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With MetraPark's doors open, Billings see an uptick in business

Posted: Apr 10, 2011 6:40 PM by Amanda Venegas
Updated: Apr 11, 2011 5:28 PM

With MetraPark's doors open, Billings sees an uptick in business

BILLINGS - The Magic City has been a destination for visitors across the region. However when the tornado wiped out the state's premier concert venue, local businesses took what some said was a multi-million dollar hit.
But now, the arena is coming back to life, which means more business for local retailers.

"It'll be really nice boost the Metra going back again," said Jamie Eldridge.

He manages the AppleBee's restaurant across the arena and says he's brought in extra employees for this weekend and for the Elton John concert night.

"It's been almost a year since we've had any of the big nightly concerts across the street, so we're definitely excited about having a big night," Eldridge said.

Across the way, the Boothill Inn and Suites says they also felt the loss of the arena, while it was under construction.

"But occupancy with all the events being cancelled did hurt the business here at the hotel," said Dorothy Linderman, front desk clerk.

However, this weekend front Linderman says has been great with 100 percent of the rooms booked. Linderman says she's seen the impact of drawing big crowds like the women of faith and elton john to the arena.

"They shop, it's good for restaurants, retail, the mall. You know you see all types of women from all over North dakota, Wyoming, Colorado shopping," Linderman said.

This weekend, a special group of regional and national event planners were in Billings to become familiar with what the Magic City has to offer to groups, conventions and visitors.

Director Joan says with the Billings old heritage and the arena's new look, this weekend was an ideal time for people to see what the Magic City has to offer.

"We've heard many people want to come to Billings, but we also wanted to be able to bring them to the arena, a full arena. Because everybody knows a full building, a full meeting or a full event center is a whole lot easier to sell and to showcase," said Joan Kronebusch, Convention and Visitors Bureau Director.

Many groups are hoping that Billings continues to shine as a destination and that businesses will thrive once again.

A grand opening event for the public is slated for Sunday, June 19th at the arena.