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Boise City Council moves forward with sports park proposal

Posted at 6:14 PM, Sep 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-09-26 20:18:56-04

The creation of a sports park in downtown Boise is one step closer to becoming a reality.

On Tuesday, Sept. 26, the Boise City Council voted to move forward with a formal planning effort for the project, which would settle into the city's River District neighborhood. 

Boise could be home to a $100 million sports park complex as early as 2020, with $60 million going toward mixed-use development, such as restaurants, retail and office space. 

"In addition to the private, mixed-use development, there would be the Boise Sports Park, which would be roughly $36 million for the sports park itself, as well as $4 million of public improvement," said Nic Miller, Director of Economic Development for the City of Boise.

Early renderings show the Boise Sports Park, which would be built off of Shoreline Drive and Americana Boulevard, would seat around 5,000. 

City leaders say the 11-acre site downtown is likely the last parcel of land available for this project. The property is owned by a company managed by St. Luke's Health System.

"Vacating the Shoreline property allows St. Luke's to relocate our employees who work there, and unite our team closer together," said Chris Roth, Chief Operating Officer of St. Luke's Health System. "It's part of our ongoing efforts to streamline support of our exceptional patient care. When the owners of the Boise Hawks approached St. Luke's about this property, we could appreciate why the location makes it an exciting prospect for their proposed mixed-use stadium project."

The city says this project would fill the community's needs for a moderately-sized sports and entertainment venue.

"You know, I've been doing this long enough to know that the timing has to be right in all these ways," said Boise Mayor Dave Bieter. "...and we really believe that the timing is right on this."

Project supports cited the potential partnerships, such as Boise State University's baseball and women's soccer teams, the Boise Hawks, youth sports, and the potential for a professional soccer team calling Boise home.

"It brings in higher level coaching, it brings in opportunities for the kids to go watch the game at a higher level," said Bill Taylor, President of the Idaho Youth Soccer Association. "And in the end, it provides and will build a stronger base of youth players."

If approved, construction could begin as early as 2018.

The City of Boise wants to hear the community's thoughts on the proposed sports park and has organized three open house events throughout the month of October.

The events are as follows:

  • Oct. 5, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Boise Centre on the Grove
  • Oct. 10, 2017 from, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Payette Brewing Company
  • Oct. 16, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Boise City Hall