tour of Boise’s semi-professional sports-
Idaho Steelheads- The Steelheads are a minor league ice hockey team based in Boise, Idaho. The Idaho Steelheads were founded in 1996 by Diamond Sports Management, and in 2003 the joined the ECHL where they were affiliate for the National Hockey league’s team the Dallas Stars. The Idaho Steelheads play their games in downtown Boise at CenturyLink Arena. The team is currently plays in the West Division of the ECHL’s Western Conference.
The Idaho Steelheads are committed to making a difference in our communities, and where possible, our players, mascot and staff visit schools and libraries and make appearances at non-profit organizations. We help out with fundraisers and auctions, bringing awareness to community issues and donate thousands of dollars worth of prizes every year.
CenturyLink Arena is where the games are played. The arena is considered to be one of the most original indoor sports arenas in the Northwest. Located in downtown Boise, the arena is minutes away from restaurants, bars, and shopping. The arena has bowl seating for 5,000 people and 39 entertainment suites. CenturyLink Arena is also home to the Idaho Stampede.
Idaho Stampede- The stampede is semi-pro basketball team that currently plays in the NBA developmental league. The team is located in Boise Idaho and plays their games at the CenturyLink Arena. The Idaho Stampede was founded in 1997 as a member of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA). In 2006, the team announced that it would be part of the NBA development League. The Stampede are affiliates for three NBA teams, these teams include the Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, and the Portland Trailblazers. Since the team was founded in 1997, it has been one of the most successful semi-pro basketball teams in North America. The team won the league title in 2007-2008.
CenturyLink Arena is where the games are played. The arena is considered to be one of the most original indoor sports arenas in the Northwest. Located in downtown Boise, the arena is minutes away from restaurants, bars, and shopping. The arena has bowl seating for 5,000 people and 39 entertainment suites. CenturyLink Arena is also home to the Idaho Steelheads.
The Boise Hawks are a professional minor league baseball team playing in the Northwest League since 1975. Being a “farm team,” the players on the team are actually contracted to parent Major League team, while the single-A Minor League Boise Hawks serve as an experience booster. Originally affiliated with the Oakland Athletics, the team was first named the Boise A’s. After a two year affiliation with the Athletics, the team played one independent season, then from 1978-1987, Boise was without a baseball team until the inception of the Boise Hawks. The team played two more independent seasons without a parent team until the 1990 season when it became affiliated with the California (Anaheim) Angels. From 1990-2001 the team dominated the Northwest League winning league titles in 1991, ’93, ’94, and ’95. From 2001 on, the team has been affiliated with the Chicago Cubs and has continued to find success, winning five divisional championships and two Northwest League championships in 2002 and 2004.
Many players have who have found success in the Major Leagues since coming up through the Farm leagues with Boise. Among those include Garret Anderson and star pitchers Troy Percival and Dontrelle Willis
The team plays at Memorial Stadium located at 5600 N. Glenwood St. The regular season runs from mid-June to early September, giving families in the treasure valley a safe, family friendly environment for fun in the summer. The team offers season ticket packages as well as individual game tickets. For more information on tickets, roster, or schedules visit the official website
Idaho Statesman (11/25/11). Retrieved November 25, 2011 from http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/11/25/1892479/idaho-stampede-about-the-team.html
NBA D-League (2011). Retrieved November, 2011 from http://www.nba.com/dleague/idaho/index_main.html
ECHL Network (2011). Retrieved November, 2011 from http://www.idahosteelheads.com/home.aspx
