Groundbreaking ceremony signals go-ahead for sports complex construction
Governor Dennis Daugaard, University of South Dakota administration, fans and more gathered in the parking lot south of the DakotaDome Tuesday for the picture-opportunity groundbreaking of a $66 million sports performance enhancement facility.
“This really is a milestone,” Athletic Director David Herbster said. “Certainly for the athletics and every student-athlete here, but for every student-athlete who ever played here.”
Official ground work will begin in about six weeks. The South Dakota Board of Regents and USD are hoping to have something to show for the project when the 100 anniversary of Dakota Days is celebrated in October.
A new science, health and research lab will connect the existing DakotaDome with the new arena, along with a 7,500 square foot weight room to be housed in between the two structures. Additionally, the soccer and track and field will receive new stomping grounds north of the existing Wellness Center.
“Today is a historic day,” new head men’s basketball coach Craig Smith said. “Today symbolizes the University of South Dakota’s commitment to excellence in our new era of NCAA Division I athletics.”
Smith credited his program’s new home to University President James Abbott and Herbster, who acted upon a vision which started years ago. He said all sports will get a boost in recruiting from the state-of-the-art facilities focused on athletes.
At the ceremony, both Abbott and Herbster acknowledged the plans for the DakotaDome and Coyote athletics from years before.
A USD alumnus, Daugaard spoke about the differences between the university from his time to today.
“USD deserves this,” Daugaard said.
The expected completion time is fall 2016, when the doors to the arena will open for volleyball and basketball. However, soccer could expect to be using their new field as early as fall 2015.
USD will host the 2016 Summit League Outdoor Track and Field Championships at its new facility.
“Today signifies we’ve broken through the door on this project and we’re walking through the door,” Herbster said. “We’re not taking our eye off the ball now, but getting to this day says so much about where the program is going and (our) forward momentum.”
