BOISE, Idaho — The blue turf that brought fame to Boise State University's athletic stadium will be refreshed this year.
Boise State has received permission from Idaho's Permanent Building Fund Advisory Council, a board charged with approving state public works projects, to spend up to $600,000 to replace the iconic blue turf at Albertsons Stadium, the Idaho Statesman reported.
"It's needed," said athletic director Curt Apsey. "We're not just doing it to do it. It's near the end of the usual lifespan."
Artificial turf fields typically last eight to 10 years. Boise State last replaced its field in 2010. Work will begin after spring football practice and finish in time for fall practices.
Apsey estimated the final cost at between $600,000 and $1 million. The turf will remain Bronco Blue but will cover a larger area.
Turf will extend to the stands on the west side of the stadium and up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) extra on the east side. Extending it all the way to the east stands would limit planned future renovations.
Boise State football coach Bryan Harsin last summer called for a replacement field as it showed wear and tear. Harsin said the sidelines were no longer straight and BYU returned an interception for a touchdown in 2016 thanks to a curved sideline.
"The field is shredding," Harsin said last summer. "It's just old. It needs to be replaced. It's just time."
Boise State turned its playing surface blue in 1986 under former athletic director Gene Bleymaier. It was the first non-green artificial football field in the country.
Blue turf was replaced in 1995, 2002, 2008 and 2010.
