Rapid City is more than the Gateway to the Black Hills; it’s the ultimate sports destination that brings the champion out of every athlete – with the facilities to match. Here are the top sporting venues that set the stage for competitions in the City of Presidents.
THE MONUMENT
You may have heard of other athletic complexes, but only one is half an hour from Mount Rushmore and has three interconnected arenas —The Monument. Located in Downtown Rapid City, this multi-sport facility is close to hotels, restaurants and entertainment. It has the 250,000-square-foot Summit Arena with seating for over 10,000, where fans can cheer their favorites on. The arena is perfect for events, including wrestling matches, dart competitions, rodeos and more.
This dynamic venue also has an expansive Ice Arena with a permanent ice floor for skating championships and professional hockey tournaments. It’s where winter sports enthusiasts can truly put their skills to the test.
The Summit and Ice Arena—along with The Monument’s Fine Arts Theatre, Barnett Fieldhouse, and two large convention/exhibit halls—also serve as event space for other functions like concerts, conventions and speaking engagements. This means you can come for the sports and then stay for other festivities.
FITZGERALD STADIUM
If you’re looking for a historic ballpark to see your team slam it out of the park, Fitzgerald Stadium is where you want to be. Remodeled in 2021, this new and improved complex is less than three miles from Downtown Rapid City and home to Post 22, one of the leading American Legion Baseball programs in the nation.
Fitzgerald Stadium is also home to “Dave Ploof Field,” which is dedicated in honor of Coach Dave Ploof. Made from 100% synthetic turf, this was the first all-turf baseball field in South Dakota and is always ready for ballplayers to showcase their skills and shine on the diamond. Plus, with seating for over 2,500, fans can watch and root for their team in comfort and style.
MFC SPORTS COMPLEX AT DAKOTA FIELDS
For your next soccer, lacrosse or football tournament, the MFC Sports Complex at Dakota Fields might turn your head. Covering nearly 80 acres, this expansive sports complex features twelve manicured fields for players of all ages and skill levels to get their game on. There is also plenty of spectator space for cheering crowds to celebrate every point.
The complex sits five minutes from WaTiki® Indoor Waterpark Resort, 10 minutes from Uptown Rapid (formerly Rushmore Mall) and 15 minutes from Downtown.
For a comfortable place for your team and families to stay while playing in Rapid City, check out our selection of hospitable hotels and lodging options to book the best home away from home.
STAR OF THE WEST COMPLEX
Picture this: A game-winning grand slam or goal with beautiful water views of Rapid Creek. Make this a reality by hosting your next softball or soccer tournament at Star Of The West Complex. This facility has more than enough space for players to triumph in victory—with eight softball fields and seven lacrosse fields. And coming June 2024, the complex will be expanding as new fencing and portable mounds will be added so it has the ability to host baseball tournaments.
Not only is the Star Of The West Complex an athletic hub for competitions, but it also serves as a popular venue for community events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy everything from the Dakota Celtic Festival to the Highland Games in the Black Hills.
CENTRAL STATES FAIRGROUNDS
With our midwestern charm and rugged beauty, it’s no wonder we’re the home of rodeos and motorsport competitions. And there’s no better venue for them than the Central States Fairgrounds. This popular sports facility has three arenas—Bray, Grands and Rounds Arenas—and the 118,000-square-foot James Kjerstad Event Center that can accommodate different types of games.
The fairgrounds are also home to the newly renovated Nerdy Nuts building. Opened in 2023, this facility boasts two indoor basketball, volleyball, and soccer courts for players to compete on.
Thanks to its convenient location on the east side of the city, the Central States Fairgrounds are located near a variety of eateries and family-friendly entertainment options that players and fans can indulge in after your sporting event is over.
BRING YOUR SPORTS EVENTS TO RAPID CITY
Ready to plan an action-packed athletic event at one of our top sports facilities? Reach out to our Rapid City Sports Commission team.