FORT PIERRE, S.D. — Operations at the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center are continuing despite a visible section of land nearby that is shifting away from the building, facility leaders and county officials said this week.
What officials say
Executive Director Kalyn Bergeson told local media the center itself is not currently affected by the movement of the ground. Staff at the center and Stanley County emergency management have been watching the site closely and discussing next steps with county commissioners.
Although the building remains open to visitors and events, leaders are urging caution: the moving soil has attracted attention from residents and visitors, and officials said they do not want people approaching the unstable area to get a closer look.
Local response and concerns
The shifting earth was discussed at a recent special meeting of the Stanley County Commission, where emergency management officials provided updates while canvassing results from the state runoff election. The conversation signaled the county is aware of the issue and treating it as an item that requires monitoring.
Community members often visit the rodeo center because it houses exhibits and memorabilia related to Casey Tibbs, an internationally known rodeo champion from the area. For now, center staff said typical operations are proceeding, though they acknowledge that the moving ground presents a nuisance and a potential safety risk if it progresses.
Practical precautions for visitors
- Avoid walking near the visibly shifting area or attempting to get a closer look.
- Follow any temporary signage or guidance from center staff or county officials.
- Contact the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center before visiting if you have questions about events or access.
Center administrators said they do not want curiosity to create a situation where a public-safety response becomes necessary.
Facts at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center, Fort Pierre |
| Issue | Section of ground near the building shifting away |
| Current status | Center open; ground movement under local monitoring |
| Local oversight | Stanley County Emergency Management and County Commission |
Why this matters
Even when a building appears unaffected, nearby ground movement can develop into a more serious problem if the underlying cause is not identified and addressed. Soil instability can be driven by natural processes — such as water infiltration, erosion or subsurface settling — or by human activity that alters drainage or load patterns. That is why county and facility leaders are treating the situation with caution and discussing monitoring and potential mitigations.
For a community that hosts visitors for cultural and historical exhibits, as well as occasional events, balancing public access with safety planning is a priority. Officials at the center stressed that keeping guests away from the unstable area reduces risk while allowing the site to remain usable.
What comes next
Officials did not announce a timeline for assessments or repairs. Future steps typically include detailed inspections by geotechnical professionals to determine the scope and cause of movement, followed by recommendations for remediation if needed. County emergency management will remain involved while the land is monitored.
In the meantime, center staff and county leaders ask the public to respect any temporary restrictions and avoid approaching the affected ground.
We will continue to follow updates from the Casey Tibbs South Dakota Rodeo Center and Stanley County officials and report new developments as they become available.
