For security reasons, packing a purse into Montana’s largest event venue will soon be prohibited. But packing a gun will still be OK, at least in some cases.
Starting next month, MetraPark in Billings is implementing a clear bag policy for all arena events.
That means purses, backpacks, drawstring bags and fanny packs will no longer be allowed. Instead, items will have to be carried in clear bags no larger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Small clutches, diaper bags and medically-necessary bags will be permitted but subject to search.
MetraPark General Manager Stoney Field said the change is to help bring the venue in line with national safety and security standards. However, due to a state law that restricts local governments from regulating firearms in publicly-owned buildings, there’s no policy to keep weapons off the grounds.
People are also reading…
Stoney Field, general manager at MetraPark, is photographed at Chiesa Plaza during MontanaFair 2023 just after starting his $141,000-a-year job.
Because MetraPark is owned by Yellowstone County, it can’t ban anyone with a permit to carry concealed firearms from doing so on the property, or prohibit any knife that is not specifically barred by Montana law.
MetraPark is only allowed to restrict weapons and use metal detectors to check for them when the promoter leasing the space requires and pays for it, Field said.
So, for publicly-sponsored events, including MontanaFair, the state’s largest, no such security measures will be in place.
Carnival rides run at full speed at MontanaFair on Aug. 15.
Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund said that isn’t likely to change anytime soon.
Even so, Field said, he sees implementing the clear bag policy as a step in the right direction.
“We’re just so far behind the times,” he said, adding MSU and UM have had similar policies in place since 2018. “We’re just trying to catch up and keep up.”
The Montana High School Association has several sports events that will be among the first to be affected by the change.
MSHA Executive Director Brian Michelotti said the organization welcomes the clear bag policy but does not plan to require metal detectors for upcoming tournaments.
MHSA has, however, made changes to allow extra security measures to be put in place when necessary after a teenage boy was stabbed and seriously injured during the Southern B Basketball Tournament at MetraPark last March.
A teenager was severely injured after being stabbed during an altercation at the Southern B Basketball Tournament at MetraPark in March.
“We just don’t feel we need them at this point in time,” Michelotti said.
For more information on the clear bag policy, go to metrapark.com.
