First Interstate Arena at MetraPark

Reviewing venue policies before arriving can help guests enjoy faster entry and a smoother event-day experience. Policies may vary depending on the event, so guests should always confirm details before attending.

• Re-Entry & Smoking: Re-entry is generally not permitted during ticketed events. Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the arena, though designated outdoor smoking areas may be available.
• Payment Options: Concessions and merchandise stands may accept major credit cards and mobile payment methods. Some events may operate cashless point-of-sale systems.
• Prohibited Items: Outside food and beverages, weapons, drones, oversized bags, laser pointers, and recording devices may be restricted. A clear-bag policy is enforced for many events. Refer to the policy page for a complete list of prohibited items.
• Age Restrictions: Most events are open to all ages unless otherwise specified on the event page.

For the most up-to-date guidance and information on regulations, including bag policies, visit the MetraPark official policy page.

Billings combines western heritage, live entertainment, and outdoor recreation with a growing downtown arts and dining scene. Visitors attending events at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark can also explore theatres, concert halls, and cultural venues throughout the city.

• Alberta Bair Theater: Located in downtown Billings, Alberta Bair Theater is a performing arts venue that hosts Broadway tours, symphony performances, comedy acts, dance productions, and live concerts in an elegant restored theatre setting.⁴
• Dehler Park: Home of the Billings Mustangs baseball team, this downtown ballpark features 2,571 individual stadium seats, 500 bleacher seats, and grass berms at the end of each baseline.⁶

First Interstate Arena at MetraPark is located within the MetraPark complex.

Public Transportation: MET Transit bus routes serve areas near downtown Billings and the MetraPark grounds, providing connections throughout the city. Guests using public transportation should check route schedules and event timing in advance.

Driving: Drivers can navigate to 308 6th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101. The venue offers on-site parking lots surrounding the arena, including accessible parking spaces for guests with mobility needs. Parking availability may vary depending on the event size.⁷

Nearby parking options include:

• MetraPark Upper Parking Area: Alkali Creek Rd, Billings, MT 59105
• MetraPark Lower Parking Area: MetraPark Lower Parking Area, Billings, MT 59101

Guests attending events at First Interstate Arena at MetraPark can typically find traditional arena concessions like popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, candy, and grab-and-go snacks throughout the venue. Beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, and bottled beverages are often available during concerts, rodeos, and sporting events.⁸

Depending on the event, visitors may also encounter expanded concession selections and hospitality areas tied to premium seating or VIP experiences. The surrounding Billings area additionally offers restaurants and bars within a short drive of the arena.

First Interstate Arena at MetraPark opened in 1975 as the Montana Entertainment Trade and Recreation Arena, commonly shortened to “The METRA”.²

The venue is located within the MetraPark fairgrounds in Billings, and has become Montana’s largest indoor arena and a major stop for touring concerts, rodeos, sporting events, and trade shows. Over the decades, the arena has hosted performances by Willie Nelson, Nickelback, Carrie Underwood, and Van Halen, as well as professional bull riding and other sporting events.

In 2010, the arena sustained significant damage during the Father’s Day tornado that struck Billings. A major renovation followed in 2010 and 2011, modernizing the facility with improved acoustics, expanded concessions, updated amenities, and enhanced accessibility.²

The arena later became known as First Interstate Arena at MetraPark following a naming-rights partnership announced in 2019.⁹ Today, it remains one of the most recognizable entertainment venues in the Northern Rockies.