POCATELLO, Idaho- The Big Sky Conference announced today that it has postponed the Big Sky Conference Football competition season until the spring. Idaho State will not play its previously scheduled conference and non-conference football games this fall. Details will be released in the near future about how Idaho State University and others will proceed with fall training and conditioning.
"While we regret the impact this has on our program, our Bengal fans, and our entire community, we believe it is the best decision for the student-athletes and the program, as well as a responsible measure to take in protecting the health of our campus and our Southeast Idaho communities by minimizing large spectator events," said University President Kevin Satterlee.
"These are difficult decisions," said Athletic Director
Pauline Thiros, "and they have not been taken lightly. With week zero very near, we needed to provide clarity to fans and student athletes and define a path forward that has some degree of certainty. We believe the spring gives us the best opportunity to provide fans and student-athletes with the safest conditions, the best experience, and a full conference schedule which is simply not going to be available this fall, no matter how badly we all wanted to compete."
The spring football season is expected to include 8 Big Sky Conference opponents, with the schedule to be announced later this fall. If FCS Football Playoffs are canceled, the Big Sky has the option to host a league championship. We are working to arrive at agreements with school for the non-conference games to address the missed games in future seasons
Many fans have already purchased their season tickets. Prior to September 1, the Holt Arena Ticket Office will reach out to all paid ticket holders directly to offer a full refund, or to apply their payment to a newly determined spring schedule, likely with adjusted seating capacity. Related inquiries can be directed to (208-282-3267) or ticketoffice@isu.edu.
Given this recent development and taking into consideration Idaho State's COVID-19 health and safety protocols, Holt Arena will also not be a host site for high school football games.
The Big Sky Conference has not yet decided on other fall sports. As of now, those sports do not start until September 18. The Conference will continue to evaluate the situation prior to that date.
