A custom Boise State jersey starts with one question most programs never have to ask: how will it look on a blue field? Boise State unveiled the nation's first non-green artificial football field on September 13, 1986, and the blue turf has shaped how fans think about Broncos colors ever since. That history gives you a handful of good ideas for the name, number and color on a custom order.
How the Blue Turf Happened
According to Boise State University, then-Athletic Director Gene Bleymaier chose blue for the new artificial surface after the idea came up in a staff meeting. The field debuted on September 13, 1986, and Boise State beat Humboldt State 74-0 in front of 17,465 fans.
The turf has since become part of the school's identity. The university holds a federal trademark on blue artificial turf, and the 250th game played on it was a 27-19 win over Air Force in 2023.
Number Ideas With a Turf Connection
If you want a number that carries a story, the blue turf timeline offers several:
- 86 for 1986, the year the blue field debuted.
- 74 for the 74-0 score in the very first game on the turf. It also fits an offensive or defensive lineman's number range.
- 13 for September 13, the debut date.
- 11 if you want to borrow a familiar Broncos quarterback number. Boise State jerseys in circulation include Kellen Moore #11, the version pictured above.
Other Broncos Numbers You Will See
Recent Boise State jerseys also carry Latrell Caples #3 and Sire Gaines #26 in a 2025 Vapor style, and Maddux Madsen #4 in royal with a "Back To Back Champions" label. You can reuse any of these numbers with your own surname, which keeps the jersey personal while still nodding to a current roster look.
Name Ideas for the Back
- Your surname, the most common and always a good choice.
- BLUE or SMURF TURF, the playful nickname many fans use for the field, if you want a jersey that is clearly about the turf.
- BRONCOS, short and easy to read.
- A family name with a class year for a Boise State graduate.
Choosing a Color That Works on Blue
Boise State's royal blue and orange show up across jersey styles. Because the field itself is blue, color choice matters more than at most schools:
- Royal blue is the classic home look and matches the field. It is the most recognizable Broncos color.
- White creates the most contrast against the turf, and numbers stand out in photos.
- Orange is the boldest choice and easy to spot in a crowd.
If you plan to take photos at a game, white or orange will stand out more against the blue background than a royal jersey will.
Before You Order
- Type the name exactly as you want it to appear, and keep it short if possible.
- Confirm the number on the front, back and sleeves.
- Check the size chart for the style you picked; football cuts are wider through the shoulders.
- Read the seller's custom-order policy, since personalized jerseys are made to your spelling.
Care Tips
Wash inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle and hang to dry. Avoid bleach and high heat, which can loosen numbers and fade bright colors like orange faster than darker shades.
See the Options
To compare colors and numbers before you decide, start with these custom Boise State jerseys and test a few name and number combinations.
Most college jerseys are designed to look good on green grass. A Boise State jersey is designed for something more unusual, and a custom number like 86 or 74 is a quiet nod to the day the field turned blue.