University of Idaho Arena Project Moves to Bid and Construction

MOSCOW, ID – The Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE) has unanimously approved the University of Idaho’s (U of I) request to proceed with the bidding and construction phase of the signature 4,200-capacity Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) Arena project. The project will go out for bid and will break ground soon, with building completion expected in the fall of 2021.

University of Idaho Arena

The ICCU Arena will be a showpiece for U of I’s student-athletes, the Vandals, tell the story of Idaho’s heritage, and provide a unique gathering place for generations of Vandals to come. The state-of-the-art arena will provide a teaching facility and the best game atmosphere while also acting as a recruiting showpiece. A practice court will provide attractive and versatile competition space and provide much-needed first-class practice facilities.

The innovative mass-timber construction of the building brought wood industry partners from across the state to the project. These critical partners plan to provide in-kind gifts that may reduce the cost of the building—one that will stand as a stunning example of modern wood construction.

Featured

  • Northeastern University Breaks Ground on New Housing Community

    Northeastern University recently announced the groundbreaking of a new student housing community on its campus in Boston, Mass., according to a news release. The university is partnering with American Campus Communities (ACC) for development of the project, which will have the capacity for 1,200 students and has a scheduled completion date of fall 2028.

  • University of Pittsburgh to Build New Residence Hall

    The Board of Trustees from the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Penn., recently approved the construction of a new residence hall for first-year students, according to university news.

  • Can AI Help Build Stronger Communities in Student Housing?

    Student housing success is shifting from operational performance to student experience, with belonging now at the center. A recent 2025 report underscores a growing emphasis on student well-being, community, and engagement, signaling that expectations now extend beyond logistics to ensure students feel supported in their living environments. AI is enabling that shift by reducing administrative workload and giving teams more time to focus on meaningful student engagement.

  • Big Horn Academy

    Big Horn Academy

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. Big Horn Academy has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Project of Distinction award in the category of New Construction.