Future of The District
About the District
The Greater Boise Auditorium District’s mission is to develop spaces for community engagement that facilitate the greatest economic benefit to our community. The District is authorized by Idaho statute to build, operate, maintain, market and manage public auditoriums, exhibit halls, convention centers, sports arenas, and similar facilities.
The District built Boise Centre in 1990 and completed a convention center expansion in 2017 to accommodate larger groups and multiple events simultaneously. The additional space has provided Boise Centre the opportunity to accommodate more conventions, conferences, tradeshows, and local events, resulting in greater local economic benefit. Today Boise Centre operates near full capacity.
Growing the Local Economy
Attendees of events at Boise Centre create a strong demand for local lodging, restaurants, breweries, bars, entertainment, transportation, retail, and recreational activities. In 2025, visitors attending events held at Boise Centre boosted the local economy by $51.2 million dollars and supported 24,000 jobs. *
*Calculated using the (EIC) Event Impact Calculator, Destinations International.
Future Vision
In recent years several parties have expressed interest to the District about prospective projects and investment opportunities. In April 2024, the District board of directors created an exploratory committee tasked with evaluating any potential investment opportunities.
In April 2025, the District commissioned a market and feasibility study to better understand what opportunities there are in our community for a potential convention center expansion or future investment. The latest research and findings will better prepare District board members to determine their future vision for community benefit and economic growth.
Timeline
April 2024 Exploratory Committee Formed
District Board of Directors created an exploratory committee tasked with evaluating potential investment opportunities.
Spring / Summer 2025 Market and Feasibility Study
District Board of Directors selected Johnson Consulting to conduct the study, which included stakeholder engagement.
During stakeholder engagement Johnson Consulting interviewed 38 groups with 70 – 90 people participating. Those interviewed included, local officials, community and business leaders, customers, event producers, hoteliers, and other event venues.
Sept. 25, 2025 Market and Feasibility Study Findings
Johnson Consulting presents report to District Board of Directors during their Sept. 25, 2025, monthly meeting. Link to Presentation Document . Link to 2025 Market and Feasibility Study.
Oct. 16, 2025 Presentation of Findings
Johnson Consulting presented key findings of the 2025 Market and Feasibility Study to stakeholders including local officials, community and business leaders, hoteliers, customers, event producers and other event venues. Presentation Slides
A Q & A session followed the presentation with John Fleming, Project Manager and Ryan Johnson, Principal Johnson Consulting and Cody Lund, Boise Centre Executive Director and Kristin Muchow, District Board Chair.
Presentation and Q & A Session Watch Video
Jan. 2026 Strategic Plan Update Completed
The District Board of Directors updated their Strategic Plan in January 2026. The board engaged external facilitation and advisory support to guide the strategic planning effort. The board approved the Strategic Plan Framework & Direction Planning Horizon: Three Years (2026 – 2028) during their January 22, 2026 meeting.
Jan. 2026 Additional Scenario Analysis Underway for Potential Development
The District Board of Directors selected Johnson Consulting to conduct a Scenario Analysis for Three Potential Development Paths. The results are anticipated in March 2026.
March 2026 Expansion Scenario Analysis Report
A draft of the Expansion Scenario Analysis report was presented to the District Board of Directors during their meeting on March 26, 2026. Johnson Consulting presented a final version of the Scenario Analysis Report to the District Board of Directors during their May 26, 2026 meeting.
Boise Centre Scenario Analysis Report
March 31, 2026 District Announces Board Has Secured Downtown Parcel for Future Development
The Greater Boise Auditorium District (The District) announced today that its board has approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement for property at 1050 W. River Street, (northeast corner of 11th & River) in downtown Boise. The 4. 13 acre property is within walking distance of the existing Boise Centre convention facility and represents the District’s first step toward a future project that independent analysis suggests could have a transformational economic impact on the region.
“This is a deliberate, responsible first step,” said Kristin Muchow, Board Chair. “We’ve done the analysis, we’ve evaluated our options, and we’re moving toward securing land that gives us a real foundation to build from. As we move forward, the Board is focused on the future of Boise and committed to developing a project that will meet the needs of the District for the next 20 to 30 years. Now we continue the work of determining what the right project looks like for our community.”
The District’s board approved the Purchase and Sale Agreement at a Special Board Meeting March 31, following more than 12 months of work by the board exploratory committee that engaged landowners, developers, and civic leaders across the Boise area.
Independent analysis by Johnson Consulting confirmed what the District has long understood — that a larger, more competitive Boise Centre would mean more events, more visitors, and a measurably stronger economic return for the Boise community. Purchasing this additional property and planning for a future project- will not impact Boise Centre. It will continue to operate without interruption, and all existing reservations, contracts, and commitments will be honored in full.
“Boise Centre is a community asset, and protecting what we’ve built here is just as important as planning for what comes next,” said Cody Lund, Executive Director of the District. “This land purchase positions us to grow without disrupting the facility our clients and partners depend on today. Remaining in and investing further in downtown close to hotels, restaurants, breweries, bars and shops makes great sense.”
