City and Sports Commission announce partnership with Sanford Health on new sports complex
Posted: August 6, 2026
Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun and Rapid City Sports Commission Executive Director Domico Rodriguez today announced a corporate partnership agreement with Sanford Health for naming recognition for the new community sports complex.
Mayor Salamun and Rodriquez were joined by Sanford officials this morning for the partnership agreement announcement. The brief ceremony was held on a strip of frontage land along E. Mall Drive overlooking a 22-acre parcel of land that was recently donated by Pete Lien & Sons and approved by the Rapid City Common Council to serve as the future location for the multi-purpose sports complex.
“I am pleased to announce that Sanford Health will serve as our premier partner, including holding the naming recognition for Rapid City’s new sports complex,” said Rapid City Mayor Jason Salamun. “This partnership brings valuable experience and a shared commitment to creating a first-class facility that will serve our youth, residents, and visitors for generations to come.”
The $10 million, 20-year partnership with Sanford Health begins in 2027. The investment will support the new sports complex facility and operations, and provides Sanford with naming recognition for the sports complex and a dedicated space within the complex for use by Sanford for sports medicine, sports academy and sports performance activities, among other recognition rights and privileges.
On most days, these 22 acres of prairie grassland in northern Rapid City sits quiet except for brisk breezes of South Dakota winds and the plodding of nearby cattle herds. In a few years, a large complex will tower over the area, home to numerous competitive and recreational events. Officials are hoping to break ground this fall and get dirt moving for the facility that is set to open by 2029.
The naming rights agreement is the latest in a number of iconic sports, community and regional facilities with the Sanford brand. Sanford has been involved in athletic development for more than 25 years. These efforts include operating the 500-acre Sanford Sports Complex in Sioux Falls and partnering on the 400,000-square foot Fargo Parks Sports Center at the Sanford Sports Complex in Fargo, ND.
“Sanford Health is proud to partner with the City of Rapid City on this historic investment in health, sports and community,” said Kyle Wiese, Sanford Black Hills President and CEO. “When Sanford Health expanded into the Black Hills, we made a commitment to meaningfully invest in the people and communities we serve. This partnership is another example of keeping that promise. Thank you to the City of Rapid City and all those who helped bring this vision to life.”
Sanford Sports operates sports performance, sports academy and sports events in South Dakota, North Dakota and Minnesota. Annually, Sanford Sports has more than one million athlete contacts, runs more than 250 club teams and hosts nearly 100 tournaments and spectator events ranging from youth and high school to major college and professional.
“Sanford’s investment into the complex will help benefit Rapid City and our athletes for the next generation,” said Domico Rodriguez, Rapid City Sports Commission Executive Director. “They have been extremely successful in the Sioux Falls and Fargo markets, and we are excited to partner with them on this project.”
Last month, the Rapid City Council approved an agreement between Pete Lien & Sons and the City of Rapid City for the donation of 22.65 acres of land located between East Mall Drive, Seger Drive, North Lacrosse Street and Tish Boulevard. At the July 20 meeting, the Council also approved a contract with TSP, Inc. to serve as architect for the project and an agreement with Sports Facilities Management LLC to serve as manager for the facility once it is constructed.
Next week, the City’s Legal and Finance Committee will consider the naming recognition agreement as well as an agreement with Scull Construction Service, Inc. to serve as construction manager at risk for the project.
