BILLINGS, MONTANA ---February 18, 2000--- The avid sports enthusiast will have plenty of opportunities to see a wide selection of spectacular professional sports in Billings, Montana. There are four semi-pro sports teams including hockey, baseball, basketball and football. In addition, spectators can enjoy events reflecting the history and culture of this area such as professional rodeos and pow wows.
From February through September visitors to Billings are able to enjoy plenty of local sports action. Throughout this time there is rarely a weekend without at least one sporting event taking place. When planning a trip to Billings, visitors should be sure to contact the Billings Area Chamber of Commerce for a complete list of events taking place.
The following is a list of upcoming events along with short descriptions of each. If you'd like additional information on these events or Billings, Montana please contact Heather Knutson at 406-259-4546 or visit the Billings Convention and Visitor Council web site at http://billingscvb.visitmt.com.
FEBRUARY
NRA Rodeo - Today, the history of rodeo stays alive through the Northern Rodeo Association, the largest regional rodeo association in the world. Participants compete in eight different events including bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, calf roping, team roping and ladies barrel racing and break-away. The finals for the NRA are held each year in Billings and top cowboys and cowgirls in the region compete for over $50,000 in award money.
Billings Bulls Hockey (February - April) - The Billings Bulls have been in Billings since 1993. They are in the America West Hockey League and in 1999 won their fourth straighT playoff league title.
Billings Rimrockers Basketball (February - March) - The Rimrockers are going into their second season in Billings. They are a part of the International Basketball Association (IBA) with eight teams in the league.
MARCH
MSU Pow Wow - There are two Native American reservations located near Billings, the Crow and Northern Cheyenne. This event is sponsored by the joint effort of the Intertribal Indian Club and the MSU-B Student Union. Spectators enjoy colorful Native American regalia and authentic dances. In addition, spectators have the opportunity to purchase genuine Native American jewelry. In conjunction with the pow wow, ITIC also organizes an authentic buffalo feast. Between spectators and participants, there are from three to seven thousand people enjoying this cultural event.
APRIL
NILE Bull Riders Invitational - The Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) Bull Riders Invitational features top bull riders from around the region and country for two nights of heart stopping action. This professional bull riders' sanctioned event is part of the Bud Light Cup Series.
Billings Thunderbolts Indoor Football (April - June) - Experience the Thunderbolts first season in Billings. As an expansion team in the Indoor Football League, the Thunderbolts compete with 15 other football teams in the country during regular season play.
JUNE
Billings Mustangs Baseball (June - September) - The Billings Mustangs, the minor league team associated with the Cincinnati Reds, have been giving fans quality baseball action since 1948. Since this time, numerous Mustangs players have gone on to the majors: Dave McNally was a star pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles; George Brett Became a Hall of Famer with the Kansas City Royals; Les Rohr played with the New York Mets; Joe McIntosh became a hurler for San Diego and Houston; and Jeff Ballard went on to play for Baltimore and Pittsburgh. The Mustangs play home games from June to September at Cobb Field, the same field they've been playing on since 1948.
