A New Era for Soccer in Idaho

AC Boise, Idaho’s first professional soccer team, hosts its first home game on April 4th. The highly anticipated match will kick off at 7 p.m. as AC Boise takes on Spokane Velocity FC. The team’s newly renovated stadium at Expo Idaho was formerly a horse racing venue and has been expanded to seat over 7,200 fans.

Additional planned upgrades around the stadium site include a new 50-acre park, repaving key sections of the adjoining Boise River Greenbelt, and enhanced lighting to improve safety and accessibility for guests. The team’s USL League One season opener was on March 7, and the 2026 schedule includes home competition throughout the spring and summer.

On the Menu: 2026 James Beard Nominees

Several Boise chefs, restaurants, and bars were recently named as prestigious James Beard Award semifinalists. Finalists will be announced March 31.

Nominees include:

• Outstanding Hospitality: Ansots Basque Chorizos and Catering
• Best New Bar: Bar Please! 
• Best Chef – Mountain:
  • Alex Cardozo, Susina
  • Cal Elliott, The Avery Bar + Brasserie
  • Nathan Whitley, Terroir

Boise’s vibrant culinary scene continues to grow. New and soon-to-open restaurants:

• El Gaucho: A high-end, experiential steakhouse in a beautifully remodeled, historic downtown Boise space. Find premium steaks, tableside theatrics, smoked cocktails and multiple private dining rooms. 
• Sidequest: A cozy neighborhood eatery on the Boise Bench offering housemade pasta and focaccia sandwiches. 
• Coa Cantina: Located in Boise’s Barber Valley, it features a tequila-forward bar paired with a family-friendly vibe with tacos, burritos and quesadillas.
• The Boise Post: The rooftop restaurant opens soon on the 16th floor of the new dual-branded AC/Element hotel. It will showcase the city through food while offering sweeping views, outdoor decks, a central bar, and shared-style plates.
• Spud Daddy: Starting this spring, customize your own loaded baked potato at this fast-casual spot dedicated to Idaho’s iconic vegetable.

In the News

Idaho Chefs and Culinary Outlets Named James Beard Semifinalists – Northwest Meetings + Events

Beers and Ciders That Help Support Wildlife – Sip Magazine

Into the Forts: Boise’s Treefort Music Festival – Northwest Travel + Life

PLAN YOUR BRAGGABLE BOISE GETAWAY

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Tag @VisitBoise and use #MostBraggableCity to share your favorite moments.