The home field advantage at Boise State has been a star attraction for over 40 years. The Big Sky days for Boise State brought full stands and intimidating noise to visiting schools like NAU, Weber St, Idaho and Idaho St. They typically played to crowds here that were double what they experienced at their own stadiums. In 1975, Bronco Stadium boasted 20,000 seats. Crowds near capacity were routine, intimidating and loud. As time went on, the stadium expanded to 36,000+ seats. The crowds have always been amongst the best in the conferences Boise State were members in but the size of opposing stadiums surpassed Bronco Stadium. Bigger cities, with more established 1A football programs, like Fresno, Honolulu, San Diego and Colorado Springs have bigger stadiums.
But, they don’t win as often as Boise State does at home and typically don’t play in front of the same type of crowds. I have felt and heard the fans change the game against Boise State in Fresno, Honolulu and Reno. I don’t think the other cities come close. Either they are too old to get rowdy, too laid back, losing allot or just too few in numbers.
Or, all of the above.
But on average, when Boise State is in town, I don’t think the other places compare to Boise. The lack of consistent winning really hurts the home field advantage for Fresno and Hawaii. If they are in the hunt for a tittle, they show, if not, forget it. San Diego State plays in a stadium too large in a city too big to care yet. Colorado Springs is just too old.
Boise is just right.
Loud, proud and usually winning.
Last night, almost 36,000 fans had a chance to watch Boise State beat Wyoming 24-14 in the rain. Most came and created the home field atmosphere the players, coaches and media crave. Despite every time out in the first half being dedicated to distracting fans from supporting the team, the fans came through all night. They roared for first downs, tackles for loss, big runs and touchdowns. Yes, some went home at the half, but plenty remained to create the atmosphere that’s the talk of the conference. Coach Harsin said after the game:
“We talk about The Blue all the time… we have something special in a home field and a blue turf along with a record that is the best in the country at home, and that means something to our guys.”
It also means something to the fans in the stands to watch Boise State Football. A late night, rain, mind numbing time outs and spurts of offense didn’t discourage fans from providing the best home field advantage in the Mountain West Conference. You have to travel to all these other places to know it for sure, but this place is special. Always has been.
