An Inside Look at Montana State's New Indoor Practice Facility
The new indoor practice facility at Montana State University — named the Kennedy-Stark Athletic Center — is just a few weeks away from its grand opening and unveiling to the public on MSU's campus.
There's still a few I's to dot and T's to cross before that happens, but on Wednesday MSU athletic director Leon Costello gave media a tour of the facility to showcase how it would serve Montana State's student-athletes and the community at large.
With its completion near, Costello took everyone through the uses and next steps before the facility is operational. The $26.5 million and privately funded operation stands tall as a big need for a school like MSU with a northern climate.
Featuring a 100-yard field with end zones and a six-lane track that wraps around the field and stretches 300 meters, the facility is nearing its completion, which began with a groundbreaking in July of 2024.
Within college athletics and in the Big Sky Conference, specifically, there's been a recent arms race with new facilities, and Costello views this addition as a major step toward getting the Bobcats to the very top.
Everett Forges Aheads With Downtown Minor League Stadium
Since 1947, Everett’s Funko Stadium has held everything from AquaSox games to grade school baseball games – but times are changing. The AquaSox are the High-A minor league affiliate of the Seattle Mariners and due to pressure from Major League Baseball to upgrade minor league facilities, AquaSox ownership says now it’s time for a stadium revamp. The league’s new amenity requirements include larger locker rooms, umpire accommodations, more parking, and enhanced seating. The 3,682-seat Funko Field does not meet these standards.
The city had three options: renovate, build a new stadium, or do nothing.
Everett chose the second option. On the eve of the new year, December 2024, the Everett City Council unanimously chose a site east of Angel of the Winds Arena — at the corner of Broadway and Pacific, right next to the Sounder rail line.
As of June 2025, the project is in full swing and hoping to break ground in early 2026. The city is planning to tap Bayley Construction to build the new stadium.
Boise State Adds Premium Suites at Albertsons Stadium
Boise State Athletics will offer a new premium seating option for the upcoming football season with the installation of four 15-person patio style boxes on the northeast and southeast sideline of Albertsons Stadium. The field level boxes will be located between the 20-yard marker and goal line, mere feet from the field of play.
"The new field boxes will put Bronco Nation front and center, right at the heart of the action," said Jeramiah Dickey Director of Athletics. "The patio-type boxes will provide all-out comfort for an unmatched game day experience. Think tailgating on the sideline. The new offering also allows us to meet the growing requests for premium seating."
The Sideline Boxes will feature outdoor patio furniture with a dedicated standard gameday food/beverage buffet provided in the box. This experience will be limited to guests who meet age eligibility requirements.
To subscribe to the free daily e-newsletter offering the latest industry news, products and insights from — and written for — the athletics, fitness and recreation industries, see below on this page, or click here
