Boise State University’s Blue Turf: The Story Behind College Football’s Most Iconic Field in Idaho
Boise State University’s blue turf — officially known as Lyle Smith Field at Albertsons Stadium — stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of college football, and its history stretches back nearly four decades to a bold decision made in 1986. The field, known simply as “The Blue,” was the first non-green artificial turf in the world and has since become a defining symbol of Idaho’s premier metropolitan research university and the Broncos’ blue-collar identity.
Background: How the Blue Turf Was Born
The story begins in 1986, when Bronco Stadium was due for a new synthetic turf installation. Then-Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier made a decision that would forever change college football’s visual landscape. According to reports from The Arbiter, the idea of installing a field in school colors arose during a staff meeting — and Bleymaier ran with it.
On September 13, 1986, Boise State unveiled the nation’s first non-green artificial football field before a crowd of 17,465 fans. The Broncos wasted no time making the debut memorable, defeating Cal Poly Humboldt — then known as Humboldt State — by a score of 74-0. Celebrated head coach Lyle Smith, who had led the program from 1947 to 1967, was on hand to witness the unveiling. “I like it very much. It’s innovative and very attractive,” Smith said that evening. “Besides that, the scoreboard looks good tonight.”
The turf has since earned several nicknames — Smurf Turf, Bronco Bluegrass, and Lake Lyle — all in tribute to its unique color and the coach whose name the field now bears. Boise State today holds a federal trademark on the color blue as applied to artificial turf, cementing the field’s unique standing in the sport.
Milestone Moments on The Blue
Over the past four decades, Lyle Smith Field has been the backdrop for some of the most significant moments in Boise State football history.
On December 1, 1990, the Broncos defeated No. 1-ranked Middle Tennessee 20-13 in an NCAA I-AA Quarterfinal under head coach Skip Hall — the first time a top-ranked team had ever fallen in Boise. It was an early sign that “The Blue” carried a mystique all its own.
In September 1996, Boise State notched its first-ever win as a Division I-A (now FBS) program, defeating Portland State 33-22 and announcing the program’s arrival at college football’s highest level.
Under head coach Chris Petersen, the Broncos made national headlines on September 3, 2009, dominating Oregon 19-8 in a season opener that launched Boise State into the national top 10 and set the stage for an undefeated season and a Fiesta Bowl berth.
September 6, 2014 marked another chapter: the first game played under the stadium’s new name, Albertsons Stadium, as former Bronco quarterback Bryan Harsin made his home head coaching debut in a 37-24 victory over Colorado State.
On November 24, 2023, led by then-interim head coach Spencer Danielson, Boise State played its 250th game on the iconic surface, defeating Air Force 27-19. Then, on December 6, 2024, the Broncos defeated UNLV 21-7 in the Mountain West Championship to earn the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff berth. Most recently, on December 5, 2025, Boise State claimed its third consecutive Mountain West title, again defeating UNLV, 38-21 — the program’s seventh conference championship overall.
Impact on Ada County and the Treasure Valley
The blue turf is more than a playing surface — it’s an economic and cultural driver for Boise and Ada County. USA Today has named The Blue the “Best Attraction for Sports Fans” for three consecutive years, drawing visitors and tourism dollars to the Treasure Valley each fall. National outlets including the New York Times, ESPN, Fox Sports, and Bleacher Report have all covered the field, bringing widespread attention to Boise’s identity as a college football destination.
As Boise State continues to grow in stature — both academically and athletically — the blue turf remains central to the university’s brand and community pride. The school’s ongoing sponsorship and naming partnerships, including a recent deal to rename the student union under the Westmark Credit Union brand, reflect a broader institutional strategy to align athletics and campus identity with private-sector partners.
What Comes Next: How to Experience The Blue
Fans and visitors wishing to see Lyle Smith Field at Albertsons Stadium in person have two main options. Game-day attendance during the Boise State football season offers the full experience. For those unable to attend a game, the field is open to visitors through the Allen Noble Hall of Fame, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Businesses or organizations seeking to use a similar non-traditional turf color can contact Boise State’s Trademarks and Licensing department for information on obtaining a license agreement — a reflection of just how seriously the university takes its ownership of one of sports’ most iconic visual trademarks.