Boise State Sold Retired Stadium Memorabilia
The university partnered with CollectU and Buck's Bags to turn field turf and old banners into consumer goods.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Would you pay for memorabilia made from old stadium materials, such as turf or banners?
Boise State Athletics has launched an initiative to sell retired stadium equipment, including authentic pieces of the iconic blue turf. The department is working with outside firms to repurpose historical materials to support student-athlete resources.
Why it matters
The program blends sustainable waste reduction with revenue generation for athletics programs. By repurposing legacy stadium components, the university provides fans with tangible pieces of sports history while funding student operations.
The athletic department is selling 2019 turf pieces for $40 to $50 each, while premium shadowboxes containing 1986 field material are priced at $300. The collection features materials salvaged from Albertsons Stadium.
The players
Boise State Athletics
This is the university department responsible for managing collegiate sports programs and student-athlete resources.
CollectU
This company specializes in creating licensed memorabilia and fan collectibles from retired sports equipment.
Buck's Bags
This manufacturer has collaborated with the university since 1992 to produce consumer products from recycled materials.
Gene Bleymaier
He is the former athletic director whose signature appears on the photos included in the turf shadowboxes.
Roberto Bergerson
He is the professional who connected the university administration with the memorabilia firm CollectU in 2025.
The details
CollectU creates custom display cases using turf originally installed at Albertsons Stadium in 1986, which was discovered in an old indoor racket-ball court. Additionally, Buck's Bags uses retired stadium banners combined with standard fabrics to manufacture drawstring and duffel bags.
Timeline
1986: The original blue turf was installed in Albertsons Stadium.
1992: Buck's Bags began its long-term collaboration with Boise State.
2019: Boise State replaced the sixth rendition of the blue field turf.
2026: The university partnered with CollectU to expand memorabilia offerings.
Fall 2026: Boise State and CollectU plan to expand the product collection.
Market Landscape
This program aligns with the broader collegiate trend of sustainable venue operations, where institutions look to monetize infrastructure lifecycles. It positions Boise State alongside other major programs that leverage historical fan assets to drive alternative revenue streams.
Fans and collectors can now purchase verified pieces of university history through the new partnership channels. These sales directly support student-athletes, providing a new way for supporters to contribute to the department while acquiring branded gear.
The takeaway
Repurposing stadium materials offers a creative solution for athletic departments to manage facility waste while engaging local fanbases. Readers interested in sustainable consumer goods should look for similar collaborations that prioritize circular economy practices.
What happens next
Boise State and CollectU are scheduled to release an expanded collection of memorabilia products in the fall of 2026.
Further reading
Discover more about similar initiatives in the Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Arbiter.
Live Poll
Would you pay for memorabilia made from old stadium materials, such as turf or banners?
