Insider's Guide
As tens of thousands of college basketball fans descend on Sioux Falls, the locally owned business of downtown Sioux Falls are stepping up their own game.
“Our relationship with The Summit League Basketball Championships has deepened this year,” said Brandon Hanson, CEO of Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. “You’ll see banners up throughout downtown, welcome posters in the businesses and lots of participation districtwide because we expect at least 38,000 people in town, and we want them downtown.”
For the first time, Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. in partnership with sponsor Lloyd Cos. will run a free shuttle from the Denny Sanford Premier Center to downtown, with stops at The Steel District on the north end of downtown and Blarney Stone Pub on the south end.
“It will be 30 minutes round trip, and it’s a large charter bus, so it’s going to be hard to miss,” Hanson said. “We’ll have signage out at the stopping points and will be giving away Downtown Gives coupon books while they last and additional perks to those taking the shuttle.”
Once the shuttle pulls into The Steel District, visitors can prepare to be amazed by the transformation.
“Even if they’ve come to the tournament in prior years, this is a destination that will be completely new to them this time,” said Christie Ernst, president of property management for Lloyd Cos.
“We’re excited to help connect these visitors with so many new shopping, dining and entertainment options at The Steel District along with the broader downtown, including The Cascade boardwalk, which just welcomed The Maker’s Circle, offering work from nearly two dozen area artists.”
Expect to see the games on at Big Sioux Burger, which offers everything from classic breakfast dishes much of the day to destination burgers.
Unwind with a late-night DJ on the weekend at Dahlia Kitchen + Bar or indulge in a fine-dining experience at Ironwood.
“We’re also excited to welcome tournament guests to the Canopy by Hilton, our brand-new hotel, which also has outstanding on-site dining at Cascata Italian Cuisine,” Ernst said. “Plus, you’ll love new local shopping like Pasque Boutique and Alcove, a museum store from the Washington Pavilion.”
The Washington Pavilion also is offering 20 percent off at Alcove, excluding fine art, by showing a Summit League ticket when making a purchase, along with:
- 20 percent off museum admissions for the Kirby Science Discovery Center and Visual Arts Center.
- 20 percent off tickets to the Sweetman Planetarium.
- 20 percent off The WP Cafe and Parlour ice cream.
Plus, for March Madness, Parlour is featuring a new flavor. The Final Four is chocolate ice cream paired with Twix, cookie dough, brownie chunks and a caramel swirl that’s colored orange.
“We can’t wait to welcome Summit League fans to the Washington Pavilion and Alcove, and treat them to some incredible experiences,” said Cameron Ostrom, chief revenue officer for Washington Pavilion Management Inc..
“Downtown will be the place to head between games, and we have all your needs covered with museums, movies, ice cream and more.”
As visitors venture throughout downtown, it will become clear that businesses are ready to welcome them.
Terra Shepherd Boutique & Apothecary has decorated its windows for the event as a hint of what awaits inside.
“This tournament brings so much energy, and the downtown community can’t wait to roll out the red carpet for tournament participants, fans and staff,” owner Sara Jamison said.
“We are ready and so excited!”
In her store, tournament-goers will receive a discount with a game ticket, plus the boutique is partnering with Mary’s Mountain Cookies to provide cookies, plus award a special gift to the first fan sporting gear from a participating team. Girl Scout Cookies also will be for sale from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
“It’s a huge opportunity for our small businesses, and I am really glad we are stepping up this year,” Jamison said. “The shuttle is such a fun and functional addition as well. It’s a perfect opportunity to brunch, grab coffee and shop downtown, then have someone else do the driving for you. I think being able to get dropped off right at the door at the Premier Center is such a cool perk! Then, folks can end their evening with dinner, dessert and drinks from one of our amazing restaurants.”
Those who want a true culinary experience also can sign up for a Sioux Falls Food Tour. Owner Dana Wohlwend is offering a discount and will be running two to three routes depending on interest from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
“I will give the visitors a look into our exciting culinary culture as well as a brief history on Sioux Falls,” Wohlwend said. “With such a short time in town, they will experience seven to nine different establishments and a refreshing time.”
The shuttle also makes it easy and safe to participate in the expanded Mash Madness downtown, in which more than 30 cafes, bars and restaurants are competing for the best beer, cocktail or nonalcoholic beverage. Click here for details.
Need to let off some steam after watching the games? Rough Cut Social is offing 25 percent off one-hour admissions for Summit League goers today through Saturday. Use the promo code SUMMIT25 for online reservations.
“We do take walk-ins as well, and they just need to mention the Summit Special to get the discount,” general manager Alysia Simunek said.
“The Summit League attendees and fans are a great crowd for axe throwing. We can keep the competitive energy flowing with some friendly axe-throwing battles.”
Fans of all ages are welcome, she said.
“Plus, it’s the best stress relief for those court frustrations like missed shots, bad calls, close games or unexpected outcomes. We even welcome the teams to join us for some connection and fun off the court.”
Other downtown businesses with special offers include:
- Mary’s Mountain Cookies: Enjoy frosted sugar “basketball” cookies, plus the buy-six, get-two-free daily special.
- The Cattitude Cafe: $1 off hour catroom entrance fees.
- Harvester Kitchen by Bryan: Nunzio’s Food Hall to-go pizzas will feature a special pie for Summit League guests. The Meatball features meatballs made with veal, pork and beef, along with San Marzano tomato sauce, a three-cheese blend and crust made in house.
- Lauriebelles: 20 percent off purchase with Summit League ticket.
- MK Threads: Make a free throw for discounts.
- Pasque Boutique: Summit League guests receive $10 off permanent jewelry pieces and 10 percent off in-store sales.
- Glacial Lakes Distillery & Brewhouse: $5 taps during game times and a pizza and drink special of one pizza and two drinks of choice — excluding bourbon and THC beverages — for $25
- PRIMP: Shoot your shot at the register for discounts, deals and free items today through Sunday.
- Plums Cooking Co.: Register your winning team in the jar for a chance to win a free gift, enjoy special tastings from the collection of specialty food items, catch the games being streamed so you don’t miss a moment of the action and save storewide on all your favorite well-known brands.
“Every business I’ve talked to downtown in recent weeks is so excited by the opportunity to welcome our Summit League guests,” said Hanson of DTSF. “There’s no reason not to do it. They’re doing giveaways and gift cards and customized products. You’ll see a lot of folks downtown wearing Summit League gear. It goes beyond making sales. They’re all just really excited to have people in the community and welcome them in.”
