Why Is Boise State's Football Field Blue?

By Sarah Miller · February 29, 2048

Boise State football plays on a blue artificial turf field, known as The Blue, to stand out and create a unique identity—a strategic branding decision made in 1986 that has since become iconic in college football.

Why Is Boise State's Football Field Blue?

The Boise State Broncos play their home games on a bright blue artificial turf field at Albertsons Stadium on campus. This distinctive feature, widely recognized across the NCAA, was introduced in 1986 when Boise State became the first college football program to install non-green turf. The choice of blue was intentional: it differentiated the university visually, strengthened brand recognition, and created a psychological edge by disrupting opponents' depth perception and focus.

Beyond aesthetics, the blue turf symbolizes innovation and confidence. It has become central to Boise State's athletic identity, drawing national media attention and enhancing recruiting efforts. Over time, "The Blue" has evolved from a novelty into a celebrated tradition.

History of The Blue Turf

The idea for a blue playing surface originated with then-athletic director Gene Bleymaier. Seeking a way to make Boise State more visible nationally, he proposed replacing the traditional green grass with something unprecedented.

Key Milestones

1986: Installation of the first blue AstroTurf surface, making BSU the first U.S. college with colored turf.
2002: Field replaced with new blue synthetic turf; design refined for better durability and visibility.

2009:

2019: Latest renovation using Shaw Sports Turf's Legion 50 series, maintaining signature blue while improving player safety and traction.

Advantages of the Blue Field

The uniqueness of The Blue provides several competitive and institutional benefits:

Branding & Visibility: Instantly recognizable on television broadcasts and social media.
Recruiting Tool: Attracts athletes seeking a memorable college experience.
Home-Field Advantage: Some visiting players report difficulty tracking the ball or adjusting to contrast.
Merchandising: Spurs sales of blue-themed apparel and memorabilia.
Media Attention: Regular features in ESPN, NFL, and international sports coverage.

Controversies and Rules

While iconic, the blue field has sparked debate over fairness and precedent.

Common Criticisms

Alleged visual confusion for opposing quarterbacks and receivers.
Concerns about setting an uncontrolled trend for unconventional field colors.
Requests from some teams to cover the field during neutral-site games (denied).

In response, the NCAA allowed the field under the condition that no other team could adopt a similar color unless they already had one. To date, no other FBS program has installed a non-green primary field.

Boise State vs. Other Unique Fields

University	Field Color	Stadium Name	Installation Year	Conference
Boise State	Blue	Albertsons Stadium	1986	Mountain West
Eastern Michigan	Red	Rynearson Stadium	2014	Mid-American
Charlotte	Blue	Berry Health Field Complex	2013	American Athletic
UCF	Black	FBC Mortgage Stadium	2007	Big 12
North Dakota	Green with red center	Gate City Bank Field	2016	Missouri Valley

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that while several schools have adopted alternative field colors, Boise State remains the pioneer and most prominent example. Most follow-up installations occurred after 2010, indicating BSU’s influence on collegiate branding strategies. Notably, only Charlotte uses full blue like Boise State, but without the same level of national recognition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Boise State's Blue Field

Why did Boise State choose a blue football field?

Boise State chose a blue field in 1986 to enhance its national visibility and build a strong, unique brand identity. The bold move distinguished the program from other colleges and has since become a hallmark of school pride and innovation.

Is the entire field solid blue?

Yes, the main playing surface is solid blue. The yard lines, logos, and end zones are marked in orange and white, providing high contrast for players and viewers while preserving the striking blue appearance.

Has the blue turf affected game outcomes?

While no definitive statistical proof exists, many analysts believe the blue field contributes to a home-field advantage. Some visiting players report challenges with ball tracking due to low contrast between the sky and turf, especially under certain lighting conditions.

Can other teams use colored turf?

Yes, but with restrictions. The NCAA permits non-green fields, but Boise State’s early adoption gave it trademark-like status. Few programs have followed suit, largely due to cost, tradition, and concerns about competitive balance.

What is the official name of Boise State’s field?

The playing surface is officially nicknamed "The Blue." The stadium itself is called Albertsons Stadium, located on the Boise State University campus in Idaho.