This month and next, Blueprint South Dakota will continue spotlighting the entries in the 2025 Design Awards competition. AIA South Dakota members again proved their creativity and problem-solving skills with beautifully functional work, on display in communities across South Dakota and beyond. Each installment in this series introduces readers to a different project, in the design team’s own words. As part of every entry form, AIA SD asked submitters to provide a “long description” that addressed the design intent and its progression. We invited submitters to go beyond the stats to show the value the project added for their client or community. In turn, they detailed the problems the project solved, told how their process made the most of hidden opportunities, and described the ways the design supports the client or community through form and function.
SDSU First Bank & Trust Arena Renovation and Expansion
The basics
- Firm: EAPC Architects Engineers
- Client: South Dakota State University
- Category: Large Project
- Location: Brookings, S.D.
The story
The revitalization of SDSU’s First Bank and Trust Arena is more than a renovation—it’s a story of transformation, resilience, and deep-rooted community pride. For decades, the arena stood as a gathering place, but aging infrastructure and accessibility barriers limited participation and stifled its potential. The project’s mission was clear: honor the arena’s legacy while creating an inclusive, modern destination for all.
The obstacles were significant. Decades of deferred maintenance meant that much of the building needed extensive updates. Accessibility was a pressing concern, as the facility lagged behind ADA standards, making it difficult for many fans and community members to share in pivotal moments. The design team approached these challenges not simply as problems to solve, but as opportunities to amplify the arena’s role as a beacon for campus and community life.
Through a collaborative design process, we discovered ways to reimagine the arena without erasing its history. Salvaged wood from the original bleachers and court flooring were creatively integrated into new architectural features—soffits, ceilings, and the dramatic entry wall—providing warmth, texture, and a tangible connection to generations past. These elements transformed ordinary circulation spaces into storytelling moments, inviting every visitor to reflect on the arena’s enduring legacy.
But the value of the project extends beyond aesthetics. The reconfiguration of seating, concessions, and restrooms prioritizes comfort and accessibility, ensuring that every guest feels welcome. By reorienting the arena’s heart around inclusivity, we opened doors—literally and figuratively—to new fans, students, and community members. The project also embraced sustainability, repurposing materials and modernizing systems to reduce environmental impact and operating costs.
In form and function, the new arena is a model of thoughtful design supporting its client and community. Flexible event spaces accommodate not only athletic competitions but also graduations, concerts, and local gatherings—making the arena a true civic anchor. Enhanced sightlines, integrated technology, and improved amenities elevate the spectator experience, while curated exhibits and architectural features celebrate the proud traditions of SDSU.
Ultimately, the First Bank and Trust Arena now stands as a living testament to the power of design to unite, inspire, and uplift. By looking beyond the stats to the stories, the project demonstrates how a vision rooted in community can transform challenges into enduring value—leaving a legacy that serves not just the university, but all of Brookings for generations to come.
More projects in the series
Click to view a video of all 22 entries in the 2025 AIA South Dakota Design Awards.
