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NCAA FBS

Albertsons StadiumBoise, Idaho

Boise State

👥
Capacity
36,387
🏆
Conference
Pac-12
📅
Opened
1970
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

📖About Albertsons Stadium

Albertsons Stadium is the home of the Boise State Broncos football program in Boise, Idaho. Opened in 1970 as Bronco Stadium, it was renamed in 2014 under a 15-year, $12.5 million naming rights agreement with Albertsons LLC. The open-air stadium seats 36,387 on FieldTurf. Its most distinctive feature is the blue playing surface — first installed in 1986, it was the first non-green artificial turf in football history. The stadium also hosts the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl annually.

🏛️Albertsons Stadium History

Origins

Opened in 1970 for $2.2M. Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier installed blue turf in 1986 for visibility—it cost $750,000 vs $750,000 for green. Renamed Albertsons Stadium in 2014.

Major Renovations

1986Blue turf installed—first non-green field in college football
1997$10M renovation added 30,000 capacity and Hall of Fame
2008New press box, club seats, luxury suites; capacity to 32,000

Notable Moments

Sep 1986First game on blue turf: 74-0 win over Humboldt State
2001-201165-game regular-season home winning streak
Nov 10, 2007Four-overtime thriller: Broncos beat Nevada 69-67

🎟️Visiting Albertsons Stadium

Best Seats

West side has premium seating. The Blue creates stunning visual. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl held here annually.

Parking Tips

Campus lots available. Boise downtown within walking distance.

Game Day

The Blue is unmistakable on TV. NFL banned non-green fields ("Boise Rule"). Broncos are 69-2 from 2000-2010 at home.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Suds Tavern

$

Dive bar staple across the street from Boise State. Packed with college students and young adults on gamedays, featuring 16 TVs and pool tables.

📍 0.1 miles1024 S Broadway Ave

💡 Get there early on gameday—this place fills up fast. The ultimate Bronco dive bar experience.

The End Zone

$

Boise State's premier college dive bar located right next to Suds and directly across from Albertsons Stadium. Multiple TVs and lively atmosphere.

📍 0.1 miles1217 W University Dr

💡 Perfect spot for pre-game and post-game celebrations. Walking distance from the blue turf.

Broadway On The Rocks

$$

Top choice for football fans across from the stadium. Multiple screens, great drink selection, and tasty bites.

📍 0.2 miles1300 W University Dr

💡 Convenient for both pre-game tailgating and post-game celebrations. Arrive 2 hours early for a table.

Taphouse Pub & Eatery

$$

Downtown Boise's best sports bar with the largest draft selection in the city (44 beers). Named Idaho's best sports bar.

📍 1.5 miles705 W Bannock St

💡 Worth the short trip downtown for the beer selection and classic pub menu. Great for watching other games.

🍽️Restaurants

Goldy's Breakfast Bistro

$$

Renowned local institution for made-to-order breakfast using fresh, local ingredients. Famous for frittatas, pancakes, and eggs Benedict.

📍 1.8 miles108 S Capitol Blvd

💡 Expect a wait, but it's worth it. Perfect for a hearty pre-game breakfast.

Bittercreek Alehouse

$$$

Downtown classic celebrated for extensive tap list and American menu prioritizing local ingredients.

📍 1.6 miles246 N 8th St

💡 Sister restaurant to Red Feather Lounge. Great for a refined pre-game meal downtown.

Bar Gernika

$$

Basque Block pub immersing diners in Boise's Basque heritage with authentic dishes like croquetas and lamb stew.

📍 1.7 miles202 S Capitol Blvd

💡 Experience Boise's unique Basque culture. The lamb stew is a must-try.

Saint Lawrence Gridiron

$$$

Southern-inspired cuisine including barbecue. Featured on popular food shows.

📍 1.5 miles705 W Bannock St

💡 Perfect for a celebratory post-game dinner. The BBQ is exceptional.

🏨Hotels

Hampton Inn & Suites Boise-Downtown

$$$

Approximately 20-minute walk from Albertsons Stadium. Offers indoor pool and complimentary buffet breakfast.

📍 1.5 miles495 S Capitol Blvd

💡 Book early for gameday weekends. Great downtown location with easy stadium access.

Holiday Inn Express Boise University Area

$$

Within walking distance of Albertsons Stadium and the Boise State campus.

📍 0.8 miles475 W Parkcenter Blvd

💡 Closest major hotel to the stadium. Perfect for fans who want to walk to the game.

🎭Attractions

The Blue Turf

Free

The iconic blue turf installed in 1986—the first non-green college football field. Boise State holds a trademark on non-green fields.

📍 0 milesAlbertsons Stadium

💡 Take photos on the blue turf if you get the chance. It's truly one-of-a-kind in college football.

Boise Greenbelt

Free

Beautiful 25-mile pathway along the Boise River, perfect for a pre-game walk or bike ride.

📍 0.5 milesBoise River

💡 Walk or bike the Greenbelt from downtown to the stadium for a scenic gameday approach.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

East and West Stadium Lots

$20
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 General parking available. Lots open 8 hours before kickoff for weekend games.

🏢

Lincoln Avenue Garage / Brady Street Garage

$20
Garage📍 0.3 miles

💡 Single-game parking available on first-come, first-served basis. Free campus shuttle runs from these garages.

🚌

VRT Game Day Bus

Free
Shuttle📍 Downtown Boise

💡 Free wheelchair-accessible bus from downtown with 13 stops. Runs every 15 minutes starting 2 hours before kickoff.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Albertsons Stadium? Share it with us.

🔥Boise State Rivals

Closest Stadiums to Albertsons Stadium

Frequently Asked Questions About Albertsons Stadium

What is the capacity of Albertsons Stadium?
Albertsons Stadium has a seating capacity of 36,387.
Where is Albertsons Stadium located?
Albertsons Stadium is located in Boise, ID.
What team plays at Albertsons Stadium?
Albertsons Stadium is the home stadium of Boise State in the Pac-12.
When was Albertsons Stadium built?
Albertsons Stadium opened in 1970.
Where are the best seats at Albertsons Stadium?
West side has premium seating. The Blue creates stunning visual. Famous Idaho Potato Bowl held here annually.
What are the best parking tips for Albertsons Stadium?
Campus lots available. Boise downtown within walking distance.
What type of surface does Albertsons Stadium have?
Albertsons Stadium has a fieldturf playing surface.
What stadiums are near Albertsons Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Albertsons Stadium are ICCU Dome (196 mi), P1FCU Kibbie Dome (219 mi), Martin Stadium (221 mi), Washington–Grizzly Stadium (250 mi), Merlin Olsen Field at Maverik Stadium (257 mi), Stewart Stadium (274 mi).
Who are Boise State's biggest rivals?
Boise State's rivals include Fresno State (Battle for the Milk Can), Nevada.

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.