Lt. Gov. Rhoden Opens Dakota Events CompleX

Lt. Gov. Rhoden Opens Dakota Events CompleX 

HURON, S.D. – Today, Lt. Governor Larry Rhoden and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources opened the Dakota Events CompleX (DEX) at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron.

“The DEX is a state-of-the-art facility that will position us to better compete for national rodeo and equestrian events. It will provide the city of Huron and the entire state of South Dakota with new opportunities,” said Lt. Governor Rhoden. “Out of adversity, we have found opportunity to grow. The DEX will be a special place. I can’t wait to see all of the memories that families, friends, visitors, and fairgoers will make right here.”

Almost three years ago, in the early hours of October 31st, 2020, a fire destroyed the State Fair Open Class Beef Complex. Thanks to State Fair staff, firefighters, and first responders, no people or animals were injured in the fire, but the building was a total loss.

Immediately after the fire, Governor Noem announced the DEX project in her 2020 Budget Address and held a press conference in Huron discussing the plans to build this new and improved complex.  The legislature authorized $20 million to build the DEX in 2021 and an additional $9 million earlier this year to ensure that it was ready to open for the 2023 South Dakota State Fair.

The DEX is a 150,000 square-foot open concept facility. It is capable of housing up to 2,000 head of cattle and allows for indoor regional and national rodeos, equestrian events, and livestock exhibitions.

Photos from the ribbon cutting ceremony can be found hereherehere, and here.

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19 thoughts on “Lt. Gov. Rhoden Opens Dakota Events CompleX”

  1. But, but, but over at the Dakota Septic Tank, the Goebbels want-to-be herr shortyberger proclaimed that this event complex wouldn’t be open for some time to come and certainly not for the State Fair. I guess the little fella and the rest of the floaters aren’t as smart as they thought.

        1. Trump, is that you? Oh wait, he is trying to sleep with his own daughter since he already cheated on all his wives.

  2. Maybe the photos are very incomplete. It doesn’t look like we got much for 29 million. We build K-12 school building, with gyms and science labs, plus kitchens, lunchroom, and assembly areas, for half of that. Bench seating (and not much. Am I missing something, like a balcony or a stage) Is that fluorescent lighting? What gives?? I expected a first class facility and performance area.

  3. Equestrian? That is one of the most expensive sports by far. Taxpayers are footing the bill for an extremely small group of very wealthy elites to have a facility for their tournaments in Huron, SD? They have the money to build their own facility for events.

    Republican Socialists of South Dakota RSAs

  4. I’m not opposed to a new first rate exhibition and performance Hall at the State Fair…but let’s do it right and do it so we’re proud of it 50 years from now.

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