The groundbreaking for the Dakota Events Complex or DEX was held Thursday at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron. The DEX will replace the beef complex that burnt down last October. South Dakota Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources Secretary Hunter Roberts says they are excited about the opportunities the center will bring to the fairgrounds year-round.

He says they are already booking events for the event center.

Roberts says the DEX has great support from the ag community as well as the state legislature, which appropriated $21 million to build the complex. However, fundraising efforts are still underway to cover the rest of the project costs.

The center is expected to be completed in 2023.