Pocatello, Idaho — Visitors to Idaho State University's athletics venues have noticed a number of changes take place in recent years, and now, another major addition is underway thanks to a generous gift from one of the University's long-time partner, Idaho Central Credit Union. A total of 4 new video boards have been added to three of ISU's most notable athletic venues to enhance the game day experience. The ICCU Dome includes a striking new 18 x 90 foot board in the west end zone. Last spring, two new video boards, in addition to stat boards on the existing scoreboards, were added in Reed Gym. And Miller Ranch Stadium, home to ISU Softball, had a new board installed to replace the original scoreboard which has been operating since the stadium opened in 2011.
But, the gift is much more than a capital improvement.
In addition to dramatically improving the game day experience and venues, the video boards are the impetus for an innovative partnership between Bengal Athletics, the ISU College of Business, and ICCU. More than 40 video boards have been installed in Idaho high schools through grants from ICCU in recent years, with the vision that schools would create content and sell digital advertising and create revenue to support high school sports. While some schools have excelled within the model, many have struggled. Now, with ICCU's support, Idaho State University Athletics and the College of Business will partner to deliver education to Idaho high school students who are part of the program to teach them how to make appointments, develop pitches, and sell spots to generate revenue for their schools.
"The ISU College of Business is thrilled to partner on this project with our Athletic Department and ICCU to help High Schools across Idaho," according to Dr. Shane Hunt, Dean of the ISU College of Business and Michael C. Ruettgers Professor of Marketing. "Our Walter Brown Center for Sales Excellence at ISU is the leading provider of sales education in Idaho and we are excited to leverage the talents of our Professors and ISU students to develop the sales skills and revenue opportunities for High School students and programs throughout the region."
Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros is excited about the partnership as well, "We are so fortunate to enjoy a close partnership with an organization like ICCU who recognizes what sport can accomplish for individual students, and for educational organizations as a whole. The capital improvement alone was important to ISU athletics, but to be a part of teaching high school students how to use these types of media to create a revenue stream, that is innovative. We need people with these skills, and our institutions and programs need the support that will be generated by their efforts. This is a win, win, win.".
The addition of a new video board in the ICCU Dome coincides with the completion of the second phase of the $14 million renovation which has seen new artificial turf and stadium seats, the creation of the ICCU President's Deck and premium seating, a new interior ceiling and exterior roof, a press box renovation, as well translucent glass on the northside of the arena. ISU began looking into making changes to the facility in October 2019 and received approval for the project in 2021. Construction officially began in May 2022 and was completed by September 2023.
"From a Marketing perspective, of course we love the new video boards and the opportunity to enhance the experience of ISU events. Perhaps what we love even more though, is the collaboration between Idaho State University and Idaho high schools that will enhance the educational experience of students as they develop their skills inside and outside of the classroom," shares Michael Watson, Chief Marketing Officer of Idaho Central Credit Union. "We appreciate Shane Hunt and Pauline Thiros' willingness, energy, and the excitement to extend this program throughout the state of Idaho.".
Season tickets for the 2024 football season are available by calling 208-282-FANS or at isubengals.com. Men's and women's basketball season tickets will go on sale soon.
Interested in learning more about Idaho Central Credit Union? Visit their webpage, here.
