Local Community

Campbell County is a county located in the northeast corner of Wyoming. Dubbed the Energy Capital of the Nation, Campbell County supplies 10.6 quadrillion BTUs of energy, or 10 percent of the United States Energy needs—more than Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, Iraq and Nigeria combined. The county mines more than one-fourth of all American coal—coal produces 50 percent of the nation’s electricity, and 35 percent of that is produced from Wyoming coal.

How big is the coal seam? Wyoming’s recoverable reserves total more than 40 billion tons, while the total amount of coal within the state is more than 1.4 trillion tons. Wyoming’s world class coal seams, some of which are more than 120 feet thick, and the proximity of coal to the surface, allow for low production costs. But the main reason Powder River Basin coal is in high demand today is because it is low in sulfur, which equates to very low emissions.

Wyoming coal is currently shipped to 36 states. Virtually 99.99 percent of all the coal produced from the mines in the Powder River Basin goes to power plants in those 36 states to generate electricity. An average of 85 coal trains move coal out of the Powder River Basin daily, and each train carries about 15,000 to 20,000 tons of coal. The trains consist of 115 to 140 coal cars, and are over 1.5 miles long!

A major component of the mining process is reclamation. Because the pre-mine land use prior to mining in the Powder River Basin was grazing and wildlife habitat, the land is reclaimed to a condition equal to or better than the pre-mine condition. The coal industry, nationwide, has reclaimed more than 2 million acres of mined land over the past 20 years. That’s an area larger than the state of Delaware!

According to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau Report, the population of the County is 46,133, up from 37,405 in 2005. The county was organized in 1911.

Life in Gillette, WY
Gillette is a welcoming community with a population of 33,000, surrounded by mountains and the Black Hills. It offers a safe, supportive environment and plenty of outdoor recreational activities, blending small-town charm with a vibrant community spirit—making it perfect for athletes.

Recreation
Gillette is perfect for those who love to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. Every player receives a free membership to our state-of-the-art recreation center, which features: A weight room, cardio area, 200m track, climbing wall, sauna, hot tub, lap pool, lazy river, as well as basketball, racquetball, tennis, and pickleball courts. 

In addition to our rec center, our ice facility is spacious, clean, and a great place for both training and playing games. The community’s dedication to maintaining top-notch sports facilities ensures that athletes have everything they need to excel.

Supportive and Engaged Community
One of the standout features of life in Gillette is the incredible community spirit. Our residents are passionate supporters of the Gillette Wild, creating a large and enthusiastic fan base. Many players cite this supportive environment as one of their favorite aspects of playing for the Wild.

Opportunities
For players looking to further their education or find work, Gillette has a local college and plenty of job opportunities. It’s a great place to balance sports and personal development.

Old Chicago
After each home game, players enjoy free meals at Old Chicago, where they can also mingle with fans and community members. It keeps the excitement going for long after the final horn blares!

Athletic Training 
We provide free athletic training for all players through Gillette Physical Therapy. This includes top notch PT, a recovery room, and a sports trainer.

Welcoming Billet Families
Our billet families play a crucial role in making players feel at home. These families provide a welcoming and supportive environment, helping players adjust to life in Gillette and allowing them to focus on their game.