Sioux Falls Stadium Artificial Turf Restrictions

At a glance

• What: Resolution 100-26 stating the Council's intent that artificial turf at Sioux Falls Stadium (Capital Program project 13013, FY2027) first requires a longer lease with the operator, True North Sports, LLC.
• Where it stands: Adopted September 8, 2026, 7-1 as amended (Thomason voted no).
• Related budget action: The same night the Council cut project 13013 by $950,000 (2027 City Budget).

Details

The resolution recites that the stadium lease with True North expires December 31, 2027 (two one-year renewal options through 2029); that turf could cut annual field maintenance by an estimated $100,000 per year, avoid replacing an end-of-life sprinkler system, shorten the one to three days of labor now needed to convert the grass field for non-baseball events, and allow more concerts and games over a longer season; and that the City wants a lease closer to the ten-year useful life of turf.

• Section 1: investment in turf under project 13013 shall first require extending the lease term to align with turf's useful life.
• Section 2: any extended lease must review the annual lease payment to reflect True North's savings.
• Section 3 (added by amendment): no funds for acquiring and installing turf may be spent until the City has started a consulting contract on use of the event center campus (Convention Center, Denny Sanford Premier Center, arena and Sioux Falls Stadium).

Votes

• Main motion by Spellerberg, seconded by Pankonin.
• Amendment adding Section 3: moved by Basye, seconded by Merkouris; 8-0.
• Adoption as amended: 7-1 (Thomason no).

Sources

• Minutes, September 8, 2026: https://amv.siouxfalls.gov/OnBaseAgendaOnline/Documents/ViewAgenda?meetingId=4335&type=Minutes&doctype=2

Log

2026-09-08 - City Council

Resolution 100-26 amended (Section 3 consulting contract) 8-0 and adopted 7-1.