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

Designed to address the needs of a growing campus, MMU’s new fieldhouse offers student-athletes first-rate training facilities, as well as space to hold indoor collegiate track meets, collegiate baseball and softball scrimmages, and cheer, dance, and marching band competitions. The facility’s weight training, fitness, and event areas are available to both Mount Marty students and Yankton community members.

“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 RDG Partner and Project Architect, Tom Ohle, AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP. “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.”

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 are open to both MMU students and Yankton community members. The $15-million project was funded through public and private donations.