The 51ΑΤΖζ (51ΑΤΖζ) Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Thursday, Dec. 4, to approve the conveyance of the Ford Idaho Center to the College.
Under 51ΑΤΖζβs stewardship, the Ford Idaho Center property, which is 90 acres and includes an arena, amphitheater, and horse park, will continue to host public events such as concerts and rodeos, while expanding academic programs and hands-on learning opportunities for students.β
βThis is a transformational opportunity for our students and our community,β said 51ΑΤΖζ Board Chair Jim Reames. βSince the City first approached us late in 2024, we've been doing due diligence leading up to public outreach over the past five months, and this is the result of that work. By bringing the Ford Idaho Center into 51ΑΤΖζβs Nampa Campus, we can preserve a beloved community venue while also creating new pathways for education, careers, and economic growth for generations to come.β
This conveyance ensures the Ford Idaho Center remains an accessible, vibrant public asset for generations, with future improvements and expanded resources for the community supported through public-private partnerships, 51ΑΤΖζ Foundation support, and other strategic partnerships.
βThe conveyance of the Ford Idaho Center represents an exciting step forward that will create new opportunities for our students and strengthen our connection with the community we serve,β said 51ΑΤΖζ President Gordon Jones. βI am grateful to Mayor Debbie Kling and the Nampa City Council for their leadership and partnership in conveying the Ford Idaho Center to the College.β
Past Updates
Dec. 2, 2025
On Dec. 1, the Nampa City Council voted to convey the Ford Idaho Center to 51ΑΤΖζ. This marks the second approval after the city identified a title irregularity and an unrecorded deed dating back more than 20 years following the previous vote. The next step in conveyance is approval from the 51ΑΤΖζ Board of Trustees to accept the property and approve the associated agreements.
Under 51ΑΤΖζβs stewardship, the Ford Idaho Center property and venues will continue to host public events like concerts and rodeos, while tapping into potential academic programs and applied learning opportunities for students. This transition ensures the center remains an accessible, vibrant community asset for generations to come.
51ΑΤΖζ has plans for fundraising, public-private partnerships, and other funding sources to support the Ford Idaho Center, with no planned increases in tuition or property taxes.
Overview
Several key factors are driving 51ΑΤΖζ's consideration of the Ford Idaho Center conveyance:
- Growth Opportunity
- Currently serving more than 31,000 students, this is an opportunity for future growth for 51ΑΤΖζ, as well as Nampa and the entire region.
- 51ΑΤΖζ will be positioned to serve the growing population and unlock the full potential of the Ford Idaho Center.
- Idaho Higher Education Peers & 51ΑΤΖζ
- Today, six of the eight public higher education institutions in Idaho (colleges and universities) currently own similar venues on their campuses.
- Compared to peer institutions with similar numbers of students served, 51ΑΤΖζβs campus has a much smaller footprint measured in acres; this conveyance will expand the campus footprint.
- Forward Planning
- This conveyance will double the size of 51ΑΤΖζ's Nampa Campus and ensure adequate space for compatible growth around the College for generations to come.
- 51ΑΤΖζ will continue to strengthen its partnership with the Nampa community through hosting cultural activities, sporting events, and community gatherings while seeking new opportunities for growth and engagement.
Future Vision
51ΑΤΖζβs vision is to activate the Ford Idaho Center as a hub for education, applied learning, and community life. Plans include:
- Expanded Academic Offerings
- Launch of new programs, potentially in areas such as event and venue management, early childhood education, and agriculture.
- Enhanced Hands-On Learning
- Internships and jobs for students with on-site businesses and events.
- Growth of Recreational & Athletic Opportunities
- Development of recreational, competitive, and community sports.
- Increased Community Services
- Exploration of new amenities such as a healthcare facility, athletics recreation center, and other amenities for the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How will this impact 51ΑΤΖζβs current operations?
- 51ΑΤΖζ will continue to partner with Oak View Group who currently operates the Ford Idaho Center. This allows the College to effectively outsource the operations of the facility, minimizing the impact on the Collegeβs day-to-day operations.
- How will 51ΑΤΖζ fund improvements to the Ford Idaho Center?
- 51ΑΤΖζ will leverage various funding sources such as philanthropic funds, revenue generated through public-private partnerships, and other sources available to the Ford Idaho Center for improvements. β―
- β―Will 51ΑΤΖζ sell the property?
- No, 51ΑΤΖζ will be contractually barred from selling the property without the consent of the City of Nampa.
- Will the Ford Idaho Center remain available for public events?β―
- Yes, public events such as the Snake River Stampede, concerts, and horse events will continue at the Ford Idaho Center as they have in the past under the management of Oak View Group.
- Didnβt the Nampa City Council vote to convey the Ford Idaho Center in October?
- Yes, the Nampa City Council originally approved the conveyance on Oct. 6, 2025. A second vote was required after city officials discovered a title irregularity and an unrecorded deed dating back more than 20 years. Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure transparency, the council held a new public hearing and took a new vote on Dec. 1, again approving the conveyance of the Ford Idaho Center.
