Sanford Coyote Sports Center opens with YoteFest
The new multi-million dollar Sanford Coyote Sports Center was on full display for all students to see Sunday night during a celebration to kick off the semester.
Hundreds of students waited in long lines to take tours of the new facility, eat free food and play games at the bash dubbed “YoteFest.” Students also had a chance to win thousands of dollars worth of prizes, including court side tickets with USD President James Abbott, 60-inch televisions, iPads, a Macbook Air and a half semester housing scholarship.
Athletes and students alike said they’re excited for the new facility.
“If I could ever talk to any of the ‘Yote fans I would thank them for stuff,” said Bridget Arens, a senior forward for the women’s basketball team. “I would thank them for the opportunity to have an arena like that, I would thank them for the opportunity to give us such an awesome experience and nothing would be possible without our fan base.”
First-year Sam Sanderson said he thinks the new complex will create an atmosphere that fans will thrive on.
“I think it’s going to be pretty exciting and a neat atmosphere (for) getting everyone involved,” he said. “I think a lot of people are going to feed off the new opportunity and I think it’s going to get a lot of people excited for classes to start.”
Construction started in late July more than a year ago. Now that the building is complete, it holds 6,000 seats and houses a science, health and research lab. There are also clinical areas, office space, practice courts, an NCAA certified outdoor track and a 7,500 square foot weight room. The complex was part of a $66 million project which also included a new soccer facility and an outdoor track.
“I think that it is better than what I expected,” said senior Jamie Rykhus. “It’s clean, organized (and) I like it a lot so far.”
On Aug. 30, the USD women’s volleyball team will take on the North Dakota Fighting Hawks at 7 p.m in the Sanford Coyote Sports Center and on Nov. 23 they’ll face off against Marquette University.
Students have high hopes for the athletic programs at USD, especially the women’s basketball team.
“Hopefully they repeat (last season), I know they have a new coach,” Sanderson said. “Since they’re reigning champions I think a lot of people will watch them, so hopefully they find success.”
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