Op-Ed: Our Venues Need Updating, and We Can Do It Without Burdening Nampa Residents

The following Op-Ed was sent out by Andrew Luther, the General Manager for the Ford Idaho Center and Nampa Civic Center. Op-Eds do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch.

If you live within the proposed Nampa Auditorium District boundary and are a voter, I am asking you to support and vote in favor of this initiative on November 5.

In 1997 the Ford Idaho Center was built, recognizing the increasing need for a premier venue to host major events. For years, the city successfully managed the facility, but as demand for larger audiences and more diverse events increased, it became clear that professional venue management was essential for growth.

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To meet this demand, Oak View Group took over operations in 2015, helping expand opportunities and elevate the Ford Idaho Center, then a couple years later we acquired the Nampa Civic Center and have turned both venues into financially stable, in-demand locations. Since then, it’s been our privilege to serve Nampa and the greater Treasure Valley with a variety of events—from top-name musical acts, theater groups, and national equestrian shows, to the legendary Snake River Stampede.

Every year, we host over 670 events, bringing in more than 750,000 guests. However, time marches on, and so do the needs of our attendees and marketplace. Our commitment remains strong: we strive to offer top tier experiences every time you visit, whether it’s for a concert, a rodeo, or an expo. But as these venues age, we face needs for additional facilities or upgrades to stay on the leading edge of a competitive landscape.

The City of Nampa has done a commendable job budgeting for improvements over the years, but now it’s time to take the next step and establish the Nampa Auditorium District. This Auditorium District would create a dedicated funding stream to support construction and renovation of our venues, without adding a burden to local taxpayers.

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Here’s how it works: if passed by voters this November, the Nampa Auditorium District would implement a 5% stay tax on hotel rooms within its boundaries. The revenue generated would be used exclusively for the enhancement of local venues like the Ford Idaho Center and Nampa Civic Center. This means visitors from out of town—those who are already enjoying our events—will contribute to their building, improving, enhancing and promoting of the venues, rather than local property owners.

By establishing an Auditorium District, we project it could generate $1.5 million each year—more than enough to cover these ongoing costs and fund future projects.

As the General Manager of the Ford Idaho Center, I’ve had the privilege of watching Idahoans come together for countless unforgettable events. With demand continuing to grow, it’s clear that expanding our venues is essential. For the future of our city and the long-term success of these vital community spaces, I strongly support the creation of a Nampa Auditorium District and I ask that you do the same.

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This initiative represents a smart investment in our city’s future—allowing us to enhance our cultural infrastructure, boost the local economy, and continue offering unforgettable experiences, all without increasing taxes for Nampa residents.

If you’re undecided about your vote on November 5, let me assure you that a “yes” vote will only benefit our community, securing a brighter future for our beloved venues and the people who enjoy them.