South Dakota University $15M Athletic Facility Now Complete

By SCN Staff

YANKTON, South Dakota—Mount Marty University (MMU) recently celebrated the official opening of its new $15 million athletic facility, the Ruth Donohoe First Dakota Fieldhouse.

Ruth Donohoe was the first lay teacher at the college in the 1930s.

Designed by RDG Planning & Design, the Fieldhouse serves as a centerpiece for the MMU campus and provides space for student activities, recreation and athletic practices and large-scale events. Fiegen Construction was the general contractor.

Funded through public and private donation, the 100,000 square foot fieldhouse includes a 74,000 square foot event space with a 200-meter, eight-lane track and a 7,500 square foot weight training and fitness facility, which is available to both Mount Marty students and Yankton community members.

Designed to address the critical needs of a growing campus, MMU’s new fieldhouse offers student athletes top-of-the-line features and first-rate training facilities, as well as ample space to hold indoor collegiate track meets, collegiate baseball and softball scrimmages and cheer, dance and marching band competitions.

“In collaborating with our university partners, we’ve created an athletic facility that offers open, accommodating space for a variety of wellness and community activities—from large regional events to individual workouts or intramural sports and games,” said Tom Ohle, RDG partner and project architect, in a statement.

“At its core, the fieldhouse acts not only as a recruiting tool for Mount Marty, but also as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life for everyone in Yankton.”

Added MMU Athletic Director Chris Kassin, “We want students to choose Mount Marty because they know they can succeed here. To do that, we need to offer top-of-the-line facilities. This field house offers students, and the larger community, access to first-rate fitness space and opportunities for indoor recreation in any season.”