It wasn’t long and nothing groundbreaking was said, but here is a brief rundown from today’s new arena presentation at the Idaho State Board of Education meeting. The only notable and new piece of information was Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear confirming what he expects the capacity to be (which was not stated in the original proposal).
UI President Chuck Staben’s opening statement
“We’ve been planning this arena since roughly 1969, and we’re simply advising you that we’re now really going to move forward. … We’re not asking for approval of funds … what we’re really informing you on is our plans, and our plan to aggressively fundraise because it is our intent that this be paid for entirely of private funds.”
Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear was asked about past plans to have the new arena connected to the Kibbie Dome and to go over the current updated plans. Spear went on to go over the plans of the actual building.
Spear: “This is not only a project that would be beneficial to athletics, it would allow the dome to be more of a revenue generating. It helps the economic environment in our community. So a very viable project and something we’re looking forward to pursuing … The capacity is between 4,600 and 5,000. We think that’s the right size for our facility.”
Spear went on to say the Cowan Spectrum is set up right now to hold about 6,500 for men’s and women’s basketball games.
The board said they look forward to future meetings.
Vice President Rod Lewis closed out the meeting with — “We look forward to seeing it.”
You can watch a replay of the meeting HERE.