Rewind the clock back a decade or so, and seeing big acts come to South Dakota was pretty rare. And when they did come, it was usually for large events only. Such as “The Sturgis Bike Rally”. As a kid my first concert was at the Sioux Falls Arena. So even though the Sioux Falls Arena did have some national acts come from time to time. Most bigger acts were avoiding it. Mostly because of money to payback ratio and the building requirements. So it was decided that Sioux Falls and the area needed something bigger and more modernized.
Enter the Denny Sanford Premier Center. A twelve thousand seat arena with all of the modern bells and whistles. Which was almost double the size of the Sioux Falls Arena. With all new vendors, box seating, and a new feel.
But what about the acts? Did bigger acts start showing up? Absolutely! Bands that had never been to South Dakota were suddenly coming. Bands that were not giving South Dakota a second glance, started to take notice. Acts like Luke Bryan, Elton John, Ed Sheeran, Def Leppard, Shinedown, Garth Brooks, The Foo Fighters, Imagine Dragons and Metallica just to name a few. With South Dakota seeming to become a stopping point for a lot of big acts. Even bringing more acts to other South Dakota cities and venues. Such as Rapid City and Brookings. And with a variety this big, there is a pretty good chance you will find something you will like too.
So what about the experience? I mean after all, seeing your favorite band is only half the battle. If it takes an hour to go to the bathroom or find a drink and snack. You will be pretty uncomfortable. The good news is it’s an awesome experience too. With plenty of vendors and bathrooms. As well as a fair amount of room for your seating. It also has a very secure presence across the whole arena. Which adds that much more reassurance.
So what’s the problem? One thing that has been said by some from the beginning. Is it big enough? Could it have been bigger? Would South Dakota have brought in even more if it was the size of the “Target Center” or the “Fargo Dome”? Which are almost double the size of the Denny Sanford Premier Center. To look at this argument I compared them in 2018. Since that was what could be considered a normal year for entertainment.
Based on Polster ticket sales in 2018, the Denny Sanford Premier Center ranked 119th in the world for ticket sales. Just edging past the “Los Angeles Staples Center” for ticket sales. By comparison, the “Target Center” was 98th. And “Pinnacle Bank” in Nebraska at 182th. Considering the size of the Premier Center and the population of the area that’s a pretty impressive feat. With some of the big acts in 2018 being The Foo Fighters, Metallica, and the record breaking Garth Brooks. With over sixty thousand people in attendance between all of Garth’s shows in Sioux Falls. And Metallica having the single night ticket record at twelve thousand. So it’s quite obvious that it should have been much bigger right?
Not necessarily. The concerts I mentioned in 2018 were sell out concerts. But these were not all of the concerts that year. And most of the concerts at the Premier Center did not sell out. Mainly due to population and event popularity. Plus, with the smaller size venue allows smaller acts to come. That may not play big arenas. Opening the Premier Center up for more events. So the size could be a double edged sword. And by comparison, in 2019, very few concerts sold out.
So is the Denny Sanford Premier Center the right fit? It really depends on who you ask. But overall. Yes. It has brought a ton of great entertainment to South Dakota. As well as bringing more money to the state and local businesses. And with 2021 looking much brighter, I can’t wait to see what they bring next. For more information on the events coming, go to https://www.dennysanfordpremiercenter.com/.
Until next time.
Mary jo bertrand