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S.P.O.R.T.S. 2012 SITE SELECTION GUIDE | SOUTH D AKOT A BY PAIGE TOWNLEY Search for CVBs, sports commissions & sports facilities at www.sportseventsmagazine.com
COLD WAR HISTORY In 1961, during the Cold War, the United States Air Force buried missiles beneath the rural land of South Dakota to help pre- serve peace and prevent war. There were 150 U.S. Minuteman missiles and 15 Launch Control Facilities in the western part of the state. Two of the sites, the Delta-01 Launch Control Facility and the Delta-09 Launch Facility, were preserved as Minuteman Missile National Historic Sites to provide people of all ages with a history of the Cold War. Visitors can take ranger-guided tours of the sites year-round. www.travelsd.com
BOMBS AWAY!
Mount Rushmore SOUTH DAKOTA
Outdoor activities are endless in South Dakota. Biking, swimming, boating, skiing—whatever outdoor activity appeals, South Dakota has the terrain for it. "With the various landscapes across the state— rolling plains, river bluffs, steep terraces of the badlands and forest-covered mountains of the black hills—South Dakota is able to fit any type of outdoor sporting event," said Justin Larson, outdoor media and industry relations representative with the South Dakota Department of Tourism. "We are also fortunate to have the Missouri River run the entire length from North to South. With four dams along the river in South Dakota, it provides numerous water recreation opportunities." In addition to the varied geography, visitors will also find a large dose of hospitality throughout the state, Larson said. "With South Dakota being made up of so many small farming communities, you will feel like you are part of the community yourself," he said. "South Dakota residents thrive on offering friendly and first-class hospitality."
What's Going On…
Pierre The state's capital city, Pierre is in central South Dakota and features the beauty of the Great Plains. "Fishing, hunting and recreational boating are our number one tourist attractions," said Lois Ries, CVB
director. Hotel rooms: More than 1,000 Hotel tax: 8.5 percent Fields & facilities: Multiple gymnasi-
ums for various sports, aquatic center, multiple soccer fields, indoor hockey rink, indoor skating rink, and multiple baseball and softball fields.
40 August 2012
Contact: Pierre Convention & Tourism Bureau, www.pierre.org.
Rapid City
Situated in the foothills of the Black Hills, Rapid City is the second largest city in
South Dakota. Hotels: Approximately 73 Fields & facilities: Approximately 13
baseball fields, 15 basketball courts, three BMX tracks, four boxing facilities, two football stadiums, four golf courses, five facilities for gymnastics, three ice arenas, 32 soccer fields, 20 softball fields, three
pools, 46 tennis courts, two tracks, 32 vol-
leyball courts and three wrestling facilities. Civic center: The Rushmore Plaza
Civic Center has 160,000 square feet of sporting event space and has a capacity of 10,000.
Contact: Rapid City CVB,
www.visitrapidcity.com. Sioux Falls
See
ad on p. 42
Southeastern South Dakota's Sioux Falls—the state's largest city—is located at the junction of Interstates 29 and 90 on the banks of the Big Sioux River. The city ➤
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