Frequently Asked Questions
What is the annual revenue of the Greater Boise Auditorium District?
Room taxes collected are approximately $4 million annually.
How does the $4 million get spent?
Approximately 25% is allocated to the Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau (BCVB). The remainder is used for capital expense items for the Boise Centre or retained as cash (savings) for our future expansion plans.
Who owns the Boise Centre?
The Centre is owned by the Greater Boise Auditorium District and operated like a private business.
How is the facility paid for?
Room taxes collected by lodging establishments within the Auditorium District boundaries are used to pay for debt incurred in making large purchases of land, buildings and other furniture, fixtures and equipment. The Certificates of Participation were paid off in June 2008, 18 months early.
Does the Boise Centre operate at a “loss”?
The Boise Centre has successfully held a positive net operating income since the third year of operations.
When was the Boise Centre built?
The doors were officially opened January 28, 1990.
Just how busy is the Boise Centre?
Approximately 200,000 people visit the Boise Centre annually. Excluding Sundays and Holidays, the Centre’s occupancy is approximately 90%. The Centre is host to over 300 conventions, meetings and banquets each year.
Is the 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 the 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 the 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 the Boise Centre only be contracted one year from the date of the function?
The 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. The Boise Convention and Visitors Bureau is charged with bringing these larger events to Boise, and as such must have the ability to book many years in the future. Any group coming to Boise that utilizes hotel rooms and the space at the Centre have first priority. The BCVB has control of booking space farther out than one year, while the Boise Centre has control of the space within one year.
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 The Boise Centre. Guests of these various facilities, including those of the Boise Centre, had found it increasingly difficult to find their destination. In an effort to minimize the confusion and clarify the identity of the Boise Centre, we not only changed the name but also the logo, which was completed in the spring of 2009.
How “green” is the Boise Centre?
The Boise Centre is proud to implement its many sustainability initiatives. Please visit the Boise Centre website for more information.
Can I bring my own food and beverages to an event at the Boise Centre?
No. The 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 Boise Centre 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?
The Boise Centre and Auditorium District are subject to the Idaho Open Records Act. You may contact the general manager of the Boise Centre with any questions or requests.