With the growing excitement around Boise State Athletics, Bronco Nation is committing to a new End Zone that will not only amplify overall fan experience but it will put Boise State on the map as college athletics continue to grow.
The North End Zone project is arguably the most exciting enhancement that the “What’s Next Initiative” has announced. What is the “What’s Next Initiative” you may ask? This initiative was created as a result of our Athletic Director, Jermiah Dickey’s, strategic long term vision to upgrade four essential pillars: infrastructure, revenue generation, student-athlete experience and marketability.
The North End Zone concept was prioritized as it aided all four pillars. However, the main three areas this project will aim to elevate are fan experience, student athlete experience and revenue generation.
Starting with fan experience, “Right now our concourse is pretty congested on both the east and west side of the stadium. Over time the capacity has increased and keeping up with additional space and concessions has not happened,” said Cody Gougler, the Sr. Associate AD for External Affairs. “One of the key parts of this project is being able to build out the North End Zone to fully connect our concourses. We’ll have more concourse space and expand the traffic flow and the concession and retail options and have additional restrooms for all Boise State fans.”
As the demand for premium seating continues to grow, the North End Zone project intends to add 1,600 additional seating options that will include 12 field level suites, 44 loge boxes, 148 ledge seats and 882 club seats. In addition to unrivaled access to the new pregame player tunnel, premium seat holders will relish in two areas with all-inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverages.
“One cool feature that we set aside for all of our fans because the premium seating amenities are exclusive to those who have seats in that area; this is a fully connected concourse that serves all fans with additional retail. On the backend of that terrace club, we’ll have a sports garden with a 360 degree outdoor sports bar that our non premium ticket holders can be a part of so they are not excluded from that game day experience,” Gougler said.
Furthermore, enhancing athletic facilities will allow student athletes to flourish mentally, physically and competitively. The main club will now serve as a training table for the athletes. It will provide a nutrition zone where they can come in and fuel up on the go. The dining hall will also now be reserved for student athletes on non game days.
The last goal of this project is to increase revenue generation.
“With where college athletics is going, the costs are continuing to rise as we head into the revenue share era with NIL. We are constantly looking at new ways and are charged with creating new revenue sources,” Gougler said. “With the heavy amount of premium seating that we’ll be able to sell through gift commitments and seating contracts in the North End Zone, the increase in revenue for us in this space will ultimately help us pour back into the increasing costs we’re seeing right now in order to manage a successful department.”
Construction is expected to begin in January 2025 with the conclusion of the fall season and to be completed by August 2026. Seating and the ability to play at the stadium will not be impacted for the upcoming season.
The ultimate goal of Boise State Athletics is to deliver the best sporting event experience. Not only will it benefit our student body and alumni fandom but it will heighten excitement for the student athletes competing in the stadium, setting the bar high for collegiate athletic programs.
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Great article! I enjoyed learning about this project and I can’t wait to see the end result!