University of Idaho to unveil larger-than-life Joe Vandal statue

MOSCOW, Idaho — A bronze statue of University of Idaho mascot Joe Vandal will make its public debut at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, and will become a permanent fixture between ICCU Arena and P1FCU Kibbie Dome on the west side of the Moscow campus.

U of I commissioned the larger-than-life statue to recognize the Associated Students of University of Idaho (ASUI) for their decades-long support for the P1FCU Kibbie Dome and other campus resources and facilities. In 1974, the ASUI voted to allocate student fees to add a roof to the dome and make other improvements to what is now a nationally recognized landmark on the Moscow campus.

The unveiling event coincides with the official Vandal Tailgate prior to the football game against UC Davis, which starts at 4 p.m. A short program will include remarks from U of I President Scott Green, ASUI President Seyi Arogundade and artist and sculptor Gareth Curtiss. Curtiss collaborated with U of I students, alumni, employees and community members to create and refine the design of the statue, which is one-and-a-half times larger than the real-life mascot.

“While leaning into the future, Vandals honor decades of student support,” President Green said. “We look forward to unveiling this symbol of the Vandal spirit as a timeless monument to the generous contributions of our Vandal student body, past and present.”

Cast in bronze, the Joe Vandal statue weighs approximately 2,000 pounds and stands more than 9 feet tall on a 5-foot-wide base. Once installed, the statue will be covered and fenced off until the Nov. 8 unveiling.

MEDIA NOTE: Members of the media are invited to attend the unveiling. If you have questions about event logistics, reach out to Becca Lunstrum at beccal@uidaho.edu.

Media contact

Jamie Wagner
Senior director of marketing and communications
University of Idaho Foundation
208-885-0171
jamiew@uidaho.edu