Billings MetraPark Arena destroyed by tornado

[Yellowstone]

http://www.ktvq.com/news/tornado-hits-billings/

Looks like Billings will be travelling to Tri-Cities....

[psx234]

I know this may be a bit early, but any indication on when MetraPark Arena will be fixed?

[Hockey]

I know this may be a bit early, but any indication on when MetraPark Arena will be fixed?

Did you see the pictures? Maybe never. The building is 35 years old, a lot of times they have a hard time getting approval to repair buildings that old due to newer specs. The cost is going to insane.

[jerry101jlh]

Next closest venue would be Bozeman, but think capacity under 2000. Next closest might be Casper or Rapid City. A neutral site better than moving the game to Tri Cities

[nksports]

Glad there were no deaths and few injuries. I hope the insurance on the building was paid up.

I don't know how long (or even if) that building would take to repair. We've had two new arenas built in our area in the past couple of years. A 15,000-seat barn took about two years to build. A 5,000-seat barn (home of the Wild) took a little over a year.

We do have a surplus arena: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_Coliseum

I don't know how much it would cost, or take to move it, but you're welcome to have it.

[Bouncer_Texxx]

Next closest venue would be Bozeman, but think capacity under 2000. Next closest might be Casper or Rapid City. A neutral site better than moving the game to Tri Cities

better for who? Billings has an indoor practice facility that's probably in better shape that a few current and past indoor football venues.

Sending the team on the road, giving fans "free" admission with a donation to a charity set up to help billings rebuild... there are positives to be made here.

[jerry101jlh]

No Decision On Outlaws Game
http://billingsgazette.com/sports/football/professional/arena/article_5e04f290-7cdf-11df-a287-001cc4c03286.html

[Bouncer_Texxx]

Glad there were no deaths and few injuries. I hope the insurance on the building was paid up.

I don't know how long (or even if) that building would take to repair. We've had two new arenas built in our area in the past couple of years. A 15,000-seat barn took about two years to build. A 5,000-seat barn (home of the Wild) took a little over a year.

We do have a surplus arena: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_Coliseum

I don't know how much it would cost, or take to move it, but you're welcome to have it.

I think the folks in Sioux Falls would gladly send our arena out there if we could. Find a way Billings, find a way to host these games..and if you can't, hopefully the league can set up a charity for the fans in the towns that would suddenly get to host a game can donate to for "free" admission to the game.

[jerry101jlh]

The Four Seasons Arena in Great Falls seats around 5000 for basketball. http://www.goexpopark.com/facility-info/fourseasonsarena.php#details

And asking donations no matter where the game is played is a good idea, but free admission? Lets be realistic, no matter where the game is played there will be costs incurred, including the renting of the venue. A venue might give a reduced rate because of the circumstances, but doubtful they would host it no charge.

[psx234]

Did you see the pictures? Maybe never. The building is 35 years old, a lot of times they have a hard time getting approval to repair buildings that old due to newer specs. The cost is going to insane.

I had not seen the pictures or video yet when this comment was made.

I would suspect that Billings may have International Existing Building Code that could be used in this situation to retrofit fixes for the building. I think your totally correct though that the costs will be the main factor. It'll cost plenty of money to do anything to the building. If they even decide to tear it down I can't image that will be too cheap either let alone building a new facility, if they decide to.

[Hockey]

http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/06/20/montana.tornado/?hpt=T2

8 to 15 million.

[jerry101jlh]

Its fortunate this didn't happen 24 hours earlier when around 4000 people would have been in that area. Last night Teri Carr, Fever owner, said the game would still be played in Billings, but maybe too early for her to make that assumption.

There is no way a game could be played in that building this coming Sunday and options for other places in the Billings area slim to none. Doubtful the basketball facilities at Montana State seat any more than a couple thousand. I guess they could look at the leagues second indoor game being played outside, but I see that as an unlikely option. Do not believe the Outlaws practice facility would have any seating either.