There is no current development timeline. In the coming months, the District will continue to study and evaluate the best use of the site for greatest community and economic impact, while exploring potential funding mechanisms.
April 29, 2026 District Announces Board Has Secured Second Parcel for Maximizing Future Development
The Greater Boise Auditorium District (The District) announced today that its board approved entering into an Option Agreement for property at 970 W. River Street (northeast corner of 9th & River) in downtown Boise. This second parcel covers 1.84 acres and is adjacent to the 11th & River property that the District board approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement for at the end of March, expanding the footprint of a future development as the District looks to grow its facilities and community offerings.
“We’re focused on building a solid foundation for both the District and greater downtown Boise that will withstand needs well into the future,” said Kristin Muchow, Board Chair. “This allows us to move forward and evaluate the best use of the land to serve our community and deliver economic impact to benefit the city.”
The District’s board approved the Option to Purchase the second parcel at a Board meeting on April 28, following months of work by the board exploratory committee. The added land offers flexibility in the future site configuration and supportive infrastructure, which could include additional parking and pedestrian access. Together the two parcels represent nearly six acres and will ensure the District’s plans for future growth will avoid being landlocked.
“Future proofing the District to maintain our current assets and maximize growth through expansion is a major priority for us,” said Cody Lund, Executive Director of the District. “This second parcel of land opens up more possibilities in how we could develop the new site for flow and activation of the space, which are important elements as we think about how this investment fits in with our existing facility and the rest of our downtown neighbors.”
There is currently no development design or timeline. By early summer, following due diligence results, the District will issue an RFP for a design team to explore possibilities for site design and configuration to optimize facility layout.
June 23, 2026 District Acquires 3rd Parcel and Announces Site Test Fit Study
(June 24, 2026) —The Greater Boise Auditorium District (the District) announced today that its board approved the purchase of 615 S. 9th Street (formerly The Mardi Gras on 9th & Lee) in downtown Boise. Securing this third parcel completes the District’s exploratory committee’s initial discussions and evaluations to secure land for expanding facilities to meet demand in a growing and evolving Boise.
“As we look to the future of the District and the needs it can serve in the next 10 years and beyond, this collection of properties expands the opportunities to build something that serves the Boise community across multiple facets and invests in the future of downtown Boise,” expressed Kristin Muchow, Board Chair.
Collectively, all three parcels provide the District with 6.46 acres of contiguous space and flexibility for a future facility layout with ample space for the full scope of a future facilities layout to address space requirements for a 100,000 square foot exhibition hall, alongside considerations of a multi-use event center or an indoor sports facility, as outlined in the District’s feasibility study.
- 11th & River: 4.13 acres / 180,000 square feet
- 9th & River: 1.84 acres / 80,542 square feet
- 9th & Lee Street: 0.49 acres / 21,344 square feet
The land acquisition and future development planning are possible thanks to the District’s responsible fiscal management, allowing the use of cash reserves to move- forward on each land purchase.
“A key attribute we are looking for with this future project is avoiding becoming landlocked as we are with our current facility,” said Cody Lund, Executive Director of the District. “Through the purchase agreements with all three parcels, we now have the flexibility to imagine a second property that not only expands our current book of convention business but opens up the possibilities for further community collaboration and engagement.”
While there is currently no final design plan or development timeline, the District will issue RFQs this summer for a Site Test Fit Study and a Financial Affordability Study. This is the first step in the site evaluation process to determine how different components of a multi-use event facility could best fit on the 6.4 acres. Components under consideration to support event programming include lobby spaces, kitchen, back of house storage, loading docks and a parking structure. Layout considerations will include maximum efficiency, usage and financial viability. The District is working with
Paradigm of Idaho to facilitate the RFQs and studies. Study results are anticipated in late fall to winter 2026.
Boise Centre will continue to operate without interruption throughout this process. Future project development for the District is an investment in growth alongside current facilities.
Fall 2026 Site Test Fit Study and Financial Affordability Study RFQ Issued
Fall / Winter 2026 Site Test Fit Study Stakeholder Enagement
As part of the Site Test Fit Study, Paradigm of Idaho will facilitate stakeholder engagement with several groups that may include District leadership, staff, Board members, community and business partners, other interested parties, utilities, transportation and permitting authorities.
Winter 2026 Anticipated Presentation of Site Test Fit and Financial Affordability Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the District?
The District is a public or governmental entity. In 1959, the Idaho Legislature passed legislation allowing for the creation of auditorium districts in Idaho. Upon passage of the legislation, a district was formed in Boise by voters for the purpose of building a civic facility for the community.
What does the District do?
As a governmental entity the District’s mission is to develop spaces for community engagement that facilitate the greatest positive benefit for our community. The District is authorized by Idaho Statute to build, operate, maintain, market and manage public auditoriums, exhibit halls, convention centers, sports arenas, and similar facilities.
The District built Boise Centre, Idaho’s largest convention center in 1990. In 2024, Boise Centre generated $50.8 million in local economic benefit by drawing thousands of visitors who spend monies in hotels, restaurants, bars, breweries, shops, transportation, recreation activities and entertainment.
