From unique domes to a one-of-a-kind blue field, Idaho’s three public universities are home to some of the more distinctive football stadiums in the country. “Gridiron Innovations,” a new episode of the Idaho Public Television series Idaho Experience, explores the history and innovation behind the design and construction of each stadium, as well as the contribution each facility has made to Idaho’s identity.
The program traces how the University of Idaho Kibbie Dome, Idaho State University’s ICCU Dome, and Boise State University’s Albertsons Stadium became symbols of innovation. From the engineering behind the Kibbie Dome's sweeping roof to the Minidome's place as the first indoor stadium built on a college campus, the show explores how bold ideas helped shape facilities that were unique in college athletics at the time.
That spirit of creativity is visible in the segment about Boise State University where the now-famous blue turf transformed a football field into a national landmark. According to producer Eric Westrom, the idea came from Athletic Director Gene Bleimeyer on a flight to an NCAA convention. “He said they were getting ready to replace the turf at Boise State. He kept thinking, ‘If I do another green field, no one’s going to notice.’ And that worked out.” The decision made Boise State instantly recognizable.
Westrom says he learned something new about all three facilities. “I didn’t know that the Minidome was the first collegiate dome, or appreciate the engineering that went into creating the Kibbie Dome’s wooden roof. Or that Bleimeyer tested out his idea for blue turf by adjusting the color on a TV set during a baseball broadcast.”
More than football stadiums, these facilities reflect Idaho’s spirit of innovation, creativity, and ambition. Through the stories behind these landmarks, viewers will discover how bold ideas at Idaho's public universities left a lasting mark on the state and beyond. “Gridiron Innovations” airs Thursday, Oct. 22, at 8 p.m. as part of an evening that features two broadcast premieres, in-studio guests, and exclusive behind-the-scenes stories.