Photo Gallery 1

Photo Gallery 2
 

In 1967, then Athletic Director, Milton "Dubby" Holt first hit on the idea of playing football and basketball in a domed structure on the ISU campus. The doors opened in September 1970 with a 64-34 win over UNLV.

Only one domed facility predates Holt Arena, the Houston Astrodome. But ever since ISU demonstrated that a dome could be constructed at a reasonable price, which was 2.8 million at the time, domes have proliferated around the country.

Holt Arena is presently one of the few totally contained indoor stadiums. It consists of a 12,000 seat football field an an 8,000 seat basketball arena. In August 2011, Holt Arena received an upgrade in field turf as Hellas Construction installed new turf that used to belong to the Dallas Cowboys.

Holt Arena has hosted many memorable events. Those coming to mind include three NCAA Sub-Regional basketball tournaments, two of which ISU particapted in. ISU has hosted three NCAA Division I-AA playoff games involving Idaho State and two 1-AA National Championship games and numerous district and indoor conference track and field championships.

In 2001, Holt Arena hosted the Big Sky Conference women's basketball tournament as well as the Golden Spike Invitational which was broadcast on ESPN.



Largest Crowds in Holt Arena History

13,895	1980	vs. Boise State (Nov. 20)
13,444	1981	vs. Weber State
13,000	1971	vs. Boise State
12,983	1983	vs. Idaho
12,500	1970	vs. Idaho
12,400	1970	vs. Boise State.
12,176	1984	vs. Boise State
12,153	1981	vs. Rhode Island
12,101	1982	vs. Boise State
12,008	1981	vs. Utah State
12,003	1981	vs. South Carolina State
12,000	1975	vs. Boise State
12,000	1972	vs. Idaho
12,000	1970	vs. Montana