Pierre residents will vote in November whether to build a new recreation and event center. If built, the center would open in early 2019 and seat 4,000 people. City leaders previously tore down its City Auditorium due to structural problems. That structure had been condemned.
Pierre Mayor Laurie Gill says the $14.5 million dollar project is designed to handle different athletics and concerts requiring flat floor space. She sees this significant investment benefiting area residents of all ages.
“There’s an economic impact as well as quality of life impact, and it would also serve central South Dakota because we really are a regional destination out here in the middle of the state and serve quite a large area in terms of being a destination for cultural and entertainment and recreation," says Gill.
Gill says the decision process for the proposed plan has been open and transparent to the community. After receiving feedback, she thinks people are satisfied with the design and plans for financing.