ExtraMile Arena – Boise State Broncos
- Ben Alkaly
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
ExtraMile Arena 1401 Bronco Ln Boise, ID 88725
Year Opened: 1982
Capacity: 12,820
Going the ExtraMile to Deliver a Great Fan Experience
Boise State has made its mark in college athletics as a football school, but a visit to ExtraMile Arena proves that basketball hardly plays second fiddle. In the Spud State’s Capitol, a high-energy hoops experience awaits Bronco fans.
Opened in 1982 as the BSU Pavilion and sitting adjacent to the trademark blue turf of the university’s imposing Albertson Stadium, the arena saw a 15-year run as Taco Bell Arena end in 2019 when convenience store chain ExtraMile signed on as naming rights sponsor for $8.4M over 15 years.
In addition to serving as home for the Bronco men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and women’s gymnastics teams, ExtraMile hosts concerts for national touring acts, plus BSU’s graduation ceremonies and those of local high schools.
Food & Beverage 4
You can’t walk the two concourses (Parquet – first level and Mezzanine – second level) for too long without encountering a concession stand. Standard stadium fare dominates, but there are specialty options like BBQ, pizza, and Mexican, from outposts of local eateries. My $14 steak burrito from La Tapatia, prepared at a cart, was a bit bland, clearly catering to those who like their salsa mild. Most entrees throughout the arena are priced in the same range, with snacks hovering around $4-$7, including BSU-branded potato chips.
The craft beer craze is alive and well in Boise, with selections like Kona Big Wave, Golden Horseshoe, and Westwater available, some on tap and others canned. Expect to pay $12-$15 for a cold one, with domestics plus wine and seltzer on the lower end of the spectrum. There is no hard alcohol at ExtraMile Arena.
Atmosphere 4
Approaching the main entrance of ExtraMile Arena in its southeast corner, you know you’re headed for a well-staged college sports event. There’s a bright video marquee and an NBA feel to the venue. Bronco fans appeared to be an early-arriving crowd, walking and mingling on the concourses in a sea of blue branded gear, where mascot Buster is roaming and eager for photo ops. The dedicated student fan section is called the Corral, and in addition to seats behind the basket, students are enticed with free Domino’s pizza.
Pregame intros involve swirling lights, flames shooting in the air, and deafening hip-hop to get the crowd energized.
A cavernous, three-level arena means those removed from the action might not catch everything, so there are flat-screen TVs positioned throughout to provide close-ups, including on the underside of the third deck for those at the back of the second level.
Neighborhood 3
Most of the pregame action is found southeast of ExtraMile and Albertsons Stadium along Broadway, with classic college sports bars like The End Zone and Suds Tavern interspersed with inexpensive eateries spanning the culinary gamut. Allow for a brisk 15 minute walk to reach the arena.
About a mile north, across the Boise River in downtown is the Baque Block, with shops and eateries owned by the city’s sizeable community with roots in Spain’s Basque region. Expect hearty, meat-based fare.
Fans 4
The halo effect from years of football success, plus a number of March Madness appearances under current head coach Leon Rice has cultivated a passionate Boise State fan base. As is often the case in cities without pro sports, this is “the big show in town,” attracting the current student body, alums, and local families alike. Boise State basketball fans are a loud and knowledgeable bunch, enthusiastically supporting players for strong plays.
Access 3
Expect to get your steps in when attending a game at Extra Mile Arena. The lots adjacent the basketball and football venues, to the north of University Dr., are reserved for season ticket holders and donors. Casual fans are instructed to park in the school-owned lots and garages south of University, where attendants are on-hand to collect the $10 fee. I was able to find free street parking on Denver Ave., after carefully examining the posted restrictions and confirming with a BSU employee. I was grateful to return postgame and not find a ticket!
Return on Investment 4
Like most venues, how close you sit determines the cost of admission. Upper mezzanine tickets can be had around $15, to premium courtside seats in the triple-digits. Tickets are readily available on third-party apps, which is where I purchased mine. I opted for a center court seat near at the top of level of the Parquet level for $28.
Tickets to Boise State women’s basketball and gymnastics cost less, and the athletic department offers promos that can potentially allow you to cheer on these teams for free with the purchase of men’s tickets.
Extras 1
ExtraMile Arena has hosted the opening rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament nine times, and was the site of one of March Madness’ iconic moments. In 1995, UCLA’s Tyus Edney drove coast-to-coast in 4.8 seconds for a buzzer-beating layup to defeat Missouri 74-73 in the second round, en route to the Bruins’ national championship run.
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