Gold Rush Nationals demolition derby returns to Rapid City

The five-day demolition derby runs through Saturday. Drivers, crews and fans are traveling from across North America.

Fans are coming from 25 states and five Canadian provinces. Competitors are vying for more than $250,000 in prize money across eight classes.

Crews moved about 1,900 cubic yards of dirt into Summit Arena to build the track. Rubber barricades were added this year for safety. Large tents outside the arena serve as temporary garages.

Priscilla Dominguez, The Monument’s director of corporate sales and marketing, said the indoor format sets the event apart.

“Being an indoor derby is unique; it doesn’t happen everywhere; there’s only a handful of buildings that do it. This is kind of a national championship so people are following along their derby drivers and their derby teams, and they’re avid fans, so it is fun to see the economic impact that this event brings to town with all of these people traveling; it’s just really good for the community,” Dominguez said.

The Monument Executive Director Craig Baltzer said hosting the event is a privilege. He said the economic impact extends beyond the arena, with visitors filling hotels and supporting local businesses throughout the week.

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