ICCU Arena
Possibility plays here
Creative thinking, bold design and a spirit of collaboration brought the Idaho Central Credit Union Arena to life. Its striking mass-timber architecture — including the undulating roof that mirrors the rolling Palouse hills — is a daily reminder of what’s possible when vision and craftsmanship come together.
Built primarily with locally sourced timber, including wood from the U of I Experimental Forest, the arena is more than just a venue. It's a living laboratory where students in natural resources, architecture, engineering and design study real-world applications of sustainable forestry, carbon sequestration, supply chains and structural performance.
The ICCU Arena serves as the proud home court for Vandal basketball and houses practice spaces, locker rooms, coaching offices, conference areas, concessions and more. But it’s also a space for creativity, connection and community — welcoming musicians, artists, athletes, students and community members alike.
Opened in October 2021, the Arena is a symbol of what Idaho does best: blending innovation, stewardship and partnership. It’s a place where the boundaries of timber design are pushed and where every event reflects the energy of a university on the rise.
Experience the energy of Vandal Athletics
Cheer on the Vandals at ICCU Arena — from thrilling basketball games to high-energy matchups.
Catch a live performance at ICCU Arena
From concerts to special events, see what’s happening in one of Idaho’s premier venues.
Arena highlights
A mass timber feat
- Wood-engineered buildings have a smaller carbon footprint, are lighter than steel and concrete, and perform well in seismic and fire tests.
- In total, there are 854 Glulam beams weighing 442 tons. The largest beam is 110 inches by 60 inches and is 58 feet long.
Fostering economy
- Construction of the arena created 74 jobs, $7.8 million in output, $3.7 million in gross regional product and $2.7 million in wages and salaries.
- As the ICCU operating venue develops, visitation to Moscow increases, more community jobs are created and there are positive economic multiplier effects.
A home for many
- The arena is a stunning gathering place for athletic and academic events, performances and other special occasions.
- The arena is 67,000 square feet with a capacity of over 4,000. It features a performance basketball court, a practice court, coaches’ offices, locker rooms and a club area for premium seating and hospitality.
Power of partnerships
At the arena, innovation is a team effort, and contributors are central to the building’s story. From the forest to the lab, classroom and community, possibilities play here.
A local collaborative
Through relationships facilitated by the College of Natural Resources, project stakeholders sourced a significant share of the arena’s timber products from the region and, wherever possible, from University of Idaho’s own Experimental Forest. Further underlining this localist ethos, area manufacturers donated materials and the use of fabrication facilities.
A testament to our private partners
“More than $35 million of the $51 million arena costs were provided by private funds, including Idaho’s forest products industry and organizations certified to SFI standards. From sustainably managed timber harvested by Bennett Lumber, Idaho Forest Group and PotlatchDeltic, to the glulam beams manufactured by Boise Cascade and QB Corp, the cedar siding manufactured by Tri Pro Cedar Products and the CNC milling and assembly by StructureCraft, the industry came together to showcase the arena as a spectacular example of wood design.” — Dennis Becker, Dean of the College of Natural Resources
Telling the ICCU Arena story
Learn more about experiences at the arena and what people are saying about it.
Headlines
Idaho Central Credit Union Arena - The Institution of Structural Engineers
The Institution of Structural Engineers, Spring 2023
Idaho Central Credit Union Arena - Sustainable Sports Architecture
StructureCraft, Dec. 21, 2022
Idaho Central Credit Union Arena
Architect Magazine, July 26, 2022
ICCU Arena - Inspired Discoveries: 2022 Research Report
University of Idaho Office of Research & Economic Development, Spring 2022
Idaho Central Credit Union Arena – Soaring Roof Demonstrates Mass Timber’s Long-Span Possibilities
WoodWorks | Wood Products Council, 2022
Idaho Central Credit Union Arena recognized by 2021-22 Wood Design & Building Awards
Opsis Architecture, 2021-2022
University of Idaho’s New Mass Timber Arena + SFI-Certified Wood
SFIProgram, Oct. 20, 2021
A new home for the Vandals: ICCU Arena opens this fall
Coeur d'Alene Press, Oct. 5, 2021
'It took my breath away': University of Idaho unveils new basketball arena
KREM 2 News, Sept. 29, 2021
Basketball Arena’s Star Players are the Timber Curtain Walls
Architect Magazine, Fall 2021
University of Idaho Arena Benefits The Regional In Multiple Ways
Pacific Northwest AG Network, June 10, 2021
U of I’s new arena features mass timber for innovative, sustainable design
Idaho Capital Sun, June 1, 2021
The Idaho Central Credit Union Arena is shaping a free-form future for mass timber
The Architect's Newspaper, March 24, 2021
ICCU Arena | A Stunning Addition to the U of I Campus
University of Idaho, Feb. 1, 2021
Idaho Central Credit Union Arena Construction featured in The Architect's Newspaper
Opsis Architecture, Winter 2021
Celebrating Natural Resources Magazine (Page 8)
University of Idaho College of Natural Resources, Winter 2020-21
Idaho Central Credit Union Arena starting to take shape on Moscow campus
The Spokesman-Review, Oct. 22, 2020
Inside look of the new ICCU Arena at University of Idaho
KLEW TV, July 23, 2020
Beaming into Place
Moscow-Pullman Daily News, June 27, 2020
Opsis Architecture and StructureCraft are shaping a free-form future for mass timber
The Architect's Newspaper, March 24, 2020
Vandals' New Digs Will Be 'Game-Changer' for Athletes
Construction Equipment Guide, Jan. 14, 2020
UI Arena Seen as Example of Momentum in Mass Timber Industry
Idaho Public Radio, Aug. 15, 2019
Forest Service Chief applauds momentum of mass timber market while at groundbreaking for new University of Idaho arena
U.S. Forest Service News, June 6, 2019
New University of Idaho arena fulfills university’s mission on many levels
Spokesman-Review, June 6, 2019
Is wood the future of campus construction?
