The Ramsdell family and Dakota Layers announced a transformative gift that will fund the construction of Dakota Layers Stadium, a new women’s‑only soccer facility at South Dakota State University. The contribution represents the largest single lead gift ever earmarked for women’s athletics at the university, underscoring a strategic push to elevate the SDSU women’s soccer program.
Construction is already underway east of the existing Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium on the Brookings campus. Groundbreaking took place on July 28, 2024, marking the first physical step toward a venue that university officials expect to open in August 2027.
A multi‑generational commitment to women’s sport
The Ramsdell lineage stretches back seven generations in South Dakota, with six successive family members having attended SDSU. Their deep roots in Flandreau and a heritage of strong women have shaped the family’s focus on supporting female athletes.
Dakota Layers, founded in 1999 and built on a network of over 100 family and community investors, was acquired by the Ramsdells in 2015. The company’s financial strength and the family’s emphasis on community partnerships made the donation possible.
SDSU soccer coach Jason Unger has consulted with the Ramsdells for years, describing the project as both a family decision and a business opportunity that aligns with the university’s long‑term vision for its athletic facilities.
Alison Ramsdell, speaking on behalf of the family, expressed hope that the stadium will enhance the student experience, strengthen the women’s soccer program, and broaden pathways for young women across the region.