Bronco Nation sent Broncos off to Fiesta Bowl in style

BOISE -- Tonight, Bronco Nation had the opportunity to send-off the Boise State football team in style.

Before the team leaves for the Tostito's Fiesta Bowl, fans had an opportunity to wish them luck in person.

The football team was at the Bronco men's basketball game for a pregame meet and greet.

Tipoff was at 7:05 pm, but the festivities begin an hour earlier.

Players were excited with the turn out, and fans loved the one on one opportunity with the men they watch play every week.

"We've been around the team, and as big as fans as you could be for 25 years," said Tim Steger.

Tim Steger and his wife Pam showed up an hour before tip off at the Boise State Montana State basketball game for one reason.

"I came to get a picture with Kyle Wilson. And who's jersey are you wearing right now? Kyle Wilson's," said Pam Steger.

"When you see your jersey, when you go to the super market and just walking around anywhere in the community and definitely open your eyes, we've got something special here," said Kyle Wilson.

Special enough to bring out hundreds of fans of all ages, each, having their own reasons.

"So I could meet some Boise State Football players. Who's your favorite? Kellen Moore," said Tyler Evans.

"Because we love the Broncos," said Kami Evans.

"It's awesome. You have people come out and take pictures. It kind of shows you how much everybody appreciates what you do, and everything we done this year as a team," said Richie Brockel.

Senior Captains Richie Brockel and Kyle Wilson both stood with fans grinning ear to ear recognizing the impact they have on these young fans.

"You can tell when the kids kind of are wide eyed, and they come up to you and you can tell they're looking up to you and they really, they're just too scared to talk to you, because you know how they feel about you," said Brockel.

"It's grown like that. Definitely being a role model around here, you've got to appreciate that and really make the most of that, so I enjoy doing anything with the community," said Wilson.

"We're only as strong as our fan base and I think we all know how great Bronco Nation is," said Coach Chris Petersen.

Head Coach Chris Peterson was also on hand for pictures and autographs.

"The more that people get around our kids, I think the more appreciative people are of what's going on here. That's by far the best thing we have. We got great kids," said Petersen.

Then, during halftime Peterson, Brockel and Wilson all spoke to the crowd about the upcoming BCS Bowl Game.

"We're looking forward to one game left and making University of Phoenix Stadium Bronco Stadium for one night," said Wilson.

They even did a little halftime entertainment.

"It's really fun. I enjoy coming down here," said Libby Evans.

"Go Broncos! Go Broncos! We're going to win," said Pam and Tim Steger.

Even though the farewell for the team was Wednesday, the team doesn't actually leave until Monday.