FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JULY 1, 2024 - The Black Hills Nationals Wrestling Tournament, the Central States Fair, Inc., and the Rapid City Sports Commission are pleased to announce that the Black Hills Nationals Wrestling Tournament is moving to Rapid City in 2025.
For the past 20 years the Black Hills Nationals Wresting Tournament has been held in Spearfish, SD, but with unprecedented growth and an eye for the future, Tournament Founder and Director, Frank Pavich said, "It's time for some big changes, and we are very excited about the opportunity presented to us in Rapid City.
Moving to the Central States Fairgrounds in the James Kjerstad Event Center is going to take this already great tournament to the next level."
"We're looking for long-term partnerships," he added. "After meeting with the staff from the Central States Fairgrounds and with Damico Rodriquez, Executive Director of the Rapid City Sports Commission, we believe this is going to be a positive move for our tournament, Rapid City, and the entire region."
"Bringing quality events to the Rapid City area is what we are all about," said Rodriquez. "It's not every day that a nationally recognized, established, quality event like the Black Hills Nationals is looking to move venues. We couldn't be more excited to partner with them, promote wrestling in our region, and take the event to the next level."
Since its inception 20 years ago, Black Hills Nationals has grown into a "can't miss" event for competitors from all across the region and the country. In fact, last April's event hosted over 1700 wrestlers from 25 states and two Canadian provinces. Equally impressive is that participants ranged in age from preschoolers to retirees, in both male and female divisions. With added floor space for more mats and additional seating in the James Kjerstad Event Center, the tournament is sure to continue its growth. Already boasting around 7,000 fans and participants, the event generates around $4 million in local revenue annually.
"We've been working hard at renovating our facilities and being able to host events like this," said John Kaiser, Assistant General Manager at Central States Fair, Inc. "We are going to provide a great experience not only for the competitors, but for everyone involved from families, to sponsors, to vendors and workers."
"We've had overwhelming support from the local business community in the Northern Hills, and I can't thank them enough for their partnerships through the years," said Pavich. 'We are excited to expand those partnerships to the Rapid City area and encourage local businesses to get involved."
The Black Hills Nationals Wrestling Tournament will be held April 4-6, 2025.