ISU’s Holt Arena getting a facelift thanks to local credit union
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POCATELLO — Idaho State University’s Holt Arena will undergo a multi-million dollar renovation, funded entirely by Idaho Central Credit Union.
Over the next 24 months, the arena will undergo improvements to existing facilities, including new seating and entryways, as well as the addition of donor hospitality suites, club space and new premium seating, according to a news release from the university.
A branded turf playing surface is being designed to the latest specifications and standards and is expected to be installed before the 2022 football season.
“Holt Arena has been home to fantastic moments from our University’s history,” ISU President Satterlee said in the news release. “Now it is time for an upgrade, and I can not imagine a better partner to make this happen. ICCU is a partner in the truest sense of the word, and their generous commitment to our success is phenomenal.”
Holt Arena, which celebrated its 50th year of use in 2020, seats 12,000 and has been home to the ISU football team since 1970. It also hosts ISU commencement ceremonies, concerts and community events.
“Holt Arena is the most iconic building on our campus, and I am incredibly excited that this tremendous investment will solidify its legacy for the next 50 years,” ISU Athletics Director Pauline Thiros said in the release. “These enhancements will not only dramatically improve the game-day environment but are paramount to elevating the program and the experience of our student-athletes.”
This announcement comes just over one month after ISU broke ground on the Bengal Alumni Center — which was also funded by ICCU — which is being developed on campus, just north of Holt Arena.
Related | ISU breaks ground on alumni center, first on-campus addition in two decades
“It’s no secret that we love ISU, and this investment shows our commitment to the University and our community,” ICCE President and CEO Kent Oram said in the release. “For more than 50 years, the Holt Arena has brought people together for many amazing events. Accessibility is so important and will allow everyone the ability to attend events here. We are proud to make this investment on behalf of our members and team members, many of whom are graduates or students of Idaho State. Go Bengals!”
The entire renovation project is expected to be completed in August 2023.