Foundation Proposes Revamp of Centennial Ice Arena
Yellowstone Ice Foundation seeks a new lease to renovate the closed Billings arena that opened in 1981.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Ice Shows
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The Yellowstone Ice Foundation has proposed taking over and revamping Centennial Ice Arena in Billings, which closed in September. The Yellowstone County Commission directed the foundation to work with county staff on a lease contract.
Why it matters
Signal Peak Energy Arena has seen substantial growth in usage and now requires a waitlist. Ice sports are projected to outgrow that arena within the next year, making the reopening of a second facility a practical consideration for local players.
The foundation's proposal asks for a 10-year lease at $1 a year with a 10-year extension option, while Centennial Ice Arena has one permanent ice sheet compared with two at Signal Peak Energy Arena. Commissioners have requested a five-year initial term instead, and the final lease terms remain unresolved.
The players
Yellowstone Ice Foundation
The Yellowstone Ice Foundation is a nonprofit organization that operates Signal Peak Energy Arena and has proposed revamping Centennial Ice Arena.
Billings Amateur Hockey League (BAHL)
The Billings Amateur Hockey League is the local amateur hockey organization that moved its play to Signal Peak Energy Arena and still owns Centennial Ice Arena.
Yellowstone County Commission
The Yellowstone County Commission is the elected governing body of Yellowstone County, which owns the land under Centennial Ice Arena and must approve any lease.
The details
Centennial Ice Arena remains owned by the Billings Amateur Hockey League, which leases the land from Yellowstone County. The foundation's five-year plan covers renewing and renovating the arena, with the work to be paid for through a private fundraising and capital campaign.
Timeline
1981: Centennial Ice Arena opens.
September: Centennial Ice Arena closes its doors.
Thursday, November 12, 2026: The foundation's proposal is presented at a Yellowstone County Commission meeting.
Season Trajectory
The foundation's proposal follows the BAHL's move from Centennial Ice Arena to Signal Peak Energy Arena, which left the older venue with one permanent sheet. Reopening it would restore a second venue as demand on the newer arena's waitlist grows.
If the lease is approved, residents could see a second ice venue in Billings for skating and hockey, though the source does not give opening dates or admission prices. Families who depend on the current waitlist at Signal Peak Energy Arena may find additional ice time once renovations are complete.
The takeaway
Local ice sports are expanding faster than current capacity, so the county's decision on the Centennial lease will shape how much ice time Billings residents can access in the coming years.
Further reading
For more on local rinks, browse Ice Shows coverage across Billings.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Billings Gazette.
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