The Billings Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID), under the Visit Billings brand, has committed $1 million over the next three years to support the Yellowstone Ice Foundation’s Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena. This investment will assist with the operating costs of the new twin-sheet facility and further position Billings as a top-tier sports tourism destination.
Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena is set to become a game-changer for Billings. The state-of-the-art venue will allow the city to host large-scale hockey tournaments, figure skating competitions, and recreational ice events year-round—providing a significant new source of visitor traffic and economic activity. According to the Victus Advisors Yellowstone County Sports Facility Market Needs Assessment, the facility is projected to generate more than 10,000 hotel room nights per year and over $121 million in total economic output over the next 30 years.
“Tourism is a powerful economic driver for Billings, and sports tourism continues to be a growing segment,” said TBID Board Chair George Maragos. “The Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena will create a lasting impact—not only by drawing visitors to our hotels, restaurants, and retailers, but also by giving our community a space to gather, compete, and thrive.”
The support from TBID highlights Visit Billings’ long-standing strategy of investing in opportunities that benefit both the visitor economy and the people who call Billings home. As the destination leadership organization for Billings, Visit Billings strives to grow visitation and generate room nights through targeted marketing and tourism development initiatives.
"Visit Billings and the TBID's investment helps the Yellowstone Ice Foundation build an even more promising future for Signal Peak Energy Arena," explained YIF President Parker Phipps. "Their support will help us keep our costs down, keeping the facility affordable and competitive and adding to the draw to compete in Billings."
“Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena will allow our team to sell a brand-new category of events and tournaments, which will drive new business into the region year-round,” said Aly Eggart, executive director of Visit Billings. “This is a facility that not only meets a need—it opens the door to future opportunities. We’re proud to support a project that truly reflects the dual impact of tourism: economic growth and community enrichment.”
The investment in Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena aligns with Visit Billings’ FY26 strategic priorities, including continued growth of sports tourism and infrastructure support that maximizes the visitor experience and enhances Billings’ reputation as a premier host city.
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