Ban smoking at the Caldwell Events Center

The city of Caldwell is looking to ban smoking at the Caldwell Events Center and surrounding areas with violations punishable by a $100 fine.

The potential ordinance would prohibit the use of tobacco or electronic cigarettes within the gated areas of Simplot Stadium, Wolfe Field Baseball Stadium, O’Connor Field House and Gabiola Field.

The move is, in part, to protect the more than $1 million in upgrades to Simplot Stadium made by the College of Idaho, including the new turf installed for college football, which is making its return to Caldwell after 37 years.

“We’re looking at that obviously to protect the investments the college has made with AstroTurf,” Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas said, adding smoking and synthetic grass don’t mix well together.

College of Idaho spokesman Jordan Rodriguez said, like any synthetic surface, the turf could be damaged by contact with cigarette butts or ash. He also stated the college will follow the lead of the Caldwell mayor and supports the proposal.

The actual boundaries will depend if all parties, including the Canyon County Fair and the Caldwell Night Rodeo, are on board with the ordinance.

Canyon County Commissioners signed a resolution June 5 in support of a smoking ban at the county-owned Gabiola Field, located next to Simplot Stadium.

“It’s in-sync with the rest of the smoking restrictions in Simplot Stadium,” Canyon County Commissioner Steve Rule said during the signing.

One of the tenants at the events center, the Canyon County Fair, already discourages smoking during the fair. Fair Administrator Rosalie Cope said an ordinance will help Caldwell police officers enforce that rule.

An ordinance to ban smoking will still have to go before the Caldwell City Council before a decision is made.