Idaho State University Announces Indoor Track & Field Project Made Possible Through Philanthropic Support

POCATELLO, Idaho - Idaho State University Athletics and the ISU Foundation are proud to announce a major transformation of the indoor track and field facilities inside the ICCU Dome, made possible through philanthropic support from the Simplot Company Foundation and Idaho State University Alumni Dick and Connie Luebke. 

The privately funded project will replace the ICCU Dome's approximately 50-year-old wooden track with a state-of-the-art indoor track and field system designed to provide a safer, higher-performing environment for Bengal student-athletes while preserving the ICCU Dome's important role as a multi-use facility for the University and the broader community.

The total project comes at a cost of $6 million, with the project funded entirely through private philanthropy.

"This is an extraordinary investment in the future of Idaho State Athletics, our student-athletes and the entire community," said Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros. "We are deeply grateful to the Simplot Company Foundation and Dick and Connie Luebke for recognizing the importance of this project and for helping us create a facility capable of serving Idaho State and the many communities, athletes and organizations that rely on the ICCU Dome."

Dick Luebke arrived on the ISU campus in the summer of 1974 as a middle distance runner for ISU Track & Field. He earned All-American honors in 1975 and 1976 as a part of the record breaking 2 mile relay team. Dick and Connie (Tamura) went on their first date to an ISU homecoming football game 52 years ago, and have never forgotten about their time at Idaho State. 

"For more than 50 years, the ICCU Dome, 'Mini Dome' in my tenure and memory, has celebrated extraordinary athletes, record-breaking performances, and lifelong memories. Our new indoor track honors that legacy while creating a premier facility for future generations to experience the pride, excitement, and magic of running in the 'Mini Dome," said Dick Luebke of the inspiration for their gift.  

The existing wooden track has served Idaho State and the region for approximately five decades, making it an iconic part of the University's track and field tradition. However, the system has reached the end of its functional and safe service life. Its age has increased maintenance demands, and the surface and infrastructure no longer meet the technical expectations of modern NCAA Division I competition.

The new project was developed following an extensive review of leading collegiate indoor track and field facilities across the country. The resulting design combines a permanent flat track with a portable 200-meter banked oval, allowing the ICCU Dome to accommodate both elite track and field competition as well as the diverse events that have made the facility an important regional venue for decades.

The permanent installation will feature a high-performance synthetic surface across the ICCU Dome event floor, with sprint lanes, a throwing ring, and other integrated elements. The permanent floor preparation is designed to meet modern NCAA and World Athletics standards.

A central goal of the project is to improve the track without sacrificing the flexibility that has made the ICCU Dome an indispensable economic asset to the State and local community. The portable banked track can be installed and removed seasonally, allowing the ICCU Dome to continue hosting major community events. "The goal was never simply to build a new track," said Thiros. "It was to create a world-class track and field environment while making the ICCU Dome more flexible, efficient, and useful for everyone. "

For nearly 50 years, Idaho State University and the Simplot Company have partnered to host the Simplot Games, widely recognized as one of the premier indoor high school track and field competitions in North America. The annual event brings thousands of athletes, coaches, and family members to Pocatello from across the country and around the world. The Simplot Games  has helped establish the community as a national destination for emerging track and field talent.

"We've loved the iconic history and charm of the existing track which has served so many high school athletes, including many who went on to the Olympic Games," said Kristi Borgholthaus, Executive Director of the Simplot Games. "Now it's time for an upgrade and we couldn't be happier to be on the new track when we host the 47th annual Simplot Games Feb. 18- 20." 

A modern, high-performance indoor track is critical to the long-term viability and continued growth of the Simplot Games. The new facility will honor the tradition of the iconic banked 200-meter track while providing athletes with a modern competition surface and an environment capable of supporting the next generation of the event.

"We've had such a long and fruitful relationship with Idaho State University, not only through the Simplot Games, but through a large number of partnerships both athletically and academically," said Karin Hart, Senior Vice President of Global Business Solutions for Simplot. "This new track is another example of our partnership with ISU and our shared commitment to the people and communities in eastern Idaho. 

The project includes two phases. The first phase will include construction and assembly of the portable 200-meter banked track. The new banked track will be available to serve the 2027 Simplot Games slated for February 18-20 of 2027, as well as the ISU Indoor Track & Field season. The spring 2027 indoor season will employ a hybrid configuration that incorporates the existing wooden sprint lanes and jump pits with the new state-of-the-art banked running oval.

Following the 2027 spring football season, phase two will take place with the construction and installation of the permanent Mondo surface on the event floor, with completion expected by August 1, 2027, in time for the fall football season and reinstallation of football turf. All venue elements are expected to be fully completed in time for the indoor track and field competition and the Simplot Games in spring 2028.

The Simplot Company Foundation's and Luebke Family's transformational gifts will create a safer and more competitive environment for student-athletes, provide a world-class facility for track and field competition, and preserve the ICCU Dome's ability to serve Idaho's agricultural and community partners.

The project will extend the life of one of Idaho State's most important athletic and community facilities, and continue Pocatello and Idaho State's reputation as a destination for premier indoor track and field competition.