Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual revenue of the Greater Boise Auditorium District?
Revenue for the District is derived from two sources: receipts collected from visitors by lodging establishments within the District boundaries and revenues generated from operations of Boise Centre.
Who owns Boise Centre?
The Centre is owned by the Greater Boise Auditorium District and operated like a private business.
How is the facility paid for?
The facility’s Certificates of Participation were retired in June 2008, 18 months early and a savings to the District of $100,000 in interest. The debt service was paid for by the revenues mentioned in question #1.
When was Boise Centre built?
The doors were officially opened January 28, 1990.
Just how busy is Boise Centre?
Close to 200,000 visitors attend the wide array of events held at Boise Centre annually. Excluding Sundays and Holidays, the occupancy of the Centre is nearly 90% with multiple events being held simultaneously many days of the year.
Is Boise Centre a “public” building?
While built with public funds, the Centre is not “public” as are libraries and City Hall. Since the facility is rented for private events, the Centre is secured like any other private business.
Does Boise Centre compete for business with hotels that have meeting space?
Absolutely not. The Centre has a non-compete agreement which was established in 1990 with pricing that is at, or above, the market norm. Unlike privately-owned facilities, arbitrary discounting is not allowed. The mission of Boise Centre, and the Greater Boise Auditorium District, is to encourage economic development by providing larger meeting facilities that enhance the use of hotel rooms in the community. In addition, the Centre provides a gathering place for local events that cannot be accommodated elsewhere.
Why can local events at Boise Centre only be contracted one year from the date of the function?
Boise Centre is an economic development tool whose first priority is to accommodate larger convention groups that meet in the Boise area. This brings guests who rent hotel rooms and utilize other services that our community has to offer. Any group coming to Boise that utilizes hotel rooms and the space at the Centre have first priority.
Why did you change the name to just “Boise Centre”?
A number of facilities in the downtown area have begun referencing “The Grove” as a means of helping identify their location. This has resulted in confusion, as well as a loss of unique identity for Boise Centre. Guests of these various facilities, including those of Boise Centre, had found it increasingly difficult to find their destination. In an effort to minimize the confusion and clarify the identity of Boise Centre, we not only changed the name but also the logo, which was completed in the spring of 2009.
How “green” is Boise Centre?
Boise Centre is proud to implement its many sustainability initiatives. Please visit Boise Centre’s website for more information.
Can I bring my own food and beverages to an event at Boise Centre?
No. Boise Centre has its own liquor license and provides all catering for the facility, therefore no outside food or beverages are permitted. For safety reasons, this also provides assurance for the Centre and clients that only approved food and beverage products are provided to their guests.
Why can’t I park my vehicle on the loading dock?
The loading dock is for temporary loading and unloading only. The facility is very busy and the area must be available for guests and vendors to deliver their goods. In addition, the ramp must be kept clear at all times for emergency vehicle access.
What if I have questions?
Boise Centre and the Auditorium District are subject to the Idaho Open Records Act. You may contact the general manager of Boise Centre with any questions or requests.