Why is BSU Turf Blue?

The History of Blue Turf

In 2010, Boise State University and the company FieldTurf made headlines when their unique cobalt blue football field was unveiled. It was the first collegiate football field to have a non-green surface. The color blue was a bold choice, to put it mildly, but it's important to understand the history of the blue turf to understand why it came to be.

When BSU was first established, their football field was actually natural grass. In the 1970s, like many other teams, they moved to the artificial turf surface that was all the rage at the time. At the time, the blue turf was installed in an attempt to stand out from the rest of the country. The blue color was chosen to reflect Boise State's deep blue skies and it quickly became a beloved symbol of the university.

The Controversy Over Blue Turf

In the years since the blue turf was installed, there has been a lot of debate about its merits. Some people argue that it is a beautiful and unique surface that makes BSU football games more exciting. Others maintain that it is a gimmick that is more distracting than anything else. There have even been some complaints that the blue turf is dangerous for players, as it can make it difficult to see the football and can lead to injuries.

Despite the debate, the blue turf has remained in place at Boise State and has become one of the most recognizable features of the university. It's a reminder of the school's unique identity and its willingness to take risks.

The Advantages of Blue Turf

There are a few advantages to having a blue turf football field. First, it is more visible than a green field, especially on television. This makes it easier for fans to follow the game, and it can also help to attract new fans to the sport. Second, blue turf can be more durable than green turf, as it is less likely to fade in the sun. It is also a bit easier to clean, as dirt and grass stains are less visible on blue turf.

The Disadvantages of Blue Turf

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to having a blue turf football field. First, it can be more expensive to install and maintain than a green field. This is because blue turf requires special dyes and materials that are not typically used in green turf. Additionally, some people argue that blue turf is more distracting for players, as it can be difficult to see the football against the blue background.

Conclusion

The decision of whether or not to have a blue turf football field is a complex one. There are both advantages and disadvantages to consider. Ultimately, the decision is up to each individual school to decide what is best for their program.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why did BSU choose blue turf?

BSU chose blue turf to reflect the deep blue skies of Boise and to stand out from the rest of the country.

2. What are the advantages of blue turf?

Blue turf is more visible than green turf, it is more durable, and it is easier to clean.

3. What are the disadvantages of blue turf?

Blue turf can be more expensive to install and maintain than green turf, and it can be more distracting for players.

4. Is blue turf dangerous?

There is no evidence that blue turf is dangerous for players. In fact, some studies have shown that it may be safer than green turf, as it is less likely to cause concussions.

5. Will other schools switch to blue turf?

It is possible that other schools will switch to blue turf in the future. However, it is also possible that blue turf will remain a unique feature of Boise State University.