2008 Woodie Awards
The ASISU Holt Arena: a symbol of student power
Todd Itami
Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Some 40 years ago the idea was proposed for a student funded indoor sports arena. Of course, like any other idea on campus it was opposed by some and endorsed by others. The students spoke, and by referendum it was decided that a $2.8 million student-funded project would commence. In 1970 the Holt Arena first opened and has been a campus icon ever since.
On most every ISU post card, poster, or publication the Holt Arena is present. Not only is it an icon for campus, but for the city of Pocatello as well.
The Holt Arena was only the second indoor football stadium ever built (in the world) and the first on a college campus. Its only predecessor, the astrodome, has since been demolished making Holt the longest-standing-indoor football arena in the world.
The value of the stadium is as diverse as it is strong. The stadium has played host to a number of different events. Commercials and community events are not exempt for the myriad proceedings that are held in the Holt. Concerts including big names such as Bob Dylan and Garth Brooks have been held there. Car shows, trade shows, and monster truck rallies are some of the other events that take place.
Regional religious conferences, university commencement, or the inauguration of president Vailas are some of the more formal events held in the Holt. Whether it's a dirt filled National Circuit Finals rodeo, or the traditional football and basketball, the Holt Arena has served the school and the community well.
The beauty of the ASISU Holt Arena is just that, it was initiated by ASISU. The students voted and paid for something that many of them would not use. This incredibly un-selfish act has served to help the progress and recognition of campus in an immeasurable way. The building has severed students so loyally since its first use in 1970. It's something that those students can hold on to. Something those students and future students can be proud of.
One can hear alumni from those days speaking of the Holt very proudly. I know that my own father who attended ISU following the war speaks and thinks very highly of the idea that is Holt.
What is the lesson to be learned here? Students have power. Students have the power to build, create, destroy, or propose anything that we see fit. I am very thankful that the students of the 60's and 70's had the foresight to build such a structure and take such an initiative. I worry that as students of this generation we are passing up such rich opportunities that only wait for our support.
May the good Holt Arena stand for many more years to come.
On most every ISU post card, poster, or publication the Holt Arena is present. Not only is it an icon for campus, but for the city of Pocatello as well.
The Holt Arena was only the second indoor football stadium ever built (in the world) and the first on a college campus. Its only predecessor, the astrodome, has since been demolished making Holt the longest-standing-indoor football arena in the world.
The value of the stadium is as diverse as it is strong. The stadium has played host to a number of different events. Commercials and community events are not exempt for the myriad proceedings that are held in the Holt. Concerts including big names such as Bob Dylan and Garth Brooks have been held there. Car shows, trade shows, and monster truck rallies are some of the other events that take place.
Regional religious conferences, university commencement, or the inauguration of president Vailas are some of the more formal events held in the Holt. Whether it's a dirt filled National Circuit Finals rodeo, or the traditional football and basketball, the Holt Arena has served the school and the community well.
The beauty of the ASISU Holt Arena is just that, it was initiated by ASISU. The students voted and paid for something that many of them would not use. This incredibly un-selfish act has served to help the progress and recognition of campus in an immeasurable way. The building has severed students so loyally since its first use in 1970. It's something that those students can hold on to. Something those students and future students can be proud of.
One can hear alumni from those days speaking of the Holt very proudly. I know that my own father who attended ISU following the war speaks and thinks very highly of the idea that is Holt.
What is the lesson to be learned here? Students have power. Students have the power to build, create, destroy, or propose anything that we see fit. I am very thankful that the students of the 60's and 70's had the foresight to build such a structure and take such an initiative. I worry that as students of this generation we are passing up such rich opportunities that only wait for our support.
May the good Holt Arena stand for many more years to come.
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