Other thing the Outlaws and the league has to consider on such short notice is the game field equipment. When I looked at interior pictures of the Metro Park, good possibility the turf, some dasherboards and other equipment may not be usable.

I think it will be late today, if not tomorrow before any decision on where the game will be played is made.

[super390]

Based on a quick googling, the options look poor. There's only one ice arena in town, it seats 550, and the Outlaws' turf might be damaged.

If they play outdoors, they avoid the turf damage issue, but how do they erect the goalposts? Aren't the posts usually hung from the ceiling? How did they do it in Rochester?

[super390]

The Rochester goal post question is answered by Douglas MacCarthy himself:

"gusher we used scissor lifts in both endzones and a net behind them"

All the scissor lifts in Billings might be tied up for repair work for weeks.

[jerry101jlh]

If memory serves me correctly I think someone said they used cranes or something to suspend the goal posts, but my thinking is Great Falls is the logical solution or substitution in this case. Its only 3 1/2 hours from Billings and when I looked last night I don't believe any events scheduled this weekend.

The turf and other equipment may or may not be damaged, but question might be if they would even be allowed in to get it. I have heard nothing on the structural integrity of the Metro, but what I have read looks like going to be a week or so before inspectors even get in there.

[coachrob6]

Gov. Brian Schweitzer was scheduled to visit Billings on Monday for briefings and a tour of the damage. No deaths or major injuries were reported, other than a person getting struck on the head by a large hailstone the power of God -worry about football later- pray now

[jerry101jlh]

Its my understanding the Outlaws will hold a press conference today to announce where this weekends playoff game against the Fever will be played.

[jerry101jlh]

According to the Tri Cities Herald this morning the Outlaws playoff game will be played at the Outlaws training facility. I do have this confirmed through one other source. According to the Billings Gazette they can only get temporary seating in place for up to 2000 fans.

[Bouncer_Texxx]

that ought to work for this week, but a conference or league championship.. they're going to have to look into different venues.. Casper anyone? show the Wyoming folks what they're missing (evil laugh)

[super390]

The practice facility, the Billings Sportsplex, has a website. It says that it has one of the finest artificial turf fields in the country. Now, it would be sort of strange to have a better field at your practice facility than the one you use at your actual games, but at least they still have it.

There is one photo of the interior shown. The field is off-center in the building, creating a corridor on only one side where bleachers could go. There is also an overhanging terrace seen over the end zone.

Other than the cost of renting and erecting the bleachers, they have no rental cost using their own facility. They get a sort of home field advantage back, as opposed to playing on the road or at a neutral site. That could mean the difference in getting to play another week. By which time better options might be available.

[jerry101jlh]

In my uninformed opinion this might also benefit the Fever as less crowd noise to deal with. I agree maybe a decent stop gap measure for this one game, but if the Outlaws win, better facilities should be considered. Again venue in Great Falls seats a little over 5000 and is under four hours from Billings. I looked at rental costs for the venue and they appear reasonable.

As to Casper, will not happen. That is a guarantee.

[Bouncer_Texxx]

As to Casper, will not happen. That is a guarantee.

We all know this, but it should

[jerry101jlh]

If one team (Casper) would bury the hatchet and look at what is best for their fans, Wyoming would make a great addition to the IFL. Their venue is fantastic as well, very intimidating to visiting teams.

[Claimjumper]

Don't bet on the "less croud noise thing". Less fans but a lot smaller building. And the fans that will be there are the ones that make most of the noise. The rabid season ticket holders!

[Bouncer_Texxx]

Are they going to lottery the tickets or are there fewer than 1500-2000 season ticket holders?

[jeepman262]

This was posted on the Billings Sportsplex website.

http://www.billingssportsplex.com/?page=news&Story=110


Ticket Prices for Sunday's Game Announced; Limited Seating Available

Tickets to the Billings Outlaws first-round IFL playoff game went on sale Tuesday, June 22nd 2010.
The game is against Pacific Division rival Tri-Cities and is scheduled for Sunday, June 27th 2010 at 3 p.m. at the Billings Sportsplex, with concessions and tailgating will starting in the SportsPlex parking lot at 1 p.m.

