ISU announces new $70M+ basketball arena
POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State University announced Thursday that Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) has made a significant gift to help fund a new state-of-the-art basketball arena and multi-purpose facility on the university’s Pocatello campus, marking one of the most significant private investments in the school's history.
The project, known as the ICCU Bengal Arena, is expected to cost between $70 million and $80 million and will be funded entirely through private philanthropy, including ICCU’s multi-year gift through the ISU Foundation.
University leaders said the long-anticipated arena will become a centerpiece for Bengal Athletics while also serving as a regional hub for community events, entertainment and major gatherings.
“This is what transformational partnership looks like,” ISU President Robert Wagner said. “ICCU has believed in Idaho State for more than a decade, and once again they have stepped forward now, when our university and our community are ready to dream even bigger.”
Arena to Transform Campus Gateway
The future ICCU Bengal Arena will be built on the north side of the ICCU Dome and is expected to seat approximately 4,500 spectators. Designed as a modern competition and event venue, the arena will feature traditional and premium seating options, concessions, and a practice and competition floor.
University officials envision the facility as more than an athletics venue. In addition to hosting Idaho State basketball and other athletic events, the arena will be capable of accommodating concerts, commencement ceremonies, trade shows, high school state tournaments and other community gatherings.
Leaders say the building will stand as a highly visible landmark along the Interstate 15 corridor, creating a new campus gateway while strengthening connections between Idaho State, ICCU and the communities they serve.
“The arena will provide a modern home for Idaho State Athletics and create a versatile space capable of hosting university programs, community events, concerts, celebrations and other major gatherings,” university officials said in announcing the project.
Landmark Investment by ICCU
ICCU President and CEO Brenda Worrell, an Idaho State alumna, said the credit union’s investment reflects its deep roots in Southeast Idaho and its longstanding commitment to the university.
“ICCU believes in Idaho State University, and we are incredibly proud of our partnership and the impact we have been able to make together,” Worrell said. “We have many team members and ICCU members who are alumni of ISU. Our headquarters are here in the Pocatello/Chubbuck area and it’s part of who we are as a credit union to invest in the communities where our members live and work.”
The gift provides a major boost to fundraising efforts and serves as the project’s leadership contribution, which university officials hope will encourage additional donors throughout Idaho and beyond to support the arena.
Addressing Longstanding Needs
The new facility is expected to address capacity and scheduling limitations associated with Reed Gymnasium, the current home venue for Idaho State basketball.
University leaders said space constraints and limited seating at Reed Gym have restricted opportunities for fans and community members to attend games and events. The ICCU Bengal Arena is intended to expand access while enhancing the experience for student-athletes and spectators alike.
“Great things happen when people are willing to lead,” said ISU Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros. “ICCU has done exactly that. They have stepped up in a significant way, and we are incredibly grateful.”
Thiros said the arena represents an investment not only in athletics but also in the broader community.
“Our student-athletes deserve facilities that match their ambition. Our fans deserve a place they can be proud of. And our community deserves a venue that brings people together,” she said. “We are going to build something special in a community we all love.”
Economic and Community Impact
Beyond athletics, university officials believe the arena will create new opportunities to host large-scale events that currently bypass the region because of facility limitations. The venue is also expected to provide additional revenue-generating opportunities for Idaho State athletics and the university.
“This is a big, bold project, and it is going to take Bengals showing up,” Thiros said. “ICCU showed up first. Now it is our turn to rally around this type of leadership and build something that our region will be proud of for decades.”
Officials characterized the arena as a future gathering place for “Bengal Nation” and a regional destination capable of serving both campus and community needs for generations.
Next Steps
University leaders said additional naming opportunities will be available within the arena as fundraising continues. Construction timelines and project milestones have not yet been announced and will depend on planning, design work and future fundraising progress.
Still, Idaho State officials say the project has officially moved from concept to reality.
“The vision is no longer just a vision,” Thiros said. “We are building it.”
More information about the project and donation opportunities is available at isu.edu/iccubengalarena.
Editor’s Note: This story was researched, composed and edited with the assistance of AI. All content is thoroughly reviewed and verified for accuracy by the Local News 8 editorial team.