Through a public-private partnership in 2021, the District invested $9.6 million to purchase the land and building for the Idaho Central Aquatic Center.
How is the District funded?
The District receives its revenue from a 5% room tax paid by travelers and collected by hotels, motels and other lodging properties within the District’s boundaries. Residents inside the District do not pay any taxes or fees to fund the District and its entities unless they choose to stay in a hotel, motel or other lodging property.
Are District board meetings open to the public?
Yes, the public may attend District board monthly board meetings either in-person or via Zoom. Note, the meetings are open to the public but are not considered public forums; public comment is not usually taken at these meetings. Meeting schedule.
What is the goal of the land purchases at 11th & River, 9th & River, and 9th & Lee Streets?
(June 2026) The District has taken steps to secure three downtown parcels in proximity to the current Boise Centre for future development that could have a transformational impact on the region.
The 11th & River location is a unique property that spans four acres and is large enough to meet the space requirements of a 100,000 square foot exhibition hall, multi-use event center, or an indoor sports facility — all of which our feasibility studies noted are in-demand in our community.
Acquiring the parcels at 9th & River and 9th & Lee provides the District with a total of 6.46 contiguous acres, which means more flexibility for a future facility layout with ample space for a loading dock, kitchen, back of house storage, a parking structure and pedestrian access. Importantly, securing the three parcels will ensure the District’s plans for future growth without being landlocked.
The land being acquired is within walking distance of Boise Centre in the growing River Street neighborhood, near hotels, restaurants, breweries, bars, shops, cultural centers, and the Greenbelt.
What will happen to the existing Boise Centre?
(June 2026) Boise Centre will remain open and will continue to operate as usual with no changes for the near future. All reservations, contracts, and commitments will be honored in full.
A key benefit of these land purchases is that they allow the District to plan for growth without disrupting or closing Boise Centre. The new parcels are just a 7-minute walk south along 9th Street.
How is the District paying for the three properties?
(June 2026) The District is paying earnest monies, down payments, and broker fees for the parcels with cash reserves.
(11th & River Street) Payment of the larger sum due at closing will be discussed closer to the time period in 2027.
(9th & River Street) Payment of the $2.5 million due at closing will be paid with cash reserves. When the District exercises the option to purchase in five-years or later, the larger sum due at closing will be discussed closer to the time period.
(9th & Lee Street) A $100,000 earnest money deposit to be paid at time of signing the PSA and a payment of $3.5 million due at closing will be paid with cash reserves.
Thanks to conservative fiscal management, The District currently has approximately $5.8 million for future projects after all currently approved land acquisitions have been completed.
What is the timeline for building a new project?
(June 2026) There are no development timelines right now. The District is purchasing the parcels of land in downtown as a foundation for future success.
The District will issue RFQs this summer for a Site Test Fit Study and a Financial Affordability Study. This is the first step in the site evaluation process to determine how different components of a multi-use event facility could best fit on the 6.4 acres. The District is working with Paradigm of Idaho to facilitate the RFQs and studies. Study results are anticipated in late fall to winter 2026.
Construction on any project would not begin for a few years. Updates will be shared in our regular District board meetings and on the Future of the District page.
How did the District settle on these locations?
(June 2026) Following the presentation of an independent Market and Feasibility Study in October 2025, the District’s exploratory committee began evaluating potential sites for future investment in and around Boise Centre. The committee met with numerous landowners, developers, and civic leaders over the course of approximately 12 months.
In November 2025, a local developer approached the District about a privately held downtown property that was not yet publicly listed. The exploratory committee evaluated the site against multiple criteria, including size, proximity to Boise Centre, access to hotels and downtown amenities, and potential to support a range of future development scenarios.
After several months of discussions with each property seller, it was identified the timing of the transactions would differ for each parcel. The District’s board has approved:
- (March 31, 2026) A Purchase and Sale Agreement for the 11th & River property at a Special Board Meeting.
- (April 28, 2026) An Option Agreement (Option Agreement and Purchase and Sale Agreement) for the 9th & River property at a regular Board Meeting.
- (June 23, 2026) A Purchase and Sale Agreement for the 9th & Lee property at a regular Board Meeting.
Where can the public submit a comment or be part of the process?
(April 2026) The District will share updates during their regular monthly meetings, which the public can attend in-person or online. Meetings schedule. The meetings are recorded and can be viewed at a later date.
The public may submit a comment or sign up for newsletter updates on a form towards the bottom of this webpage.
What benefit will the community receive for this investment?
(April 2026) Boise Centre is already a significant economic driver for the region — generating tens of millions of dollars annually in visitor spending and supporting hundreds of local jobs. A Future project has the potential to meaningfully multiply that impact.
A larger, more competitive facility helps position Boise as a destination for the kinds of larger events — conventions, conferences, trade shows, and indoor sports competitions — that bring visitors who stay in local hotels, eat in local restaurants, and explore what makes Boise exceptional. A second facility means more opportunity and availability to hold local events.
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