Fans that reserved playoff tickets in advance with the Billings Outlaws will be contacted to buy playoff seats at the Billings Sportsplex. Refunds for Outlaws 2010 playoff tickets at MetraPark will be given at a later date. Please watch www.metrapark.com for updates on when refunds will be available.

A limited number of front row seats will be reserved for VIP Season Ticket holders. These tickets are first come first served and must be ordered in person at the SportsPlex or over the phone with Hayley Heser.

Outlaws ticket prices for this Sunday's game are $28 for open seating and $38 for VIP. Season Tickets holders will be given first rights to seats.

Approximately, twelve handicap seats will be available on a first come first served basis.

Season ticket holders are guaranteed seats if tickets are purchased by Wednesday, June 23rd. The Outlaws plan to seat over 1000 fans in the Billings Sportsplex for Sunday's game.

The Sportsplex will not have bleacher seating, but fold down seats, similar to MetraPark arena. The seats are being brought in from a Las Vegas-based company.

The game will feature half-time entertainment, pre-game show, the Subway Frisbee toss, and other usual events

Tickets will be sold from the Billings Outlaws office, online at www.billingsoutlaws.com and by phone at (406) 839-9080 x 201. Tickets can be mailed to buyers until Friday, June 25th.
　
2011 Season Ticket reservations will be announced at a later date. Pending updates with MetraPark arena.

[coachrob6]

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/tornado-rips-roof-from-arena/20dntlig:eek:

[robster2001]

Wow. While that's fascinating video, I know I wouldn't stay around a tornado that was busily shredding a sizable sports arena for the 90 seconds those folks did.

And after that, I'd say we can assume that MetraPark Arena is down for a while...

[Bouncer_Texxx]

The sportsplex served well for it's debut. And may continue to serve for the duration. I do feel that should Billings be in line to host the chamiponship game that the league/team consider moving the game anywhere they can. Only being able to service 10% of the normal amount of fans (~900 instead of ~9000 for a title game) is inexcusable. I understand Billings earned.. well playing 13 games in a watered down division... earned the right to host everyone but Richmond... but to only allow a select few to experiance a championship game first hand...just not cool.. to me...

[PIONEERSFAN101]

Hey, the rest could buy it on B2 for just $8 instead of the (OUCH!) $28 for a ticket. lol

[Sykotyk]

Not exactly a choice. Where else in Billings could they host it? What's better, allowing 1400 of the most diehard fans in? Or forcing every fan, diehard or not, possibly drive hundreds of miles to watch the game?

If you're a fan, you'll pay it and understand it's because of limited supply and to actually cover the loss the team is obviously facing by not bringing in the usual income from the regular ticket sales at MetraPark.

Sykotyk

[jerry101jlh]

Not exactly a choice. Where else in Billings could they host it? What's better, allowing 1400 of the most diehard fans in? Or forcing every fan, diehard or not, possibly drive hundreds of miles to watch the game?

If you're a fan, you'll pay it and understand it's because of limited supply and to actually cover the loss the team is obviously facing by not bringing in the usual income from the regular ticket sales at MetraPark.

Sykotyk

Great Falls is 3 1/2 hours from Billings with a venue that seats a little over 5000. That drive isn't excessive and knowing the roads in Montana, that time might easily be reduced :)

Point is that Billings averages around 4000 fans and they seated about a 1000 for the Tri Cities game, which was capacity for the Sportsplex. That left 3000 fans out in the cold. Now maybe fans drive, maybe they don't, but the option not even afforded to them.

As a quick fix for this one game I can see, but to not make other arrangements for following games is not fan friendly or even good judgement by the IFL and Billings. Lets say both Sioux Falls and Billings run the table here. The game would be hosted in Billings. First Storm fans have little option other than stay home and no tickets available, plus you will have a nationally televised game in a facility that isn't exactly the showcase the IFL might want to put on display.

