Learn why the band isn’t going

BOISE -- They’ve never missed a Boise State bowl game -- until now.

The Blue Thunder Marching Band is staying home and won’t be traveling to Hawaii.

The loudest Boise State supporters in the nation will not be there for the Broncos' Hawaii Bowl appearance on Dec. 23rd.

It’s the first bowl game the band has ever missed and the decision to stay home comes down to money.

The WAC will give Boise State about $400,000, plus airfare for travel expenses to the bowl game.

Normally, there would be enough cash left over to send the band, if Boise State were heading to Memphis, or Fort Worth, or just staying in Boise.

But with the high cost of airfare and hotel rooms on the islands, a trip to paradise for hundreds of students playing instruments just isn’t feasible this year. 

Also, it’s finals week at Boise State.

So, the fans that are making the trip to Hawaii will have to be just that much louder.

And if you can't afford the to cheer on the Broncos in person, you can donate a ticket to military members stationed on the islands, and fill the seats with Bronco fans in fatigues.

Contact the BSU ticket office for more information. The school will match donated tickets one-for-one.