DAKOTA LAYERS DECK ADDED TO ARENA PROJECT

The project to renovate Frost Arena into First Bank & Trust Arena has received another financial boost with a recent commitment by the Ramsdell family toward the construction of the Dakota Layers Deck. The hospitality area will be located on the upper level of the east end of the arena and will serve as a large gathering space during athletic and other campus events at South Dakota State University.

"It is our belief that we not only work hard to support our family, but also to support our friends and community wherever and whenever possible," said Jason Ramsdell, general manager of Dakota Layers. "The project is especially important to us because attending events in this arena bring joy and excitement to our entire family, from the oldest Ramsdell to the youngest. It is also highly important because we get to see the joy and excitement of fans and athletes, and being a part of making it a better environment only enhances the experience for all."

Flandreau-based Dakota Layers began as a cooperative of about 100 investors in 2000 and was purchased by the Ramsdell family in 2015. The company and family have become synonymous with philanthropy, donating more than 4.6 million eggs to Feeding South Dakota since 2008. That includes an ongoing relationship with Jackrabbit Athletics in which Dakota Layers donates a dozen eggs for every free throw made by the men's and women's basketball teams.

The Ramsdell family's connection to South Dakota State University spans three generations, starting with James "Mick" Ramsdell attending the university on the G.I. Bill and earning a degree in agricultural education following his service in World War II. It was at SDSU that Mick met his future wife, Janet (Thorpe), and the couple's son, Scott, graduated in 1975 with a degree in economics and a minor in soils. Jason Ramsdell attended SDSU from 2005-09, earning his degree in civil and environmental engineering, while his wife, Tracy, received a bachelor's degree in journalism in 2010.

Scott and his wife, Lani, were honored as the 2020 Outstanding Philanthropists of the Year by the South Dakota Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

"My fondest memory of Frost Arena was walking across the stage to receive my college diploma," Tracy Ramsdell said. "Today, just like Jason stated, we enjoy taking our family to the games and seeing their faces light up."

Frost Arena has served as the home of Jackrabbit basketball, volleyball and wrestling since opening in February 1973. The facility also has hosted countless campus events over the past 49 years, including graduation ceremonies, concerts, lectures, conventions and academic fairs.

Construction and renovation on First Bank & Trust Arena began recently with Henry Carlson Company serving as the contractor-at-risk. The Arena project, which is expected to take two years to complete, is part of the SDSU Foundation's Bold & Blue campaign, which is the largest comprehensive campaign in South Dakota State University's history.

The project was authorized by the South Dakota Board of Regents in December 2021 and received approval from both houses of the South Dakota Legislature, as well as Gov. Kristi Noem, during the recently completed legislative session.

-GoJacks.com-

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DAKOTA LAYERS DECK ADDED TO ARENA PROJECT

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