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William H. Greene Stadium - home of Howard Bison in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia
NCAA FCS

William H. Greene StadiumWashington, D.C., District of Columbia

Howard Bison

👥
Capacity
10,000
🏆
Conference
MEAC
📅
Opened
1986
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About William H. Greene Stadium

William H. Greene Stadium is a historic 10,000-seat multi-purpose facility on Howard University's campus in Washington, D.C. Originally opened in 1926 as Howard Stadium, it was renamed in 1986 to honor Dr. William H. Greene, a devoted university benefactor. The stadium sits at the heart of Black Broadway and has witnessed nearly a century of HBCU football tradition.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1926 to replace inadequate facilities, the original 2,000-seat Howard Stadium quickly proved too small for the Bison's popularity. Most games were moved to nearby Griffith Stadium, where crowds of 17,000 to 20,000 were common from the 1920s through 1960s. The stadium expansion aimed to bring Howard football back to campus.

Major Renovations

1985AstroTurf field installed, ending the "dust bowl" era
1986Major 6-month renovation and renaming to William H. Greene Stadium, dedicated before homecoming crowd of 18,635
2015Modern upgrades to facilities and seating areas

Notable Moments

Oct 16, 1926First game played against Morehouse College
Oct 11, 1986Stadium rededication with record homecoming crowd of 18,635
2010sHosted "Showtime" Marching Band performances featured at NFL games and 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Midfield seating in the main grandstand offers excellent sightlines. The student section brings incredible energy with the "Showtime" Marching Band, "Ooh La La!" dance team, and "Flashy Flags" color guard. Premium seating near the 50-yard line provides the best overall experience.

Parking Tips

Campus parking is extremely limited. Use Metro - Shaw/Howard University station (Green/Yellow lines) is just blocks away. Street parking in neighborhoods surrounding campus fills early. Consider rideshare or public transit for easiest access.

Game Day

The U Street Corridor comes alive on gameday with Howard fans filling restaurants and bars. Don't miss the "Showtime" Marching Band's pre-game and halftime performances - one of the nation's premier HBCU bands. The historic Howard Theatre and Lincoln Theatre are nearby for post-game entertainment.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Ben's Chili Bowl

$

DC institution since 1958, famous for chili dogs and half-smokes. A true U Street landmark with lines of locals and visitors.

📍 0.5 miles1213 U St NW

💡 Go early or late to avoid the lines. Try the signature half-smoke.

Café Saint-Ex

$$

Aviation-themed bar with French fare upstairs and Gate 54 basement bar with live DJs on weekends.

📍 0.6 milesU Street Corridor

💡 Great post-game spot with energetic weekend atmosphere.

Service Bar

$$$

Industry favorite serving some of DC's best cocktails in intimate setting.

📍 0.7 milesU Street area

💡 Upscale cocktail experience for a special gameday celebration.

🍽️Restaurants

Dukem on U

$$

Ethiopian cuisine representing DC's thriving Ethiopian food scene with authentic flavors.

📍 0.6 milesU Street Corridor

💡 Experience DC's "Little Ethiopia" - share traditional platters family-style.

Colada Shop

$$

Cuban cafe-bar hybrid with pastel decor, good vibes, and bold Caribbean flavors.

📍 0.5 milesU Street

💡 Perfect for brunch before early kickoffs or post-game celebrations.

Bresca

$$$

Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Ryan Ratino with inventive modern American menu.

📍 0.8 milesU Street Corridor

💡 Book well in advance for an upscale pre-game dining experience.

🏨Hotels

Kimpton Banneker Hotel

$$$

Boutique hotel on 16th Street NW, minutes from Howard campus and U Street Corridor.

📍 1 mile16th St NW

💡 Walking distance to campus and U Street dining. Book months ahead for homecoming.

The Kensington Hotel

$$$

Upscale hotel with indoor pool and complimentary shuttle service.

📍 3 milesWashington, D.C.

💡 Great option with shuttle service to avoid parking challenges.

🎭Attractions

Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

Free

World-class museum on the National Mall exploring African American history and culture.

📍 2 milesNational Mall

💡 Free timed entry passes required - reserve weeks in advance. Metro accessible.

African American Civil War Memorial

Free

Memorial and museum honoring the 209,145 Black soldiers who served in the Civil War.

📍 0.5 milesU Street/Shaw

💡 Walking distance from campus, powerful historical site to visit before games.

🅿️Parking Options

🏢

Campus Parking Garages

$25-40
Garage📍 0.25 miles

💡 Very limited availability - arrive 3+ hours early or use Metro instead.

🚌

Shaw/Howard University Metro Station

Metro fare
Shuttle📍 0.3 miles

💡 Best option - Green/Yellow lines. Walk or short rideshare from station to stadium.

🚗

Residential Street Parking

Metered
Street📍 0.5 miles

💡 Fills early, check parking signs carefully. Weekend rates may apply.

Suggest a Tip

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References

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