This is my opinion of course, but the IFL should put its foot down and say no to the Sportsplex for all games following yesterdays.

[nksports]

Great Falls is 3 1/2 hours from Billings with a venue that seats a little over 5000. That drive isn't excessive and knowing the roads in Montana, that time might easily be reduced :)

So you're saying 4,000 people are going to drive 7 hours round trip for a three-hour indoor football game.

A few hundred die-hard fans will make the trip, and a handful of curious locals might show up, but by-and-large, that's about it.

Even in the worst of circumstances, and believe me, these circumstances are about as bad as they get, teams will do what they can to keep a home game at home.
While I have no scientific poll in front of me, I have a feeling the Billings fans are grateful to have a team, that nobody was seriously hurt in the storm, and are happy that the team won its first playoff game.

If they could get dasher boards and goal posts set up in time, the local high school stadium looks like it would be the best alternative. It seats about 4,000. I found a video of a game there:
http://billingsgazette.com/sports/high-school/football/vmix_2df56cf0-c11a-11de-80cf-001cc4c002e0.html

[jerry101jlh]

Lest one forget that the majority of Outlaw fans have been "die hard" fans for 10 years. This is one of the oldest franchises still existing and have maintained the following throughout. These fans more resemble NFL fans who buy season tickets year after year than your casual indoor football fan. Would the majority drive 3 1/2 hours? I have no answer to that, but my point is they don't get the opportunity to see the team they follow.

[Bouncer_Texxx]

For an idea of exactly how man people they were able to get in there for week 1

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/1/10/1dc/1101dce9-935d-5d54-8093-b6bb1a6670e8-revisions/4c280babc1767.image.jpg

(won't allow embedding)

[ybiaw]

For an idea of exactly how man people they were able to get in there for week 1

http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/billingsgazette.com/content/tncms/assets/editorial/1/10/1dc/1101dce9-935d-5d54-8093-b6bb1a6670e8-revisions/4c280babc1767.image.jpg

(won't allow embedding)

Well, it's a small crowd, but the turf looks really nice!

[Scottrik1]

Point is that Billings averages around 4000 fans and they seated about a 1000 for the Tri Cities game, which was capacity for the Sportsplex. That left 3000 fans out in the cold.

Non-issue. There were empty seats in the SportsPlex both games now. Plenty of empty seats. How die hard are these fans? Apparently not $28 worth.

I hate to say it, but folks in Billings are T-I-G-H-T re: admission fees, etc, and it costs us in terms of entertainment opportunities.

Is having the games in the SportsPlex an ideal situation? I don't think anyone would say it is. The facts of the matter are

1) The Outlaws management are doing the best they can, and a surprisingly good job considering they're having to make it up as they go. I'm very impressed.

2) I'd wager that fewer folks would make the round trip to Great Falls than there were empty seats in the SportsPlex this past Saturday.

Quitcher*****in', buy a ticket (again, how "hardcore" are we?), and come out and support the team. I'll be watchin' 'em beat Arkansas and then at the Championship match against whoever it may be.

[willy240]

Can somebody answer the following questions regarding guaranteed tickets for visiting teams in the championship?
Is it true the IFL has to guarantee the visiting team either 8 or 10 percent of the seats?
If this were true, considering the Outlaws stadium held approximately 12,000. Wouldn’t that mean that the IFL would have to guarantee the visiting Team around 900 to 1200 tickets for the championship game? Otherwise, I would think the visiting team would have a possible breach of contract suit against the IFL. Makes me think the IFL would be forced to hold the championship game, if Billings makes it there, in a larger capacity venue.

[nksports]

Can somebody answer the following questions regarding guaranteed tickets for visiting teams in the championship?
Is it true the IFL has to guarantee the visiting team either 8 or 10 percent of the seats?
If this were true, considering the Outlaws stadium held approximately 12,000. Wouldn’t that mean that the IFL would have to guarantee the visiting Team around 900 to 1200 tickets for the championship game? Otherwise, I would think the visiting team would have a possible breach of contract suit against the IFL. Makes me think the IFL would be forced to hold the championship game, if Billings makes it there, in a larger capacity venue.

