These two high school sports are coming to the Mountain America Center after ‘exciting partnership’ announced 

IHSAA Assistant Director Mike Federico at the press conference at the Mountain America Center on Thursday. | Andrea Olson, EastIdahoNews.com

IDAHO FALLS — A new partnership at a local venue will bring state championships that promise to make traditions and lasting memories for young athletes. 

At a press conference Thursday, it was announced the Mountain America Center has been selected as the host venue for the 2024 and 2025 Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) State Volleyball Championships and the 2026 and 2027 IHSAA State Cheer and Dance Championships.

“There are bucket list items that this facility is meant to host. Concerts, hockey, expos, bull riding, Disney on Ice, Cirque du Soleil and of course, a vast variety of athletics,” said Erik Hudson, the general manager of the Mountain America Center. 

Hudson said they felt they were missing something and began a partnership discussion just over two and a half years ago with the IHSAA. Watch the video above.  

After it came to fruition, representatives from the Mountain America Center, Idaho Falls Auditorium District and IHSAA revealed the exciting partnership between the venue and activities commission. 

Hudson said they have a mission to create traditions for the athletes. 

“The IHSAA has some great events already with boys state basketball having a tradition over in Boise, but here in Idaho Falls, we also want to create our own traditions, and we want to start something special for these young athletes,” he said. “It’s my pleasure to announce that we’ve crafted a partnership with the IHSAA to bring two world-class state championships here for a multiyear partnership.”

Below are the future state tournament dates: 

2024 IHSAA State Volleyball Championships
Thursday, Oct. 31 through Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024

2025 IHSAA State Volleyball Championships
Thursday, Oct. 30 through Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025

2026 IHSAA State Cheer and Dance Championships
Friday, Feb. 27 through Saturday, Febr. 28, 2026

2027 IHSAA State Cheer and Dance Championships
Friday, Feb. 26 through Saturday, Feb. 27, 2027

Each event will rotate through featuring different state classification levels each year that are held at the Mountain America Center, a news release said. 

“I am excited for our eastern Idaho coaches and players who will now have the opportunity to compete for championships in their own backyard while providing family members and their local community to watch them compete and participate in a championship experience,” said Rob Spear, the executive director for the Idaho Falls Auditorium District.

IHSAA Assistant Director Mike Federico explained there are state championships all over Idaho, which provide good experiences, and something like this is an opportunity. 

“We are six months away from having a state championship volleyball tournament right out here, and we couldn’t be more excited!” he said.