Sioux Falls, SD (KELO AM) – Talk of repealing the city’s ban on Mixed Marital Arts events in city-run facilities has heated up, and officials with the Denny Sanford Premier Center are paying close attention to the conversation. Assistant General Manager Chris Semrau says the one year old facility is always on the lookout for new entertainment offerings, but so far MMA has been off the table completely, even though the sport has already found a foothold in South Dakota.
“There have been several events hosted across the state, including three in Sioux Falls, but we are currently prohibited from hosting these events,” said Semrau, referring to RFA events that have drawn over 2,000 spectators to the Sanford Pentagon on three occasions. Since the Pentagon is run by Sanford Health, it is not subject to the city’s ban; however they are subject to the guidelines set forth by the state’s Athletic Commission.
Semrau says that he and other officials with the facility have had what he calls “Non-starter” discussions with MMA promoters regarding the possibility of bringing an event to the Premier Center, but those conversations have never gone too far. “If we are able to host those events, then we can have formal discussions, and really look at what possibilities might be there to bring a larger MMA event here”
He added that if the city council does repeal the ban, there’s no guarantee that the Premier Center will immediately schedule an MMA event. “It’s no different than a high level concert event, there’s a lot that goes into it.” Meaning logistics such as a mutually available date for the event and financial arrangements would have to fall into place. “It’s been very successful across the country in 48 states that currently host events, and we’d sure be open to exploring the possibility for the Premier Center,” he added.
Any repeal of Sioux Falls’ ban on MMA could happen as soon as mid-October. During an informational council meeting, Councilor Christine Erickson said she would like to have a first reading of a proposal by Oct. 6th, with a second reading one week later.