BOISE STATE SIGNS AGREEMENT TO NAME THE PAVILION

June 17, 2004

BOISE, Idaho – “The Pavilion” at Boise State enters a new era with a fresh face and a new name. Today (June 17) Boise State is pleased to announce an agreement renaming the facility “Taco Bell Arena”.

At its meeting today, the Idaho State Board of Education approved a sponsorship agreement with the local Taco Bell franchisee. The sponsorship with the Department of Athletics at Boise State is a 15-year agreement that will pay the University a total of $4 million in cash and in-kind contributions.

Among the visual effects to take place, Taco Bell will have its logo on the exterior of all four entrances of the arena and on the sidelines of the basketball floor.

“We have enjoyed a very positive relationship with the Athletic Department at Boise State since 2000, and we are confident this agreement will only strengthen it,” stated Carl Nicolaysen, president of the local Taco Bell franchisee. “We believe in the vision of higher education in the State of Idaho. We also believe this is a way we can give back to the community, and provide wonderful exposure for our company.”

Along with an annual cash payment in excess of $208,000 Taco Bell will provide more than $52,000 annually for in-kind marketing and advertising, and an annual cash payment of $6,300 to establish a “Taco Bell Scholarship”. The terms of the scholarship will be established at a later date.

“I am very proud of the strength of the athletic program at Boise State and the nationwide attention it brings to the University,” Boise State President Dr. Robert Kustra commented. “The revenue generated from this sort of naming opportunity will certainly contribute to the continued and long term success of our athletic program. I am especially pleased about the academic component of the agreement and the creation of an annual scholarship and a permanently endowed Taco Bell Scholarship Fund, which will create lasting educational opportunities for current and future Boise State students.”

Boise State Director of Athletics Gene Bleymaier also stated, “Taco Bell has been a major sponsor of our program over the past several years. We are very pleased they have stepped up to the next level of commitment to the University. This agreement can only benefit the arena and athletic department.”

Ground was broken for the arena in February of 1980, and completed in 1982 at a cost of $17.5 million. Recently the facility has undergone structural improvements, including an updated exterior design, the renovation of the arena’s Box Office, a new high capacity public elevator and a new VIP Club Room.

“I believe the Taco Bell sponsorship provides a valuable partnership for Boise State, and a strong investment in the arena’s future,” Joyce Grimes, Executive Director of the arena states. “We are excited about entering this new era and what it means for the athletic department, and the arena’s ability to provide high quality sports and entertainment for the Treasure Valley.”

Boise State Commencement was the inaugural event on May 16, 1982. The first athletic event was a Bronco men’s basketball game against Michigan State University on November 29, 1982. The arena has hosted several national athletic championships, along with countless concerts and performance events. Six times the arena has hosted first and second round games of the NCAA Men’s National Basketball Tournament (1983, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1998 and 2001). The number will increase to seven in March of 2005, when Boise State will again host the sold out event. Boise State has also hosted the 2002 NCAA Women’s Basketball West Regional Finals, and the 2000 NCAA Women’s National Gymnastics Championships. Included among the concerts and events are performances by Elton John, Metallica, George Strait, the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra and Disney on Ice.

The all-time attendance record for an athletic event is 12,649 in a Boise State men’s basketball game against the University of Idaho. The all-time single event attendance record is 12,897 for a Neil Diamond concert on November 6, 1996.

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For More Information Contact:
Taco Bell Arena Administrative Office at (208) 426-1900

http://www.tacobellarena.com