Naming Rights for Daylis Stadium? Billings Residents Respond

Daylis Stadium is falling apart.

If you haven't been to the stadium lately, that statement may seem like hyperbole. I stopped by the decades-old Daylis earlier this summer to see for myself, and it's true. The glorious old grandstands are crumbling and rusting away. Read my original post and see more pictures of its condition HERE.

Built in 1929, Daylis has seen tens of thousands of students, athletes, coaches, fans, and staff come through over the decades. With school budgets seemingly getting tighter every year, deferred maintenance at Daylis has come due. Unfortunately, the original grandstands can't be saved.

The initial proposal to update/replace the stadium had a hefty $60M+ price tag, which most residents (aka taxpayers) felt wouldn't get enough public support. An easier-to-swallow proposal with a $12.5 million price is moving forward, with $6.5 million approved from school district funds and $4 million collected from fundraising efforts.

Naming rights are a possibility for Daylis Stadium.

Part of that $4 million in fundraising has included potential naming rights for Daylis Stadium. Law firm Heenan & Cook has pledged $1.5 million over 10 years (KTVQ) for the opportunity to potentially place their name on the stadium. Other individuals and businesses are also getting the opportunity to sponsor ticketing entrances, the concession stand, the west bleachers, etc.

Comments on social media regarding Daylis becoming Heenan & Cook Stadium have been interesting.

Just like the Metra, Cobb field, etc. please stop renaming our places in Billings. Not only do you confuse the whole community you also take away history. - Lori V. 

Many folks said that they'll always call it Daylis, regardless of whatever naming rights are on the building.

I’m sure the donation is appreciated but the biggest ambulance chasing law firm in town? How about Daylis Stadium “sponsored by” H &C ? - Debbie W.

Others have a "who cares?" attitude about naming rights for Daylis. One person mentioned that only the media refers to venues by their full naming-rights names anyway. Another person said,

Money speaks. I’m not much for law firms, but if these folks are benevolent enough to contribute this sum of money, then by all means give them naming rights. It’s just the way it is now,,,, witness the bowl games and pro stadiums. - Halfdan F. 

Will you always call it Daylis Stadium?

What do you think about Daylis getting a name change? Is there a way to tastefully respect Frederick Daylis' honor, while accepting naming-rights money?  I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment if you're reading this from Facebook, drop a message with our Chat button on our app, or you can email me: michael.foth@townsquaremedia.com

Side note: The SD2 board met earlier this week, and it was revealed that the track and field at Daylis is not level and is out of compliance with MHSA specifications. This will require an additional $2,392,896.13 to remedy. You can find the agenda and minutes from SD2 school board meetings HERE.