PRESS RELEASE 7/2/2025

CITY OF NAMPA AND COLLEGE OF WESTERN IDAHO EXPLORE POTENTIAL TRANSFER OF FORD IDAHO CENTER

Community Town Hall Planned for July 15 from 4-6 p.m. (Update: time extended until 8pm)

The City of Nampa and the College of Western Idaho (CWI) invite public feedback as they explore the potential conveyance of the Ford Idaho Center and its associated properties to CWI. Though the proposed transfer remains subject to the approval of the Nampa City Council and CWI Board of Trustees, the potential benefits to Nampa and the Treasure Valley are significant.  

The community is invited to a town hall on Tuesday, July 15 from 4-6 p.m. (time extended until 8pm) at the Ford Idaho Center’s Les Schwab Corral (near the horse park arena) to learn more and hear from Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling and CWI President Gordon Jones. Both entities are committed to providing opportunity for community involvement throughout this process, ensuring transparency and collaboration as plans develop. 

The partnership between the two public entities would ensure this significant community asset remains under public stewardship, while creating opportunities to expand educational and workforce programs, introduce more commercial activity and further activate the area. 

The City of Nampa has already established the Ford Idaho Center as a premier venue in Idaho, thanks to a strong partnership with Oak View Group (OVG), which has improved its financial stability while attracting high-profile events. The potential transfer of the property to CWI would allow the Ford Idaho Center to continue serving as an economic driver, while also positioning it as a central resource for education and economic development. 

“This is a unique opportunity to begin a new chapter for this premier facility, building on the success of the Ford Idaho Center and taking it to the next level,” said Nampa Mayor Debbie Kling, adding, “If approved, transferring this public asset to the College of Western Idaho would maximize the facility’s potential, enable it to continue hosting events, transform the surrounding area, and expand workforce training opportunities to meet the needs of employers. The benefits of this transition could be felt for generations, making Nampa an even more vibrant place to live, work, play and grow.” 

CWI President Gordon Jones said, “We are deeply grateful to Mayor Kling and the Nampa City Council for considering this transformative opportunity. The potential acquisition of the Ford Idaho Center would enable CWI to further serve and engage the community by creating more academic and hands on learning opportunities for our students. We are excited about the possibilities this could bring to Nampa and the broader region as CWI continues to grow.” 

In addition to the town hall on July 15, the community can provide feedback at a public hearing scheduled for August 11, 2025 at 5:30 p.m., before a vote by Nampa City Council. If approved by both the City of Nampa and CWI Board of Trustees, this initiative could unlock tremendous opportunities for Nampa while continuing to support the vibrant community spirit that the Ford Idaho Center represents. 

About the Ford Idaho Center: The Ford Idaho Center sits on 100 acres and includes an indoor arena, which was built in 1997 and can seat just over 12,200 guests, an outdoor amphitheater which can seat 10,500 guests, and the Ford Idaho Horse Park & Sports Center which is the Northwest’s leading horse facility. The facility has also been expanded to include 110 RV spaces that accommodate attendees of various annual horse events. In 2022, the Ford Idaho Center celebrated 25 years of commitment to being a premier multi-event complex for the Pacific Northwest and the Horse Park celebrated 20 years of excellence to the equine community. In 2024, the Ford Idaho Center hosted over 150 events. For more information visit, www.fordidahocenter.com.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why is the City of Nampa considering transferring the property to CWI?  

• The City of Nampa can focus on core competencies and infrastructure needs (e.g., water, water renewal, irrigation, roads and public safety) without providing financial backing to the venue.
• CWI is well-positioned to further the highest utilization of this property and expand its use.
• By conveying the property to CWI, a public asset remains public, and we preserve Nampa traditions, such as the Snake River Stampede, for years to come. Additionally, the Ford Idaho Center property remains controlled by a locally elected board.

Why is the College of Western Idaho considering this property transfer? 

• Serving over 30,000 Idaho residents each year, CWI would look to expand academic opportunities for students, increase workforce training to help local businesses, and support existing and new recreational activities serving both campus and community needs.
• The intersection of academic programs and commercial activities will lead to workforce readiness and employment opportunities for CWI students. 
• All other Idaho public higher education institutions but one own similar venues on their campuses including Boise State University, College of Southern Idaho, North Idaho College, University of Idaho, and Idaho State.
• CWI’s vision for development on the property has the potential to create significant economic impact over the next 25 years, including over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs as well as hundreds of thousands of dollars in property tax revenue. (EY development impact scenario, May 2025)

How will this impact CWI’s current operations?  

• Maintenance and operations of the Ford Idaho Center will not cause an increase in property taxes or tuition at CWI.
• CWI will assume all contracts with vendors that the City of Nampa has in place as part of the property transfer.

Will the Ford Idaho Center remain available for public events?  

Yes, public events such as the Snake River Stampede, concerts, and horse community events will continue. The Ford Idaho Center is currently managed by Oak View Group (OVG) and they would continue booking events. 

Will the Ford Idaho Center continue to be eligible for Auditorium District Funds?

Yes, funds collected through the Auditorium District will continue to be available, as previously planned. Allocation of the funds collected will be decided by the Nampa Auditorium District Board of Directors. To learn more, visit https://nampaauditoriumdistrict.com/.