The state’s Board of Regents recently greenlighted the construction of a 6,000-seat, $54 million arena, in addition to new soccer and track field and a new science and research building.

USD Athletic Director David Herbster told the local Argus Leader the school’s athletic program must raise $9.5 million in order for the project to get under way, which could present a challenge.

“I don’t think you could say there are a bunch of people waiting in the wings who weren’t going to pledge money until we passed this final step,” Herbster said. “We’ve raised $12 million and we have proposals in place accounting for another $6 million. We’ll need to get the $9 million from people who don’t have a proposal in front of them yet.”

The majority of funding for the arena – $27.5 million – will come from donations and foundation support, the paper noted, with the remainder coming from bond proceeds and the school’s unrestricted cash.

Work could reportedly begin as early as spring if sufficient funds are raised and officials said the arena could be completed in as little as 20 months.

In other Rapid City news, a new stadium has been approved for South Dakota State University.

The facility, which will feature a capacity between 18,000 and 20,000, is expected to cost as much as $65 million. The proposal must be approved by the state legislature before construction could begin on the stadium.