SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- Call it "Garth N Park."
That's the plan for how the city will handle the throngs who will come to The Denny for Garth Brooks' and Trisha Yearwood's nine concerts.
As noted today at a news conference at Earl McCart Fields by The Denny by Mayor Mike Huether, Terry Torkildson, General Manager of the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, and Matt Nelson, public parking manager, city of Sioux Falls:
- Come to The Denny early.
- Don't expect to park by the front door.
- Park within the lines.
- Don't block the neighborhood driveways.
- Take the city shuttles.
- Carpool.
These are all components of the City's "Garth N Park" plan.
Huether emphasized concert goers respecting the people who live in the neighborhood if they end up parking on the surrounding streets. He's had a few complaints in the past.
"Geez Mayor, why do people have to throw their beer cans in my yard?" he said. "Or why did they throw their cigarette butts in the street? Or yes, why did they park their car so the tailgate of the truck was blocking the exit out of my driveway?"
Huether says the police won't have an enhanced presence in the neighborhood but will respond to complaints. If a car needs to be towed, it will be he said.
The Mayor also said that besides the great venue, The Denny has been able to attract top acts because of a quintessential Upper Midwestern trait--"S.D. Nice."
"This 'S.D. Nice' thing, we sometimes make fun of--don't make fun of it," Huether said. "It is really appreciated by these touring groups."
There's a free pre-party at the Arena at 4 p.m. Friday. The Denny's doors open at 5:30 p.m. The concert is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
People can park a few blocks away to the south at the McCart Field Park and take a shuttle. There's also parking and a shuttle service from the W.H. Lyons Fairgrounds.