Idaho and Boise State are the only two FBS programs in the state of Idaho and as a result, there is a strong rivalry between these two schools. The rivalry began in 1971 when the Broncos took down the Vandals 42-14. Since then the rivalry has seen a series of winning streaks including a 12 game streak for the Vandals from 1982 to 1993.

Battle of the Palouse

Rival Team: Washington State Cougars

Washington State University and the University of Idaho are less than eight miles apart, which has led to the creation of a strong rivalry between these two schools. The rivalry spans over multiple sports with football being the most prominent. The Cougars lead the all-time series 71-61-3 and will have an eight-game winning streak, but the Vandals will look to put an end to that streak when these two teams meet in 2016.

Little Brown Stein

Rival Team: Montana Grizzlies

The Little Brown Stein is awarded to the winner when Idaho and Montana get together on the gridiron. There is a lot history between these two rivals with the rivalry dating back to 1903 when Idaho shutout Montana 28-0. Both schools were also founding members of the Big Sky Conference in 1963. The rivalry has remained dormant though for some time as these two schools have not met on the gridiron since 2003, so make sure to be in attendance when they finally get together and renew their bad blood.

Vandals Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Idaho fans love to come out and party in support of their Vandals. It can get quite cold in Moscow during the waning months of the season, but that doesn’t stop the diehards from dawning on the black, silver, and gold to cheer on their team.

At Idaho, there is a strong sense of community among the fans, who despite the Vandals lack of recent success still come out in strong numbers to support their team. Everyone you’ll meet is very friendly and would be more than happy to have a few drinks with you as long as you bring something to share. The strong family-like bonds between Vandals fans go a long way towards making tailgating at Idaho an exceptional experience.

One of the key components of a Vandals tailgate is drinking. The fans here party hard, which is definitely needed when braving the cold temperatures found in Moscow during late October and November. The fans here love to get rowdy and cheer on their Vandals, so come prepared to drink when attending a game in Moscow.

There is also a lot of Vandals pride on display at Idaho tailgates. You’ll find lots of black and gold tents as well as you’ll notice that everywhere you look fans are dressed head to toe in Vandals gear. The band and spirit squad perform come through the parking lots and perform, and you’ll even have the opportunity to take in the team walk before the game as well.

The strong sense of community and Vandals pride create a unique tailgate atmosphere that will ensure you’ll have a great time during your visit to the Kibbie Dome.

Traditions

Team Walk

Make sure to catch the Vandals team walk that takes place a couple hours before the game. The walk offers you an excellent chance to see the team up close and is a great way to get pumped up as well.

Idaho Fan Zone

The Idaho Fan Zone opens three hours before kickoff and provides a wide array of pre-game activities that are perfect for football fans. Here you’ll be able to find live music, food, and plenty to drink, so stop by before entering the Kibbie Dome.

Where to tailgate

Idaho Fan Zone

Parking Lots

If you’re looking to set up a raging tailgate party of your own then there is no better place to do so than right outside the Kibbie Dome in the parking lots. Here you’ll find some of the most diehard Vandals fans around drinking and grilling before heading into the Kibbie Dome to watch their Vandals.

Vandals Stadium Guide

In Game

The Vandals have played at the Kibbie Dome since 1971. However, it did not become a domed stadium until 1975. The Kibbie Dome is also the home to the Idaho Vandals basketball team and is one of the most unique stadiums in all of college sports.

The Kibbie Dome is the smallest venue in college football seating only 16,000, which creates a cozy feeling that you won’t find anywhere else. You won’t find a bad seat in the house with stands on both sidelines providing superb views of the field.

The fans come out in large numbers to support the Vandals when the team is doing well and play a large role in creating the strong home field advantage that you can find in Idaho. Even when the team isn’t doing well, there are still plenty of diehards filling up the stands. The dome can be quite loud when things get rocking creating an intimidating atmosphere for both opposing players and fans.

The cozy feel and loud acoustics of the Kibbie Dome will make you feel like you’re somewhere special when taking in a Vandals game.

Things to check out

Championship and Retired Number Banners

Hanging from the rafters of the Kibbie Dome you’ll find a slew of banners honoring all-time great Vandals in a variety of sports. These banners are a must see for Idaho fans, so keep your eyes peeled for them when attending a game in the Kibbie Dome.

Arched Roof

The Kibbie Dome’s arched roof made entirely of wood is one of a kind and something you won’t find at any other college football stadium. The award-winning roof is something to behold and a big part of what makes the Kibbie Dome such a one of a kind venue.

Hanging Goal Posts

Another unique aspect of the Kibbie Dome is the fact the goal posts hang from the wall of the building. Most goal posts attach to the ground, so make sure to take note of this unique quirk of the Kibbie Dome when taking in a game.

Joe Vandal

The Idaho mascot Joe Vandal can be found on the sidelines of every Idaho home game. The mascot has been entertaining crowds since the late ‘50s, so keep your eyes peeled for him when attending a Vandals game.

The Sound of Idaho Marching Band

The band performs all throughout game day with performances before and during the game. While the band can be seen at the tailgate, their premier performances are during the pre-game and halftime shows. The Sound of Idaho Marching Band puts on an outstanding halftime show that any big time college football fan would appreciate, so make sure to enjoy the show during your trip to Moscow.

Spirit Squad

At Vandals games the cheer team, dance team, and mascot plays a significant role in energizing the crowd and getting everyone on their feet to cheer on the Vandals. Their efforts go a long way in creating a spirited environment at Idaho games, which go a long way in providing the excellent game day experience you’ll find in the Kibbie Dome.

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