in 1998, the minnesota-based investment firm central ventures, inc. expressed interest in adding a ushl team to the sioux falls sports landscape. the firm and local investment group sioux falls sports, llc. made an official proposal on january 26, 1998, to the league at its annual board of governors meeting held in lincoln, nebraska. unlike other proposals, the investment firm was willing to help privately fund improvements at an existing facility or the construction of a new arena with help from the city.