Huge event center planned on Pryor Creek Road
by Robert Nolte
HUNTLEY — An $11 million event center is being planned for a 95-acre tract at the Interstate 90-Pryor Creek Road intersection.
Huntley contractor and businessman Robert Howell is working to secure financing with a goal to start building the complex that will seat from 3,000 to 4,000 people in August.
“I am in the process of securing my last investor,” said Howell. “Most of the engineering and structural design work is in place.”
Initially, Howell wanted to build a venue for youth rodeo in the region but realized more events would have to be included to pay for such a large arena.
To be named the Montana Event Center, Howell plans to create 18,000 square feet of retail space that will house stores, a restaurant, bar and a large concession area that non-profit groups would staff during events and share in the profits.
The dirt-based arena would engineered to be a hard-packed surface much like concrete so concerts could be held at the center.
There will be 11 acres of parking, stall barns for ag and rodeo events and 75 RV parking spaces that would be available year-round.
Howell said he has letters of intent from three vendors who want to set up shop in the new event center. He is optimistic about drawing concerts and other events that often skirt Billings and go to Great Falls because the Metra is too big and other venues are too small in Yellowstone County.
“I believe we will be able to draw a wide array of events,” Howell said. “We’re not trying to take away business from the Metra. There are certainly a number of events that will always need to be held at the Metra.”
But, he said, there are many shows and concerts that pass Billings by because there is not a venue that fits their budgets.
“We’re there for them,” he said. “And we will be open six or seven days a week, with businesses such as western apparel and farm and ranch supply stores, a restaurant and bar with full liquor licenses. We will also have a community concession program that allows area non-profit organizations to operate concessions during shows, concerts, rodeos and other events in the main arena.”
Howell said he has to get state and county permits but believes he has the backing of the county commission. He figures it will take a year to 18 months to complete the event center once the bulldozers begin moving dirt.
