POCATELLO — For the first time in recent memory, fans attending Idaho State University’s football games at Holt Arena on Saturday will be able to watch the Bengals play with an ice cold beer in hand.

ISU announced Thursday that it’s adding alcoholic beverage sales at three locations inside Holt Arena for the upcoming football season, beginning Saturday.

“We are consistently looking at ways to expand the services available to our fans,” said ISU Athletic Director Pauline Thiros. “We all hear from fans that visit arenas across the country who say, ‘Hey, it would be great if we could do something like that at Holt,’ and alcohol service is one of those things that we hear about frequently.”

Thiros said that over the years, a growing number of people exit Holt Arena and finish watching the game from the parking lot or at a nearby bar or restaurant so that they can enjoy their beverage of choice.

“We want those people to stay in Holt Arena, to enjoy the game and to create a better experience for the Bengal athletes and the other fans,” Thiros added.

Patrons purchasing alcohol at Holt Arena will be limited to no more than two alcoholic beverages per transaction, which Thiros said will include beer, wine and seltzers.

The announcement regarding alcohol comes about two weeks after ISU said it had received an investment from Idaho Central Credit Union to complete a multi-million improvement project to Holt Arena.

The first phase of the project involves installing a fully branded turf that meets the latest specifications and standards for performance and safety. The turf will remain green but will feature new branded logos, end zones, field markings and numbering. The turf is expected to be installed before the start of the fall 2022 football season.

The next phase of the project is expected to reach completion by August 2023 and will involve replacing all of the multi-colored seats with new seating, adding elevators on the north side and creating donor hospitality suites, club space and premium seating options between both 30-yard lines.

All of the tunnels and entryways into the facility will also get a facelift that will include making them more accessible for fans with disabilities.

ISU on Thursday also introduced a Fan Code of Conduct to support a safe and enjoyable atmosphere for all patrons and student-athletes. ISU’s Fan Code of Conduct is available for review online at isu.edu/tickets.

Beginning with ISU’s home opener against the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks, ISU is implementing a no re-entry policy for all fans and spectators. The policy means fans and spectators that enter Holt Arena for ISU football games will not be allowed to leave the venue and return later during the game.

Another policy change for ISU home football games is the implementation of a clear bag policy. Guests will be limited to one approved clear bag each, plus a small clutch, purse or wallet for privacy. All bags, purses and items entering the venue are subject to security screening. If a fan does not need a particular item for the event, they are encouraged to leave it at home or in a vehicle. There is an exemption for diaper bags and medical supplies..

The clear bag policy can be found online at isu.edu/tickets/clearbag. Idaho Central Credit Union will be providing clear bags during the home opener on Saturday and the ISU bookstore will sell clear bags throughout the regular season.

Lastly, ISU reminded local community members that face coverings are required indoors on campus, including Holt Arena and Reed Gymnasium, for all individuals regardless of vaccination status.

“We are pleased to be able to expand the services available to fans in Holt Arena,” Thiros said. “We will continue working to improve our facilities, services, and game day environment in a variety of ways.”

Saturday’s season opener between the Bengals and the North Dakota Fighting Hawks is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. The Holt Arena gates will open at 12:15 p.m.