When you start in sandbox mode, you're greeted with a large empty space and left to fend for yourself.
What are the bare minimum constructions that are absolutely mandatory to get your prison up to par before the first batch of 8 prisoners arrives one day later?
Best Answer
One of the grants you can get right at the beginning is titled "Contract: Basic Detention Center". This grant gives you $40,000, and adds a few items to your checklist. These items are:
Other than two guards and two chefs, that sounds like the absolute minimum required to incarcerate and detain your first batch of prisoners.