Rapid City Mayor Promotes New Arena

Rapid City, S.D. Mayor Steve Allender is supporting a proposal to build a new arena instead of renovating the 10,000-capacity Don Barnett Arena.

– Rapid City Mayor Steve Allender

Allender said Sept. 14 that upgrading the arena and adding handicapped access would cost about $25 million, reduce seating capacity and wouldn’t solve the problem.

He added that building a new, 13,000-seat arena could cost between $100 million and $130 million, according to the RapidCity Journal.

The arena plan stems from city officials discussing ways to bring in more events and boost attendance.