Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear is in Boise today to present plans to the Idaho State Board of Education for a new event center he hopes will be constructed on the grass field just north of the Kibbie Dome.
The proposal shows the event center will not exceed the projected cost of $30 million and will be entirely funded with private donations and in-kind contributions to construction. University of Idaho President Chuck Staben, Spear and the UI Advancement Office are currently engaging with donors and seeking major donations in anticipation of the state board’s approval. Spear has also said he plans to sell naming rights to help fund the arena.
Spear has previously said the arena will hold anywhere from 4,000-6,000 people when it is set up for men’s or women’s basketball games. The plans show it will be a stand-alone facility and will provide practice space, locker rooms, administrative, coaching and ticket offices and concession areas.
The presentation to the state board is just an informational presentation — nothing will be approved or disapproved regarding the event center. An approval hearing will be scheduled for later this year.
The meeting will take place at 8 a.m. MT, and a live stream is available HERE.
The proposal is on pages 93-101 of the state board agenda, available HERE.
Renderings from the proposal posted below:
Jerry Scott Hughes
Great plan. Much needed facility. Good luck.