DTSF runs new free shuttle for Summit League fans

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - The Summit League Basketball Championships in Sioux Falls are in full swing.

Amidst the changes for this year’s tournament, a new offer from Downtown Sioux Falls hopes to generate business.

The heightened efforts to connect visitors to what’s new downtown resulted in a free shuttle offered to fans, which takes them between three stops, from two areas downtown to the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

Friday was the first day the shuttle was in action.

The excitement on the court will draw an estimated 38,000 fans to Sioux Falls and every year there’s something new downtown.

DTSF wants to make it easier for those thousands of visitors to check it out.

“You can take the shuttle, try the restaurants, shop at some of the retail spots and hop back on and get back to the games,” said DTSF Marketing Manager Jeb Cooper.

Cooper said a thirty-minute round trip from the 12th Street Plaza to the Steel District to the game is a favorable ride.

“Summit League fans and downtown locals can expect a really clean and safe bus ride, a really efficient route, which is quite nice. They don’t have to worry about parking either downtown or at the Premier Center,” Cooper said.

The bus driver said that in day one, the free shuttle has been a hit with fans who took that option.

Visitors from places like Florida and New York hitched a ride early in the afternoon and some locals hopped on, too.

“I’m with these two and they said ‘Let’s go,’ and I was like, ‘Let’s go!’” said Richard Fischer of Sioux Falls.

Riders said they felt like VIPs.

“Ideal to take this. I don’t have to worry about parking, don’t have to worry about my car, this is going to be heated, it’s going to be convenient,” Fischer said.

“Very comfortable. Great seats. We can see each other, talk to each other, talk about the game predictions that we have,” said rider Matthew Shehan.

“When the arena gets full or whatever, parking sometimes is a headache and just, you’re getting a front door drop off,” said rider Paul Van Stoten.

Participation with downtown businesses has been high with growing enthusiasm for more foot traffic and providing a great experience for fans.

“It’s really exciting to see all of the retail businesses and restaurants get excited about Summit League. A lot of them are doing special deals on items. There’s just really a lot of energy and buzz from downtown to welcome all of the Summit League fans,” Cooper said.

DTSF appreciates the Steel District and Lloyd Construction for sponsoring the shuttle and making it happen.

The shuttle will run for one more day from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday.

There are also some free items, including coupons for local businesses being given out on the bus. For a list of special offers, check here.

Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.