STURGIS, SD - The City of Sturgis held the annual After-Rally Summit meeting on Thursday, October 11. During the meeting, the official attendance number along with demographic data was shared with the public.
The official attendance at the 2018 Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™ was 495,000. This was the second largest Rally in the last 10-years.
The total economic impact to the State of South Dakota $786 million.
$583,276 was raised for local non-profits. This includes funds raised at City events such as the Mayor’s Ride as well as charity events held at private venues. The Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™ is often a significant funding source for many non-profit agencies.
The following information about attendees is based on 3,363 random surveys that were conducted immediately prior to and during the 10-day event.
The average age of attendees in 2018 was 49. This is down from the peak average age of 52 that occurred during the 2015 Rally.
15% of attendees have previously attended the Rally at least 25 times.
24% of attendees were here for the first time in 2018.
Of the first-time visitors, 90% plan to return.
The average length of stay is 5 days.
Over 50% of attendees stayed at a campground. 18% stayed in a hotel/motel.
This page is your one-stop shop for all media related to the City of Sturgis. If you are a member of the press (local or visiting) and you will be in Sturgis for the Sturgis® Motorcycle Rally™, please register. By being a registered Media person, you will be invited to attend the daily press conferences and you can opt-in to receive the daily press releases that will keep you informed of what's happening during the Rally.
Media is allowed into most public areas including the Photo Towers on Main Street by showing your City of Sturgis media credentials. The City of Sturgis Media Pass does not work for events taking place on private property or outside City limits such as campgrounds or official ride destinations. The pass may not work for private entertainment venues such as racing events. Entry into private events is at the discretion of the promoter. The City of Sturgis does not require a permit to film, however, if you are filming for commercial purposes you are required to register with the Code Enforcement Office and some restrictions and fees may apply. You can reach the Code Enforcement Office by calling 605-347-4422 ext 214.
Beginning August 2nd, Media Passes may be picked up at the front desk in the Sturgis Community Center located at 1401 Lazelle. This is the same location as the Harley-Davidson activation. Please park on the north side of the building near the creek.
A daily press conference will be held at 1:00pm (August 3-10 tentative) at the Sturgis Community Center. The Police Chief and representatives from several other law enforcement agencies along with sponsors and special guests will be present at this press conference. Interviews with these representatives and guests will be available at this time. All registered media is invited to attend the daily press conference.
Photos and Videos
To view photos from previous Rallies, visit the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Facebook Page . If you are searching for a particular photo or subject please contact our Public Information Office 605-347-4422 ext 209 or e-mail csteele@sturgisgov.com.
Historical account of the Rally from the very beginning until approximately 2015. This brief article is housed in the archives of The Knowledge Network.org.
The Sturgis Public Librar y and the Archives section of this website provide information and photos used for research projects related to Sturgis and the surrounding areas.
Find a Vendor - based on vendor license data. Only includes those licensed in the City of Sturgis. Search by product, name or location.
Contacts:
Please contact us if you have media-related questions.
Sturgis Public Information Officer - Interview Inquiries & articles.
Christina Steele, PIO office: 605-347-4422 ext. 6. cell: txt or call 605-347-1331 csteele@sturgisgov.com
All correspondence can be mailed to City of Sturgis, attn: Christina Steele, 1040 Harley-Davidson Way, Sturgis SD 57785.
By being a registered Media person, you will be invited to attend the daily press conferences and you can opt-in to receive the daily press releases that will keep you informed of what's happening during the Rally.