around 10,000 people from all over the Sioux Empire are expected to show up to the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center this weekend for the 46th Annual Sioux Falls Sportsmen’s Show. But with construction around the arena, that doesn’t leave nearly enough parking spots.

As Gordy Kienast takes the long walk in the cold from his car to the front door of the Sioux Falls Convention Center, he tries to remind himself, he just has to wait.  

"I think that it is great that they are doing to events center, and it's better for not just Sioux Falls, its better for the entire area,” said Kienast, Luverne, Minn.

His friend Kevin Rasmussen said it’s not bad for him, its others he is worried about.

"I'd like to see more handicap spots for the elderly people especially,” said Rasmussen, Luverne, Minn.

As the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center continues to rise in Sioux Falls, the parking lot surrounding it continues to get smaller. And it makes the walk to the Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center even longer. And come next weekend, finding a place to park may see more like finding a needle in a haystack.

"The basketball tournament has been selling better and better every year. And we are expecting full house games this year as well,” said Rick Huffman, Director of Marketing, Sioux Falls Arena.

Not only will the Summit League Tournament be in town, but also will The Sioux Empire Home Show. And arena directors said they are well aware of the inconvenience, but they’ve already come up with a plan.

"You can park at McCart Park, which is a few blocks south of the Arena and Convention Center, and we will run shuttles to and from that parking lot,” said Huffman. “And you can also park at Elmwood Golf Course, and we will run shuttles from here and back.”

There is also parking available on the streets surrounding the arena as well. And all are free of charge. But just to be safe, remember to do one thing.
     
“Arrive a little early, to give yourself a little extra time to find a parking spot,” Huffman said.

For more information you can go to the Sioux Falls Arena’s website .