A New Vision For the
Future of MetraPark

A number of events have led up to the decision to undertake a master planning process for MetraPark. The demolition of unsafe facilities on campus showed just how much open space is available for use. Agricultural barns are in transition, moving away from old, dilapidated buildings to newer, upgraded Super Barns. The pandemic shutdown highlighted the need for MetraPark to anticipate new economic trends and prepare to respond to a public desire for more outdoor venues. There is a huge demand among Yellowstone County residents for MetraPark to improve the fencing and present a more visually appealing facility. And, finally, MetraPark is looking ahead to its 50-year anniversary in 2025, marking an important milestone and a good opportunity to plan for the future.

At this time, those decisions are still being evaluated. As the public is reviewing master plan concepts and weighing in on various proposals, there are many decisions yet to be made.  Until final decisions have been made on new and expanded facilities, amenities, and infrastructure, determining a total cost is premature. Likewise, there are many strategies being explored to fund the project, including applying for federal and state grants, developing public-private partnerships, and bonding.

MetraPark is a county facility – it belongs to the residents of Yellowstone County. MetraPark is operated by county employees and overseen by the Yellowstone County Commissioners. An appointed Advisory Board provides recommendations and citizen guidance on the operations and vision of MetraPark.

Booking performances and events at any facility depends on a variety of factors. Billings is challenged by its location – it is not naturally on the route for many touring performers, and the driving radius for tourists to attend a concert in Billings is mostly rural. In addition, since the facility is supported by taxpayers, MetraPark leadership wants to be sure that events break even or generate revenue – sometimes the cost-benefit analysis for a particular artist just doesn’t make sense for the community.

Even so, throughout the master planning process, the public desire for more modern acts and more diversity of events is being heard loudly. MetraPark staff and Advisory Board members are exploring a variety of options to improve our community’s chances for bringing in bigger performers and a wider variety of music genres.

The grandstands were no longer safe. After pieces of the façade began crumbling and falling off, MetraPark undertook an engineering study to determine options. The study concluded that the grandstands were no longer safe for public use. Repairs were estimated at $5 to $20 million, and a new facility cost was estimated at $24 million. Demolition of the facility cost significantly less and created the opportunity to envision a new future for MetraPark.  Read more details on the grandstands decision.

Unfortunately, after many months of discussion and evaluation, the partnership just didn’t make sense for MetraPark. The proposed facility would have taken up a significant footprint on the MetraPark campus, potentially limiting additional facilities. Taxpayers in Lockwood and Laurel who just recently invested in new athletic facilities were not supportive of paying for a BPS stadium. MetraPark will continue its long-standing commitment to hosting high-quality high school state and regional tournaments, but it isn’t the best location for local practices or local games for one single school district.

No decisions have been made regarding funding strategies, either for new construction or operations of new facilities. Paid parking is one possible option to collect revenue from facility users – including tourists — for MetraPark, reducing potential burdens on local property owners.  However, no decisions have been made at this time, and any such decision would be open to public input and comment.

On average, MetraPark generates approximately $7 million per year in revenues.  However, the impact of MetraPark goes far beyond that. A 2018 analysis showed that MetraPark drives nearly $151 million annually in gross economic impact for Yellowstone County – that means people staying in hotels and eating in restaurants, local job growth, and increased household spending due to improved earnings. Read more details on the study.

Not at all! Most of the work being done now is in preparation for the future of MetraPark – removing buildings that are no longer safe for public use, improving infrastructure, and cleaning up the grounds. This year, a new 100-stall Super Barn was installed to replace aging barns that were no longer usable or safe for animals. Because rodeo and agriculture are so important to MetraPark, construction of a new barn simply could not wait. The Super Barn project was bid and awarded a few years ago, before the Master Planning process began. However, the complete vision for MetraPark’s future remains in the hands of the public – where it belongs.