RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA News) – The Executive Director of the Civic Center laid out the design for the new arena for Rapid City Council on Monday night at their regular Council meeting. The original plan put the construction cost over budget, but during the presentation, Baltzer showed a new J configuration which he said will allow the project to fit within the allotted budget. He explained without a current sports team occupying the new arena, this plan eliminates some suites and adds theatre box seats, but they could be added later to accommodate a team. He said all of the Mayor’s ideas that were in his presentation are still present in the new configuration.

Baltzer said research tells them that potential patrons no longer want to sit  in a row with their friends, and are still wanting premium service, but they want to feel part of the crowd and an open-air feel. He also explained what he called the concourse area, which would be wide enough and big enough to service a large crowd.

Baltzer added they’re also looking at a plan to connect the new arena with the existing Barnett.