Originally published Wednesday, January 12, 2011 at 1:24 PM

Huskies will play Boise State in first game at renovated Husky Stadium in 2013

The Huskies will play the 2011 Apple Cup and the entire 2012 home season at Qwest Field while Husky Stadium is renovated. They'll return in 2013 and will open with a game against Boise State on Sept. 7 at Husky Stadium.

By Bob Condotta

Seattle Times staff reporter

Latest from the Husky Football & Basketball blogs

The University of Washington didn't look far for what it considers a marquee way to open the renovated Husky Stadium in 2013.

The school announced Wednesday that UW will debut the remodeled stadium with a game on Sept. 7, 2013 against Boise State. The contract also calls for the Huskies to make a trip to Boise to play the Broncos on Sept. 19, 2015. Washington would have to pay a $1 million penalty if it didn't play the game at Boise in 2015.

Boise State finished the 2010 season ranked ninth in the AP poll after finishing 12-1.

"Historically, the Huskies at Husky Stadium have taken on great opponents," coach Steve Sarkisian said in a news release. "And not just in the Pac-10 now going to be the Pac-12 but in the nonconference schedule, as well. Having the first game at Husky Stadium against Boise State is something special."

The school's website reported that Boise State will get $350,000 for coming to UW, and the Huskies will get the same when they visit Boise.

Washington will open the next two seasons against Eastern Washington (2011) and Portland State (2012), having made a conscious decision to downgrade its nonconference schedules. Washington has been one of the few FBS teams not to play a team from the FCS, a status that will change when the Eagles visit next September.

But with the renovated stadium set to open in 2013 the Huskies wanted to open it against a team with more name recognition.

Washington and Boise State have played just once, a 24-10 Huskies victory in Seattle in 2007.

Washington's nonconference slate next year also includes a home game with Hawaii before a trip to Nebraska on Sept. 17.

In 2012, when UW will play all of its home games at Qwest Field while Husky Stadium is being renovated, UW will host Portland State and Nevada and then play at Louisiana State.

In 2013, after opening vs. Boise State, the Huskies travel to Illinois.

Bob Condotta: 206-515-5699 or bcondotta@seattletimes.com

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