Big Sky Tournament Tips Off as Boise Marks Busy Early March Weekend

Boise is heading into the second week of March with a full calendar and a few headlines worth noting.

Starch Madness Returns to Downtown

The 2026 Big Sky Conference men’s and women’s basketball tournaments are now underway at Idaho Central Arena. Games run March 7 through March 11, bringing 20 teams to downtown Boise for five days of tournament play.

Often dubbed ‘Starch Madness,’ the event is expected to draw fans from across the region, giving a late-winter boost to downtown restaurants, hotels and shops. Championship winners will secure automatic bids to the NCAA Tournament, adding extra intensity to this week’s matchups.

Consumer Protection Week Wraps Up

National Consumer Protection Week concluded March 7, with Idaho officials using the week to remind residents about scams, identity theft and financial fraud. State leaders encouraged Boise-area consumers to review credit reports, be cautious of unsolicited calls and emails, and report suspicious activity.

The campaign included outreach and educational materials aimed at helping families better protect their finances as tax season ramps up.

Reporter Roundtable Highlights State Issues

On Friday, Boise State Public Radio’s Idaho Matters hosted its weekly Reporter Roundtable, recapping major stories from around the state. Topics included education developments, legislative updates and ongoing policy debates at the Statehouse.

The discussion offered context for Boise residents following the 2026 legislative session and other statewide changes that could have local impact in the months ahead.

Busy Weekend Across the City

Beyond the arena, weekend event guides highlighted concerts, community gatherings and family-friendly activities across the Treasure Valley. With spring events on the horizon and Treefort later this month, downtown Boise is already seeing a steady uptick in foot traffic.

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