BROOKINGS — Inquisitive members of the public flocked to an open house at the Dacotah Bank Center in Brookings on March 18 to learn more about possible future uses for the facility and to give their two cents on what matters the most to them.
The 100 or so people who took advantage of the event also learned more about the results of a survey that had 1,426 responses — primarily from Brookings residents, but also from in- and out-of-county residents.
Judging from suggestions plastered on one of the open house’s placards, people should prioritize things as:
• Concerts.
• Rodeos.
• Sporting/arena events.
• Conventions.
• Weddings.
• One attendee also mentioned the importance of the FFA convention, which is held annually in Brookings and attracts thousands of attendees.
Another placard asked people what, ultimately, they would not want to lose at the DBC. To that, folks wrote:
• 4-H Achievement Days.
• Youth recreation tournaments.
• The economic impact generated by the center’s events.
• The aforementioned concerts, rodeos and weddings.
The DBC has a storied 25-year history behind it, opening in 2001, having brought in musical legends such as Travis Tritt, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett and Chicago. Upcoming “big name” events include Dwight Yoakam & ZZ Top on March 26 and 38 Special on April 16.
By the time you add in the innumerable local and regional events it’s hosted over the years, you have a facility that’s etched into the memories of more than a few people, and its economic impact is far-reaching, too, and can be attested to by restaurants, hotels and other businesses.
All that said, though, another big part of the DBC’s history has been the city’s financial support over the years. In the last decade alone, the city’s yearly operational assistance has ranged from a low of $290,633 in 2024 to a high of $571,450 in 2017. That’s not including yearly capital investments to maintain and/or improve facility that have ranged from $266,798 in 2019 to $682,503 in 2022.
The DBC’s vision has also changed over the years. Initially it was focused on:
• A place for youth activities.
• Research space for agricultural needs.
• Host large-scale agricultural centered events.
• Trade shows and community events.
In more recent years the vision has turned to:
• Hosting large-scale events (concerts, rodeos, trade shows).
• Supporting economic development and tourism.
• Providing space for community gatherings and local/regional events.
Returning to the survey results, it was learned March 18 that respondents were somewhat evenly split on two of the three preferences offered:
• 35% liked the hybrid model, which would entail a mix of recreation and event space, along with flexible spaces for recreation and community spaces for programs.
• 30% preferred the events-focused model, which would focus strongly on events in addition to facility upgrades and tourism support.
• 24% honed in on a recreation-centered approach, whose possibilities include expanding indoor recreation space and offering wellness center and community fitness amenities.
• 11% were “other” or needed additional information.
“No single pathway received majority support, indicating diverse perspectives within the community,” according to material at open house.
Right now, nothing is set in stone regarding the DBC’s future. The next steps in the process will center on user group and stakeholder engagement and, finally, staff and advisory conversations.
In closing, here’s a couple more tidbits of information from the city for readers to digest:
• The DBC was built using funds from sales tax revenue in Brookings, bonds issued by the city, and through private donations and naming rights partnerships.
• The facility is 90,000 square feet, with 30,000 square feet of arena space.
• No city personnel are directly employed by the DBC, but the city does maintain oversight and coordination roles, as it owns the facility.
• The DBC is currently managed by OVG360 (Oakview Group), whose contract expires on Dec. 31.
• Between 10 and 13 full-time staff are employed at the DBC, with its current roster sitting at 10. Seasonal staffing depends on event schedules and the facility’s needs.
— Contact Mondell Keck at [email protected].
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