Education Dive, April 10, 2019
Space benefits more than basketball
Moscow-Pullman Daily News, Dec. 22, 2018
Significant donations help University of Idaho move ahead with its unique arena
The Spokesman-Review, Oct. 4, 2018
ArchitectChats Podcast features Opsis’ Alec Holser
Opsis Architecture, June 29, 2018
Community Partners
University of Idaho, Fall 2017
University of Idaho collaborates with state’s timber industry to build new arena
Higher Ed Dive, June 22, 2017
Awards
Architecture
- 2023, American Council of Engineering Companies of Idaho (ACEC), First Place, Structural Systems
- 2023, American Council of Engineering Companies of Idaho (ACEC), Idaho Grand Award
- 2022, American Institute of Architects (AIA), St. Louis Chapter, Architecture, Distinguished Award
- 2022, American Institute of Architects (AIA), Oregon Chapter, Institutional Architecture, Merit Award
Structural engineering
- 2023, American Council of Engineering Companies of Idaho (ACEC), First Place, Structural Systems
- 2023, American Council of Engineering Companies of Idaho (ACEC), Idaho Grand Award
- 2022, National Council of Structural Engineers Associations, Structural Engineering Excellence (SEE) Award, Best of Group
- 2022, The Institution of Structural Engineers, UK, Shortlist, Structural Awards
Sustainability and wood design
- 2023, Woodworks - Wood Products Council, Wood Design Award (WDA)
- 2021-2022, Wood Design & Building, Canadian Wood Council Award for Commercial Building
- 2021-2022, Wood Design & Building, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, Sponsorship Award
Athletic facilities
- 2022, ENR-Mountain States, Best Projects, Sports/Entertainment
- 2022, Athletic Business, Facility of Merit
- 2022, Athletic Business, Architectural Showcase Interiors
- 2022, International Interior Design Association (IIDA), Gateway Chapter, Interior Design Excellence Awards (IDEA), Sports & Recreation Winner.
Testimonials
Forestry partners
“Trees are outstanding. They absorb carbon dioxide and convert that to carbon. About 50% of the weight of a tree is carbon, so when we make a mass timber product like Glulam, we’re storing that carbon for the life of that product. We’re creating healthy forests, we’re replanting, we’re reducing wildfire risk – our ability to store carbon in buildings long term is a win for all of us. Every successful project is the result of a partnership. In this case, the USFS provided initial seed funding to support the design, and then the amount of work U of I did to bring the arena together — suppliers, engineers, architects — the supply chain is long. Partnerships start at the beginning. And we know that they are important. They create local jobs. We’re glad that the Forest Service was able to put catalytic support in." — Brain Brashaw, USDA Forest Service
“The industry as a whole is proud of the project. It’s such a large collaboration. You have this gorgeous architectural wonder whose materials are supplied from partners throughout the state of Idaho. When we look at it, we see the amazing creativity of how we can utilize mass timber.” — Jennifer Okerlund, executive director of the Idaho Forest Products Commission
Architects
"Every aspect of the traditional ‘windowless steel box’ arena prototype has been rethought toward sustainable systems that will be the future of college sports facilities. The College of Natural Resources (CNR) brought the idea of mass timber, as well as making the arena unique to our Idaho. It was the first time I’d heard of the athletics department speaking with the CNR about these opportunities to create an economic generator for that region. That, coupled with the welcoming vision for the arena, was an exciting pairing.” — Chris Roberts, Opsis Architecture LLP
Local industries
“The initial project was beautiful, but we weren’t able to produce the beams as they were first drawn out as solid, continuous pieces, which are too long for us to produce. So we collaborated with the engineers to break the beams up into sections for production, making a testament to what can be done with wood. Boise Cascade and our peers are so proud to be a part.” — Amy Vitek and Kelly Hibs, Boise Cascade
“We worked with the College of Natural Resources on the procurement of all the mass timbers through multiple donor streams.” — David Shroud, Hoffman Construction
“We moved 2 million board feet of timber into 3 different mills. It took about 400 truckloads to produce the 2 million feet. Our part was small — it's what we do for a living every day — but it makes a big difference and it’s a source of pride that will stand for a long time, maybe a hundred years.” — Mark Swanson Logging
Engineers
“The monumental, sculpted truss frame system, constructed of dual wood members up to six feet deep and spanning 130 feet, supports all the ends of the primary long-span king-post trusses over the arena. Each of the beams in these portal frames transfers over 400,000 pounds of load into the frame legs. Our structural 3D model produced all the geometry and shop drawings required to produce the curved Glulam shapes, each of which had a unique curvature. Our skilled shop team used in-house CNC capabilities with layout optimization to cut the desired shapes out of the actual curved billets we received from the Idaho manufacturers.” — Lucas Epp, StructureCraft Engineering and 3D Manager
