South Dakota Unveils the Gassen Family Fieldhouse for Athletic Excellence

VERMILLION, S.D. — A momentous occasion unfolded on October 2, 2026, as the University of South Dakota (USD) took a significant step forward in strengthening its sports legacy by breaking ground on the esteemed Gassen Family Fieldhouse. This event, occurring during the heart of the 112th annual Dakota Days celebration, highlights both the institution’s dedication to athletic excellence and its connection to the local community. The ceremony drew a diverse crowd of students, alumni, and local residents eager to witness the start of a new era for USD’s athletic programs.

Among the distinguished attendees were Bill and Jill Gassen, the namesakes of the fieldhouse. Both graduates of USD and former members of the school’s track and field team, the Gassens have been instrumental in advocating for the fieldhouse’s development. Bill Gassen, who holds a J.D. and a bachelor’s degree from USD, expressed his enthusiasm to the audience gathered at the future starting line of the facility, saying, “We’ve always had world-class student-athletes here. It’s time that now we have facilities that are befitting the incredible talent that comes through this school, that has come through this school for generations, and will continue into the future.”

The Gassen Family Fieldhouse represents a monumental advancement for athletics in South Dakota, promising to be one of the nation’s leading indoor track and field facilities. The comprehensive features of the fieldhouse, set for completion in the summer of 2028, include a 200-meter banked track, two perimeter warm-up lanes, a 60-meter straightaway, long/triple jump pits, dual pole vault stations, high jump areas, and dedicated spaces for throwing cages. These state-of-the-art amenities are designed to support the university’s track and field, cross country, and triathlon programs.

Additionally, the facility will provide over 2,000 seating capacity, fostering an energetic atmosphere for athletes and spectators alike. USD’s greater master plan includes converting the DakotaDome into a year-round turf facility, further enhancing the versatility and capacity for sports events and training.

This visionary project is a collaborative endeavor, made possible through the generous support of the South Dakota Legislature, the late philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, and USD’s committed alumni and friends. The communal backing underscores the fieldhouse as a beacon of pride and progress for South Dakota, reflecting the region’s deep-rooted spirit of collaboration and community involvement.

The groundbreaking ceremony marked a significant milestone in USD’s storied Dakota Days celebration. As university traditions and memories were honored throughout the week, speakers at the event graciously acknowledged the unwavering support from the broader South Dakota community. The project is not merely a physical structure; it is part of a broader strategy to elevate athletic and educational opportunities in the region, providing state-of-the-art facilities for student-athletes and drawing regional and national events to South Dakota.

USD Athletics Director, David Herbster, emphasized the significance of learning from the best to create elite facilities, stating, “The University of South Dakota is going to have one of the best track facilities in the country. We’ve gone to all these track meets and brought a tape measure… We’ve taken all those great ideas and put them into this facility, and all of the mistake they made, we’ve learned from and put into this facility, and that’s why I’m so proud of it.”

The Gassen Family Fieldhouse stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of South Dakota’s sports heritage — a future hub of athletic excellence and community pride. The journey that began with this groundbreaking heralds a promising chapter for USD, one that holds the promise of nurturing the next generation of champion athletes.