Pocatello, Idaho — Idaho State University proudly announces a series of upgrades totaling $600,000 at Miller Ranch Stadium, the esteemed home of the ISU softball program. Completed earlier this spring, these upgrades signify a significant milestone in enhancing the spectator experience and elevating the stature of the stadium within the Big Sky Conference and beyond.
“We are pleased to be able to make these improvements to yet another of our iconic venues at Idaho State. Miller Ranch Stadium is nested in a beautiful spot, and settling in to watch Bengal Softball from the berm on beautiful spring days is special in our community. We have to maintain and improve these amenities continually, not only for our community but to ensure we provide our student-athletes with the experience and opportunity they deserve. More improvements to Miller Ranch are slated for the near future, and the team is benefitting steadily from the investment in this venue,” said Director of Athletics, Pauline Thiros.
Among the notable improvements is a new cement backstop adorned with branded padding, providing both durability and aesthetic appeal. Complementing this enhancement are ISU-branded wind screens along the outfield fence, adding a touch of school spirit and pride to the stadium's ambiance.
Moreover, fans can now enjoy an enhanced viewing experience with the installation of new protective netting behind home plate, carefully ensuring safety. This thoughtful addition designed to optimize spectator sightlines while not only enhances the overall atmosphere of the stadium but also prioritizes the comfort and enjoyment of attendees.
In addition to these fan-centric upgrades, the press box has undergone a comprehensive overhaul to accommodate the needs of the ESPN+ broadcast team, which covers ISU softball games. These enhancements include a redesigned layout of the pressbox to streamline operations and provide an optimal setup for broadcasting.
Undoubtedly, the marquee addition of these renovations is the installation of a cutting-edge Daktronics videoboard, made possible through the generosity of Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU). The first softball venue in the Big Sky Conference to have one, this state-of-the-art videoboard mirrors the aesthetic of partner boards at Davis Field and in Reed Gym, further unifying ISU's athletic facilities under a cohesive visual identity. With its vibrant displays and immersive capabilities, the new videoboard promises to enhance the game-day experience for fans and players alike.
“These updates are an awesome start to the projects that are planned for Miller Ranch. It has already made a dramatic impact on the look of the field itself,” says Andrew Rich, Head Softball Coach. “Our team and I cannot say thank you enough to ICCU for their contributions to help get a videoboard, the first in the Big Sky Conference for softball, at our facility. This is a great thing for our student-athletes and fans alike, as well as recruits that come to campus in the future!”.
Looking ahead, efforts of raising $500,000 in charitable contributions to install a synthetic turf field at Miller Ranch Stadium continue with $100,000 having already been committed. The project presents an attractive opportunity for a donor or organization to one of ISU’s most iconic athletic venues. Due to the weather patterns found in the southeast Idaho region, the Bengals have historically struggled to host a meaningful number of home competitions, or have access to the field prior to late March, due to the condition of the natural grass and challenges presented by soaked and/or frozen ground — eight home games were lost due to these circumstances in 2023. Installation of turf will allow the grounds staff to clear the field and allow the team to practice anytime the temperature is above 32 degrees (the minimum playing/practice temperature defined by the NCAA). If you have interest in supporting this project, please reach out to Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development and External Relations, Crew Keller via email (crewkeller@isu.edu).
As Miller Ranch Stadium solidifies its status as the best softball venue in the Big Sky Conference, these continuing renovations underscore ISU's dedication to excellence in athletics and its ongoing pursuit of creating a premier destination for softball enthusiasts.
