A rebuilding of Billing’s RimRock Auto Arena, heavily damaged by a tornado this summer, could cost as much as $15 million according to estimates presented to Yellowstone County Commissioners yesterday, but the final price tag is expected to be lower as the design is trimmed back.
Estimates from CTA Architects (Billings) and Populous (Kansas City) was admittedly a high-end presentation, with an expansion of the arena with more restrooms, a new box office and more office space. That total cost was $15 million, with $8 million or so expected to come from insurance.
That $7 million gap was a little too much for commissioners, who would prefer a lower figure — say, $4.5 million. They apparently were looking for something on the more basic side: a renovation that would restore the arena to its pre-tornado state with a few improvements, like a new sound system. Some of the upgrades could take years to complete.
A decision about the extent of the upgrades is expected in the next week or so.
Images courtesy of CTA/Populous.
RELATED STORIES: Yellowstone County to rebuilt Rimrock Auto Arena Tornado rips roof off Billings arena; damage is extensive
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