The Rapid City sports complex was the topic of the August Elevate Rapid City critical issues luncheon Thursday at the Rushmore Hotel in Rapid City.

The sports complex has been a year’s long effort. The 180,000-square-foot facility – which will be located across Interstate 90 from Fleet Farm on 22 acres donated by Pete Lien & Sons – will include an indoor walking track, basketball courts, and spaces to host regional sporting events, boosting Rapid City’s already robust 3.9 million visitors a year count.

Last week, Sanford Health signed a $10 million, 20-year corporate partnership agreement with the City of Rapid City for the complex. Sanford’s investment will support the new sports complex facility and operations.

Panelists for the Elevate Critical Issues event Thursday were Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun, Caleb Arceneaux, CEO, Liv Hospitality, Annika Stephens, volleyball coach, BH Juniors Volleyball Program, and Domico Rodriguez, Executive Director, Rapid City Sports Commission.

The total sports complex project cost is estimated to be $76.2 million. Funding includes $24.5 million from the Catalyst TIF District, $28.2 million from the Hotel Business Improvement District, $6.2 million in land donation value, and $5 million from the Vision Fund. The Sanford partnership with naming rights helps complete the funding picture.

The Rapid City Sports Complex was the topic Thursday at the Elevate Rapid City Critical Issues luncheon in Rapid City. After a presentation, panelists Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun, Caleb Arceneaux, CEO, Liv Hospitality, Annika Stephens, volleyball coach, BH Juniors Volleyball Program, and Domico Rodriguez, Executive Director, Rapid City Sports Commission, answered questions about the project and its impact on Rapid City and the region.