BILLINGS — A sweeping renovation has turned Wendy's Field at Daylis Stadium into the brand-new Sam McDonald Stadium at Daylis, a state-of-the-art facility ready to host hundreds of athletes. The nearly $15 million project represents a landmark collaboration between Billings School District 2 and the community, blending public investment with private fundraising.

Chase Rose, campaign manager for the Bannack Group, described the funding structure as a pure 50/50 partnership. "We are trying to raise $7.25 million to be coupled with roughly the exact same amount coming from the school district and taxpayer funds," he said Wednesday. The financial model allowed the district to pursue ambitious upgrades without overburdening taxpayers.

Construction crews put in grueling hours to meet the deadline. AJ Harmon, project manager for Dick Anderson Construction, explained the daily grind. "Ten to 12 hours a day on average, and then our average is about 50 guys a day," Harmon said. The effort paid off with a venue that includes a new west-side grandstand, four locker rooms, expanded concessions, larger restrooms, and a 10-lane track designed to host top-tier competition.

Mark Sulser, SD2 athletics and activities director, said the transformation is immediately apparent. "I think that kids will find that, and fans in general, will find that the accessibility, comfort, amenities are as good as it gets for high school activities in Montana," Sulser said. The upgrades aim to elevate the experience for both athletes and spectators.

Rose emphasized the vision extends far beyond Friday night football. "The leadership, local county and city all decided that we wanted to be a regionally attractive sports home. But they didn't just say it with words," he said. The stadium is positioned to draw larger events, including playoffs, statewide track meets, and even concerts. "We foresee more playoffs, more track meets, more statewide track meets, concerts. I mean, there's a litany of uses that's going to happen here at the new Sam McDonald Stadium," Rose added.

The stadium's namesake, Sam McDonald, was a standout athlete at Billings Senior High School who passed away in 2012. He founded Wendy's of Montana, and his company's foundation donated millions to local causes over four decades. The naming honors his legacy and the community support he championed.

Opportunities for ongoing community involvement remain. "We still have two naming opportunities available, the press box and the east entrance," Rose said. "We still have opportunities for people to get on the donor wall. If you invest $5,000 or above, you'll be permanently recognized on this wall behind us."

Sulser sees the project as a springboard for broader district improvements. "Hopefully our community sees our commitment as a district to our students and is the beginning of more improvements throughout the district," he said. With the first game just weeks away, anticipation is building. "We deserve this. We've spent a long time for Billings, and it's finally our turn, and we're looking forward to it," Sulser said.

The stadium stands as a testament to what can be achieved when public and private sectors align behind a shared goal. It not only upgrades athletic infrastructure but also signals Billings' ambition to become a regional hub for sports and entertainment.