Boise State Athletics Receives $1.5M Gift to Renew Iconic Field at Albertsons Stadium
10/28/2025 10:10:00 AM | General, Bronco Athletic Association
Modern BLUE field aids in transition to new conference and the 2026 football season
BOISE, Idaho – Boise State Athletics has received a $1.5 million gift designated to aid in the installation of a new blue field turf at Albertsons Stadium. The donor has requested to remain anonymous.
"We're grateful for the continued generosity of Bronco Nation," said Jeramiah Dickey, Boise State Director of Athletics. "The Blue is incredibly important to our identity and national brand. It's bold and unique and shows how we're Built Different at Boise State. As we prepare for a new conference and the completion of the North End Zone Project, this investment helps us continue to invest in the student-athlete experience while opening up opportunities to support a sustainable model for our athletic department."
Boise State is currently in the midst of Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University, which aims to raise $500 million by 2028. The campaign focuses on student support and access, faculty innovation, and What's Next for Athletics.
"It's hard to think of something more iconic to Boise State than The Blue," said Argia Beristain, CEO of the Boise State University Foundation. "This generous gift allows students, Athletics and Bronco Nation to continue to use our famous turf as a symbol of our innovation and determination."
Installation will be completed prior to the start of the 2026 football season. This will be the sixth time Boise State has replaced the playing surface, including 1995, 2002, 2008, 2010, and 2019.
For the third consecutive year, Boise State's BLUE turf was named Best Attraction for Sports Fans by an online public vote in USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice travel award contest. Each year, approximately 18,500+ visitors from all 50 U.S. states and 50 countries set aside time to visit the attraction. Tourists and fans can view The BLUE on weekdays, on non-Bronco football game days, by visiting the Allen Noble Hall of Fame.
Boise State turned its playing surface blue in 1986 under former athletic director Gene Bleymaier. It was the first non-green artificial football field in the country.
In addition to the new playing surface, the North End Zone Project will be open and take the student-athlete and fan experience to new heights. In addition to creating a 360-degree concourse, the North End Zone Project will add approximately 1,600 seats to Albertsons Stadium and feature 12 field level suites, 44 loge boxes, 148 ledge seats, 872 club seats with all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverage amenities. It will also serve all 18 Boise State programs and 350+ student-athletes through the Simplot Nutrition Lounge.
About Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University
From groundbreaking research to expanded opportunities for the best and brightest students, Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University advances key priorities at the university level and for each college, school, unit and Athletics to meet the unique challenges of our time. The Unbridled campaign aims to raise $500 million by 2028 and focuses on three key pillars: student access and success, relentless faculty innovation and positioning athletics for what's next. For more information on Unbridled: The Campaign for Boise State University, visit unbridled.boisestate.edu.
About Lyle Smith Society
The Lyle Smith Society increases philanthropic revenues for Boise State Athletics, supporting operational needs and capital priorities. Members help position Bronco student-athletes for greater success in the classroom, in competition and in life after graduation. Since the launch of the Lyle Smith Society in 2020, 290 members have joined to raise nearly $40 million for Boise State Athletics. Visit Lyle Smith Society to help ensure the future of Boise State Athletics and leave a legacy as a member of Bronco Nation.
About Boise State Athletics
Boise State sponsors 18 NCAA Division I sports and is a member of the Mountain West Conference. Defined by What's Next, the Broncos have earned a reputation for academic and competitive excellence. This past year, Boise State won a combined seven team conference championships, the most in an academic year in more than 30 years, along with nine individual conference titles. In the classroom, the Broncos boasted a 3.46 cumulative GPA across all teams, which matched the department record. Following the recent success, Boise State is positioned for What's Next, with the ongoing construction of the North End Zone Project at Albertsons Stadium and upcoming transition to the Pac-12 Conference starting in July 2026. Visit Bronco Athletic Association for more information.
