Idaho State and Direct Communications Announce Gift to Create New Esports Arena
An ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Esports team member in action, showcasing skill and focus during competitive play.
Elisabeth Curtis
July 26, 2025
Idaho State is thrilled to announce a major gift from Direct Communications that will establish the new Direct Communications Esports Arena on the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø campus. The partnership continues Direct Communications’ deep commitment to rural education and student enrichment across Idaho.
The $520,000 gift will support construction of the state-of-the-art facility, with project groundbreaking anticipated for Fall 2025, and completion targeted for January 1, 2026. The new arena will serve as the hub for ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø’s growing esports program and a high-tech gathering space for students from all disciplines.
“This generous investment from Direct Communications expands access to cutting-edge technology for ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø students while strengthening our ability to support student wellness, teamwork, and innovation,” said President Robert W. Wagner. “We are incredibly grateful to Tim May and the outstanding Direct Communications team for their continued support of Idaho’s students.”
Lowell Richards, AVP for Auxiliary Services at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø says that Esports is an important part of campus life and improving student and community engagement:
"Esports on college campuses is more than just entertainment; it’s a gateway to involvement and a sense of belonging. It brings students together, fostering a community where they can connect, collaborate, and compete."
Direct Communications is a longstanding benefactor of ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø, playing a key role in multiple initiatives including the INCLUDE project, which provides access to mental health and educational resources to rural high school students across the state, as well as the enhancement of Direct Communications Field at Miller Ranch Stadium, home to Bengal Softball.
In recognition of this contribution, ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Esports will launch an annual Direct Communications Youth Esports Invitational, beginning after completion of construction, and continuing through at least 2030. Richards says that the current Esports lounge does not have the capacity or equipment to host tournaments, so the Direct Communications Esports Arena is a welcome addition to the Esports facilities at ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø.
"We knew this partnership for the Esports Arena was right for us because it aligns with the goals of Direct Communications. It is about more than just gaming-- it is about bringing the best to communities and schools by connecting them to the rapidly evolving digital world. That is what our company is all about, providing high speed internet to rural communities to help bridge the digital divide," said Tim May, General Manager of Direct Communications. "We are happy to partner with ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø to empower the next generation of Idaho's innovators."
For more information on the esports program or this partnership, visit isu.edu/esports or contact the ºÚ°µ±¬ÁÏÍø Foundation.
