If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines of an Idaho State University football game inside Holt Arena, you know that sound. It isn't just the crowd. It’s the strange, echoing boom of a kick hitting the rafters or the way the air gets heavy when the Bengals are driving toward the north end zone. It’s loud. It’s trapped. It’s honest-to-god Idaho football.
People talk about Boise State and the blue turf constantly. We get it. But there is something deeply gritty about what’s happening in Pocatello. Honestly, being a Bengals fan is an exercise in patience, but the payoff during a Big Sky conference clash is unlike anything else in the Pacific Northwest. You aren't just watching a game; you’re witnessing a program that has survived every level of collegiate turbulence.
The Holt Arena Factor: More Than Just a Dome
You can't talk about an Idaho State University football game without talking about the "Minidome." Technically, it’s Holt Arena, named after the legendary Milton "Dubby" Holt. When it opened in 1970, it was a marvel. It was the first indoor football stadium on a college campus. Think about that for a second. Before the flashy domes in the NFL were even a blueprint, ISU was playing indoors in the middle of an Idaho winter.
The atmosphere is weirdly intimate. Because the stands are so close to the turf, the opposing quarterback can hear exactly what the students are yelling about his stat line. It’s a literal pressure cooker. When the Bengals are playing well, the noise doesn't escape—it just bounces off the ceiling and vibrates in your chest.
Some critics say the lighting feels a bit vintage. Maybe it does. But that’s the charm. It feels like real football, stripped of the corporate polish you see in the Power Four. You’re there for the game, the orange and black, and the local legacy.
Coaching Transitions and the Cody Hawkins Era
Let’s be real for a minute. The last decade hasn't been the easiest for the Bengal faithful. We’ve seen coaching changes that promised the moon and delivered... well, less than that. But right now, there’s a different energy. Cody Hawkins, the former UC Davis offensive coordinator and son of Dan Hawkins, brought a specific brand of "Aggressive" to Pocatello.
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Hawkins didn't come in playing it safe. He brought a high-flying, pass-heavy offense that makes every Idaho State University football game a potential shootout. He's trying to recreate that magic from the 1981 National Championship season. That year is the North Star for this program. Dave Kragthorpe led the Bengals to a 1-AA (now FCS) title, proving that ISU could beat anyone on any given Saturday.
The current roster reflects that "chip on the shoulder" mentality. You see guys who were overlooked by the Pac-12 or the Mountain West coming to the Gate City to prove a point. When you watch a game now, you're seeing a team that is comfortable being the underdog. They play fast. They take risks. They miss occasionally, sure, but they are never boring.
The Big Sky Rivalries: When Things Get Personal
A random non-conference game in September is fine, but the season really starts when the Big Sky schedule hits. The Big Sky is arguably the toughest conference in the FCS. You have powerhouses like Montana and Montana State coming in with fanbases that travel deep.
Then there’s the "Battle of the Domes."
When Idaho State plays the University of Idaho, the stakes change. It’s personal. It’s about North vs. South. It’s about who actually owns the state's football identity. Watching an Idaho State University football game against the Vandals is the peak experience. The parking lots are full of charcoal smoke and people wearing "State" gear who haven't missed a home game since the 80s.
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It’s not just about the win-loss column. It’s about the recruiting trail. It's about being able to walk into a high school in Boise or Idaho Falls and saying, "We're the kings of the dome."
What to Expect If You Actually Go
If you’re planning on attending, don’t just show up at kickoff. That’s a rookie move. The tailgating scene in the parking lots surrounding Holt Arena is where the actual culture lives. It’s welcoming. People will basically hand you a burger just for wearing the right colors.
- The Walk: Watch the team enter. It’s a tradition that builds the tension before they hit the turf.
- The Band: The ISU Marching Band is genuinely one of the best in the region. They bring a level of energy that piped-in stadium music just can’t touch.
- The Seating: Honestly, there isn't a bad seat in Holt. But try to sit mid-field on the West side if you want the best view of the plays developing.
The game moves fast. Because of the indoor environment, weather isn't a factor, which means the passing game is usually crisp. You’ll see a lot of vertical threats and creative play-calling. It’s a high-scoring environment.
Why the "FCS Identity" Matters
There is a common misconception that if it isn't the SEC, it doesn't matter. That is nonsense. The players at an Idaho State University football game are playing for the love of the sport and a shot at the next level. We've seen Bengals make it to the NFL—guys like Jared Allen, who was a literal wrecking ball in the league.
When you watch ISU, you’re seeing the rawest form of the sport. These aren't multi-million dollar NIL athletes for the most part; they’re students who spend their winters training in the high altitude of the Rockies to compete in one of the most grueling conferences in America.
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Actionable Steps for the True Fan
If you want to support the program or just get the most out of your Saturday in Pocatello, here is how you do it effectively.
Check the Roster for Local Talent
The Bengals pride themselves on keeping Idaho kids home. Look for the starters from the Treasure Valley or Eastern Idaho. It makes the game more engaging when you realize the linebacker just made a tackle three miles from where he went to high school.
Download the App and Track Stats
The Big Sky moves fast. Use the official ISU Athletics app to keep track of live stats during the game. Holt Arena can get loud, and sometimes you miss the yardage count on a big play.
Invest in "Orange Out" Gear
Check the schedule for themed games. There is nothing like a packed Holt Arena when everyone is wearing orange. It creates a visual wall that actually messes with opposing kickers and punters.
Stay for the Fifth Quarter
The post-game atmosphere in Pocatello is underrated. Head downtown to the local spots. Talk to the locals. You’ll find that the "Bengals family" isn't just a marketing slogan; it’s the group of people who have kept this program alive through the lean years and are now watching it rise back up under new leadership.
Go to the ticket office early. Don't wait for the online fees to stack up if you're local. Just walk up to the window at Reed Gym or Holt. Support the program directly. It makes a difference in the athletic budget, and frankly, it's the best way to ensure that Idaho State University football games continue to be a staple of Idaho culture for another fifty years.
The reality is that Big Sky football is changing. Realignment is always a threat, and the landscape of college sports is shifting under our feet. But on a Saturday afternoon in Pocatello, when the lights are humming and the crowd starts that "I-S-U" chant, none of that matters. It’s just football. And honestly? That’s exactly how it should be.