The ICCU Arena is set to be built at the University of Idaho next year. The building’s purpose is host sporting events, host concerts and also provide conference facilities.
However, UI already has the Kibbie Dome as well as the Memorial Gym for sporting event purposes. While these might not be enough to house all sporting activities, a new arena seems like a rather low priority when compared to having a specific center for students.
UI doesn’t have much of an official student union space. We generally assign the Idaho Commons as such because there are places for students to sit and there is a food court and a small lounge. That is not enough.
Lindsay Trombly | Argonaut
I recently spent time with a friend in Boise State’s Student Union Building. It felt like a hangout spot specifically dedicated to students. There was not just a food court, but pool tables, air hockey and even a bowling alley.
This gives students the opportunity to take full advantage of their college life. Many students go to the Commons for lunch and then head home for the day. This is not a fulfilling college experience students pay for. Having a hangout spot on campus for Vandals would make it feel more like a Vandal family as well as enrich the college experience.
Years ago, the Pitman Center served as a proper student union building. It included a bowling alley and multiple dining options. This was all taken down and now the Pitman Center is home to ballrooms for events and offices. Other than tuition payments and financial aid, students have little need to go to the Pitman Center other than to pass through to the Starbucks across the street.
Even though the Commons may be what replaced the old student union — it is not a pure student union building. Offices and classrooms take up most of the space. It is not a student space.
The university should address this problem. Building a student-dedicated space would help make up for the lack of entertainment around the Palouse. There are few options for students under 21 to partake in Moscow on a regular basis, which could lead them to make unhealthy choices out of boredom.
Considering money is always an issue when it comes to new buildings, I can only imagine the cost associated with constructing something new on campus. However, the ICCU Arena is projected to cost $46 million, according to Argonaut reporting.
When people care, the money can be found — even if it is difficult. The arena would largely serve athletes and sporting events, but it wouldn’t be something for everyone to enjoy at all times.
A student union building should be something all students could use — whether they like playing games, watching movies, or playing video games.
Is space an issue as well? If lack of space is a problem, why not use the Tower Lawn? This would be the perfect space for freshman students to hangout and have fun not worrying about the locks on resident hall buildings. It would also give them a healthier outlet for entertainment.
Students are the heart of every university. It’s important to give them a space of their own.
Lindsay Trombly can be reached at arg-opinion.uidaho.edu