Rapid City Council Approves $5M for New Sports Complex in 7-2 Vote

During last night’s meeting, the Rapid City Council voted 7-2 to approve allocating $5 million in surplus Vision Funds to a new multi-purpose sports complex, as proposed by Mayor Jason Salamun. The funds, amending the Vision Fund’s five-year plan, will support a facility on donated Lien family land, intended to boost youth sports and tourism. Supporters, including the Rapid City Sports Commission and Visit Rapid City, argue it will attract visitors, fill hotels, and generate local revenue while serving community events like school concerts. Critics, Aldermen Bill Evans and Rod Pettigrew, opposed the decision, claiming it bypassed the citizen-led Vision Fund process and ignored other community needs, like a $6 million Roosevelt Park swim center. The $55 million project, still in planning, will also be funded through hotel fees and other sources.