O’Brien FieldCharleston, Illinois
Eastern Illinois Panthers
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📖About O’Brien Field
O'Brien Field is a 10,000-seat stadium in Charleston, Illinois, home to the Eastern Illinois Panthers football program, which competes in the Ohio Valley Conference (FCS). Originally called Lincoln Field, it opened in 1970 and was designed by Atkins, Barrow & Graham, Inc. at a cost of $1.7 million. The stadium is named after EIU football and track coach Maynard O'Brien. Its current playing surface is AstroTurf RootZone 3D3, installed in 2023. The NFL's St. Louis Cardinals used the facility for summer training in 1976–77 and 1982–87.
🏛️O’Brien Field 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
Notable Moments
🎟️Visiting O’Brien Field
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
🍽️Restaurants
🏨Hotels
🎭Attractions
🅿️Parking Options
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Discover More Stadiums
Closest Stadiums to O’Brien Field
Gies Memorial Stadium
Illinois
Memorial Stadium
Indiana State Sycamores
Hancock Stadium
Illinois State Redbirds
Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium
Indiana
Ross–Ade Stadium
Purdue
Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl
Butler Bulldogs
Frequently Asked Questions About O’Brien Field
- What is the capacity of O’Brien Field?
- O’Brien Field has a seating capacity of 10,000.
- Where is O’Brien Field located?
- O’Brien Field is located in Charleston, Illinois.
- What team plays at O’Brien Field?
- O’Brien Field is the home stadium of Eastern Illinois Panthers in the OVC–Big South.
- When was O’Brien Field built?
- O’Brien Field opened in 1970.
- Where are the best seats at O’Brien Field?
- 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.
- What are the best parking tips for O’Brien Field?
- 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.
- What type of surface does O’Brien Field have?
- O’Brien Field has a astroturf rootzone 3d3 playing surface.
- What stadiums are near O’Brien Field?
- The closest stadiums to O’Brien Field are Gies Memorial Stadium (43 mi), Memorial Stadium (43 mi), Hancock Stadium (83 mi), Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium (91 mi), Ross–Ade Stadium (94 mi), Bud and Jackie Sellick Bowl (110 mi).
References
- O'Brien Field - Wikipedia ↗
- Eastern Illinois Athletics ↗
- O'Brien Field (Football) — EIU Panthers Athletics ↗
Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.