Go ahead and listen to that audio link above before we move on. This is what 24,515 people sound like trying to make a difference in a football game. And, to be exact, the folks in the suites and press box for the most part can’t be heard and I am sure the HUGE Fresno State section was quiet when the Bulldogs had the ball. So, it’s probably more like 23,000 fans screaming together. And, they paid $20-75 to do it.
And, did they scream.
I had several fans reach out and say they have no voice left or their ears were still ringing. I normally sit in the club section at Albertsons Stadium. Not ideal for feeling the roar of the crowd because it is too high. We pay plenty to sit there but basically we are in the nose bleed section and partially indoors. But, for this game I was on the field.
I wish everybody could experience that. The players and coaches do. The refs and game crew wouldn’t have it any other way. The feel of the game. The sounds of the hitting and especially the roar of a crowd.
A crowd who have one thing in common. They want to bask in the glory of every successful Boise State play. And, this game was the ultimate opportunity. These 24,515 fans knew that this was worth their time and effort.
THE DAMN CHAMPIONSHIP WAS ON THE LINE!
They knew that 40 degree December temps at 5:45pm were normal. They had no issue with the threat of rain.
Bring it on.
It adds to the experience. I saw multi-millionaires personally setting up tailgates, pouring drinks and cranking up the music on a GAME DAY. I hung with fans who rode bikes to the game. They loved it. I saw one sponsor, Mountain America Credit Union, set up a tent and engage fans. They dominated the Hall of Fame plaza area because they were the only ones who figured out how to be there. The crowd heard countless songs during time outs inside the stadium because there was almost no commercial or promotional barrage. Personally, I missed Cowboy Kohl the tee dog. You telling me he was not interested in winning a Championship? Actually, he provides somewhat of a home field advantage so I can understand why he had to watch it on TV.
The bottom line is that’s the best crowd I have experienced in the last 14 years in that stadium. They changed the game. Those fans made a difference and reminded Fresno what Boise is all about. Fresno State had 4 false start penalties. And, impressively, they came in every quarter of the game.
Now, that’s getting your money’s worth.
