Sioux Falls Restarts Effort to Explore New Convention Center
Sioux Falls is restarting efforts to explore options for a new convention center. The current facility, built in 1996, is deemed outdated, too small compared to regional competitors, and lacks walkability to downtown amenities. Experience Sioux Falls and Forward Sioux…
Sioux Falls, SD, October 26, 2026 —
Sioux Falls is restarting efforts to examine options for a new convention center, with the initiative beginning with public education campaigns intended to gauge community support for a downtown venue.
Experience Sioux Falls and Forward Sioux Falls are leading the effort. The existing convention center was built in 1996 and is described as outdated and too small compared with regional competitors. Its limited walkability to downtown amenities is also cited as a concern.
The initial campaign is intended to inform residents and assess support; the information provided does not specify how that feedback will be collected or how community support will be measured. The initiative is described as an exploration of options, rather than a decision to build a new facility.
Details about possible sites, project costs, funding, capacity, and a construction schedule were not provided. The available information also does not identify a formal approval process or say when the public education effort will begin. No specific proposal or final design has been announced in the summary.
For now, the effort centers on opening a public discussion about whether Sioux Falls should pursue a new downtown convention center. Its next steps beyond the planned education campaigns, and any decisions that may follow, have not been specified.
Story summarized from the original created by Jodi Schwan on siouxfalls.business, see more information here.
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