Sioux Falls, SD (KWSN/KELO AM) – So far it’s been all local and regional events at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, however that’s about to change this weekend when the SUMMIT League tournament opens on Saturday. In fact, had it not been for a series of high school basketball games last month featuring class AA teams from Rapid City and Sioux Falls, Saturday would have been the very first basketball game at the new venue.
“I think we all were a little bit hesitant to have that happen” said Wes Hall with the Sioux Falls Sports Authority, the group responsible for hosting the tournament. Hall said the High School Showcase served as a dry run for the SUMMIT tourney, and provided valuable information on how basketball would work in the new building.
Most of those adjustments had to do with spectator seating, both behind the baskets and near the court. Hall said some seats were moved to provide better site lines to those paying the big bucks to be near the action. “When you are dealing with SUMMIT League, you have press row. So we wanted to make sure our courtside seats, those consumers would be able to view the game without any obstructions” said Hall.
Ticket sales for the games have been swift, Hall said portions of the upper level have been opened up for Saturday’s games and more will be opened if they are needed, or if the day’s games will call for additional seating.