USD to Elevate Athletic Excellence with New $36 Million Gassen Family Fieldhouse
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USD to Elevate Athletic Excellence with New $36 Million Gassen Family Fieldhouse

Architectural rendering of Gassen Family Fieldhouse, with people inside and outside. Includes plans, green fields, and visible project signage.
An AI Architectural rendering of the proposed Gassen Family Fieldhouse at the University of South Dakota, showcasing a modern design with expansive indoor track and field facilities and versatile sports courts. Groups of professionals are engaged in discussions, highlighting the project's planning and development stages.

Northeast Radio SD News – Vermillion, SD - The University of South Dakota (USD) is taking a major step forward in its commitment to student-athletes with the announcement of the Gassen Family Fieldhouse, a state-of-the-art indoor facility slated for completion in June 2028. The Office of the State Engineer (OSE) is currently seeking Statements of Qualifications from firms interested in providing Construction Manager at Risk (CMR) services for this landmark project.


A World-Class Training Ground

The proposed 105,000 square-foot facility is designed to provide USD athletes with a world-class environment to train, compete, and recover at the highest level. Beyond its physical footprint, the fieldhouse represents the university’s dedication to providing the resources students need to reach their full potential—athletically, academically, and personally.


The facility is expected to be a hub of activity, featuring:

·         A 200-meter banked track with perimeter warm-up lanes.

·         A 60-meter straightaway for sprint training.

·         Dedicated areas for long jump, triple jump, pole vault, high jump, and throwing cages.

·         Indoor practice spaces for various sports, including soccer, tennis, and softball.


Project Scope and Budget

The construction budget for the fieldhouse is currently estimated at $36,000,000, though officials advise this figure is subject to change as the project progresses. To ensure the highest quality of construction, the state is looking for firms with specialized expertise and a proven track record in designing and managing similar large-scale athletic facilities.


The Search for a Construction Partner

Qualified firms interested in the project must submit their Statements of Qualifications by 4:00 PM CT on April 17, 2026. The selection process will be conducted by a technical review committee, which will shortlist firms for interviews with the Building Committee.


Evaluation criteria include:

·         Specialized expertise and technical competence (30%).

·         Past performance, including cost control and schedule adherence (30%).

·         Resource availability and key personnel resumes (15%).

·         Familiarity and availability to the project locale (15% combined).


Interested parties should submit electronic copies to Sara Norstrom (Office of the State Engineer) and Brian Limoges (USD Assistant VP of Facilities Management).


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