Trip too expensive for most fans

BOISE -- Bronco Nation is certainly known for its enthusiastic fans, but the orange and blue may not be turning out in force for the big dance.

They call it Bronco Nation because its fan base is very proud and supportive -- it snapped up 17,500 Fiesta Bowl Tickets and traveled to Phoenix last year.

But an unfortunate combination of timing, price and distance has made a trip to the NCAA basketball tournament impossible for most.

"Really and truly there's no comparison because they're such different events.  This is such a short turn around.  The Fiesta Bowl everybody had a month to plan to make arrangements and this, you have two days and we're not within driving distance, that's another really hard thing people can't just hop in the car and drive," said Anita Guerricabeitia, BSU ticket office.

At the BSU ticket office, not a single supporter came in or called for tickets while we were there.  Between season pass holders and students -- less than a hundred tickets were purchased before it was opened to the general public.

In large part because the game is in Alabama -- the first time Boise State has ever played outside the Western Region.

“I think it were Anaheim or Denver, we'd be busy as all get out, but Birmingham's a long way away," said Guerricabeitia.

Global Travel chartered planes to transport hundreds to the Fiesta Bowl -- this year there's only been a handful of queries for basketball in Birmingham, and so far no takers.

"The timing of this one has just been difficult," said Diana Rolig, Global Travel.  "The seats are very limited, period, because this is the beginning of spring break for the Boise Valley -- so, if seats are available to Birmingham, they're at a full coach price."

And that is a steep price to pay -- $1,300 a ticket!

So it appears most of Bronco Nation will stay home for this one -- forced to cheer at their television sets instead of rooting for the team in person.

Tickets sales did pick up once it opened to the general public.      

About 200 have now been sold, but it's hard to say whether those went to Bronco fans or Louisville fans. 

Once it's opened to the public -- anyone, anywhere can buy them.