On November 18th, the Butte Civic Center shined a little brighter. Community members joined the celebration as a long-time supporter of Special Olympics Montana, Town Pump, unveiled a brand-new basketball floor that will serve athletes for decades to come.

Funded entirely by Town Pump, the 250,000 dollar project replaced a 25-year-old court and refurbished the previous floor, which now sits proudly in the annex, where volleyball, basketball, and pickleball will all benefit from the upgrade. The new maple surface is a striking tribute to Butte, featuring the iconic headframe and Big M on each side of the court.

Special Olympics Montana athletes from the Butte Ratz helped cut the ribbon alongside players from Butte High, Butte Central, and Montana Tech. Fresh off winning Gold in the highest division of traditional 5v5 at the SOMT State Basketball Tournament, the Ratz brought championship energy to the day.

Their excitement is well placed. SOMT State Basketball returns to Butte next year for a three-year run, with the Civic Center hosting the Opening Ceremony and Dance Carnival, and games filling the newly refreshed annex.

Stephanie Sorini, executive director of the Butte Silver Bow Chamber of Commerce, noted that Town Pump has been a neighbor to the Civic Center for 72 years.
“It is truly an honor for Town Pump to gift this to the community,” she said.

Town Pump’s Corporate Communications Director, Bill McGladdery, echoed the pride felt by many in attendance. He said the court is more than a floor and that it reflects the identity and spirit of Butte America.

Special Olympics Montana is grateful to have a partner like Town Pump, a partner whose support extends far beyond the gym. From sponsoring competitions and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, to increasing the second-place prize in the 32nd annual MTN Chevy Raffle to 25,000 dollars cash, Town Pump’s commitment is both generous and far-reaching. Each year, Town Pump employees across the state help sell tens of thousands of raffle tickets, fueling SOMT’s largest annual fundraiser.

This new floor is not just an upgrade. It is an investment in athletes, community, and the future of sport in Butte.

See you next fall, Butte! We’ve got our game shoes laced up!