MOSCOW, Idaho – Vandal Athletics is excited to welcome fans back to the Kibbie Dome for its home opener this Saturday, Sept. 17. With the anticipation surrounding a new-look Vandal team led by first-year head coach Jason Eck, plus the largest incoming freshman class to the University of Idaho in over 20 years, we are anticipating large, enthusiastic crowds to create an exciting game day atmosphere and true home field advantage inside the Kibbie Dome.
 
With all the anticipation of the upcoming season, Vandal Athletics is proud to announce several upgrades and enhancements to the game day experience for the 2022 football season below:

Idaho Avenue Project
Over the summer, construction crews have been hard at work on the Idaho Avenue Beautification project, which will pave the road that runs through the main west parking lot connecting Stadium Drive and Perimeter Drive. In addition to paving the road, the project also includes a round-a-bout in front of ICCU Arena to help alleviate traffic jams, as well as sidewalks on each side of Idaho Avenue, which will allow for safer walking throughout the tailgate lots. 
 
Vandal Village
Opening two hours before kickoff, Vandal Village will be the new central tailgate area on Vandal gamedays. Located in the west plaza of ICCU Arena, Vandal Village is designed to be a gathering place and open for all Vandal fans. Vandal Village will include the Alumni tent with beer and wine for purchase, food trucks, the "Joe on the Go" from the VandalStore, sponsors and vendor tabling, yard games, a kid's zone with inflatables, face painting stations, and more. 
 
One hour before kickoff, the Sound of Idaho Marching Band, along with the Vandal Spirit Squad, will march into Vandal Village for their tailgate performances before heading into the Kibbie Dome. Admission to Vandal Village is free.
 
New LED MUSCO Lights
Once fans enter the Kibbie Dome, they'll notice a brand new state-of-the-art Musco Lighting LED system. Musco, the leader in sports lighting systems, created and installed a custom lighting system this summer to meet the Kibbie Dome's unique stadium architecture. The new system will be significantly brighter, whiter, eliminates the buzz from the old metal halide lights, and most importantly will be significantly more energy-efficient to operate.
 
The new lights will also be able to blackout and turn on immediately for an improved game day show, which will include strobe lights after touchdowns. The lighting system can also be synced with music as part of the Show-Light entertainment package.
 
Concessions Upgrades
Fans will also find exciting new concessions options in the Kibbie Dome this season, which will include a Chik-fil-A mobile cart located on the north concourse, courtesy of Idaho Eats. In addition to Chik-fil-A, the north concourse will also have a new Walking Taco station. 
 
Beer and wine sales will continue to be available for all fans 21 and older. All fans must show proper ID and receive a wristband to purchase alcohol.
 
Sideline Switch
This season, the Vandals will be switching to the south sideline, which will put the visiting team on the north sideline directly in front of the Vandal student section and Sound of Idaho Marching Band, making the Kibbie Dome an even more difficult place for opposing teams to play!
 
VIP Field Experience presented by the McGregor Company
Vandal Athletics is thrilled to introduce its new premium seating option, the VIP Field Experience presented by the McGregor Company. The new space is located at field level below sections one and two and offers fans the opportunity to take in all the action from the sideline and be up-close-and-personal on gameday.
 
The space includes a private, no-host bartender and complimentary snacks throughout the game. Each ticket grants access to the Field VIP section as well as a seat in sections one or two. While capacity is limited, tickets are still available. Fans can contact the Vandal Ticket Office at tickets@uidaho.edu or by calling (208) 885-0732 to secure their exclusive VIP experience today.
 
Reimagined Pre-Game Entertainment
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats early, as the pre-game entertainment will begin approximately 30 minutes prior to kickoff, beginning with a performance by the Sound of Idaho Marching Band. The pre-game show will also feature the Vandal Spirit Squad, a new Joe Vandal entrance, team hype video, and a reimagined team entrance.
 
New Video Board Software
In addition to the pre-game entertainment, fans will also notice upgrades to the video board show in the 2022 season, as Vandal Athletics has installed a new PRIME Click Effects system inside the Kibbie Dome. The new system will redefine the video experience for fans. The large east side video board will have improved graphics, in-game entertainment elements, interactive sponsor activations, plus highlights of all the big plays. The west side video board will be repurposed to feature live statistics and other pertinent information throughout the game.
 
Fan Safety
With both the 2021 spring and fall football seasons being subject to COVID protocols, Vandal Athletics is pleased to share that the 2022 football season will return to normal protocols. Masks are not required, but fans are encouraged to wear them if they feel more comfortable doing so.

Like 2021, everyone entering the stadium will walk through a metal detector or will be screened with handheld metal detectors. The metal detectors allow for a steady flow of guests, as fans will be able to hold onto their cell phones and other items while walking through them. For more information and FAQs, click here.

Vandal Athletics looks forward to seeing you at the Kibbie Dome on Sept. 17th.

Go Vandals!

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