At a sold-out Billings Chamber of Commerce event held April 24, 2025, the crowd of 150 people heard a powerful message: Billings is stepping up to invest in its future through sports infrastructure. Sponsored by Signal Peak Energy and Visit Billings, the event brought together civic leaders, architects, nonprofit partners, and local visionaries all focused on one goal—elevating Billings as a sports destination.
Sports Tourism: A Catalyst for Economic and Community Growth
According to Sports Events and Tourism Association, the sports tourism industry generated $52 billion in the U.S. in 2023. In Billings, city leaders and private stakeholders are working together to capture this momentum—not just for tourism dollars, but to strengthen workforce appeal, boost local pride, and support healthier lifestyles.
Visit Billings, managed by the Billings Chamber, shared its vision for growing the sports economy and announced the hiring of Casey Conlon as the new Director of Sports Tourism. “Sports tourism isn’t just an opportunity – it’s a necessity. Any city with a large tourism footprint, like Billings, must make sports tourism a key strategic priority moving forward to capture a piece of the $50 billion industry. These new facilities will go a long way to establishing Billings as a top sports destination not just in Montana, but the entire Rocky Mountain region,” Conlon said.
A 2023 study by Victus Advisors revealed that Billings has long been held back by the quality of its venues. Only Dehler Park was rated above average. There’s a clear demand—especially for an indoor multi-court complex and a modern ice facility. Events like Big Sky Volleyfest, which uses 41 courts and draws over 3,000 athletes and coaches, are already stretching the city’s current infrastructure to its limits.
A New Multi-Court Facility at the Amend Park Recreation Campus
Billings Parks and Recreation Superintendent Gavin Woltjer presented plans for a state-of-the-art indoor court complex to be built at the Amend Park Recreation Campus. The facility is designed to include four primary NCAA courts (convertible to eight junior courts), with efficient conversion capabilities for sports like volleyball, pickleball and many others.
“This project is about more than sports,” said Woltjer. “It’s about development, healthy lifestyles, and youth opportunity. We’re investing in our community’s future.”
Woltjer emphasized three drivers for the project:
- Opportunity: Physical activity and youth development
- Location: Building on Amend Park’s success drawing statewide participation
- History: 15 years of survey data that supports the community’s desire for courts
Designed by A&E Architects, the facility will offer 350 parking spaces, natural light, bleachers for spectators, and multiple entrances for seamless access to both the ice facility and existing Amend Park fields.
Two Sheets of Ice: The Yellowstone Ice Foundation’s Vision
Parker Phipps of the Yellowstone Ice Foundation shared plans for a dual-sheet ice facility. The initiative began when he realized no public movement was being made—so he pitched the project directly to Signal Peak Energy, which agreed to seed funding. Currently, more than $10 million has been raised for the construction of the project.
The facility will include:
- Two NHL-sized ice sheets
- Audience seating for the marquee sheet of ice
- Locker rooms and showers for teams
- Community viewing areas for both ice sheets
- ADA upgrades and sled hockey accommodations
- Training rooms and direct connection to Amend Park fields
“By July, we’ll start erecting the building,” said Phipps. “We’re finding a way to do this without public funding. It’s a soft public-private partnership, and we’re optimistic this will become a national draw.”
The official groundbreaking is May 7 at 3:30 p.m.
MetraPark: A Nod to Tradition with Modern Efficiency
August 2023 marked the 50th anniversary of MetraPark’s First Interstate Bank Arena. To better serve rodeo and agriculture communities—and reduce the high cost of importing dirt for indoor rodeos—a $2.5 million project is underway to expand outdoor capabilities.
Stoney Field, general manager of MetraPark, noted that the improvements will also serve cutting horse events, English riding competitions, and youth livestock shows. The new outdoor arena project is not drawn from the city’s general or capital funds; it’s being funded using MetraPark’s capital improvement funds and aims to be completed by July 15th.
MetraPark plans to host Rodeo Billings, in collaboration with the NILE, as the first event at the new arena during MontanaFair in August of 2025.
Daylis Stadium: Upgrades to a Community Icon
Dr. Erwin Garcia, School District 2 Superintendent, speaking about the 100-year-old Daylis Stadium, outlined plans for revitalization. Though the turf still has three to five years of life, the concrete grandstands on the west side are deteriorating and pose safety risks.
The $12.5 million upgrade will:
- Expand the track to eight lanes for state-level events
- Enhance lighting and sound
- Replace bleachers and fencing
- Install improved restrooms and concessions
Currently, 60% of the funding has already been secured. “We’re not asking taxpayers to foot the bill,” Garcia said. “People in this community are generous. If we share the vision of what’s possible, they will give what is necessary to move our city forward.”
A Community Invested in Itself
The resounding message from the event was clear: these venues aren’t just sketches on paper—they’re under construction, gaining momentum, and set to transform Billings for generations.
“Are we a small city or a big town?” Woltjer asked. “We’re a small city with a big heart, and it’s time we invested in ourselves—for our children and grandchildren.”
