A study group is recommending that Sioux Falls Stadium, home of the Sioux Falls Canaries (independent; American Association), eventually be demolished.
Multiple venues around the Denny Sanford Premier Center, including the ballpark and Sioux Falls Arena, have been the subject of an analysis by a study group that was convened by the city. The group finalized its recommendations on Wednesday, calling for the eventual demolition of Sioux Falls Stadium–pointing to the cost of maintaining the aging facility, among other issues.
While the recommendation provides a suggestion on what could potentially happen to Sioux Falls Stadium in the future, further discussion would be needed before any potential plans for a new ballpark could be settled. The group did not propose a site or financing plan for a new ballpark, leaving those issues to be considered the city. More from the Argus Leader:
In contrast, the city should take its time when it comes to tearing down the baseball stadium, according to the group’s recommendations.
The task force, challenged to study the future of the existing campus, is not proposing to relocate the stadium downtown or elsewhere, as a 2016 study did. Rather, its recommendation simply states that maintaining the baseball stadium, which loses more than $200,000 a year and will soon need around $3 million in repairs and maintenance, and keeping it at the current location is not what’s best for baseball in Sioux Falls or taxpayers.
“Our recommendation is baseball is not right for this campus,” said Erik Nyberg, an attorney with Cutler Law Firm, adding that it will be up to the city to determine where a new stadium goes and who pays for it.
The recommendations will be delivered to Sioux Falls mayor Paul TenHaken. Sioux Falls Stadium is located in the western part of the town, placed among a sports complex that includes the arena.
RELATED STORIES: More Study Recommended on Sioux Falls Stadium Future; New Sioux Falls Ballpark Pitched; Study Pitches Downtown Sioux Falls Canaries Ballpark