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NCAA FCS

Roos FieldCheney, Washington

Eastern Washington Eagles

👥
Capacity
8,600
🏆
Conference
Big Sky
📅
Opened
1967
🌱
Surface
N/A

📖About Roos Field

Roos Field, home to the Eastern Washington Eagles since 1967, is one of the most scenic FCS venues with a striking red turf surface installed in 2010. The 8,600-seat stadium sits on the Cheney, Washington campus and has become famous nationwide for its unique playing surface and passionate fan base.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1967 to replace Woodward Field, Roos Field was constructed to accommodate Eastern Washington's growing football program. Named after longtime athletic trainer W.W. "Red" Roos, the stadium was designed with expansion capabilities.

Major Renovations

2010Installation of iconic red "Inferno" FieldTurf replaced natural grass
2012New video board and sound system added
2016Grandstand renovations and new press box facilities
2020LED lighting upgrade for improved night game visibility

Notable Moments

Jan 7, 2011EWU wins first FCS National Championship (celebrated on return to Roos Field)
Sep 1, 2018Eagles upset #6 Washington 45-42 in Seattle (celebrated at subsequent home game)
Nov 23, 2019Eastern Washington clinches Big Sky title

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

West grandstand (home side) offers best views and afternoon shade. Sections near midfield (4-6) are premium. Student section is energetic in north end zone. The red turf provides great photo opportunities from any seat.

Parking Tips

Arrive 2-3 hours early for tailgating. Main lots are off Washington St near stadium. Street parking available on campus residential streets. Free shuttle from downtown Cheney. Campus is compact and walkable.

Game Day

Cheney is a classic small-town college atmosphere. Pre-game tailgating centers around stadium lots with grills and canopies. Visit campus landmarks like JFK Library. Post-game, head to downtown Cheney for local restaurants or drive 20 minutes to Spokane for wider dining/entertainment options.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Local Public House

$$

Cheney's gathering spot for Eagle fans with craft beers and pub fare.

📍 1 mile125 1st St, Cheney

💡 Gets packed on game days. Red and black decor everywhere.

No-Li Brewhouse

$$

Spokane's premier craft brewery with rooftop deck and Northern Lights IPA.

📍 16 miles1003 E Trent Ave, Spokane

💡 Worth the drive for post-game celebrations. Try the flight sampler.

Barkley's

$

Campus sports bar and grill popular with students and alumni.

📍 0.5 milesNear campus on Washington St, Cheney

💡 College atmosphere, game-day specials.

🍽️Restaurants

Annie's Cafe & Catering

$

Cheney breakfast institution with huge portions and hometown feel.

📍 1 mile827 1st St, Cheney

💡 Perfect for early morning fuel before noon kickoffs. The biscuits and gravy are legendary.

Zip's Drive-In

$

Regional burger chain with cult following. Tartar sauce on burgers is signature.

📍 1 mile1800 1st St, Cheney

💡 Quick pre-game option. Try the "Zip's Deluxe" burger.

Clinkerdagger

$$$

Upscale restaurant overlooking Spokane River with steaks and seafood.

📍 18 miles621 W Mallon Ave, Spokane

💡 Reservations essential for post-game dinners. River views are stunning.

Thai Bamboo

$$

Authentic Thai cuisine with extensive menu and vegetarian options.

📍 16 milesN Monroe St, Spokane

💡 Excellent pad thai and curry. Good value.

🏨Hotels

Willow Springs Motel

$

Budget-friendly motel in Cheney, walking distance to campus.

📍 1 mile5 B St, Cheney

💡 Basic but clean. Book early for homecoming. Limited rooms.

Oxford Suites Spokane Valley

$$

All-suite hotel with complimentary breakfast and evening reception.

📍 20 miles15015 E Indiana Ave, Spokane Valley

💡 More amenities than Cheney options. Free shuttles may be available for big games.

Hotel Ruby

$$

Vintage motor lodge renovated into trendy boutique hotel.

📍 18 miles901 W 1st Ave, Spokane

💡 Downtown Spokane location. Nightlife and dining nearby.

🎭Attractions

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge

Free

18,000-acre preserve with wildlife viewing, hiking trails, and scenic drives.

📍 6 miles26010 S Smith Rd, Cheney

💡 Morning wildlife viewing before afternoon games. Fall colors in September/October.

Riverfront Park

Free

Urban park with SkyRide gondola, carousel, and Spokane Falls views.

📍 17 miles507 N Howard St, Spokane

💡 Great Friday night visit before Saturday games.

EWU Gallery of Art

Free

On-campus art gallery with rotating exhibitions.

📍 On campus, 0.3 miles

💡 Small but worthwhile. Check hours before visiting.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Stadium Lots (Washington St)

$10
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Primary parking. Tailgating allowed. Arrive 2+ hours early.

🅿️

Campus Perimeter Lots

Free
Lot📍 0.3-0.5 miles

💡 Walk to stadium. Usually available even on game day.

🚌

Downtown Cheney Shuttle

Free
Shuttle📍 1 mile

💡 Park downtown, shuttle runs continuously on game days.

Suggest a Tip

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

Stadiums Near Roos Field

References

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