The College of Western Idaho (CWI) has officially taken over the Ford Idaho Center, following a unanimous vote by its board of trustees on October 12, 2023. This transfer, which was finalized after extensive discussions and public hearings, marks a significant shift for both the community college and the city of Nampa, which has owned the center for over 25 years.
The transfer grants CWI control of a 90-acre complex that includes a multipurpose arena with a capacity of 12,200 seats, an outdoor amphitheater for 10,500 spectators, and facilities for equine events. While the transfer does not involve a financial exchange, it comes with substantial responsibilities. The complex currently faces $25 million in deferred maintenance, and the city has subsidized the center with approximately $21 million over the past two decades.
CWI President Gordon Jones indicated that the college would initiate collaboration with Oak View Group, a national firm managing the complex, as well as local community organizations like the Snake River Stampede rodeo. An advisory committee for the Idaho Center will be established to guide the transition and fundraising efforts aimed at addressing maintenance costs. Jones emphasized the necessity of collective action, stating, “We all have to get our track shoes on.”
The facilities at the Idaho Center are expected to enhance CWI’s academic offerings, providing hands-on learning experiences across various fields, including agricultural programs and event management. The acquisition also positions CWI to potentially expand into intercollegiate athletics, particularly in rodeo, which aligns with its mission to support student engagement in diverse activities.
The decision to transfer ownership emerged after discussions between CWI and Nampa officials that began about a year ago. While the council faced criticism regarding the transfer process, including accusations of behind-the-scenes negotiations, the council ultimately approved the transfer following a tie-breaking vote by outgoing Mayor Debbie Kling.
Before the vote, Jones made a compelling case for the acquisition, stressing that it would not only benefit the college but also the surrounding community. He noted that the land connects the main Nampa campus with the college’s career-technical building, allowing for future expansion and a master plan for a larger campus.
During the CWI board meeting, trustees expressed their enthusiasm for the opportunities presented by the new complex. Board chair Jim Reames acknowledged receiving mixed feedback from the public, but reflected on the historical context of community sentiment regarding CWI’s establishment. “What silences a lot of that is success,” he remarked, underscoring the potential benefits the transfer could bring.
Council member Natalie Jangula, who attended the CWI board meeting to observe the process, described the decision as one of the most challenging of her tenure. “I was relieved it was a unanimous vote,” she said, emphasizing the importance of shared goals between the city and the college.
Jones recognized the diverse opinions surrounding the transfer, highlighting the range of community responses, from support to concern over maintaining a public asset. Nevertheless, he viewed the trustees’ unanimous vote as a clear indication of the opportunities that the Ford Idaho Center represents for CWI. “I think they saw, with one voice, that the Ford Idaho Center represents tremendous opportunity for the school,” he concluded.
As CWI moves forward with the management of the Idaho Center, it not only enhances its educational and athletic offerings but also strengthens its connection to the community. The next steps will involve addressing maintenance challenges and fostering collaborations that benefit both the college and the residents of Nampa.
