About Days of 76 Event Complex
Days of 76 Event Complex is a multi use outdoor arena and grounds in Deadwood, South Dakota, in the northern Black Hills. The grounds were established in 1880, and the timber grandstands built from nearby Black Hills lumber are a landmark in Historic Deadwood. For motorsports fans the draw is what the complex books alongside its famous rodeo: a professional snowmobile racing series, motocross shows, a motorcycle rodeo and classic car shows, spread across all four seasons.
Snowmobile Racing in the Black Hills
The complex hosts an award winning professional snowmobile racing series, which is the standout motorsports event on its calendar and a rarity for an outdoor arena of this kind.
Snocross racing takes place on a course built inside the arena bowl, with jumps and banked corners cut from snow, and the format puts the entire race within view of the grandstands. In a region where snowmobiling usually means trail riding, a professional race weekend is a very different experience and it brings national level riders into Deadwood in the depths of winter.
Beyond snow, the complex books motocross shows, a motorcycle rodeo and classic car shows through the warmer months, along with PBR bull riding, concerts, trade shows and youth sporting events.
Nineteenth Century Grounds, Modern Facility
The grounds have been in use since 1880 and have hosted millions of visitors. The grandstands were built by the Juso Brothers using Black Hills timber and remain one of the more distinctive structures in Deadwood.
The complex has been updated without losing that character. Restrooms and concession areas have gone through major renovations and the technology has been brought up to date, while the Old West look of the place stays intact. Visitors regularly note the well maintained facilities, including clean showers and shaded seating, and the sight lines from the stands are genuinely good.
The Days of 76
The complex takes its name from its anchor event. The Days of 76 celebration has run since 1924 and includes a PRCA rodeo that has been named Rodeo of the Year nineteen times, along with historic parades through downtown Deadwood.
It runs over several days in late July, with rodeo performances across four nights and a Saturday afternoon, free parades on Main Street, and a campground on the grounds. The 2027 celebration is scheduled for July 25 through 31.
If you are visiting for a motorsports event, knowing when the Days of 76 runs is still useful, since Deadwood lodging books out that week.
Booking and Contact
The City of Deadwood owns the complex and the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce manages it. The facility is available to rent for events, from meetings and trade shows to full scale productions, with a rental agreement application available through the city.
For event or rental inquiries, contact the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce at 605-578-1876.
Getting There
The complex sits just outside downtown Deadwood off 76th Drive, in Lawrence County in the northern Black Hills. Deadwood is about an hour northwest of Rapid City and fifteen minutes from Sturgis.
It is close enough to downtown that trolley service runs to the grounds during major events, which is worth using given how tight parking gets. Camper and trailer access is handled through a separate entrance from general fan parking, so follow the posted directions on event days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motorsports events are held there?
A professional snowmobile racing series, motocross shows, a motorcycle rodeo and classic car shows, alongside rodeo, bull riding and concerts.
When was the complex established?
- The grandstands were built from Black Hills timber by the Juso Brothers and are a Deadwood landmark.
What is the Days of 76?
Deadwood's signature celebration, running since 1924, combining a PRCA rodeo named Rodeo of the Year nineteen times with historic parades on Main Street.
When does the Days of 76 run?
Late July. The 2027 celebration is set for July 25 through 31.
Who owns and runs the complex?
The City of Deadwood owns it, and the Deadwood Chamber of Commerce manages it.
Can the complex be rented?
Yes. It is available for sporting events, trade shows, meetings and major productions. A rental agreement application is available through the city.
Is there camping on site?
Yes, a campground operates on the grounds during major events. Camper and trailer access uses a separate entrance from fan parking.
Where is Days of 76 Event Complex located?
Off 76th Drive in Deadwood, South Dakota 57732, just outside downtown in the northern Black Hills.
More information on Days of 76 Event Complex; Click here https://www.deadwood.com/events/days-of-76-event-complex/
For snowmobile venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/snowmobile/
For more motorcycle venues click here: https://www.plainspowersports.com/category/motorcycle/