A miniature version of the Kibbie Dome has popped up alongside the Vandals” home stadium on the University of Idaho campus. The canvas structure has been dubbed the Idaho Fan Zone.
Dan Ewart, vice president for infrastructure, said the fan zone is a temporary structure that will be used as an event space. It is meant to be an space that fits more than the Bruce Pitman Center International Ballroom but not as many as the Kibbie Dome itself, Ewart said.
The Idaho Fan Zone can house between 1,000 and 2,500 people. The climate-controlled structure is 16,000 square feet and located on the North Kibbie Activities field.
The fan zone is going to be a gathering place for Vandal fans to visit before a game. It will be open for three hours prior to game time and closes at kick off, Ewart said. Inside the structure there will be family activities hosted by eight different college partners throughout the football season as well as a VandalStore area for fans to buy Vandal gear before a game.
Nathan Romans | Courtesy
The Idaho Fan Zone sits next to Kibbie Dome on the North Kibbie Activities Field and is a new area that fans can utilize before football games for Vandal gear, live music and food. Idaho’s first football game of the season is Thursday, Sept. 3 in the Kibbie Dome against Ohio Universsity.
Ewart said the details of the activities are still being worked out with the colleges. The eight colleges are each in charge of one game.
“It”s meant to be a cool environment for fans,” Ewart said.
There will also be food and beverage vendors, and the Idaho Fan Zone events page says there will be live music as well.
Currently the structure is being leased for September through December from Allsite Structure Rentals USA, Ewart said. The structure is only being leased because it is trial run for an actual structure to be built in its place, Ewart said.
The structure is completely enclosed and is made of mostly reusable materials.
“While some parts are specific to our installation, the framing and fabric can be taken down at the end of our agreement and used again by us or by someone else,” Ewart said.
The fan zone, which was UI President Chuck Staben”s idea, is being paid for by reserves from the president”s office in addition to some possible private donations, Ewart said.
While the fan zone is currently being leased by UI, Ewart said there will be an option to buy the structure at the end of 2015. If they look to buy the canvas structure, Ewart said it would cost around $100,000.
The structure will be open for every home game starting Sept. 3.
“Come and check it out before the game,” Ewart said. “It should generate some good excitement for our football program and our university.”
Claire Whitley can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @Cewhitley24