‘Loge boxes and premium space:’ A whole new look for ExtraMile Arena? Boise State studies big upgrades

Boise State University is evaluating potential large-scale changes to the basketball and events arena on campus.

The school hired Hummel Architects in 2019 for a study of the arena, according to records obtained by BoiseDev. The “Taco Bell Arena Feasibility Study” called for a concept study for “addition, renovated and remodeled” spaces of the facility now known as ExtraMile Arena.

The arena, originally known as the Pavillion, was built on the campus of Boise State University in 1982. The footprint and design of the building have remained largely the same in the years since, with periodic upgrades to facilities, video, and audiovisual capabilities. Along with hosting the school’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, the arena has welcomed artists from Beyonce to Elton John to the Nirvana and hundreds more.

Now, with the arena approaching its 40th birthday, it could see a whole new look.

[The Louvre. The Met. The… Fiesta Bowl? Boise State’s virtual art museum, the Luminary, set to open]

Upgrades inside and out

Hummel posted renderings to its website for a “confidential” client, but one of the renderings clearly shows the Caven-Williams Sports Complex in the background.

The images show a dramatic change to the primary entrance to the arena, which faces to the southeast. A glass structure is shown jutting out of the current facade, with dramatic lighting and a staircase visible inside. The architecture features a design language similar to that used in renderings of potential changes to the Liberal Arts building on campus, which BoiseDev reported on last week.

A cutaway image (above) shows changes to the building’s loading dock area, as well as locker room facilities. Another view of the opposite corner (below) shows a similar added glass structure, as well as changes to the overall facade of the building.

Here’s how Hummel described its work for the school: “Hummel was hired to provide a concept and feasibility study to update a university arena performance floor as well as lobby, front entrance, additional restrooms, and concessions. The arena is currently used for collegiate basketball games and gymnastics programs, concerts, university and community commencements, and other events.”

Dickey: loge boxes, premium seats possible

BoiseDev first asked for records on the project last week. On KTIK-FM’s Idaho Sports Talk Wednesday, Athletic Director Jeramiah Dickey alluded to the project.

“It’s going to domino into ExtraMile, and what can we do in there with loge boxes and premium space such as a club and create a one-stop-shop for a fan to eliminate any excuse for them not showing up.”

[Scoop: Documents show more Albertsons Stadium possibilities: restrooms, concourse, terrace]

Dickey spoke about the need to fundraise for expansion to Albertsons Stadium, but for the school’s overall look at facilities upgrades for athletics across the campus.

“I don’t think it will be years,” Dickey told KTIK host Mike Prater when asked about a timeline. “A lot of this stuff will be announced in November and December of this year. It will prepare us for what’s next as far as a campaign. There’s a lot that goes into a capital campaign, and we need to make sure our infrastructure is set.”

According to the contract, Boise State paid Hummel, KPFF Engineering, and Musgrove Engineering $24,000 for the initial phase of the project.

BoiseDev is awaiting additional public records on the project. The school did not answer specific questions on the status of potential upgrades.