“We were able to work directly with several manufacturers in Idaho to allow us to do something that had never been done before. We took the free-formed surface of the roof and rationalized it into a series of radius pieces that were manufactured more efficiently. I don’t think people realize you can go a long span with wood. These are viable structural elements that work well for structure and for architectural and fire-related conditions.” — Judsen Williams, KPFF Engineers
U of I leaders
“We are a university on the rise and this facility is the catalyst for a new era for University of Idaho. It showcases many of the strengths that make Idaho great — its natural resources, its students and its community,” — Scott Green, U of I President
“The arena means so much more to Vandal Athletics, the university, our community and the State of Idaho. It is a place where we can all unite — whether that is a game, a concert or other events” — Terry Gawlik, U of I director of athletics
“The arena represents a story of sustainability. The way industry leaned in to make this an Idaho project for Idaho, with Idaho lands, forests, companies and products, that’s what I’m proud of. But I think there’s work to be done. We must take more time living and telling that story. It’s not enough for me to believe, it’s not enough for me to just put a sign on the building – it's an ongoing educational opportunity for everyone who is a part. Every time we run our hands against these beams, we explore where the wood came from. It’s a challenge for us to tell that story over and over again.” — Dennis Becker, dean, College of Natural Resources
Professors and students
“The arena showcases how renewable materials can be effectively used in structures that traditionally have been built with nonrenewable materials such as iron, steel, and concrete. For as long as the building stands, students in various disciplines can envision the vast number of applications that wood can be used to meet the demand for sustainably constructed structures.” — Steven Shook, professor of forest and sustainable products
“I’m excited about the arena because we have an actual case study built on campus. For example, in the Timber Design course, we focus on the design of wood trusses, frames, columns, bracing systems and arch girders and the design of connections between different timber elements. We look at design details and how these features withstand vertical loads and lateral loads such as seismic and wind loads.” — Assistant Professor Ahmed Ibrahim, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
“The ICCU Arena’s innovation has important commercial applications that support future U of I grants and research in the forestry, architecture and engineering sciences.” — Steven Peterson, associate clinical professor of economics
“This building is a great model for myself and other forestry, wood products and engineering students to see how we can make large structures to go towards a more sustainable future.” — Jordy Williams, CNR student
“We want to make sure not only the foresters are there for our children and grandchildren, but also for the resources. I think this project shows how U of I takes sustainability seriously.” — Cameron Vu, CNR student
Vandals on the court
“It means a lot to be the first team to play in the ICCU Arena. For us to finally be able to be that team — it's quite awesome.” — Gabe Quinnett, athlete
Reserve the ICCU Arena
The Idaho Central Credit Union Arena is a premier venue for athletic competitions, concerts, meetings and intramural sports. With state-of-the-art facilities and flexible event spaces, the arena is ideal for both university and community events.
For details on pricing and available services, reach out to Events and Conference Services at events@uidaho.edu or check availability and make a reservation request online.
Spaces available for reservation
Alumni Club
This spacious lounge offers elevated views of the basketball court and access to an outdoor patio. Designed with alumni in mind, it’s ideal for meetings, receptions and university-related gatherings.
Main gym
The main court is a flexible space with ample seating, perfect for basketball games, concerts, large meetings or community events. Concessions are available during select events.
Practice gym
Located behind the main court bleachers, the practice gym is primarily used for team training and practices. It can also be reserved for other recreational or athletic purposes.
Concession and catering services
Idaho Eats manages all traditional concession stands during athletic games, concerts and campus events at University of Idaho. Alcohol sales at events are also managed by Idaho Eats in compliance with Idaho state law and the Idaho State Board of Education policies.
Many concession stands are staffed by local boosters and nonprofit organizations as part of their fundraising efforts. Every purchase helps support area groups and community programs.
If you're hosting an event on campus, Idaho Eats Catering has the first right of refusal for all food services. This means all catering and concessions must be coordinated through them unless otherwise approved.
Interested in using concessions as a fundraiser for your nonprofit? Contact the team at 208-885-6428 to learn more.
For general catering and concessions inquiries or to place an order, contact 208-885-2576 or visit https://uidaho.catertrax.com.
Arena hours and location
Non-event day hours: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Location: 900 Stadium Drive, Moscow ID, 83844
This building is closed for all university-recognized holidays and is closed to the public on event days.