Underrated College Stadiums That Deserve More Recognition

15. The Pioneering Legacy of Holt Arena

When most people think of indoor college football stadiums, their minds go straight to Syracuse’s Carrier Dome or professional domes like Ford Field and the Superdome. However, Idaho State’s Holt Arena was the first indoor stadium built specifically for college football, making it a pioneer in stadium design. Opened in 1970, Holt Arena was a bold and unconventional idea at the time, as domed stadiums were still rare even in professional sports. Located in Pocatello, Idaho, Holt Arena has served as a home for Idaho State Bengals football for over five decades. While it may not have the glitz and glamor of modern-day domes, its enclosed structure ensures that the sound of roaring fans echoes throughout the stadium, making it a deceptively loud and intimidating environment for visiting teams. The climate-controlled interior allows Idaho State to play football deep into the cold fall months without worrying about harsh weather conditions—an advantage few other small-market programs enjoy.