The Legal & Finance Committee authorized release of two requests for proposals on Nov. 12 to advance a proposed sports field house project estimated at more than $61 million.

RFPs and public benefit: Director Ainsley told the committee the city has secured a large portion of construction funding and is seeking a management partner for operations. The RFP will solicit firms to manage public and private uses; staff said a walking track and indoor playground would be provided to the public for free, and that the manager would collaborate with Parks & Recreation on weekday programming.

Sponsorship target: The committee also authorized RFPs for sponsorship opportunities to cover roughly 10% of total cost — approximately $6.1 million — and described various naming and asset opportunities. Ainsley said the sponsorship approach used Visit Rapid City survey results to shape assets and outreach.

Committee response and vote: Committee members expressed support for the transparent procurement process and praised staff for integrating community feedback. The committee approved both RFP authorizations by voice vote.

Next steps: City staff will issue RFPs seeking management partners and sponsorship proposals, evaluate bidders, and return recommendations to council, with the goal of securing operations and partial private funding for the facility.