The MetraPark annual report stated "2017 was a year of incredible entertainment experiences."
General Manager Bill Dutcher made that statement about a year the venue set records in number of concerts, tickets sold and revenue.
Vice President Mike Pence, National Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Paul Simon were among the draws at MetraPark in 2017.
Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Emit Smith spoke at the Billings Chamber of Commerce breakfast in March of last year.
Garth Brooks set a Montana record, according to the report with nearly 50,000 enjoying five concerts in three days in June.
The PBR brought in big numbers in 2017 and the NAIA Division one Women’s National Championship brought in about 13,000..
In 366 event days, 781,736 came out to MetraPark. It’s the first time attendance exceeded 750,000.
MontanaFair brought in 223,600.
Metra reports 103, 057 bought tickets to shows. The previous record was almost 77,667 in 1998.
The Metra held 16 concerts … breaking the record by three.
It recorded record revenue of more $9,299,377 from all sources including concession and tax revenue.
"The community really supported the number of concert events,” Dutcher said. “Once we were able to step back and look at the accomplishments for the year, we felt truly blessed."
The report also looks ahead to 2018 with the Rod Stewart concert in October, the 20th anniversary of Riverdance and the rescheduled concert from Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band.
