O'Harra Stadium

O'Harra Stadium is a college sports facility in Rapid City with seating for approximately 4,000 spectators at an elevation of about 3,180 feet (970 m). The grounds feature a three-tiered tailgating terrace, fixed seating sections, and an artificial turf field surrounded by a track that hosts multiple athletic events.

The facility opened in September 1938 after construction by Works Progress Administration workers and student volunteers transformed a former garbage dump into a functional athletic venue. The project began in 1931 when students received a holiday in May to help level the ground, launching the effort under President Cleophas O'Harra's leadership.

The stadium serves as the home field for the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers football team, where students and fans gather to watch NCAA Division II matches throughout the season.

The location sits at high elevation, so visitors should be aware of the thinner air, especially if coming from lower altitudes. Access to the stadium is straightforward with parking available nearby, making it easy to plan your visit without complications.

The stadium was built partly through student labor, with the construction transforming a previously abandoned site into an active sports venue and showing how a local community worked together to build something lasting. This story of collaboration is rooted in the very foundation of the facility.

Official opening: September 16, 1938

GPS coordinates: 44.07278,-103.20278

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:21