Siouxland Expo Center Project Moving Forward

The Siouxland Expo Center, a dynamic new multi-purpose venue in Sioux City, took a major step forward with the City Council adopting plans and specifications for the building at its regular meeting on Monday, March 11, 2019. The building will be owned by the non-profit Siouxland Expo Center. The City of Sioux City is conducting the bidding process for the construction of the estimated $12.7 million building. Bids will be received on April 9, 2019, with construction of the project anticipated to be complete by June 1, 2020.

The new 104,000-square foot building is designed to provide quality flexible spaces for agricultural, recreational and major community events. Located off the newly expanded Interstate 29 in Sioux City’s former stockyards, the facility will include an 80,000-square foot expo hall/sports arena, space for a future climbing wall, two conference room/classrooms, locker rooms, concession/kitchen area, and will house the Sioux City Parks and Recreation offices. This public/private partnership is funded by a variety of sources, including public contributions, private sponsorships, and grants.

The Siouxland Expo Center has received significant financial commitments from several organizations for naming rights, including the previously announced Missouri River Historic Development (MRHD) gift, MidAmerican Energy, and the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City. MRHD has generously contributed $1,000,000 to the Siouxland Expo Center and is the naming sponsor for the building’s Atrium. MidAmerican Energy is supporting the project with a $500,000 contribution and will receive sponsor rights for the 80,000-square foot Expo Hall. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City has donated $400,000 to the project and is the naming sponsor for the Videoboard. In total, the project has received financial contributions to help fund building construction costs from over 30 businesses in the community. Additional sponsorships will be announced in the future.

Mayor Bob Scott said, “It’s exciting to see this highly anticipated project move forward. Our local businesses continue to be great community partners and we are extremely grateful to those that have generously supported this project.”

“MRHD has the privilege of supporting projects that improve the quality of life for all people who live in Woodbury County,” says Dakin Schultz, MRHD President. “The Expo Center is the type of regional, impactful project that exemplifies our mission.  We thank our partner, Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sioux City, whose outstanding entertainment generates the source of this funding.”

Kathryn Kunert, Vice President of Economic Connections and Integration at MidAmerican Energy said, “We are proud to support the Siouxland Expo Center and the community’s effort to create a place for its residents to come together. This unique center is designed to serve the community today and well into the future.”

“Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City is thrilled to be contributing to a venue that will benefit and grow Siouxland,” said Jim Franke, general manager of the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City. “The Siouxland Expo Center will be a great economic boost for the community.”

Opportunities for varying levels of sponsorship of the Siouxland Expo Center are still available, including the naming sponsor. To learn more and to make a donation towards this exciting project, visit https://siouxlandexpocenter.com/.