LNI boosts local economy - KOTA Territory News

LNI boosts local economy

The Lakota Nation Invitational has grown into something that more than just it's participants look forward to each year.
 
The event provides a very welcomed economic boost to Rapid City.

The four day event brings thousands of participants and their families to town.

General manager of the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center Brian Maliske says by the time all is said and done more than 40,000 people are expected to attend.

And they don't just stay at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center, they go out into town and spend money.
 
"In between hotel rooms, going out to eat, doing some retail shopping, doing some Christmas shopping, it's well in excess of $5 million dollars being spent in the community," estimates Maliske.
 
"LNI creates a ton of business; it makes it better for us because it's right before the holidays. So, we make a ton of money, so we appreciate the business," says Carlee Waddell, a server at Sanford's Grub & Pub.
 
Participants travel from as far away as North Dakota and Minnesota to attend the LNI.