Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Sioux Falls is the largest city in all of South Dakota with a population of (145,000). Despite the fact that it is one of the fastest growing cities in South Dakota, it still is moderately small and very “mid-west” friendly. The local news media treat the Stampede hockey club with the kind of attention paid to “big-league” teams in big markets. All three television stations regularly cover the team as does the city’s main newspaper, The Argus Leader.

The city continues to grow in both population and corporate business growth. The main industry in Sioux Falls is medical with two major hospital groups employing many thousands of professionals. Sioux Falls is one of the leading medical destinations in the entire United States. 

Sioux Falls Arena

The Sioux Falls Arena and Convention Center is host to the Stampede as well as minor league basketball, indoor football and various concerts and events. Howard Wood Field is next door and hosts many of the communities’ bigger football and track events. Sioux Falls Stadium is home to minor league baseball and is always a great place to be on a summer night.

Sioux Falls

The downtown boasts great character and quaint shops. One of the cities main attractions is Falls Park; a beautiful falls over granite rock on the Big Sioux River which runs right through the city.

On the West side of town, the Empire Mall is still a favorite of many shoppers. More people visit the Empire Mall annually than Mt. Rushmore!
 

South Dakota

South Dakota is known for many things, one of which is considered the state sport…Pheasant Hunting. Part of the State’s great heritage, pheasant hunters come from all over the world to experience the world class hunting throughout the state. Also, the Missouri River System runs through the state and provides not only great recreation, but some of the best Walleye fishing in the world as well.

In the Western regions of the state, is the beautiful Black Hills which includes many great tourist attractions such as Mount Rushmore and the great bike rally at Sturgis.

Great Schools

Often among the top ten nationally and even top five nationally in college entrance exam scoring. Stampede players attend one of two schools, either Roosevelt Public School or O’Gorman Catholic School. Both are well respected and O’Gorman tests among the best of the best nationally.

For those players interested in post-high school work, Sioux Falls offers a couple of great options. University Center, which is a combined effort of the three major Universities in South Dakota (University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University and Dakota State University) offers both day and night classes which Stampede players have utilized over the years. Also, some players have opted for Killian Community College, which offers two year programs and has also benefited Stampede players in the past.