-
1 of 10
-
2 of 10
-
3 of 10
-
4 of 10
-
5 of 10
-
6 of 10
-
7 of 10
-
8 of 10
-
9 of 10
-
10 of 10
Reaching new heights
Archive
Comments
Story
The blueprints for an expansion of the press box in Bronco
Stadium detail a transformation into a three-story luxury suite
complex. In order to accommodate the continual growth and success
of Boise State football the original 1969 press box must undergo
intense renovations. The project will take three to four years to
complete and will cost an estimated $40 million from private funds.
Boise State has retained the services of nationally renowned
architecture firm Ellerbe Becket to design the new press box. The
start date for the expansion will be decided after a feasibility
test is conducted this fall.
Boise State Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier is optimistic about
the benefits of the expansion. The current press box is “woefully
inadequate” and needs to be expanded in order to meet the demands
of electronic systems; security, the media and coaching staffs said
Bleymaier. Boise State hosts the Humanitarian Bowl each December
and as the football program continues to attract more and more
media coverage demands for better accommodations are high.
Bleymaier is confident that as the accommodations are made Boise
State will be more competitive with other 1A division programs.
be compatible with the current layout in Bronco Stadium. Based on
observations of other stadium press boxes the new structure will
have three levels. The first level will be comprised of the
clubhouses. The second level will house multiple suites and a
ballroom where pre-game meals and other functions will be held. The
third level is reserved for the coaches and the media. The new
press box will make Bronco Stadium one of the most spectacular
venues in Idaho said Bleymaier. The ballroom itself will be
available to rent out 300 days a year and with an amazing view of
Boise the new press box will be the best place to watch Bronco
football.
Big name schools like Notre Dame, Michigan, and Oregon all house
spectacular press boxes that are compatible with successful
athletic programs. Even Boise State’s rival Oregon State is
expanding its current press box in Reser Stadium to better
accommodate its growing success.
The Boise State football program has worked hard to gain national
recognition and they are unlikely to go unnoticed in 2004. The
Broncos have three ESPN coverage games on the docket this season.
All three will be played in Bronco Stadium against three of Boise
States rivals. The first game will be against Oregon State on Sept.
10, the second against BYU on Sept. 24, and the third against
Hawaii on Oct. 29.
but visions of future progress and growing success will drive Boise
State to push ahead with the expansion project. Bleymaier and the
rest of the athletic administration will focus on the expansion. As
for the football team all focus will remain in the game and on the
field.
Amber Fuger
Sports Writer
