Simplot Games: From the Starting Blocks to Beyond

For Immediate Release
Date: January 24, 2019
Contact: Tori Parks (208) 991-7987
Email: media@simplotgames.com
 

Simplot Games: From the Starting Blocks to Beyond

Pocatello, Idaho – Competition, excitement, and experiences are all words associated with Simplot Games. This year is no exception. The 41^st Simplot Games will bring athletes, coaches, Olympians, and spectators to Idaho State University’s Holt Arena to experience all that the Games have to offer.
Simplot Games is the nation’s premier high school indoor track and field event. The Games, which began in 1979 and are sponsored by the J.R. Simplot Company, bring athletes from all over the world. This year, athletes will come from the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to Pocatello, Idaho, to compete in these legendary games.
The Games not only allow more than 2,000 track and field athletes the opportunity to compete at an open meet, but they also allow competitors the chance to meet and mingle with Olympic legends, including Dick Fosbury, Andre Phillips, Willie Banks, Stay Dragila, and others. Athletes are also recognized in the Parade of Athletes, which is a truly Olympic-style event.
Simplot Games bring athletes together, but they also bring the community together, as the Games rely on the support of hundreds of community volunteers and sponsors.
“Simplot Games really shows how unified our community is,” said Lisa Woodland, Executive Director of Simplot Games. “Our volunteers and sponsors put in so much hard work each year and enable us to continue the Games and give athletes a meaningful, unique experience.”
Though much of the excitement takes place at the Games, some of the highlights of Simplot Games actually happen away from Holt Arena.
After Dark 2019
During the day the Games take center stage, but after dark it’s a different story. After the second day of competition on February 15, athletes can relax at Simplot Games’ After Dark event at Outer Limits Fun Zone, an indoor recreation center. Outer Limits Fun Zone offers laser tag, black light miniature golf, miniature bowling, arcade games, food, and more. This fun event gives athletes an opportunity to cool off and interact with fellow competitors. Tickets are required.
Breakfast with Fosbury and Friends
Breakfast with Fosbury and Friends will feature decorated Hall-of-Fame and Olympic Gold Medal decathlete Dan O’Brien. O’Brien will speak and then take audience questions all while competitors enjoy breakfast. Tickets are required for this event.
Don Plant at 75 Years
These events coincide with the 75^th anniversary of the Don Plant. Simplot Games has been around for over 40 years, but none of it would have be possible without the Don Plant, which was started by J.R. Simplot and has produced phosphate fertilizer since 1944. It was because of the plant’s success that Simplot was able to take over the Bennion Games in 1979 and turn them into Simplot Games.  Seventy-five years later, the Don Plant continues to produce, which is momentous for the company and the phosphate industry.
The three days of Simplot Games are jam-packed with competition, excitement and fun, but they’re more than that to some athletes.  Simplot Games helps launch many athletes into their collegiate, and sometimes even Olympic, athletic careers.
“The Games mean so much to so many people,” Woodland said. “Whether it’s the athletes, coaches, sponsors, volunteers, or the community – everybody wants the Games to thrive.”
Simplot Games will be February 14-16 at Idaho State University’s Holt Arena. A complete schedule of events is available at simplotgames.com. Admission is free to the public. Follow Simplot Games on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for updates and giveaways.
 
 
More than 2,100 athletes will come from across the U.S., Canada, Australia and New Zealand to participate in the 41^st annual Simplot Games. Simplot Games remains the nation’s premier high school indoor track and field event. Sponsored by the J.R. Simplot Company since 1979, the Simplot Games are held at Idaho State University’s Holt Arena in Pocatello, Idaho.
For more information on Simplot Games, please visit our website at www.simplotgames.com. You may also contact Lisa Woodland at (208) 235-5604 or Simplot Games Media Team at media@simplotgames.com.
 
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Simplot Games
The Nation’s Premier High School Track & Field Event
Pocatello, Idaho
(208) 235-5604
See Simplot Games on Twitter @SimplotGames, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
www.simplotgames.com