BYU football: Public practice and Fan Fest should come to Rexburg
By Ron Jensen
The BYU football public practice and Fan Fest should make a stop in Rexburg for the fans in southeastern Idaho.
A few days ago I attended the annual BYU-Idaho Slam Dunk Contest. It is the University’s premier athletic performance every year and did not disappoint this time around. Yet, it can’t be denied that something is missing at the old Rick’s College campus.
It’s been sixteen long years since the former “Viking Stadium” has hosted a collegiate event. As you walk by it, you can almost sense its hunger to have it back once more.
I’m not talking about bringing back the sports programs to BYU-Idaho. I’m speaking of bigger things: the BYU football Public Practice and Fan Fest in Rexburg, Idaho.
Last Spring, BYU football made a road trip to St. George to conduct a practice and meet-and-greet with fans. The event was a huge success, and a real treat for Cougar fans in Southern Utah. Over 5,000 spectators came to enjoy the festivities.
BYU Cougars Football
It didn’t just impact the fans. Fred Warner said the following about the experience, per the Daily Universe.
"“It means a lot. It means so much to see the type of passion people have for BYU football and the love they have for us. It is just something so simple we can give back to them by being here and showing them some love.”"
It’s now time to show that love to the fans of Southeastern Idaho. BYU-I boasts an enrollment of almost 20,000 students, many of which are avid members of Cougar Nation. Can you imagine the reception the players would receive?
BYU-I Stadium, which holds around 4,000, would obviously fill to capacity with football starved on-lookers for the occasion. What a spectacle that would be!
Worried about lodging for the team? Less than an hour north of Rexburg is Island Park, home of some of the greatest camping area’s in the Pacific Northwest.
Concerned about recreation options? Just a 30-minute drive from there gets you to world renowned Yellowstone National Park. Think of the memories; the Paint Pots, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, and of course the Old Faithful Geyser.
So, Tom and Kalani, what do you say? How about you bring the show to Idaho? I think you’ll have a pleasant surprise awaiting you if you do.