Albertsons Scores Naming Rights at University of Idaho Arena

Albertsons Cos. Inc. has committed $500,000 over the next 10 years the University of Idaho’s (UI) new court-sports arena and naming rights to the scoreboard, reflecting the longtime partnership between the Boise, Idaho-based grocer and the university.

The announcement of the 4,700-seat arena came in October as UI neared the halfway point in fundraising for the $30 million project. The arena will host UI’s basketball and volleyball teams, as well as serving as a gathering place for a variety of events to enhance student life at UI.

“Albertsons’ commitment to Idaho extends beyond our stores and into the institutions that help make our people extraordinary and the state of Idaho one of the best places to live and work in the country,” said Bob Miller, chairman and CEO of Albertsons. “The UI arena will be an exceptional addition to the student experience in Moscow, and Albertsons Cos. is grateful for the opportunity to help bring a long-term goal to fruition for the students and the community.”

The arena is planned as a wood and wood-product building, using one of Idaho’s greatest natural resources to further build the Idaho-based legacy of the building. The 70,000-square-foot facility has been a focus of UI President Chuck Staben’s since he took office in 2014, and a goal of UI for nearly 50 years. UI plans to seek approval from the State Board of Education to plan and bid the construction in February 2017.

Albertsons operates stores across 35 states and Washington, D.C., under 19 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs.