SIOUX FALLS — SDN Communications and its 17 member companies recently announced the launch of a free esports event designed to bring together gamers of all levels and ages for the inaugural edition of the SoDak Circuit on Sept. 21 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

As a member company, ITC is excited about this upcoming event. “We look forward to sharing information about the event with our members and hope to see participants from our area in Sioux Falls on Sept. 21,” said ITC General Manager Tracy Bandemer.

Cash prizes will be awarded in the games “Valorant,” “Fortnite” and “Rocket League” as well as a racing simulator. Registration is required and opens in July at sodakcircuit.com. Provide your email at the website for updates and to get notified as soon as registration is available. It is likely more games will be added to the event.

SoDak Circuit runs from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 21, with doors opening at 7:30 a.m. and check-in at 8:30 a.m. There will be seating available for people to watch the matches, which will be shown on large screens. SoDak Circuit will have tournament-style brackets for different age groups and a variety of skill levels.

The event coincides with the South Dakota High School Activities Association adding esports as a sanctioned activity during the 2024-25 school year. In 2023-24, 20 schools across the state participated in the pilot season. ITC offers a grant program to support local schools in developing their esports programs. This grant may be used to cover the initial startup costs, equipment, and program fees.

For SDN’s member companies, hosting an esports event is the perfect way to highlight the power of their combined 50,000+ miles of high-speed fiber-optic connectivity across the region, covering more than 80 percent of the state’s geography. It also serves as a workforce recruitment tool to get kids and adults interested in the technical careers within the telecommunications industry.

“SDN Communications and its member companies are proud to support esports and host events that showcase the power of our robust fiber networks,” said SDN Vice President of Sales & Marketing Ryan Dutton. “By investing in esports, we not only highlight our advanced technological capabilities but also attract a skilled workforce that values teamwork, collaboration, communication and innovation.”

Anyone with questions about the SoDak Circuit can contact marketing manager Hannah Boquet at Hannah.boquet@sdncommunications.com or 605-978-1085.