POCATELLO, Idaho — Idaho State University Athletics and Bengal Sports Properties are proud to announce that Standard Nuclear will serve as the presenting sponsor of the 2026 Hometown Heroes Game, scheduled for Saturday, August 29, when the Bengals open the season against Virginia Military Institute (VMI) inside the ICCU Dome.
The Hometown Heroes Game celebrates the courageous men and women who serve our communities and nation, honoring active-duty military members, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, and first responders whose commitment and sacrifice make a lasting impact every day.
With a mission centered on strengthening America's national security and supporting the nation's future, Standard Nuclear is a natural partner for this special initiative. Through its presenting sponsorship, Standard Nuclear is helping Idaho State Athletics recognize those who dedicate their lives to serving others while creating a memorable gameday experience for Bengal fans and the surrounding community.
"Our Hometown Heroes Game is an opportunity for Bengal Nation to come together in appreciation of the individuals who selflessly serve our country and our communities," said Idaho State Director of Athletics Pauline Thiros. "Standard Nuclear shares our commitment to recognizing those who protect and strengthen our nation, making this partnership a tremendous fit. We are grateful for their support in helping us celebrate these remarkable individuals."
As part of the celebration, Idaho State football student-athletes and coaching staff will wear special commemorative helmet decals and gameday apparel honoring active and retired military members and first responders.
Fans will have the opportunity to join in the celebration through official Hometown Heroes apparel featuring the same commemorative branding worn by the team. A limited-time online team store, hosted through BSN Sports, will offer matching apparel for fans who wish to commemorate the occasion and show their support. A limited amount of apparel will also be available for purchase at the ICCU Dome on gameday through an ISU Bookstore pop-up shop.
The celebration will begin before kickoff with Bengal Fest — located on the northside of the ICCU Dome — starting at 2:00 p.m. Military vehicles and interactive exhibits will be featured throughout the pregame festivities, providing fans and families an opportunity to engage with military personnel and first responder organizations while honoring those who serve. Fans are encouraged to arrive early, enjoy the tailgating atmosphere, and take part in the festivities before cheering on the Bengals in their season opener.
The Hometown Heroes Game reflects Idaho State Athletics' ongoing commitment to recognizing the individuals and organizations whose service extends far beyond the playing field. The August 29 season opener promises to be an afternoon of football, patriotism, and appreciation as Bengal Nation comes together to honor Idaho's hometown heroes.
About Standard Nuclear
Standard Nuclear's mission is to reliably deliver the essential building blocks of nuclear power at scale — enabling cost-effective, safe, and secure energy for the world. Supported by leading U.S. defense technology and critical infrastructure investment firms, Standard Nuclear is focused on the large-scale production of advanced nuclear fuel and radioisotope power systems.
Standard Nuclear is the nation's only independent manufacturer of TRISO fuel, a robust, high-performance fuel essential to advanced nuclear reactors for terrestrial, national security, and space applications. The company offers a reactor-agnostic supply of advanced fuels to the next-generation nuclear industry and delivers dependable radioisotope power solutions to the space and defense sectors.
Through these efforts, Standard Nuclear is helping reduce U.S. reliance on geopolitical adversaries for strategically vital technologies.
For more information, visit Standard Nuclear.
