Miller Stadium

It might not be as impressive as the sea parting before a prophet, but there was, perhaps, a fortuitous omen last week for the ISU women’s softball program: between a stormy, windy rainy morning and evening, the clouds parted and the sun came out on May 6 for the 1 p.m. groundbreaking ceremony for the new Miller Stadium located on Bartz Field.




ISU President Arthur Vailas, donor Sylvia Papenberg, representatives from DeWall Construction and Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad were among the VIP’s in attendance who gave speeches and used a shovel to make a ceremonial dig toward the completion of the stadium, which will be completed next fall.


Miller Ranch Stadium was made possible with a gift of land in the Teton Valley in the Driggs area by Sylvia Papenberg back in 2008. The donation of land, valued at over $1 million, is the largest single contribution to the athletic department in school history. The property in the Teton Valley formerly housed the family ranch, Miller Ranch, hence the new stadium's name.



“This is a great day for Idaho State University softball,” Papenberg said. “Beginning next season, those girls will be able to play softball on campus.” Later on, nearly in tears, Papenberg noted, “This is for you mom and dad.”

She also recognized and thanked the other donors and supporters of the project. After the speeches and the ceremonial shoveling – besides the collection of VIPs members of ISU’s current Bengal softball team took their turn making a symbolic dig towards their program’s future – guesst gathered at the Stephens Performing Arts Center to mingle and enjoy some refreshments.


Miller Ranch Stadium will be completed in two phases. The first phase will be feature a completely graded out and level playing surface, with new sod and a clay infield, batting cages, full-length in-ground dugouts, an electronic inning by inning scoreboard, and bullpens. The field will have a six-foot outfield fence with a full wind screen as well. The second phase, to be commenced upon the selling of the land, will feature the full amenities, such as a full press box, grandstands, concessions, and permanent bathrooms.