We are honored to share that the Idaho Central Credit Union (ICCU) Arena is an Athletic Business 2022 Facility of Merit winner. A national model for the use of mass timber in long-span sports facilities, the 4,000-seat ICCU Arena supports the rising prominence of the University of Idaho’s basketball program and showcases the region’s unique natural materials and landscape.
“Idaho Central Credit Union Arena is an inspirational example of a sustainable, locally inspired and absolutely stunning execution of mass timber construction. Every aspect and detail of the facility is thoughtfully designed to be consistent with the concept and responsive to both community visitors and everyday users. Transparency, texture and form set this arena above any other campus arena I have seen.” – Emily Parris, Facility of Merit Juror
Inspired by the undulating landscape forms of the Palouse region, the ICCU Arena was designed as a dramatic gateway to the University’s campus. Featured in the Facilities of Merit issue of Athletic Business Magazine, the ICCU Arena impressed the judges with its use of mass timber and break from the traditional steel and concreate sports arena typology. “Incorporating mass timber construction on a scale seldom seen, the arena’s designers introduce uncommon warmth and intimacy to the 4,000-seat home of University of Idaho Vandals basketball,” writes Athletic Business.
Architect of Record/Design Architect: Opsis Architecture | Sports Architect: Hastings + Chivetta Architects