Denny Sanford Premier Center

The Denny Sanford Premier Center is the modern multi-functional heart of Sioux Falls and the premier indoor arena in the state of South Dakota. Opened in 2014, this complex has become a symbol of architectural development and cultural growth for the USA in this region. The building is impressive in its scale: a four-story structure covering about 28,000 m² that can accommodate up to 12,000 spectators.

The arena is part of a massive complex connected to the city's convention center and the old arena. Its design is inspired by the endless prairies of South Dakota, emphasized by the horizontal lines of the facade and the use of local materials. The Premier Center is rightfully considered one of the most comfortable and technically advanced venues in the Midwest, offering visitors not only excellent views from every seat but also exclusive VIP boxes and suites.

This is a place where the energy of sports meets the magic of music. Thanks to its versatility, the arena hosts world-class events—from hockey battles and basketball tournaments to shows by top-tier pop and rock stars. For residents and visitors alike, it is the main destination for vibrant, high-quality entertainment.

To find current event information, purchase tickets, or inquire about venue rentals, you can use the following contact details:

A visit to the Premier Center is, above all, an opportunity to be at the center of a grand event. The main reason thousands of people come here is for live concerts. The hall's acoustics allow you to enjoy high-quality sound, whether it’s a high-energy rock show or an intimate country performance. World-class legends regularly perform on this stage, turning every evening into an unforgettable celebration.

For sports fans, the arena offers an equally exciting program. Here, you can feel the rush at home games for the Sioux Falls Stampede hockey team or witness intense NCAA basketball tournaments. The atmosphere of the stands, filled with thousands of fans, is energizing and gives you a sense of being part of great victories. Notably, the venue even prepares to host prestigious events like Olympic curling trials.

Beyond the spectacular shows, you can find numerous food outlets inside the center serving classic American snacks, as well as souvenir shops and comfortable lounge areas. If you value premium comfort, it's worth considering the suites and boxes, which provide privacy and the best views of the action. Regardless of the occasion, every visit here promises to be a large-scale and emotional experience.

The Denny Sanford Premier Center is located at 1021 North West Avenue in the northern part of the city. Thanks to its convenient location near major highways I-90 and I-229, getting here by car is easy. Ample parking is available for visitors, although arriving early is recommended for popular shows.

For those who prefer public transportation, the Sioux Area Metro (SAM) bus routes connect the city center with the arena complex. You can also always use taxi services or popular apps like Uber and Lyft, which is especially convenient if you are staying in one of the downtown hotels.

Travelers arriving by plane will be pleased to know that the Joe Foss Field (FSD) regional airport is just a 10–15 minute drive from the venue. The entire complex is connected to the convention center via indoor walkways, making it comfortable to move between facilities in any weather.

The journey to creating the Premier Center was a long one: discussions about replacing the city's old 1961 arena had been ongoing since the late 1990s. The turning point was a city referendum in November 2011, when Sioux Falls residents overwhelmingly approved the ambitious $115 million project.

Construction of this grand facility began in 2014. The architects aimed to create a building that would harmonize with the surrounding landscape, using horizontal accents and inserts of local quartzite—a symbol of the region's natural wealth—in the facade design. The venue's name was the result of a partnership with major financial and medical organizations in the state.

The official opening took place in September 2014 and was marked by a series of spectacular concerts. Since then, the Premier Center has repeatedly set attendance records and has even been nominated for prestigious entertainment industry awards as one of the best new venues, becoming a true point of pride for all of South Dakota.

Planning your time at the Premier Center depends entirely on the purpose of your visit. If you have tickets for a concert or a sporting match, you should set aside an average of 3–5 hours. This includes time for security checks at the entrance, buying souvenirs or snacks, and the show itself, which typically lasts about 2–3 hours.

For those who just want to see the architecture of this modern complex from the outside or visit the box office, 30 minutes to an hour will be enough. If your visit is related to an exhibition or conference at the adjacent Convention Center, your program could last half a day or even the entire day, given the scale of events held here.

The Premier Center does not have a single standard daily operating schedule, as door opening times depend directly on the schedule of specific events. Typically, the arena opens to visitors 1–1.5 hours before the start of a concert or sporting match, allowing guests enough time to pass through security and find their seats.

The ticket offices usually operate on event days. To plan your visit, we strongly recommend checking the event calendar on the center's official website in advance to find out the exact opening times and ensure you don't miss the start of the show you're interested in.

The arena's location allows visitors to easily combine attending a spectacular event with exploring other interesting sites. A walk around the area will help you better understand the city's character and get acquainted with its history and nature.