Boise State University pushed its “What’s Next” initiative forward in a bold way with the groundbreaking ceremony for the North End Zone Project. In an event held Jan. 4, 2025 at the Allen Noble Hall of Fame adjacent to The Blue of Albertsons Stadium, university leadership, donors and construction partners gathered to celebrate the project’s initial success and to preview the future for the stadium and all of Boise State Athletics.
“It is always a great day to be a Bronco, but this is really a great day to be a Bronco,” Head Football Coach Spencer Danielson said. “This phenomenal facility will not only affect our football players, but directly affects all our student-athletes. This is for all of our Broncos student-athletes to be on the cutting edge and push forward.”
The project will transform the fan and student-athlete experience by replacing existing bleacher seating with a permanent, state-of-the-art structure. The space includes approximately 1,600 premium seats and additional enhancements including a new open-air sports bar, expanded concourses for improved movement and access, and additional restrooms and concession kiosks, all with the goal of creating a first-class game-day environment.
The space will also serve as a year-round dining and nutrition center for all Boise State student-athletes across 18 programs.
“This project’s going to impact 18 sport programs, that’s 350 plus student-athletes,” Athletics Director Jerimaiah Dickey said. “We are not defined by one sport program. We are defined by being a Bronco and my responsibility is to continue to move forward and to continue to create the resources and assets that are going to impact us.”
The North End Zone Project emerged as a priority within Dickey’s tenure. Initially focusing on the east side of the stadium, the plan shifted to the north end zone due to financial considerations and the potential for a more impactful project. Inspired by college and professional stadiums around the country, the design includes premium features like loge boxes, suites and a fan-centered team entrance experience. The endeavor aims to enhance fan engagement while addressing facility demands and creating sustainable revenue opportunities.
Boise State President Dr. Marlene Tromp emphasized the changes facing college athletics programs across the country and how this project, and other initiatives have kept Boise State ahead of the curve in meeting these shifting demands.
“I’ve watched schools all over this country face the big changes that have come in college athletics. I’ve watched great programs stumble and fall, but not Boise State,” she said. “Our student-athletes are the top 5% academically in all NCAA sports, we perform at levels that are unheard of for a school of our size and scope, yet we continue to compete on the national stage and to impress with what we do.”
With a $65 million budget, the project is supported by private contributions and advance sales of premium seating, with 70% of the revenue target already achieved. Beyond its financial goals, the facility is designed for year-round use, hosting concerts and events to maximize its impact.
Looking forward, the project reflects Boise State’s ambition to lead among athletics programs nationally. The project sets the stage for future developments, such as improving the east side of the stadium and enhancing premium spaces in ExtraMile Arena. Managed by Boise State’s Architectural and Engineering Services in collaboration with Andersen Construction and other partners, the North End Zone Project is a cornerstone of the university’s vision for future athletic excellence.
“We are dedicated to continually improving the student experience and growing the positive impacts we have on our community and our state,” said Alicia Estey, Chief Financial and Operating Officer and Vice President for Finance and Operations. “The North End Zone project is a priority for our entire university and we are excited to have reached this milestone.”