STURGIS — The Sturgis Arena Board is sponsoring an oat crop fundraiser, with harvest proceeds going toward much-needed upgrades at the arena.
The 80 acres are located three miles east of Sturgis along Highway 9, on land owned by Greg Olson. Olson has donated a portion of the rent toward the project, with the seed, spraying and harvest all being donated.
“The arena was first built in 1967 and has had a few upgrades, but the ice surface boards need to be replaced as well as all the glass, boxes and concrete,” said a representative. “The ice surface will also be expanded. We need to continue to reinvest and help preserve the arena in our community for future generations. We need approximately $200,000 for the upgrades. Previously, there have been some interior upgrades to the lobby, kitchen and dressing rooms.”
The idea of upgrades began 15 years ago but was tabled after further discussions. This year, the arena board committee made a firm commitment to proceed with acquiring funds, with hopes of completing the upgrades in the near future once funding is secured.
