The Centennial Amphitheatre, located on the
Greenbelt east of the Friendship Bridge between Albertsons Library and the
Communication building, is a popular outdoor venue for concerts and other
events organized by university and community groups. Its location is
intentional. It was placed on an undeveloped corner of campus, and it is easily
accessible both from Julia Davis Park and the Greenbelt.
The project to construct the amphitheatre was
approved by the State Board of Education in June 1989. The structure was
envisioned as more than an outdoor facility for university performances,
lectures, and casual gatherings. It was also an enhancement to the Greenbelt
and a welcome addition to the Boise arts community. The "Elizabethan Fair"
design of the structure looked similar to the Global Theater. It was meant to
serve as the culmination of the university's goal of enhancing its indoor
performance facilities with an exceptional outdoor theater for special cultural
events. The amphitheatre was not envisioned as a "commercial facility, but
a cultural bridge to city and region."
Two local businessmen donated the amphitheatre. One
was Jim Nelson of Nelson Sand and Gravel who was the Prime Contractor for the project,
and the other was Ron Yanke of Yanke Machine Shop. Art Albanese of
Zabala-Giltzow-Albanese also donated architectural services for the
16-foot-tall semi-circular structure that could seat 600 people. The
amphitheatre was valued at more than $250,000 when it was completed. The
landscaping around the structure was created to shield it from surrounding
buildings and maximize the natural setting.
The amphitheatre was completed by the summer of
1990. It was officially dedicated on July 3, 1990. Entertainment for the
ceremony was provided by Boise Junior College graduate Gib Hochstrasser and his
BSU Alumni Band called the "Little Big Band." The contributions of
Jim Nelson, Ron Yanke, and Art Albanese were recognized at the ceremony. The
amphitheatre was termed "Centennial" in honor of the centennial of Idaho
that was signed into statehood by President Benjamin Harrison as the 43rd state
on July 3, 1890. The dedication ceremony was one of the special events held
that year to celebrate the state's birthday.
When the amphitheatre opened, it was intended for
all agencies on a rental basis, whether it was for academic use, student use,
or use by an outside agency. The structure was used annually for SummerFest, a
popular festival held along the Boise River in the 1990s. The amphitheatre is
currently a frequent host of university and community events.
Julia Stringfellow
Archivist/Librarian
Special Collections and Archives