By RICK WORTHINGTON
Bronco Game Night Host
Anyone who has been to a Boise State football game over the last couple of years can attest, the fan base is not coming out to games like they used to. Of those who do come, many leave before the game is over or even by halftime.
On Thursday (9/14/17) against New Mexico, the university says the paid attendance was just over 28,000, one of the smallest in the last decade at Albertsons Stadium. It was also a nationally televised game, leading ESPN viewers to wonder, where is Bronco Nation?
When the biggest game in town can’t even draw 30,000 fans for a game, something is wrong, and I think it’s time we examine some of the reasons people don’t care to come to the game.
Certainly the home-viewing experience has never been better, so you could argue it’s better to stay home to watch. After all, it’s seldom a Boise State football game is not on TV. But I don’t think this is the problem.
You could argue ticket prices are too high, but the university has done a good job of making tickets for families more affordable recently. But I don’t think this is the problem either.
So what is the problem? I think it’s because people don’t care as much, and not caring is a result of LOSING THE PASSION they once had. Why are they losing the passion? My gut tells me it might have something to do with fans missing some of the things they used to LOVE about the program.
I’ve heard people say how much they miss heading to the north end zone to tailgate at halftime, and walking back in just in time for the second half. That area used to be full of motor homes, but today, it’s a giant football complex.
People have also told me, they miss the old rivalry games. Fans would circle dates on the calendar – and look forward to the rivalry game all year.
The BYU game on Oct. 6 is the closest thing you will find on the schedule.
Don’t you miss those days when Nevada was a rivalry game? Remember when Fresno State was the tough guy on the block that would “Play anyone, anywhere, anytime.”
I miss it, too. So let’s do something about it.
Dear Mr. Kustra and Mr. Apsey: It’s time to bring back the biggest rivalry game in the state. Let’s get Boise State vs. Idaho back on the schedule.
It might not be the answer, but my bet is, you will get more than 28,000 fans to come watch.
