UI, Isu Rivalry Moves To Idaho Center

The home-court advantage in the Idaho-Idaho State men’s basketball rivalry will be erased this year as the teams move their annual game to the new Idaho Center.

The 8,500-seat arena will host the Dec. 22 game between the Vandals and Bengals. The schools signed a one-year contract with the Idaho Center, but their large alumni bases in the Treasure Valley might make it an annual event.

“I can’t see it being anything but popular,” Idaho coach Dave Farrar said. “We have our highest percentage of alumni in that area. I hope it becomes a focal point for the alumni and boosters of both schools.”

The schools played at least twice a year as members of the Big Sky Conference. Last year, when Idaho moved to the Big West Conference, they continued with one game in Moscow and one game in Pocatello. But the teams will play only once during the coming season.

Idaho State coach Herb Williams and Farrar said they hope a Treasure Valley game will draw recruits and fans.

“It’s going to be a good show,” Williams said. “You’ve got two teams moving up the ladder and some people will see us play and fall in love with us. But there’s a lot of ISU fans in that area who normally don’t get to see us.”

The Monday night game will be during Christmas break, so student ticket revenue won’t be lost.