BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Roughly 100 days after the College of Western Idaho took ownership of the Ford Idaho Center, CWI President Gordon Jones says the deal is creating new opportunities for students while keeping the venue’s community events intact.

Jones said the partnership will allow students to gain hands-on job experience by working with operations at the Idaho Center, from concerts to rodeos, while maintaining the events the public is used to.

“We think it’s just a real special opportunity to preserve a lot of community events but also activate this property with academic benefit for our local students,” Jones said.

Jones described the Ford Idaho Center as “a learning laboratory alongside a campus,” adding, “It continues to be a place for the community to have beloved events. We think that’s a win for everyone.”

He also said CWI will hold the first of its kind graduation at the Idaho Center this year, giving students the opportunity to walk on a larger scale.