BILLINGS, MT - Governor Greg Gianforte today joined local officials, business leaders, and young athletes to break ground on the new Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena in Billings.

“This project is a win for Billings and for Montana kids,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Thanks to strong community partners and Signal Peak Energy, we’re investing in a stronger future for the community and for young athletes looking to grow, compete, and have fun.”

The Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena will be constructed at Amend Park and will feature two, full-sized sheets of ice, indoor sports courts, outdoor basketball courts, locker rooms, and seating for spectators. The investment is largely supported by Signal Peak Energy and several local businesses and families and is expected to open by late 2026.

“The Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena is the first public-private partnership on the Amend Recreation campus. It shows the power of our community when they invest in what they believe in. It’s a project that will not only deliver a state-of-the-art facility to Billings, but it will also drive long-term economic success and create opportunities for athletes of all ages,” said Parker Phipps, President and CEO of Signal Peak Energy.

Currently, the sole ice rink in Billings, the Centennial Ice Arena, operates at capacity and is unable to accommodate the region’s growing interest in hockey and winter sports. The new arena will increase access for youth and adult athletes and create space for regional events and tournaments.

The arena will serve as a multi-use facility, offering hockey, figure skating, curling, and recreational skating opportunities for the Billings community and for those participating in regional tournaments held at the facility.

According to the Billings Chamber of Commerce CEO John Brewer, tourism and regional competitions held at the facility will drive over $121 million in economic output over the next 30 years.

“The Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena is going to be a place for all of us, and it will be a huge boost to the sports economy. This state-of-the-art venue will allow Billings to host large scale hockey tournaments, figure skating competitions, and recreational ice events year-round. It’s projected to generate over 10,000 hotel room nights every year and over $121 million in total economic output over the next 30 years,” Brewer said.

Breaking ground on the construction site for the facility, Gov. Gianforte joined community partners to celebrate the investment.

“Thank you to Signal Peak Energy and all local partners who invested in this project. Your commitment exemplifies the importance of public-private partnerships in making a difference in our Montana communities,” the governor concluded.