Reed Gym is loud. If you’ve ever been inside when the Bengals are on a run and the student section starts shaking the bleachers, you know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s tight, it’s humid, and honestly, it’s one of the best places to watch Big Sky hoops because you’re practically on top of the court. But trying to snag Idaho State basketball tickets at the last minute or navigating the various seating tiers can be a headache if you don't know the layout of the land in Pocatello.
Most people just head to the box office or hit a major resale site and hope for the best. That’s a mistake. Between the differences in the men’s and women’s schedules and the weird quirks of the ICCU Dome (formerly the Holt Arena) versus Reed Gym, you can end up paying way too much for a seat that has a literal concrete pillar in your peripheral vision.
The Reality of the Reed Gym Experience
For the uninitiated, Idaho State plays most of its home games at Reed Gym. It’s got that classic, old-school fieldhouse vibe. We’re talking about a capacity of around 3,000 people. Because the space is so small, the demand for high-profile Big Sky matchups—like when Montana or Weber State comes to town—spikes fast.
You’ve got to understand the seating geography here. The "lower bowl" isn't really a bowl; it’s courtside or near-courtside bleachers. If you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, the reserved chairback seats are where you want to be, but they sell out weeks in advance for conference play. General admission is usually fine for a random Tuesday night game against a non-conference opponent, but show up twenty minutes late for a rivalry game and you’ll be standing in the corner.
Is it worth it? Yeah. The atmosphere is gritty.
What You’ll Actually Pay
Let’s talk numbers. This isn't the NBA. You aren't dropping $400 for a seat unless you're literally buying a booster package that includes dinner with the coaching staff.
Typically, individual game tickets for men's basketball hover between $12 and $25 for standard seating. Women’s games are even more affordable, often starting around $8 to $10. However, the secondary market is a different beast entirely. If you use sites like StubHub or SeatGeek, you’re going to get hit with service fees that can sometimes double the price of the ticket. Honestly, the smartest move is almost always buying directly through the Idaho State University (ISU) ticket office website or walking up to the window at the ICCU Dome or Reed Gym on game day for those mid-week matchups.
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Why Idaho State Basketball Tickets Price Out Differently
There’s a weird thing that happens with Big Sky scheduling. Because the conference focuses on regional travel partners, you often get "doubleheaders" or back-to-back home stands. This affects how tickets are bundled.
Many fans don't realize that season tickets are surprisingly cheap. If you plan on going to more than four or five games, the math usually favors a season pass. For around $100 to $150, you can secure a spot for the whole season. Compare that to a single high-demand game where you might pay $30 on the secondary market after fees, and the value becomes pretty obvious.
Avoiding the "Hidden" Bad Seats
In Reed Gym, "General Admission" means you're at the mercy of the crowd. If you have kids or you’re bringing someone who can’t stand for long periods, avoid GA during the Weber State game. It’s a zoo. The student section, known as "The Jungle," is energetic, but they stay on their feet the whole time. If you’re sitting right behind them, your view is going to be blocked by a sea of orange and black.
Also, keep an eye on the venue. While Reed Gym is the primary home, the school occasionally uses the ICCU Dome for larger events or specific tournaments. The Dome is massive—it was the first indoor collegiate football stadium in the US. Watching basketball in there is... different. The sightlines aren't as tight. You're further from the action. If the game is in the Dome, you can usually find tickets easily, but the "energy" of the crowd feels a bit more swallowed up by the vast ceiling.
Timing Your Purchase for the Big Sky Run
The Big Sky Conference is notorious for being a "one-bid league," meaning everything comes down to the conference tournament in Boise. But the regular season determines those seeds, and February is when things get intense.
If you want Idaho State basketball tickets for the late-season push, you need to buy them in January. By the time February hits and the Bengals are fighting for a top-four seed to get a first-round bye in Boise, the local interest peaks.
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- Early Season (Nov-Dec): Great for families. Lots of promos. You can usually get "Family Four-Packs" that include food vouchers.
- Conference Play (Jan-Feb): This is for the die-hards. Prices stay stable on the official site but rise on resale apps.
- The Weber State Rivalry: This is the "Main Event." Do not wait. This game sells out or gets close to it every single year. The energy is legitimate.
The Digital vs. Physical Ticket Debate
ISU has moved largely toward digital ticketing, like most of the sporting world. You’ll get a QR code on your phone. If you’re someone who likes to keep physical stubs, you’re mostly out of luck unless you go to the window and pay a printing fee.
One pro-tip: Cell service inside Reed Gym can be spotty when the building is full. Everyone is trying to post to Instagram or check scores at the same time. Download your tickets to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay before you get to the door. Standing at the front of the line while your phone spins a loading circle is a special kind of stress you don't need.
Navigating Parking and Entry
Pocatello in the winter is no joke. It’s cold, it’s windy, and the parking lots around Reed Gym turn into ice rinks.
Parking is generally free or very cheap in the lots adjacent to the gym, but they fill up fast. If you arrive 15 minutes before tip-off, expect to walk a few blocks. Most fans park over by the ICCU Dome and make the trek across the street. If you're buying premium tickets or have a Bengal Athletic Booster membership, you might have access to closer lots, but for the average ticket holder, it’s a "first-come, first-served" situation.
Making the Most of the Game Day
Look, Idaho State might not be Duke or Kansas, but the basketball is high-quality, and the stakes in the Big Sky are always high because everyone is desperate for that NCAA Tournament berth.
When you get your tickets, check for the "Bengal Fest" or other pre-game activities. The school does a decent job of making it an event, especially for the Saturday afternoon games. There’s usually some local food trucks nearby, though the concessions inside are pretty standard—popcorn, hot dogs, and soda.
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Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're ready to head to a game, here's how to do it right. First, check the official ISU Bengals schedule to confirm the venue, because the switch between Reed Gym and the ICCU Dome happens occasionally for logistics. Second, create an account on the ISU ticket portal ahead of time; trying to do it on your phone while standing in the cold at the gate is a nightmare.
Third, if you are a veteran, a senior, or an ISU alum, ask about discounts. They aren't always advertised on the main landing page, but they exist. Usually, calling the box office directly (208-282-FANS) can save you a few bucks that the online system might skip.
Finally, keep an eye on the "Boise run." If you're looking for tickets to the Big Sky Tournament in March, those are handled through the conference, not the school directly. However, ISU often gets a block of tickets for their fans. If the Bengals look like they’re going to be a contender, getting into that school block is the only way to ensure you're sitting with other orange-clad fans instead of being surrounded by Montana Griz supporters.
The best way to experience Idaho State basketball is to be intentional. Don't just show up and hope for a seat at center court. Plan for the cold, get your digital ducks in a row, and get inside early enough to see the intros. When the lights go down and the siren wails, there isn't a better spot in Southeast Idaho.
Check the current standings before you buy. If the Bengals are on a winning streak, that "easy" ticket hunt becomes a lot more competitive. Secure your seats, grab a scarf, and get ready for some Big Sky chaos.