Tornado-Damaged Montana Arena Can Be Fixed

Yellowstone County commissioners say the tornado-damaged Rimrock Auto Arena in Billings, Mont., appears to be structurally sound.

Commissioners Jim Reno and John Ostlund said that engineers hired by the county’s insurance company determined the 12,000 seat arena needs major repairs, but will not have to be demolished as some had feared.

A tornado touched down on top of the arena on June 19, tearing off the roof and some siding and causing extensive damage to the interior. The arena was not in use at the time.

The twister left debris scattered for thousands of yards around the county-owned MetraPark events complex and surrounding neighborhoods. Reno says volunteers will begin removing that litter during community clean up days planned for June 28 and 29.