Boise, ID

There is always one thing that makes the coming of fall a little more bearable as the waning days of summer make me feel like a little kid dreading the return of school days: college football. I love everything about football season. I love breaking out the school colors, barbequing gluttonous food, getting together with friends, watching the upsets, and drinking a couple beers. No matter where you are in the country, game day is always filled with enthusiasm and energy, and Boise State game day does not disappoint.
I went to school in a small, college town in the PAC 10 conference, so I had my doubts when I moved back home to Boise that Saturdays would live up to my expectations. I wasn’t disappointed. My boyfriend and our friends walked to the game from my house in the east end. As we made our way along the greenbelt towards the stadium, people were tailgating in the parking lots and kids were throwing footballs in every patch of grass they could possibly justify as big enough for their makeshift fields. Radios and TVs blared other college football games that were going on around the nation, and you couldn’t help but get a sense that you were part of this greater phenomenon that happens all across the country every Saturday.

Once we got to the stadium parking lot, we were impressed by the mosaic of orange and blue canopies erected to shield prized pasta salads and cold beer from the heat of the sun. Tailgating parties ranged from the basics (yes, some people actually still tailgate on their tailgate) to the works (huge flat screen TVs in the backs of trailers—needless to say these people had the most friends!). We stopped by to see some friends from high school and eat some hot dogs. Their tailgating spot along University Avenue provided prime people watching opportunities and even the chance to mingle with fans from the opposing team. I’ve gone to two games this season—both the opener against Idaho State and the second home game against Bowling Green—and was impressed by the sportsmanship of fans at both games.

Inside the stadium the view is stunning. Our seats face east and sit in the shadow of the impressive new addition of suites on the west side. Our seats get the afternoon shade (which won’t be so great in a few more games when the temperatures start to dip!) and beautiful views of downtown and Table Rock, especially in the orange evening light. The sunset made me think of a bumper sticker I saw the other day that went something like this: If God isn’t a Bronco fan, why are sunsets orange? It gave me a good laugh, especially since I’m an Oregon State Beaver. So even if, like me, you didn’t attend Boise State, wear your orange and blue, support the home team, and be a part of the greatest thing about the fall season: Game Day.