One year ago, an event center opened in our city that would change its entertainment and economic growth indefinitely. From several sold-out shows to being ranked inside the top-200 venues worldwide, this event center has achieved success beyond what anyone envisioned when it opened its doors on Nov. 28, 2022.
This year, the Mountain America Center is celebrating one year of events, concerts and sporting events.
The long anticipated wait for this high-quality entertainment center to open in East Idaho was well worth the wait. The facility has seen 200,000 plus people enter the doors and has hosted nearly 200 individual events. “It’s been a great year and I think our second year is shaping up to be just as good, if not better,” Erik Hudson, General Manager of Mountain America Center, said.
The center has brought to the community many highly anticipated and impressive features including the Hero Arena, the ice floor, high-tech video and audio systems, a concessions stand and the Blue Cross of Idaho conference center.
And the most important feature of all? The center has brought the community countless memorable experiences and opportunities. “The most satisfying thing has been to see the people in the community embrace this center and attend the events,” Rob Spear, Executive Director of Idaho Falls Auditorium District, said.
The Mountain America Center has hosted a variety of events over the course of the past year, ranging from hockey games, music concerts and family-friendly events. “We have had a number of artists over the past year and being able to attract them has been very encouraging,” Rob said.
The number of events held at the center has attracted a plethora of live events, catering to all types of people. Lindsey Sterling, Big and Rich, Tool, Jeff Dunham, the Beach Boys and the Goo Goo Dolls are just some of the artists who have performed at the center, many of which sold out.
Along with many live events, the Hero Arena has attracted sports enthusiasts from all over. The Idaho Falls Spud Kings anticipate their second season to be full of passion and talent to share with the community and hockey fans. “We’ve really got something for everybody,” Erik said.
The number of entertainment opportunities that the center has brought the city has been great and not limited to just entertainment. The economic impact that the center has brought the city has also been great in a number of ways.
Idaho Falls has been known to be the gateway to Yellowstone, attracting visitors from all over and now, even more people are being attracted to the city because of the Mountain America Center. “A lot of the people who visit are from out of town,” Erik said. “These visitors are visiting other businesses, hotels and restaurants in the community.”
Idaho Falls has many great attractions and this center is a great addition to that. Live events can be enjoyed all year round and especially during those winter months—for those of us who don’t ski or snowboard.
One year of successes and the center plans to have many more. “We hope to continue that success for years two through five and six through ten and years beyond that,” Erik said.
For more information or to find upcoming events, visit www.mountainamericacenter.com.