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NCAA FCS

O’Brien FieldCharleston, Illinois

Eastern Illinois Panthers

👥
Capacity
10,000
🏆
Conference
OVC–Big South
📅
Opened
1970
🌱
Surface
N/A

📖About O’Brien Field

O'Brien Field is a 10,000-seat stadium in Charleston, Illinois, home to Eastern Illinois Panthers football since 1970. The stadium is named after Maynard "Pat" O'Brien, a longtime coach and athletic director at Eastern Illinois.

🏛️History

Origins

The stadium was built in 1970 to replace Lincoln Field, providing the Panthers with a modern facility befitting their growing program. Named after Maynard "Pat" O'Brien, who served as coach and athletic director from 1946-1974.

Major Renovations

2010New artificial turf installed
2012Video scoreboard added in south end zone

Notable Moments

Sep 1, 1978First playoff game - Panthers defeated Youngstown State
2013Walter Payton Award winner Jimmy Garoppolo final home game

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

West side bleachers provide shade for afternoon games. The north end zone student section creates an energetic atmosphere. Seats near midfield on either side offer best views of the action.

Parking Tips

O'Brien Stadium lot is primary gameday parking. Campus lots fill 2 hours before kickoff. Consider street parking in residential areas east of campus for free options.

Game Day

Arrive early for tailgating in designated lots. The Pink Panthers dance team and Panther mascot lead pregame festivities. Eastern Illinois is known for its strong football tradition and NFL alumni.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Uptowner

$

Classic college bar with game day specials and Panthers memorabilia.

📍 1 mile623 Monroe Ave

🍽️Restaurants

Panther Paw

$

Campus dining hall and food court with various options.

📍 0.5 miles

Marty's Bar & Grill

$$

Local sports bar with burgers and wings.

📍 1.2 miles

🏨Hotels

Best Western Charleston

$$

Budget-friendly hotel near campus with complimentary breakfast.

📍 2 miles

🎭Attractions

Tarble Arts Center

Free

Free admission art museum on EIU campus.

📍 0.7 miles

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

O'Brien Stadium Lot

$5
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Primary gameday lot, arrive 2 hours early

🅿️

Campus Lots W/N

Free
Lot📍 0.4 miles

💡 Free parking in designated campus lots on gameday

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near O’Brien Field? Share it with us.

Stadiums Near O’Brien Field

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.