BOISE — Taking a page out of the Green Bay Packers' playbook, the Boise State athletic department will sell stock in itself.

Athletic director Gene Bleymaier announced Wednesday the establishment of "Boise State Broncos, Inc." to help improve facilities at Boise State. Fans can buy shares of stock for $100 apiece — the initial public offering is $20 million.

"The monies that we raise will go to the facility needs that we have," Bleymaier said. "... What we're appealing to, much like the Packers, is the passion of our supporters. We are nothing without the support of our donors, our boosters and our ticketholders."

The NFL's Packers used the same system in 1997 at $200 a share and sold more than 120,000 shares during the 17-week sale.

Bleymaier said Boise State is to his knowledge the only college athletic program to adopt this type of fundraising.

"This program worked tremendously for the Green Bay Packers, and we think it can work for us," Bleymaier said.

Bleymaier cited improv-ements in basketball locker rooms, the newly-named Dona Larsen Park at the former East Junior High site, a new swimming complex and south end zone expansion at Bronco Stadium as main facilities in need of upgrade. He stressed that the money will go to facilities, and could help offset costs in other areas.

"If we are to continue the success we are enjoying right now, we must generate new revenue," he said.

Bronco stockholders will be given a certificate after purchase and will have rights to vote for the election of 12 board members during an annual meeting.

The stock can be purchased through the Bronco Athletic Association at the office in the Allen Noble Hall of Fame or by phone at 426-3556. They will be available at BroncoSports.com in the next few days.