April 5, 2023

A new billiards hall is open on the east side and filling up with pool players.

Rack City Billiards is owned by Kody and Devinne Mertens and their friends Marc Phillips and Aaron Stoterau. All four have other jobs and have hired a full-time manager for Rack City.

The space at 309 S. Bahnson Ave. most recently was a church and has been converted to include nearly 20 pool tables.

“Rack City Billiards is a family-oriented establishment, and we will have all types of leagues and fun tournaments to play in,” Kody Mertens said. “From your very beginner shooter to your advance shooters.”

Since opening a couple of weeks ago, “we are genuinely surprised on the steady business and support we have received,” he said. “We are doing very well so far but still plan to bring greatness to Sioux Falls.”

Rack City hosts leagues from the American Poolplayers Association and Music Service League and plans to add Billiards Congress of America leagues.

The business also plans to host tournaments and will be trying to set up a junior pool league.

“We would love to get as many kids as possible in and shooting and to learn to love the game,” Mertens said. “Or if you are one that just wants to come in with some friends and have cold drinks, you can sure do that as well.”

Rack City also includes a casino with nine video lottery machines and plans to offer bean bags outside in the nicer weather. Next year might bring sand volleyball.

There’s a full bar, and the plan is to introduce a small food menu in the next few weeks with “basic bar foods,” Mertens said. “We do have a few connections to food trucks and on select days will have food trucks set up in the parking lot.”

Hours are 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.