"THE BLUE" - Home to Boise State Football (2024)

Location

Allen Noble Hall of Fame
1910 University Dr.
Boise, ID 83725-1020
208-426-3556

Celebrating over 30 years, THE BLUE, the common nickname ofLyle Smithfield, can be viewed by enteringThe Allen Noble Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is not only home tothe historyof Boise State’s successful athletes and teams, it is the only public entrance to view thehome of Boise State football and the famous blue turf.*

Boise State Football has a long history of success starting with the Junior College days and the National Championship team of 1958, coached by the father of Bronco Football, Lyle Smith. Now named Lyle Smith Field in Albertsons Stadium, the turf field was actually the typical, non-interesting green before gettingits proud monikerafter the 1985 season. Installed in the summer of 1986,THE BLUE was the idea of Athletic Director Gene Bleymaeir and was the first non-green, artificial football field in the country. What outsiders initially considered a gimmick, calling it “Smurf Turf’ after the popular, amiable and blue cartoon characters, THE BLUE soonbecame nationally associated with Boise State asa symbol for the football program’s blue-collar work ethic. Opponents don’t find it so friendly either. With the closing of the 2018 season, Boise State football holds a home record of 182-39 (14 Conference Championships) since THE BLUE was installed prior to the 1986 season. The program has lost only nine times on its home field since the start of the 1999 season.

See The Blue

You can view the turf by entering through the Allen Noble Hall of Fame in Southwest corner of Albertsons Stadium. Visit THE BLUE, one of the most visited sites in Idaho, and take a photo from the view of our Hall of Fame patio, one of the most popular selfie spots in the state, while learning more about the history of Boise State Athletics. You can see THE BLUE Monday through Friday from 10 am – 4 pm.*

Metered Parking available in the west lot in front of the Bronco Shop. For questions or more information on availability, please contact the Hall of Fame at (208) 426-3556 or email baa@boisestate.edu.

Closed

Weekends, Holidays, and Special Events*

*Hall of Fame willbe closed on football game days, during football practice hours andother universityfunctions and events or as deemed necessary by facility operations staff.

"THE BLUE" - Home to Boise State Football (2024)

FAQs

Why is Boise State allowed to have a blue football field? ›

In 2011 Boise State obtained a federal trademark registration for “the color blue as applied to artificial turf”. Perform an internet search for “Blue Turf” and all you will see is Boise State references. The NCAA does not ban non-traditional field colors, but the NFL does. It's known as the “Boise State Rule“.

Who has blue turf in college football? ›

Albertsons Stadium, Boise, Idaho: Home of the Boise State Broncos, Albertsons Stadium is known for its blue turf.

What color is Boise State Blue? ›

The blue color code for the Boise State Broncos logo is Pantone: PMS 286 C, Hex Color: #0033A0, RGB: (0, 51, 160), CMYK: (100, 66, 0, 2).

What is Boise State football most famous for? ›

They finished the season as the only major undefeated college football team. BSU's football team has won the Fiesta Bowl two more times, following the 2009 and 2014 seasons. The school's Albertsons Stadium introduced its famous blue artificial turf (now FieldTurf) thirty-eight years ago in 1986.

Can Boise State wear blue at home? ›

Boise State's long nightmare is over: The Broncos' all-blue home uniforms will be allowed. The NCAA thought better of passing a rule that would have banned teams from wearing the same color as the field they play on.

What schools have blue football fields? ›

In 1986, Boise State University broke with football convention by installing bright blue turf on its football field.

Is Boise State football field real grass? ›

“THE BLUE” – Home to Boise State Football

Installed in the summer of 1986, THE BLUE was the idea of Athletic Director Gene Bleymaeir and was the first non-green, artificial football field in the country.

When did BSU get blue turf? ›

Boise State University made history back in 1986 when they installed the first-ever, non-green artificial turf field in the country. Since then, the turf has been replaced in 1995, 2002, 2008, 2010, and now in 2019. Along with new turf, the field was upgraded in 2008 with a new component, Brock Shock Pads.

What college has black turf? ›

Earlier this summer, SUNY Morrisville drew national attention to the Mustangs' Division III football program when it replaced the playing surface of its home field with black, synthetic turf, part of what the school's AD hailed as his program's “bold, new direction.”

What is Boise State's mascot? ›

Has Boise State ever won a national championship? ›

Boise won thirteen conference titles in football under Smith and the NJCAA National Football Championship in 1958.

Who has a purple football field? ›

Central Arkansas has one of the wildest fields in college football. The colors purple and gray rotate every five yards in a design that was unveiled in 2011.

Who is Boise State's biggest rivalry? ›

The Boise State–Idaho football rivalry is an intrastate college football rivalry in Idaho between the Broncos of Boise State University and Vandals of the University of Idaho in Moscow.

How many NFL players are from Boise State? ›

BOISE, Idaho – National Football League rosters were finalized for the opening week of the 2023 season Tuesday and Boise State unsurprisingly led the Mountain West with 11 former Broncos on NFL rosters. Of those 11 players in the NFL ranks, seven of them led their respective teams to the NFL Playoffs last season.

What major is Boise State known for? ›

The most popular majors at Boise State University include: Health Professions and Related Programs; Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services; Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies; Biological and Biomedical Sciences; Engineering; Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs; Psychology; Social ...

Does Boise State have a trademark on colored fields? ›

Boise State University, a Division I athletic program, has a registered trademark on their iconic blue artificial turf field in Albertsons Stadium.

Why does State Farm stadium have a retractable field? ›

Retractable Playing Field

In just 70 minutes, it glides in or out of the stadium, offering a seamless transition for various events. Crafted from Tifway 419 grass, it replicates the feel of traditional turf and enjoys ample sun exposure when parked outside, ensuring optimal conditions.

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