Missoula Business Sold, Reopens With New Name

Our family spent a fair amount of time at the Missoula Indoor Sports Arena for various different reasons. I played in the adult soccer leagues, my daughter did soccer lessons through the Zootown Kickers program, and the giant inflatables were always a good weekend time killer or birthday party destination. I was pretty bummed when they closed last year - mostly because I've played soccer since I was a kid and still love to play indoor soccer. I thought the indoor soccer scene would surely dry up if MISA went away.

A few months ago I saw the business was for sale and heard rumors that the space could be used for some other type of business. But I was excited to see that new owners have taken over, they've given the place a new name and logo, and have announced that most sports and activities will continue - along with some additions.

The newly named Sports Barn is out in the N. Reserve area, a bit behind Target, on Latimer St. I reached out to the new owners and they were nice enough to give me some details on what the future holds for their vision of indoor sports in Missoula.

Ryan and Amy Hanavan used to live in Missoula, moved away, and have since returned to town. Amy is a former Rec Director so she knows a thing or two about the crazy world of leagues and scheduling. Ryan is a former lacrosse player and college lacrosse coach (even coached Grizzly Lacrosse) - so lacrosse will be a big part of The Sports Barn with camps/clinics and tournaments.. It's actually been named the official home of Grizzly Lacrosse.

Indoor soccer leagues will continue, as well as youth soccer, volleyball, kickball, wiffleball and dodgeball. The Sports Barn is pretty much up for anything you can play on turf. And this is pretty cool - Friday and Saturday nights will include Glow Sports that will be played under blacklights!

One thing that'll be different is that the inflatables are no longer. But the plan is to install golf simulators that will be available to rent by the hour as well as offer indoor golf leagues.

Registration for leagues is expected to begin within a couple of weeks. You can follow along with The Sports Barn on their Facebook page or website to stay up to date with new announcements and sports leagues.