BOISE - The State Board of Education will allow Boise State University to market skybox suites at Bronco Stadium with the understanding that alcohol can be served. This authorization is contingent on the Board approving construction of the skyboxes at a later date.
BSU told Board members skybox suites would be more marketable if alcohol service was available. The Board’s approval allows BSU to approach corporations and private donors interested in leasing skyboxes. If constructed, skybox suites would only be accessible through secured entries and alcohol would not be allowed in other areas of the stadium.
BSU also received Board approval to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) to design a 72,000 square feet indoor practice facility. The facility will accommodate the BSU football team as well as sports such as golf, track and field and soccer. The State Board’s approval is for creation of design proposals for the facility. BSU must come back to the Board for approval of the facility’s final design, construction and financing terms.
The Board ratified amendments to BSU head football coach Dan Hawkins’ five-year contract. The longer Hawkins stays with BSU, the less it will cost to buy out his contract. Liquidated damages start at $850,000 and then are reduced each year by $150,000 until years four and five where the amount will be capped at $400,000.
In other State Board news:
The University of Idaho presented preliminary results from its contract with the Association of Governing Boards (AGB) and the UI Foundation. Under the contract, AGB is evaluating the relationship between UI and the Foundation and identifying steps need to be taken to improve governance. The UI is set to give a more thorough proposal at the April Board meeting including a final report and a proposed operating agreement between the UI and the Foundation.
Lewis-Clark State College received permission to request proposals for new residential housing. Currently, the College has two traditional residence halls located on campus housing a total of 170 students. The College has a high occupancy rate (virtually 100% at the beginning of each semester) and carries a waiting list of approximately 70 students. Once LCSC receives proposals, the Board must approve any design and construction costs.
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