The most recognizable feature of Albertsons Stadium, the iconic blue turf, will soon get a major upgrade.
Ahead of the 2026 season, Boise State Athletics plans to install a new turf field, renewing the signature look. This is just one of several major upgrades, including the addition of the North End Zone Project. The athletic department received a $1.5 million gift designated to support the installation of the new field. The donor requested to remain anonymous.
The donation comes in the midst of Boise State’s Unbridled Campaign, which aims to raise $500 million by 2028. The campaign’s three pillars of focus are student support and access, faculty innovation and “What’s Next” for athletics.
Boise State Athletic Director Jeremiah Dickey expressed gratitude for the donation and spoke highly of the significance of the blue turf, which was last replaced in 2019.
“We’re grateful for the continued generosity of Bronco Nation,” Dickey said. “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.”
The 2026 season will also see the completion of the North End Zone Project, which will majorly enhance both fan and athlete experiences. The project, which began construction in January, will add a 360-degree concourse, numerous field-level suites and lodge seats and 872 club seats that feature all-inclusive food and beverage amenities. The project will also serve all 18 Boise State athletic programs with the new Simplot Nutrition Lounge.
At the time of its debut, Boise State’s blue turf was the first non-green artificial football field in the country. The turf was first installed in 1986 under Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier.
“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.”
Since their first season on The Blue almost 40 years ago, the Broncos are 218-46 at home. The dominance that Boise State plays with on its home field, along with the passion of Bronco Nation, has made Albertsons Stadium one of the most difficult fields to play for opponents. The new turf will add extra flair to a stadium that has seen consistent Bronco success for decades.
“There’s a lot of advantages to playing at home, especially when you have a fan base like we have in Bronco Nation,” Danielson said. “They’re not just at the game, they’re in the game with you with how loud they are and how much they love their team. There have been years and years of blue-collar teams that have protected this blue, and we need to uphold that standard.”
