Allen Noble Hall of Fame Visitors Return En Masse
There is no place like The Blue.
Every year, thousands of visitors to Idaho make room in their itineraries for a stop at one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Gem State. The opportunity to cross that off a bucket list was a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more than 15 months, the doors of the Allen Noble Hall of Fame were closed to the public. The patio that sits just beyond the exhibits and overlooks the iconic turf sat empty.
As restrictions began to ease and travel ramped back up, numerous Bronco fans and tourists from coast to coast had one thing on their mind - laying their eyes on The Blue. On June 21, the doors were unlocked and the visitors returned in droves.
Almost 1,000 people from 37 states and 63 countries came through the front doors of the Allen Noble Hall of Fame during the first month it was open again.
Phillip Kramer, from Cincinnati, Ohio, was one of the Hall of Fame’s first guests upon reopening. Kramer and his wife, Kathy, planned a trip to the Pacific Northwest and “wanted to see if we can get a look at The Blue.”
Far more than just the iconic turf, a tour of the Allen Noble Hall of Fame offers much to see, including Boise State’s three Fiesta Bowl trophies. Plaques are displayed in the gallery depicting each Boise State Athletics Hall of Fame inductee, honoring those who have brought distinction, honor, and excellence to Boise State University.
The Allen Noble Hall of Fame pays tribute to the late Allen Noble, who passed away July 18. Noble was a major contributor to the Broncos’ rise and the lore of Albertsons Stadium.
Kramer leaves those who have never been to the Allen Noble Hall of Fame with this, “I would tell them to make sure and stop by to enjoy campus and the great history of the college football program.”
As a valued supporter of @BoiseStateBAA for more than 40 years, Allen Noble generously provided the resources to help generations of student-athletes compete at the highest level. pic.twitter.com/PK9h6OQedy
— Boise State Broncos (@BroncoSports) July 21, 2021
“Everyone knows about the Broncos and our blue turf,” said current Boise State offensive tackle John Ojukwu. “But to us it is more than just another stadium to play in. It’s where we put in hours and hours of work to shape each other into the best versions of ourselves. It’s where teammates become family and where people from all different backgrounds come together for one common goal. It’s our home.”
You can visit the Allen Noble Hall of Fame and catch a glimpse of The Blue Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There is no entrance fee, but parking on campus is available by permits and meters.
What’s next? Your visit to the Allen Noble Hall of Fame and the world-famous blue turf.