The James Kjerstad Event Center is your one-stop shop for large events and gatherings. The event center has become the horse capital for a number of regional horse events including;
- Black Hills Stock Show
- South Dakota Junior High Rodeo
- NRCA Rodeo Final
- Region 2 Quarter Horse Experience
- Several Barrel Racing & Team Roping Competitions
The Event Center is also utilized for a number of other events (not including horses). With 48,750 sq ft of earthen area and 69,000 sq feet of concrete, the event center allows for a number of other activities to utilize the center. For activities such as motocross races to rummage sales, the James Kjerstad Event Center allows for a variety of set-ups and accommodations.
The 118,000 sq feet building also features office space, 56,000 sq ft of asphalt, roll-up doors for easy loading and unloading, a concession stand, phone/internet/wi-fi, heat, and seating for 3000.
The Event Center was renamed in 2010 to the James Kjerstad Event Center. James Kjerstad was a former country commissioner and a great supporter of the Central States Fairgrounds. Kjerstad was very instrumental in the completion of the Event Center and brings great honor to the Central States Fairgrounds to rename the building in honor of the late James Kjerstad.