Coal Miners Break Ground on New Indoor Ice Arena in Billings

Coal miners south of Roundup are typically digging that beautiful clean coal out of the ground, but this week- they broke ground on a new indoor ice arena in Billings, Montana.

Back in November, we first told you how Signal Peak Energy, which operates the Bull Mountains Mine south of Roundup, was donating $6 million to get a new indoor ice arena up and running for Billings area hockey fans. This is a big deal for the whole state, since hockey fans from all across the state travel to even remote locations like Glasgow, Montana to play on the ice.

Signal Peak CEO Parker Phipps was on hand to dig up one of the first shovel loads of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Signal Peak Energy Ice Arena in Billings on Wednesday.

Governor Greg Gianforte (R-MT) was also on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, which is important- because the governor was instrumental in keeping the Bull Mountains Mine up and running.

According to a press release from the Governor's office, "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."

Here's more reactions from that same press release:

Gov Gianforte: “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."

Parker Phipps, President and CEO of Signal Peak Energy: “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.”

Billings Chamber of Commerce CEO John Brewer: "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."