By Brandon Bennett The Sturgis city council approved the use of city land for parking at the 2026 Sturgis-Black Hills Cup Soccer Tournament at its meeting September 8th. Public Works Director Rick Bush gave the council the skinny on what’s being asked. “This event supports local lodging, restaurants and retail businesses during the tournament for the weekend,” said Bush. He added about 5,200 visits related to the tournament has been recorded and additionally it’s a major fundraiser for the Sturgis Soccer Association. The tournament runs from September 18th through the 20th. The association requested the same scenario as in the past, parking on various lots around the soccer complex that’s controlled by volunteers. The city is once again working with the South Dakota Department of Transportation regarding the traffic light at Lazelle and Nellie Streets. Actually the DOT has left the light on and will turn it off in October. Bush stressed that not all public parking will be taken up by the tournament as some will remain open. “ This is an established annual youth sporting event, not a new one, and the association is requesting the same arrangements in previous years so it’s a benefit for the city,” said Bush. It was Sturgis Soccer Association President Richelle Bruch’s turn. “We have 94 teams registered, which means 940 kids. Only eight teams are considered local so the rest drive into Sturgis every day of the tournament,” she said. She added three tournaments a year are scheduled and parking and concession stands are the ways they raise money. The tournament starts September 18 at 5 pm and runs until 10 pm. Saturday it starts at 8 am and ends at 10 pm and Sunday the tournament runs all day. Ward 3 councilor Mark Chaplin made the motion to approve and Ward 1 councilor Terry Jensen seconded it. The motion passed unanimously.
