HAVRE, Mont. – The Montana State University–Northern Foundation is proud to announce that the loan for the Lights Football field has been paid in full. In a celebratory moment this week, campus and community leaders gathered at Tilleman Field for a ceremonial check presentation, marking the official payoff of the $1.65 million project. A total of just over 3 million was raised for this project.
“This is more than just a financial milestone,” said MSU-Northern Chancellor Greg Kegel. “It’s a symbol of what we can accomplish when we work together. Our local community believed in this project from the beginning—and their support didn’t just build a stadium. It helped us leverage that momentum and credibility to secure $25 million in state funding from the Legislature for the next phase of campus development. This stadium is a cornerstone for the future of MSU-Northern and a rallying point for the Hi-Line.”
The vision behind the football stadium project was clear from the start: to give MSU-Northern student-athletes a first-class facility they could proudly call home and to create an exciting game day atmosphere that brings the community together in celebration of school spirit. That vision became a reality thanks to the steadfast support of donors, alumni, local businesses, and friends throughout the Hi-Line region.
A key partner in making the stadium project a reality was Independence Bank. As community members made five-year pledges, Independence Bank stepped in to loan the full pledged amount up front, providing the immediate capital necessary to begin construction. This innovative financing solution allowed the project to move forward without delay, ensuring the Lights football team could start using the new facility much sooner than otherwise possible.
“The completion of this loan is a testament to the power of partnership,” said Melanie Skoyen, Executive Director of the MSU-Northern Foundation. “Every pledge, gift, and donation brought us one step closer to this moment. This belongs to all of you—our donors, alumni, business partners, and friends—who believed in this project and followed through on your commitments. Your generosity made this possible, and we are beyond grateful.”
Looking ahead, the next phase of campus life and athletic development will be the construction of a new recreation center on the south side of the Tilleman field, which will also include new home bleachers for Lights fans. This facility will continue to enhance the student and fan experience while further strengthening the connection between MSU-Northern and the Hi-Line community.
As part of the celebration, the Foundation is currently working on a Donor Wall to honor the individuals and organizations whose financial contributions made the stadium a reality. The goal is to unveil the Donor Wall during the upcoming football season as a permanent tribute to the people who helped bring the Lights home.
The MSU-Northern Foundation remains committed to supporting Northern students through scholarships, facility improvements, and strategic initiatives that elevate the student experience and transform lives across Montana and beyond.