FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 15, 2026
Gallatin Ice
Lisa Garcia, Marketing Director
lgarcia@gallatinice.org
M: 406-901-8572
ACCOMPANYING MASTER PLAN AND RENDERINGS CAN BE FOUND HERE.
Gallatin Ice Moves Forward with Landmark Renovation and Expansion Project
Bozeman, MT – [January 15, 2026] – Gallatin Ice has officially announced the next phase of the Finish the Ice Barn campaign – an $8.1 million project to renovate and expand the arena into a premier facility that will put Bozeman and the Greater Northern Rockies on the national map for ice sports.
The much-anticipated renovation of the Ice Barn, which will soon be renamed as part of the campaign, will deliver major upgrades that improve the spectator experience, increase community access to the facility, and better serve the skaters, players, and families who regularly visit the arena.
“This project is over 40 years in the making. Bozeman has yearned for a quality ice facility since a group of volunteers got together to form what would eventually become the Bozeman Amateur Hockey Association, which is part of our organization. This is not just another phase of construction—it’s about creating a lasting space for the community. Every kid who learns to skate here, every family that cheers from the stands, and every adult who laces up for a rec league game will feel the impact of this investment. When complete, this facility will serve Bozeman for generations.” - Jeff Moore, Philanthropy Director at Gallatin Ice
A Major Step in the Finish the Ice Barn Project
In 2017 Gallatin Ice was able to Raise the Ice Barn to build a second facility and rink adjacent to Haynes Pavilion. Phase 1 of the Finish the Ice Barn campaign was completed in mid-2025 and added new seating on the east side of the arena, as well as a sound system and a jumbotron on the north wall. Phase 3, still to come, will include a new central entry and expanded concessions area.
This critical renovation to the west side of the facility, which is anchored by a $2 million donation from the Bottcher families, marks Phase 2 of the campaign. Once complete, at the end of 2026, the "Ice Barn" will be renamed The Bottcher Families Community Ice Center and will feature:
Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026. Heavy construction – including plumbing, locker rooms, steel framing, and foundational work – will run through September 1, followed by light construction and finishing through December. To accommodate construction, the arena will close April 15 and reopen in September 2026 for hockey season. A ribbon-cutting ceremony anticipated for December 2026 will be held once final work is complete.
A Community Effort
A portion of the total project—$1.5 million—will be funded through public donations and the purchase of seat naming rights in the arena.
Beginning January 12, 2026, supporters can visit seats.gallatinice.org to purchase naming rights for:
Each purchase includes:
Tax-deductible contributions toward the campaign can also be made anytime via individual donation at gallatinice.org.
A New Era for Gallatin Ice
When complete, Gallatin Ice Arena will consist of two buildings: Haynes Pavilion and The Bottcher Families Community Ice Center (previously referred to as The Ice Barn). The arena will reopen for the 2026–27 season as a state-of-the-art community facility that continues Gallatin Ice’s mission of expanding access to skating and hockey for all ages and abilities.
The renovated arena will accommodate up to 1,500 spectators, including approximately 1,100 chairs and bench seats, along with 400 general admission spots for fans who prefer to stand rink-side and cheer from the glass.
“This renovation is going to change the game for players and fans alike. This is what we’ve all been dreaming of – a world-class facility that matches the quality of the programs we’ve built at a caliber the Gallatin Valley community deserves. For our teams, this is a huge step toward competing at the highest level and representing Bozeman on the national stage.” - Dave Weaver, General Manager, Adult Hockey Director, and MSU Men’s Hockey Coach, Gallatin Ice
About Gallatin Ice
Gallatin Ice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing affordable, accessible, and attainable ice sports to the Gallatin Valley. Since 1983, Gallatin Ice has fostered the growth of the region’s ice-based sports and recreation community by building quality facilities one phase at a time.
Today, the Gallatin Ice Arena at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds is the exclusive indoor venue for hockey, figure skating, and curling competitions in Southwest Montana, with nearly 3,500 local families engaged in programs throughout the year. The arena welcomes an estimated 200,000 annual visitors—a number that continues to grow.
To meet demand, Gallatin Ice depends on the support of individuals, corporations, and grantmakers. For more information, visit gallatinice.org.
