Campaigns Out in Force at Sioux Falls Sports Show

Candidates and political teams work the crowds at annual event ahead of blizzard

Mar. 14, 2026 at 4:34pm

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With an expected attendance of 30,000 people, the annual Sioux Falls Sports Show has become a must-attend event for local and state political candidates. This year, several high-profile campaigns are out in force, collecting signatures, meeting voters, and promoting their candidates at booths and displays throughout the convention center.

Why it matters

The Sports Show provides a unique opportunity for candidates to connect with a large, engaged audience of potential voters. With a major winter storm on the way, campaigns are working overtime to make the most of this weekend event before the weather turns.

The details

Several key campaigns have a presence at the Sports Show, including Team Jackley, Team Rounds, Team Dusty, and the campaign of Sioux Falls mayoral candidate Christine Erickson. The candidates and their teams are collecting petition signatures, accepting donations, and talking directly with attendees about their platforms and priorities.

  • The Sioux Falls Sports Show runs from March 14-16, 2026.
  • A major winter storm is expected to hit the region shortly after the event concludes.

The players

Toby Doeden

Democratic candidate for office.

Greg Jamison

Democratic candidate for office.

Jamie Smith

Democratic candidate for office.

Kristi Noem

Governor of South Dakota, running under the "Team Jackley" banner.

Mike Rounds

U.S. Senator, running under the "Team Rounds" banner.

Dusty Johnson

U.S. Representative, running under the "Team Dusty" banner.

Larry Rhoden

Candidate for office, with Jess Bahmuller manning the booth.

Jon Hansen

Candidate for office, with a booth and banner at the event.

Christine Erickson

Sioux Falls mayoral candidate, signing up supporters at the event.

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What’s next

The Sioux Falls Sports Show will conclude on March 16, 2026, just ahead of the expected winter storm. Candidates will need to assess the impact of the event and determine any next steps in their campaigns before the weather disrupts normal operations.

The takeaway

The Sioux Falls Sports Show has become a must-attend event for political candidates in South Dakota, providing a unique opportunity to connect with thousands of potential voters. This year's event has drawn a strong turnout from campaigns across the political spectrum, underscoring the importance of retail politics and face-to-face interactions in the state's political landscape.