In an effort to continually offer premier entertainment, educational, and cultural opportunities for our community, the Rushmore
Plaza Civic Center is looking towards the future. Our current facility has undeniably served its purpose for over 36 years. However,
it has become clear that in order to progress with the times, changes must be made. Throughout the years, countless updates have been
made in respect to federal laws, building codes, life safety measures, as well as consumer and event industry expectations. To comply
with these changes and continue to draw visitors, the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center must actively work to enhance the functionality of our venue.
Opened in 1977, the Don Barnett Arena was originally intended to fulfill one main goal: hosting the State A Boys Basketball Tournament.
The tournament was initially slated to be held in Sioux Falls only, prior to the opening of the Don Barnett Arena. What was built primarily
as a basketball arena would go on to host some of the nation's leading events in the late 70's, 80's, and 90's. Over a 36 year time period,
the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center has served the Rapid City community by drawing educational, cultural, and entertainment events.
The facility also generates a significant economic impact, particularly from September to May when the tourism industry quiets during
the off season. These effects reverberate throughout the entire community, including traditional tourism industries such as shopping,
dining, hospitality and nightlife, as well as non-traditional industries. By hosting regional events like the Black Hills Stock Show &
Rodeo', the Black Hills Home Show, and the Northern Plains Outdoor Expo, the community experiences a substantial boost in car sales,
trailer and camper sales, home renovation and remodel sales, and so forth.
It is this profound community impact, both economically and culturally, that has prompted the discussion of facility improvements.
Upon Mayor Kooiker's request, a Brainstorming Committee was established in early 2012 to research and present the possibility of a new
arena. In the subsequent time period, the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center's Board of Directors has reviewed all information, including input
from the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Future Committee and Youth Advisory Committee.
After the proposed arena was brought forward, the community expressed a variety of questions and opinions. Several requests were made to
present a comprehensive overview of other viable options. This page is intended to offer an informative outline of other current possibilities, including
the progression of project stages if the Don Barnett renovation is pursued. Once planning during Phase I is complete, Phase II would consist of
implementing building renovations, life safety measures, and mechanical upgrades, while Phase III would include the addition of parking spaces.
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New Arena Renderings (10MB File)
Fly By Rendering of the New Arena Impact Project
Executive Summary of Life Safety and American with Disabilites Act Assessment Report
402 American with Disabilites Act Violations
Barnett Arena American with Disabilites Act Only Cost (not including building code and parking)
The Future of the Civic Center
Welcome to the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Future Page. Here you will find a collection of information for your review.
During the summer of 2012, a new arena project was proposed to our community. In subsequent months the additional consideration
of a facility renovation was brought forth. To view the most current details regarding project developments and updates, we
invite you to check back frequently.
Proposed during the summer of 2012, a new 15,000 seat arena complete with folding floor seats is one option. The funding source for this project is suggested to come from the Vision Fund...
The Vision Fund was initially voted in 1972 to pay for the original Civic Center. All funds required for the proposed new arena currently exist in
the Vision Fund. This account generates nearly $24 million dollars each year. $12 million is allotted to the Vision Fund annually, while $12
million is allotted to the Capital Improvement Projects Fund annually. No monies would be required of the Capital Improvement Projects Fund;
they already exist in the current Vision Fund. In addition, only a portion of the Vision Fund would be required over the next 25 years, leaving
monies for other future Vision Fund projects.
A new arena would serve many purposes within our community. The project would allow our staff to pursue primary market events, generating a total net economic impact of $113,387,000 and creating nearly 1,000 jobs. While our team continually works to bring larger events to our facility, we are often times discounted by promoters due to inadequate seating capacity. The result is a missed opportunity to generate millions of dollars in revenue that would bolster the entire community. Consider the events that bypass the facility which we are unaware of, and the negative impact is even more staggering. The community must consider these effects.
Additionally, a new facility would be handicap accessible and comply with all Americans With Disabilities Act requirements that are not currently met. This lack of Americans With Disabilities Act compliance is becoming yet another reason why we are currently bypassed for many large scale events, as many promoters are now including clauses in their contracts related to Americans With Disabilities Act compliance and liability. A new facility would also support cutting edge technology and provide a variety of multi-use opportunities. Included in the original proposal was the addition of a 3,500 stall parking ramp. This would address the need for easy access, increased parking space.
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A new arena would serve many purposes within our community. The project would allow our staff to pursue primary market events, generating a total net economic impact of $113,387,000 and creating nearly 1,000 jobs. While our team continually works to bring larger events to our facility, we are often times discounted by promoters due to inadequate seating capacity. The result is a missed opportunity to generate millions of dollars in revenue that would bolster the entire community. Consider the events that bypass the facility which we are unaware of, and the negative impact is even more staggering. The community must consider these effects.
Additionally, a new facility would be handicap accessible and comply with all Americans With Disabilities Act requirements that are not currently met. This lack of Americans With Disabilities Act compliance is becoming yet another reason why we are currently bypassed for many large scale events, as many promoters are now including clauses in their contracts related to Americans With Disabilities Act compliance and liability. A new facility would also support cutting edge technology and provide a variety of multi-use opportunities. Included in the original proposal was the addition of a 3,500 stall parking ramp. This would address the need for easy access, increased parking space.
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A renovation to the Don Barnett Arena would bring the facility mostly in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 2010. Currently in violation of 402 items ranging from aisle width and seating selections to accessibility of locker rooms, dressing rooms, and bathrooms, a renovation would address these vital issues.
Potentially scheduled in phases, a renovation would take an estimated minimum of five years to complete. Phase II would consist of implementing
building renovations, life safety measures, and mechanical upgrades, while Phase III would include the addition of parking spaces. If completed
during one continuous time period, the proposed renovation would take up to approximately two years. During this time events like the Black Hills Stock
Show & Rodeo, Lakota Nation Invitational basketball tournament, the Black Hills Home Show and dozens more would be displaced.
A renovation managed in multiple phases would hopefully allow current events to continue being held in the facility as the project progresses. However, these events would most likely remain in the secondary market range, due to smaller seating capacity in Barnett Arena. In addition, organizations like the South Dakota High School Athletics Association are considering the transition of all state tournaments to the event facilities located in Sioux Falls, as was the case before Barnett Arena opened in 1977. The current or renovated Barnett Arena does not fulfill shifting expectations for a host facility of a statewide tournament. The community must consider the effects of possible event relocation, and the economic impact that would inevitably follow.
A renovation would likely make it possible to once again book events that can only be held in Americans With Disabilities Act compliant facilities. While the arena still would not be 100% compliant, there would be major improvements. These changes would hopefully prevent the City of Rapid City from being held liable for millions of dollars in Americans With Disabilities Act lawsuits in the future.
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A renovation managed in multiple phases would hopefully allow current events to continue being held in the facility as the project progresses. However, these events would most likely remain in the secondary market range, due to smaller seating capacity in Barnett Arena. In addition, organizations like the South Dakota High School Athletics Association are considering the transition of all state tournaments to the event facilities located in Sioux Falls, as was the case before Barnett Arena opened in 1977. The current or renovated Barnett Arena does not fulfill shifting expectations for a host facility of a statewide tournament. The community must consider the effects of possible event relocation, and the economic impact that would inevitably follow.
A renovation would likely make it possible to once again book events that can only be held in Americans With Disabilities Act compliant facilities. While the arena still would not be 100% compliant, there would be major improvements. These changes would hopefully prevent the City of Rapid City from being held liable for millions of dollars in Americans With Disabilities Act lawsuits in the future.
