July 2, 2024

It’s going to be a big fall for sports at Dakota State University.

The $41 million Beacom Premier Complex is the first new DSU athletics facility since the Fieldhouse was finished in 1960.

The South Dakota Board of Regents approved the naming of the Beacom Premier Complex and the Brian Kern Family Stadium at its meeting last week.

The impact the Beacom family has had on Dakota State “has been pivotal,” the university said in a statement.

“Alumnus Miles Beacom and his wife Lisa’s financial generosity have resulted in academic, athletic and research facilities being built on campus. Miles’ brother, Dan Beacom, impacted DSU through his positive personal character as a humble mentor, leader and motivator who believed in teamwork.”

The new track at DSU was named The Dan Beacom Track Complex in August 2023 after Dan’s death earlier that year.

Premier has long been a strong and active supporter of Dakota State, DSU said.

“The experience my brother and I had at Dakota State University allowed us to obtain degrees, which helped us succeed in life,” said Miles Beacom, Premier Bankcard CEO. “Lisa and I believe it’s important to give back so future DSU students have this same learning experience both in the classroom and on the field.”

The Brian Kern Family Stadium honors Madison businessman Brian Kern, a longtime supporter of Dakota State University, and his family. He has provided scholarship and program support for student-athletes and has donated to the new athletics facility.

Blankley Field is named in memory of George Blankley, who served an important role in the early history of Dakota State athletics as an instructor, coach and athletic director who also taught students life skills necessary after graduation. After Blankley’s death, his wife, Shirley, established an endowment in his memory for scholarships. She later made a donation through the Trojans Unite campaign that resulted in the naming of the field.

DSU will host Trojan Nights to celebrate the complex opening Aug. 27 with a concert featuring Old Dominion and special guests Brothers Osborne, Elle King and host/DJ Blake Horstmann. The concert is sponsored exclusively by First Premier Bank and Premier Bankcard. Trojan Nights will conclude Aug. 29 in the new stadium, with DSU taking on the Dakota Wesleyan Tigers in the annual Ag Bowl on the new Blankley Field.

“This new facility is entirely privately funded by stakeholders whose generous support will help our student-athletes achieve great things and bring recognition to Dakota State,” president José-Marie Griffiths said. “The kickoff concert and first football game are perfect events to celebrate this milestone.”

Concert pre-sale tickets for DSU students and employees are available. Depending on availability, tickets may be released to additional audiences and the general public at a later date. More information about the concert and artists can be found at dsu.edu/trojan-nights.

Ag Bowl recognizes the economic impact of agricultural partners from across South Dakota. Information about those tickets will be released at a later date.