What's Happening?
Idaho State University Athletics and the ISU Foundation have announced a significant upgrade to the indoor track and field facilities within the ICCU Dome. This $6 million project, entirely funded through private philanthropy, will replace the existing
50-year-old wooden track with a modern, state-of-the-art system. Key donors include the Simplot Company Foundation and Idaho State University Alumni Dick and Connie Luebke. The new design features a permanent flat track complemented by a portable 200-meter banked oval, aiming to enhance safety and performance for student-athletes while maintaining the ICCU Dome's versatility as a multi-use community venue. The project will unfold in two phases, with the portable banked track ready for the 2027 Simplot Games and ISU Indoor Track & Field season, and the permanent Mondo surface installation expected to be completed by August 1, 2027. All venue elements are projected to be fully operational for indoor track and field competitions and the Simplot Games in spring 2028.
Why It's Important?
This transformation is crucial for Idaho State University's athletic programs and the broader community. The existing track has reached the end of its safe and functional life, no longer meeting modern NCAA Division I competition standards. The upgrade will provide a world-class facility, attracting top-tier athletes and ensuring Idaho State's continued reputation as a premier destination for indoor track and field events, including the renowned Simplot Games. The Simplot Games, a major high school competition, draws thousands of participants and spectators to Pocatello annually, significantly benefiting the local economy. The new facility will also extend the life of the ICCU Dome, preserving its role as an important regional venue for various community and agricultural events, thereby reinforcing its economic value to the state and local community. This investment underscores a commitment to student-athlete welfare and regional sports development.
What's Next?
The project will proceed in two distinct phases. Phase one involves the construction and assembly of the portable 200-meter banked track, which is anticipated to be ready for use during the 2027 Simplot Games, scheduled for February 18-20, 2027, and for the ISU Indoor Track & Field season that spring. During this initial indoor season, a hybrid configuration will be utilized, integrating the new banked oval with the existing wooden sprint lanes and jump pits. Following the 2027 spring football season, phase two will commence with the construction and installation of the permanent Mondo surface on the ICCU Dome's event floor. This phase is slated for completion by August 1, 2027, ensuring the facility is ready for the fall football season and the reinstallation of football turf. The entire project, including all venue elements, is expected to be fully completed and operational in time for the indoor track and field competition season and the Simplot Games in spring 2028.
Beyond the Headlines
The philanthropic nature of this $6 million project highlights the significant role private donations play in enhancing public university infrastructure and athletic programs. The collaboration between Idaho State University, the Simplot Company Foundation, and alumni Dick and Connie Luebke demonstrates a strong community commitment to sports and education. This investment not only addresses immediate facility needs but also secures the long-term viability of the Simplot Games, an event with nearly 50 years of history that has become a cornerstone of Pocatello's identity and a national platform for emerging track and field talent. The dual-purpose design, accommodating both elite competition and community events, reflects a strategic approach to maximizing the utility and economic impact of the ICCU Dome, ensuring it remains a vital asset for both the university and the broader region for decades to come.