Sounds like Billings would only be responsible for providing around 100 tickets to the visiting team to fulfill its obligations. That would probably cover most friends and family of the visiting team.

If the championship game is in Billings, I doubt there would be a large traveling crowd. It's a long drive for either Sioux Falls or Wichita fans (a little tougher for Wichita fans). It's a $700 to $1,200 round-trip flight from Sioux Falls and about $550 round trip from Wichita.

[Bouncer_Texxx]

Sounds like Billings would only be responsible for providing around 100 tickets to the visiting team to fulfill its obligations. That would probably cover most friends and family of the visiting team.

If the championship game is in Billings, I doubt there would be a large traveling crowd. It's a long drive for either Sioux Falls or Wichita fans (a little tougher for Wichita fans). It's a $700 to $1,200 round-trip flight from Sioux Falls and about $550 round trip from Wichita.

define "large"

I'd wager you could have easily seen a couple hundred Storm fans in Billings if the game were at the metra. We're the only team that I know of that routinely fills fan buses for regular season games to other arenas. I'd wager we had some 3000 drive, or ride, the 70 miles to Sioux City in 2005 for the championship.

I can't speak to contractual tickets for visiting teams... I know it IS required, but I don't have any idea the number or anything. 50 maybe?

[Yellowstone]

Any Sioux Falls/ Wichita fan that wants tickets to the game will have no problem getting them. Call on Monday morning @ 406.839.9080 x204 and there will be plenty of tickets available. There are still plenty of tickets available for tonights game.

Billings fans are CHEAP and don't want to pay $28 to get in to the game.

[Caballo Diablo]

That's unbelievable, with the attendance they normally have you would think there would be thousands of people wanting and unable to get tickets. Plus it's the playoffs and you would think some emotional attachment to help support the team that just lost their home through a tragedy. :confused:

[Bouncer_Texxx]

That's unbelievable, with the attendance they normally have you would think there would be thousands of people wanting and unable to get tickets. Plus it's the playoffs and you would think some emotional attachment to help support the team that just lost their home through a tragedy. :confused:

attendance has been down in Sioux Falls for the playoffs, too. I can't quite explain it but what would have easily been 3 straight sellouts 2 years ago morphed into lots of free and $5 tickets to almost fill the place up.

I certainly hope the Outlaw organization doesn't pull anything shady, I bought my 6 seats via their online store this evening moments after the tickets went live.

And, if Billings fans are as cheap as Yellowstone says they are, you might well find way more red in the plex that you can possibly imagine next week.

[newiflfan]

I wonder if after-effects from the tornado is possibly keeping some fans away? Maybe some residents of the area are a little short on extra money, due to increased expenses post-tornado damage?

[Bouncer_Texxx]

I wonder if after-effects from the tornado is possibly keeping some fans away? Maybe some residents of the area are a little short on extra money, due to increased expenses post-tornado damage?

It's always a possibility, from what I've gathered the damage wasn't too wide spread anyways, but even new shingles would put a damper in a guys ability to watch the playoffs.

I for one am glad it's come down to Sioux Falls @ Billings. It's as if it was meant to be. You'd be hard pressed to find a parallel to this game and its stories in any professional sports level. quarterbacks, former teammates and good friends turned hated rivals that aren't on speaking terms. (afaik) Billings's two championships came without having to face Sioux Falls in the playoffs. Billings overcoming a freaking tornado destroying their home arena, and yet being able to come up with a decent enough solution to retain their hosting rights. The winner this year can take full credit, full pride. Everyone said these were the best two teams in the league, and here we stand on the precipice.

[DCAbloob]

IFL announced no television available for the championship game due to technical limitations of the Billings facility. B2TV.com will stream the game for free.

http://www.goifl.com/news/?article_id=2624