Sky-high success at Stueckle Sky Center

BOISE (AP) - The Stueckle Sky Center was supposed to upgrade Boise State's most visible athletic facility, generate revenue for athletics and academics and become one of the most popular event locations in town.

So far, it's hit the trifecta.

The Sky Center, which opened in August 2008, has produced $1.2 million for academics, about $700,000 for athletics and enough rental and catering income to cover the cost of operations, Boise State officials say.

"It's everything we had hoped for," athletic director Gene Bleymaier said. "The number of events that are booked up there now in a 12-month period is phenomenal."

Those events include high school proms, weddings, wedding receptions and luncheons. They're drawn by the dramatic views of the foothills, Boise River, downtown and, of course, the blue turf.

The Ore-Ida Council Boy Scouts of America will hold its annual holiday auction at Stueckle for the third straight year in 2010. The event previously was held at the Boise Centre.

The Sky Center also has been a success where it matters most - Boise State's budget.

The $37.55 million project comes with a hefty annual obligation for the athletic department - $2.8 million.