Get Noisy, Boise

Understanding that this headline reinforces the improper pronunciation of the name of our fair city—it still serves as a public notice to Bronco fans who plan on attending tomorrow night's game. In 2005, the Bowling Green Falcons made the trip from Ohio only to be buried 48-20 by the Broncos. The Falcons had highly-touted QB Omar Jacobs and a scary spread offense that had nearly beaten Wisconsin the week prior...and they had the no-huddle. The no-huddle doesn't work in Bronco Stadium (at least for visitors)...and the Falcons still run it. Remember last year's win over a no-huddling Wyoming team that had coach Joe Glenn claiming that the Broncos were illegally "piping in" crowd noise to throw them off their game? Well, Bronco fans now know that Joe Glenn was/is nuttier than a fruitcake and no crowd noise was actually being pumped in, but we certainly don't blame Glenn for thinking that—the stadium was a-rockin' and the no-huddle wasn't a-knockin'...on the door....of the endzone...ahh forget it. My point is that the no-huddle offense (which the Broncos are fiddling with this season) didn't work for Wyoming in Bronco Stadium last season and it certainly didn't work for Bowling Green in 2005—stands to reason that we should get a little loud tomorrow night, eh? Who's with me?

Now seems like a good time to reinforce some fundamentals of stadium noise-making.



Catch the fever.

Better get crackin'

With only about 8 weeks left until wrapping up construction, Layton needs to be burning the midnight oil on the Bronco Stadium expansion. You've come a long way, baby...but as this video from the Arbiter shows...they've got some finishin' to do. During the video, it appears that some prep work on the new turf is underway as well. Oh boy!

Stadium expansion complete!

...on a bit smaller scale. Word on the street is that a Lincoln Logs concourse and a K'nex video board will be added in the next few days.

*Thanks to Sean Harris for this great Lego model.

Poor "vision"

Over the next few weeks, I'll be discussing ways to improve the overall gameday atmosphere at Bronco Stadium. The Broncos don't lose often on the blue, and that is partially because of the huge homefield advantage gained by playing at Lyle Smith field...but there are certainly things we could all do to make that advantage even greater.

The video screen at Texas' Darrell K. Royal Stadium is known as "Godzillatron". By comparison, Boise State's video screen might well be called "Hapless Tokyo citizen". Bronco Stadium, whose north endzone is adorned with the aptly named "BroncoVision" video board, has had it's share of improvements and upgrades over the years. Yes, even the inclusion of the video board was a big step up from what the stadium used to have...but the time has come to upgrade BroncoVision...and in a big way.

Now, with new turf going in this summer and the pressbox/luxury suites invading the skyline, this offseason may not be the best one for a video board overhaul. But the paltry display that adorns Lyle Smith field right now simply cannot keep pace with the other stadium advancements. South endzone types must have the eyes of a fighter pilot to be able to see BroncoVision...and don't get me started on some of Bronco Stadium's...well...more seasoned fans (bluehairs). I don't want to squint anymore to realize that the refs need to be roundly booed.

We're not asking for a Godzillatron, Athletic Department, we'd settle for Mothra-tron or Megalon-tron. Just please give us something bigger than the CBH touchdown lounge.

Fresno State installed a 24' x 32' screen in '06, and we all know that Boise State's unofficial motto is "if Fresno State can do it, so can we". Dig deep Bronco fans, and let's help give BroncoVision the makeover it deserves.

Simply put: we need more cowbell

Over the next few weeks, I'll be discussing ways to improve the overall gameday atmosphere at Bronco Stadium. The Broncos don't lose often on the blue, and that is partially because of the huge homefield advantage gained by playing at Lyle Smith field...but there are certainly things we could all do to make that advantage even greater.

Suggestion 2 — More cowbell


If you sit in the North Endzone, you are probably well acquainted with the cowbell...while those that sit on the lower west side of Bronco Stadium are more familiar with the french horn. Which instrument is scientifically proven to both rock and strike fear into the hearts of men? Why it is the unassuming cowbell.

The history of the cowbell reads like a rich tapestry. It was invented during the bronze age as a way to keep tabs on livestock in the fertile crescent of the African delta. Soon after, villagers discovered it was a useful tool in driving away invading warriors (and Rainbow Warriors to this very day). Then nothing really happened for a few thousand years until Blue Oyster Cult rediscovered this most ancient of noisemakers and suddenly: the cowbell rocked!

By viewing the above video...proper technique for bellin' can be observed. Bronco Stadium, simply put, needs more cowbell. So all of you loyal Bronco fans head on down to D&B Supply and pick up a cowbell and go home and practice. Once you feel you've properly mastered the ancient art of the cowbell—you are ready terrorize Bronco foes and raucously celebrate a Bronco victory.

*Remember, some level of decorum must be followed while utilizing the cowbell. We aren't savages.

Suggestion 1 for improving Bronco Stadium atmosphere can be found HERE.

Ways to improve Bronco Stadium atmosphere

Over the next few weeks, I'll be discussing ways to improve the overall gameday atmosphere at Bronco Stadium. The Broncos don't lose often on the blue, and that is partially because of the huge homefield advantage gained by playing at Lyle Smith field...but there are certainly things we could all do to make that advantage even greater.

Suggestion 1 — Improve clapping output


Most of us loyal Bronco fans like to clap and make noise when our team does well or when we are on Defense...but I would say that the majority are only maybe clapping 1 to 2 times per second. Kent "Toast" French can clap 721 times per minute! Can you imagine if Bronco Stadium could collectively improve our clapping potential by 6x! Can you imagine the mind games that opponents would face as Bronco Stadium put up castanet-like clapping exhibitions during their offensive huddle? The Broncos would be unstoppable!

I propose a concerted fundraising effort to get Kent French to come to the Boise and give a clapping seminar so that average Bronco fans can triple or even quadruple their clapping output. Remember the 3 keys to football success are 1. Coaching 2. Player talent and 3. Clapping. Mr. French, we need you desperately.

Stadium Expansion Webcam

Lots of stuff going down (and up) at Bronco Stadium — Here's a webcam to check their progress. If you see anyone just leaning on their shovels, get down there quick and tell them to get back to work! Kidding, of course, they are doing a good job. Got one light standard down yesterday and looks like another one is about to follow suit.

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