Shuttle, Park Free and Celebrate The Summit League at The Steel District

The Steel District is ready to welcome the Summit League Basketball Championships and its thousands of visitors to Sioux Falls this week.

When teams, coaches and fans aren’t enjoying the action at the Denny Sanford Premier Center, they will find a free ride, free parking and plenty of fun at The Steel District.

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone who’s in town for the games or just looking for one more reason to visit downtown,” said Kurt Moe, regional manager at Lloyd Companies, which developed, built and manages The Steel District.

“Whether you’re staying overnight with us at the Canopy by Hilton, looking for a great place to grab a meal and watch the games or unwind at the end of the day, we’re ready to help you make memories in downtown Sioux Falls.”

You’re also steps from Summit League Central at Jacobson Plaza, adjacent to The Steel District, where you’ll find everything from basketball photo ops to curling activities on the ice ribbon. Plus, all Steel District restaurants are participating in the DTSF Mash Madness competition, so try out the competitive craft cocktails and mocktails at: Big Sioux Diner & Dive; Cascata Italian Cuisine inside The Cascade; Dahlia Kitchen + Bar, Ironwood and Jack Rose Social Club.

Many of last year’s tournament visitors “will barely recognize Uptown and The Steel District, “ said Brandon Hanson, CEO of Downtown Sioux Falls Inc.

“The pace of change over the past year has been dramatic. New storefronts. New lighting. New gathering spaces. When someone walks downtown for the first time or gives it another look after years away, that first impression matters.”

Through a partnership between VIA, which manages Sioux Area Metro, and The Steel District, a free city shuttle will run on the busiest tournament days, Thursday through Saturday. It will connect the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, the Steel District, and the downtown core, including SummitLeague Central.

If you prefer to drive, the following parking ramps are free during the tournament March 5-8:

• Steel District Ramp (505 N. Metli Place)

• 1st Avenue Ramp (110 E. 11st St.)

• Downtown Mall Ramps (110 S. Mall Ave.)

Click here for the schedule 

Downtown already has drawn favorable response from tournament guests, and this year promises to be even bigger, said Mike Krewson, general manager of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.

“The shuttle gives rides the opportunity to enjoy all downtown has to offer, especially Falls Park and The Steel District before and after games,” he said.

Every positive experience creates the opportunity for a return visit, Hanson added. 

“Our businesses genuinely enjoy welcoming new people,” Hanson said. “Sometimes the most valuable outcome is simply someone discovering downtown and deciding to come back.”

Connect with all Summit League-related activities through a centralized website at 2026 Summit League Men's and Women's Basketball Championships - Downtown Sioux Falls.