City approves agreement to rename the Civic to the Frontier Center for the Performing Arts
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 9/20/23: The Frontier Center for the Performing Arts is coming to Idaho Falls.
Following a $3.5 million agreement with the City of Idaho Falls, city officials approved a naming rights contract with Frontier Credit Union to rename the Idaho Falls Civic Center for the Performing Arts.
The newly renamed Frontier Center for the Performing Arts has provided the Idaho Falls community with world-class entertainment and cultural enrichment for over 70 years. The naming rights agreement with Frontier Credit Union reflects a shared commitment to fostering the arts, supporting the local community, and enhancing the cultural vibrancy of our community.
“We are grateful for the tremendous support of Frontier Credit Union and their commitment to ensuring that this beloved performing arts facility will continue to serve as the community’s culture center in Idaho Falls,” says Idaho Falls Mayor Rebecca Casper. “For decades, this facility has served as a gathering place to enhance our community and improve the arts. We’ve more than quadrupled in size since the center was built and upgrades are needed. With Frontier Credit Union’s support, we’ll be able to serve the community well in the decades to come.”
In 2019, a William J. and Shirley A. Maeck Family Foundation donation matched by the City of Idaho Falls updated to the facility’s seating, carpet, orchestra pit and more. The $3.5 million from Frontier Credit Union boosts the fund-raising efforts for the second phase of facility improvements. Phase two will focus on updating landscaping, adding ADA-approved restrooms, adding a passenger drop-off area and tripling the size of the lobby to 6,600 square feet.
“We feel honored to participate in the revitalization of this historic building,” said Frontier Credit Union President and CEO Dan Thurman. “Frontier Credit Union was founded in Idaho Falls in 1935 and we have continued to serve this and the surrounding areas ever since. Our mission is to help people in our community build better lives. This project has the ability to touch and lift so many around us and purposefully fulfill that mission. With this partnership, people from across the region will have the ability to enjoy the use of this wonderful facility for many years to come.”
The Frontier Center for the Performing Arts was built through a bond passed in December 1949. The building on Holmes Avenue was completed in 1952. The Frontier Center’s 1,800 seats make it the largest dedicated performing arts facility with a stage and orchestra pit in the greater Idaho Falls area.
With the new name, the Frontier Center for the Performing Arts will continue to host performances, including opera, symphony, ballet, dance events, conventions and more. The Idaho Falls Symphony and community concerts are also held at the venue.
As one of the fastest-growing credit unions in Idaho, Frontier Credit Union believes in building a better life for members, communities and the great state of Idaho. Established in 1935 in Idaho Falls, the credit union originally served federal employees before expanding service to members in other industries.
There are additional opportunities for community members and businesses to contribute to the Frontier Center in the near future. Details will be announced at a later date.
ORIGINAL: The City of Idaho Falls is exploring an agreement with Frontier Credit Union to rename the Civic Auditorium.
A special meeting of the Idaho Falls City Council is scheduled for Monday at 4 p.m. for the "consideration of agreement for naming and other advertising rights regarding the Idaho Falls Civic Center for the Performing Arts."
A draft agreement on the city's website says if the plan moves forward, the city would use the name 'Frontier Center for the Performing Arts' as the exclusive name for the Civic. The draft also says Frontier Credit Union would pay a "Rights Fee" to the city for the new designation.
The draft indicates after "Phase I" of improving the Civic Auditorium's interior in 2019, the City of Idaho Falls would like to move forward with the second phase of improvements, which includes creating a more inviting exterior entrance. The draft also says the city would like to do this "without negatively impacting taxpayers."
According to the draft, the agreement is slated to begin on September 30th and continue for the next 40 years.
