A Home for Bengal Athletics
The stories people carry from Bengal Athletics often begin with a team they believe in, a moment they witnessed, or an experience they shared in competition. Years later, those memories still bring people back to ISU.
ICCU Bengal Arena will give that connection a new place to grow. Initial concepts call for a modern setting with an energetic atmosphere, where fans can gather in support of Bengal student-athletes.
A volleyball championship worth the wait
In 2012, ISU’s volleyball team came within a set of a conference title before losing the championship match. A year later, the Bengals returned to the final and swept host Portland State to win their first Big Sky title since 1990.
The next invitation went to their fans; join the team in Chubbuck to watch the NCAA tournament selection show.
An Aberdeen Bengal on a national stage
Steve Hayes grew up in Aberdeen watching UCLA win national championships. In 1977, he and his ISU teammates beat the Bruins 76-75 in Provo, Utah, sending the Bengals to the NCAA men’s basketball tournament’s Elite Eight.
Reflecting on that season in 2017, Hayes said, “The fact that people still talk about it is fun.” Four decades later, the game’s meaning endures in the conversations it still inspires.
A Championship Built on Chemistry
Idaho State answered an opening three from rival University of Idaho in the 2021 Big Sky Championship game, then never looked back, pulling away early in an 84-49 rout of the Vandals to claim the 2021 Big Sky Conference crown, and a trip to the NCAA tournament. Esteania Ors led the way with 21 points while Diaba Konate and Delaney Moore scored in double figures as the Bengals used their team chemistry to outscore their opponent 48-10 in the paint.
The 35 point win margin remains the largest in program history against the Vandals. The Bengals put together a full team effort win capping a season the Orange and Black navigated through adversity and uncertainty. In the ICCU Arena in Boise, the confetti flew five seconds too early, but by then there was no doubt about the outcome, Bengal Champions.
Make room for what comes next
ICCU Bengal Arena builds upon a tradition of showing up for the Bengals. The proposed 4,000- to 5,000-seat venue is intended to give fans a setting where their enthusiasm becomes part of the experience. Final capacity and features will take shape through design.
Its shared purpose includes university and community events, creating opportunities for people across the region to form their own connection to campus.
Make your gift to the ICCU Bengal Arena today!