The Idaho State Board of Education (SBOE) on Wednesday, approved Boise State Athletics’ request to proceed with the planning and design phase for renovations to the men’s and women’s basketball practice facility, including the issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design-build services, director of athletics Jeramiah Dickey announced.

“Our thanks to the State Board of Education,” said Dickey. “Their approval enables us to take the next step towards our mission to position our student-athletes for success, on and off the court.”

Once the design process is complete and the construction budget is set, Boise State will return to SBOE for construction approval. Preliminary estimates for the project are between $5-6 million. The total project cost will be funded with a combination of fundraising proceeds and athletic department reserves.

The proposed renovation will transform the practice and training capabilities for men’s and women’s basketball. The project includes a new basketball-specific performance weight room facility, centralized offices for coaches and support staff, a conference room and live performance video technology.

“Thanks to the State Board for your approval to move this important project forward,” said women’s basketball head coach Gordy Presnell. “Your support will have an impact on our student-athletes today and those we will recruit for the future.”

“This renovated facility will help strengthen both basketball programs from top to bottom,” said men’s basketball head coach Leon Rice. “We continue to make incredible progress in providing dedicated space to serve our student-athletes and impact their overall experience. These improvements help our program recruit and develop student-athletes to push our program forward.”

The practice facility, known as the auxiliary gymnasium, is connected to ExtraMile Arena and the Arguinchona Basketball Complex. Named after long-time donors Larry and Karen Arguinchona, the 10,000-square-foot, two-story facility serves as the primary home for the Bronco men’s and women’s basketball teams. The facility features a number of amenities to support a wide-range of needs including athletics, academics, health, and wellness for basketball student-athletes.

In October, SBOE approved the issuance of a design-build bid and to proceed with the planning and design stage of the north end zone project.  Under the direction of the Division of Public Works (DPW), the RFQ process is intended to begin this spring.

The north end zone project will impact every Boise State student-athlete and significantly impacts all four pillars of the What’s Next Initiative: student-athlete experience; revenue generation; infrastructure; and marketability. 

For those interested in learning more or in making a commitment contact the Bronco Athletic Association at (208) 426-3556 or baa@boisestate.edu.

Visit https://www.whatsnextinitiative.com/ for more information.