Category: Uncategorized

People don’t think of Idaho as much of a sports haven. There’s not a noteworthy professional team in the state, and indeed this entire region of the country is fairly light on professional sports. But in a way, that makes the sports that are popular even more exciting. After all, Nebraska – another state that’s not generally associated with major sports – is thought to have a fan base that makes up one of the loudest groups in the nation. Boise State can’t quite make that kind of claim – but it does have a very strong football tradition that’s worth getting into if you’re in town.

That football tradition may actually be harder to notice in the greater United States than it was just a few years ago. That’s because of the College Football Playoff, which has taken focus away from traditional bowl games and put the spotlight on the top four teams in the country in any given year. For instance, last year we saw a national championship match-up pitting Alabama against Clemson – the team they beat to claim the 2015 title. That’s the kind of repetition people are used to at the very top of the game, and it means schools like those two, Ohio State, Oklahoma, and a small handful of others are traditionally going to be viewed as the best of the best.

Just a few years ago, however, Boise State was known as a perennial presence in national debate over premiere bowl games. From 2006-2012 the team amassed a cumulative record of 84-8, going undefeated twice and finishing with just one loss on three separate occasions. Those were the kinds of seasons that earned consideration for top bowl games, and still do – just not necessarily in the College Football Playoff.

All that is to say that this is a truly top-notch football program, despite belonging to a town not known for spectator sports. That alone is a good reason to check out a game if you get the chance, because the best college football experiences are always those that involve proud fans and program traditions. But the stadium itself also factors in.

Located right on Boise River and essentially across from the zoo, Albertsons Stadium is in a great spot, and a fairly easy one to find and navigate. It’s a modern stadium with great seating, satisfying food and beverage options, and droves of enthusiastic fans that provide a strong sense of atmosphere. Most famously, it’s also home to “The Blue,” the world’s first blue Astro Turf field and arguably the key identifying feature of the program. It’s a little bit difficult to explain how, but The Blue seems to foster a greater sense of unity among fans, and even between those fans and the team itself. It also make the stadium feel that much more unique at all times, and particularly during an evening game when the lights are shining down upon it.

All in all it’s a great thing to do in town, and something visitors and locals alike should consider!

As many of you may know, being from South Florida entails experiencing my own share of hurricanes. Now that I’ve lived through snow storms, tornados, ice storms – I can truly compare these natural disasters living through a hurricane. With any natural disaster, you can do as much pre-planning as possible, but you can never anticipate the destruction until the hurricane is over. I remember my family losing power for 8 long days. Another hurricane came later that year, resulting in 5 days without power.

I’ve been receiving a few direct messages asking about how you all can donate locally to help with Hurricane Harvey.  Below is a list of local companies and events that are hosting/leading efforts to help with Hurricane Harvey victims:

Roaring Springs Waterpark

Roaring Springs Water Park in Meridian is hosting a benefit concert in partnership with Project 88.7. From 6:30pm – 9:30pm Thursday August 31st, enjoy full access to roaring springs, have fun listening to music all while raising funds for Hurricane Harvey relief. ALL PROCEEDS from the show will go to the relief efforts for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Tickets are $20+tax per person online in advance. if you have a group of 15 or more,  call 208-884-8842 ext. 3031 to make advance reservations at $15+ tax per person. For more information, please visit Roaring Springs Instagram page at @roaringspringswaterparkidaho.

BBQ4Life

The owners of BBQ4Life is heading to Houston to cook for the Hurricane Harvey victims. They are driving their largest smoker to Houston next Monday. The ultimate goal is for them to bring TWO of their largest trucks to Houston. According to their Facebook page, the need the following to be donated:

• Cases of meat
• #10 cans of vegetables
• Styrofoam clam shells
• aluminum trays and lids
• paper towels
• silverware packs (pack with fork, knife. napkin, salt and pepper)
• food service gloves
• aluminum foil
• BBQ sauce
• rubs and seasonings

• nonperishable foods
• water
• diapers
• wipes
• formula
• dog/cat food
• clothes
• toothpaste
• toothbrushes
• women’s hygiene
• anything that will help