ESports Arena Unveiled Through Contributions from Direct Communications

Idaho State University unveiled its new state-of-the-art Esports Arena Tuesday, September 29. The new arena serves as the hub for ISU’s growing esports program and a high-tech gathering space for students from all disciplines.

The arena was made possible with a $520,000 gift from Direct Communications. Direct Communications is a longstanding benefactor of ISU, playing a key role in multiple initiatives including the INCLUDE project, which provides access to mental health and educational resources to rural high school students across the state, as well as the enhancement of Direct Communications Field at Miller Ranch Stadium, home to Bengal Softball.

Founded in 2024, ISU Esports, competes against 10 other teams in the Big Sky Conference.

“This facility puts Idaho State University esports on the map in the Big Sky, in the country and in the world, and we’re proud to have it here,” said ISU President Robert Wagner.

“The planning phase for this started probably a year and a half ago, where we really started talking about what we wanted, where the space was going to be,” Head Coach Charles Johnston said. “It’s been a long process of figuring out the best way of putting this together.”

The university has also put a bid in to host this coming year’s Big Sky Championship.