Billings Public Schools trustees and administrators invite the community to a High School Solutions Committee meeting, which will include a tour of Daylis Stadium. After the tour, there will be an opportunity for public comment and discussion of the stadium’s maintenance needs. The meeting will begin on Tuesday, July 9, at 5:30 p.m. in the library of Billings Senior High School, 425 Grand Avenue, Billings.

Daylis Stadium is a hub of activity for Billings Public Schools and the community. Currently, Daylis is used for high school football and track, middle school championship football and city championship track, the East-West Shrine Bowl and Big Sky State Games. Events regularly bring 1,500 – 4,500 spectators into the stadium, with some events bringing up to 6,000 spectators.

“For almost a century, Daylis Stadium has stood as a symbol of pride for the students and residents of Billings,” Executive Director of Athletics and Activities Mark Sulser said. “The traditions, nostalgia and memories held within the confines of this historic midtown venue are truly unparalleled. Now is the time to breathe new life into our tired facility, transforming it into a cutting edge, multi-use space that can meet the needs of our entire community.”

The stadium, dedicated in 1929, is showing its age with crumbling concrete throughout the west bleachers, and damage to the ceiling and walls of the locker rooms and announcer box.

“Daylis Stadium has served us well,” Billings Public Schools Trustee Janna Hafer said. “However, the exterior stairs of the west grandstand are spalling to the point where every event at the stadium poses a very real concern for potential slips and falls. It’s gotten to the point where patching and paint are no longer an option!”

“The surface areas are crumbling, which is causing safety concerns such as slips, trips and falls throughout the bleachers,” Executive Director of Facilities Scott Reiter said. “ After every event, more surface area crumbles away from the foot traffic and use of the bleachers. The restrooms and locker rooms are extremely inadequate for event needs and portable toilets are brought in for every large event to accommodate the event visitors. ADA access is always a challenge.”

“Our students and families deserve better,” Billings Public Schools Superintendent Erwin Garcia said. “Addressing the issues at Daylis is everyone’s responsibility.”

If renovations were made, the facility could potentially host additional events such as divisional and state track meets, college track events and high school soccer.

Billings Public Schools and the Board of Trustees are looking for community input as we write the next chapter together for historic Daylis Stadium.