Sioux Falls Approve Arena

Voters in Sioux Falls, S.D., have approved a replacement home for the city’s Stampede hockey team.

Proponents have been pushing for an events center in the city for 12 years, according to the city’s Argus Leader. Voters approved the 12,000-seat facility by a 58 percent margin Nov. 8, according to the paper. The facility, which replaces the Sioux Falls Arena, is expected to be finished in 2014.

Mayor Mike Huether, standing on the ice rink at the arena, spoke of community vision when he announced the voters’ decision, noting “the common ground to capture the never-ending spirit to move Sioux Falls forward,” according to the paper.

Mike Sullivan, head of the Sioux Falls Sports Authority told the Argus Leader he was already contacting “people I know who control events” to pitch Sioux Falls as a destination.

“With a 12,000-seat building, there are a lot of things we can get,” he said, and, at least, “we will definitely be in their front door making them tell us no.”

Bob Barclay was head of an organization that opposed the arena for the past five years but called his efforts “a great experience” and noted that the vote only was an advisory to the city council.