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Hancock Stadium - home of Illinois State Redbirds in Normal, Illinois
NCAA FCS

Hancock StadiumNormal, Illinois

Illinois State Redbirds

👥
Capacity
13,391
🏆
Conference
Missouri Valley
📅
Opened
1963
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

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📖About Hancock Stadium

Hancock Stadium, home to the Illinois State Redbirds, is a 13,391-seat multi-purpose stadium in Normal, Illinois that opened in 1963. Named after Dr. Howard Hancock, the university's former athletic director, the stadium made history in 1969 as Illinois' first college stadium to feature artificial turf. After a comprehensive $23 million renovation known as the "Redbird Renaissance," Hancock Stadium has been transformed into a modern FCS facility with luxury suites, premium seating, and state-of-the-art amenities.

🏛️Hancock Stadium History

Origins

Hancock Stadium was built in 1963 to provide Illinois State University with a dedicated home for football and athletics. It was named in honor of Dr. Howard Hancock, who served as the university's athletic director and helped shape ISU's athletic programs.

Major Renovations

1969Became Illinois' first college stadium with artificial turf playing surface
2010New artificial turf installed and scoreboard upgraded
2013$23 million Redbird Renaissance renovation: east side demolished and rebuilt with luxury suites, state-of-the-art catering kitchen, new ticket office, seat-back bleachers, expanding capacity to 13,391
2025Field renamed Jay and Lori Bergman Field in recognition of significant philanthropic support

Notable Moments

1963Stadium officially opened for Illinois State football
1969First Illinois college stadium to install artificial turf
Sep 2013Rededication ceremony following $23 million Redbird Renaissance renovation

🎟️Visiting Hancock Stadium

Best Seats

The renovated east side offers premium seating with seat-back bleachers and luxury suite options. For traditional fans, the west side provides excellent sightlines and close proximity to the action. Student sections create energetic atmosphere in the end zones.

Parking Tips

Arrive early on game days as parking fills quickly around campus. The Marketplace at Linkins, located directly across from Hancock Stadium, offers convenient access for pre-game dining. Street parking is available in nearby residential areas, but permit restrictions apply.

Game Day

The stadium sits at the heart of Illinois State's campus with easy access to campus facilities and dining. Tailgating is popular in designated lots surrounding the stadium. The renovated facility includes expanded concessions and restrooms throughout, enhancing the fan experience.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

DESTIHL Restaurant & Brew Works

$$

Local brewery and restaurant featuring craft beers brewed on-site with an extensive menu of gastropub fare.

📍 1.5 miles318 S. Towanda Ave, Normal

💡 Try their seasonal brews and arrive early on game days for the best seating.

View on map →

The Rock Restaurant

$

Popular campus bar and grill with great atmosphere, extensive menu, and solid drink selection.

📍 0.8 milesNear ISU campus

💡 Known for burgers and wings, perfect for pre-game gatherings.

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🍽️Restaurants

Avanti's Italian Restaurant

$$

Normal institution famous for their "gondola" sandwich - a local favorite with ham, cheese, salami, and lettuce.

📍 1-2 milesMultiple locations in Normal/Bloomington

💡 The gondola is a must-try - order ahead on game days to avoid long waits.

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Medici

$$

Beloved local spot with eclectic menu, pizza, sandwiches, and unique atmosphere.

📍 0.9 milesNear ISU campus

💡 Known for deep-dish pizza and casual college-town vibe.

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Epiphany Farms Restaurant

$$$

Farm-to-table dining featuring locally sourced ingredients and seasonal menus.

📍 1.5 milesDowntown Normal

💡 Perfect for a special pre-game meal, reservations recommended.

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🎭Attractions

Marketplace at Linkins

Free

Campus dining hall located directly across from Hancock Stadium, convenient for visitors.

📍 0.1 milesAcross from Hancock Stadium

💡 Great spot to explore campus dining options before the game.

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Children's Discovery Museum

$$

A three-floor interactive museum in Uptown Normal where kids climb, build, experiment, and explore hands-on exhibits covering STEM, farming, and the arts.

📍 0.6 mi101 E Beaufort St, Normal, IL 61761

💡 Closed to the public Monday mornings (members only 9 a.m.–noon); Thursday and Friday evenings stay open until 8 p.m. — ideal for a post-game visit.

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David Davis Mansion State Historic Site

Free

A National Historic Landmark and beautifully preserved 1872 Italianate-Second Empire mansion that was home to Abraham Lincoln's close friend and campaign manager, now open for free guided tours.

📍 4 mi1000 Monroe Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701

💡 Tours run Wednesday through Saturday on the hour starting at 9:10 a.m. through 3:10 p.m.; a suggested donation of $10/adult and $5/child is appreciated. Arrive a few minutes early as tour groups are capped.

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McLean County Museum of History

$$

A nationally accredited four-story history museum housed in a grand courthouse building, with seven galleries covering Lincoln-era politics, immigration, agriculture, and Native American heritage.

📍 3.5 mi200 N Main St, Bloomington, IL 61701

💡 Admission is free every Tuesday; on other days adults pay $10, seniors $8, children and students free. The museum's mobile app adds self-guided walking tours of Lincoln sites and downtown architecture.

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Miller Park Zoo

$

A charming city zoo operating since the late 1800s, home to snow leopards, red pandas, Galapagos tortoises, greater flamingos, Sumatran tigers, river otters, and an indoor ZooLab with meerkats and exotic insects.

📍 5 mi1020 S Morris Ave, Bloomington, IL 61701

💡 Open daily 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Admission is $9 for adults ages 13–59; $7 for children 3–12 and seniors; under 3 free. The adjacent Miller Park itself is a nice spot for a pre-game picnic.

View on map →

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Campus Parking Lots

$10-20
Lot📍 0.2-0.5 miles

💡 Arrive 2-3 hours early for best availability. Tailgating permitted in designated areas.

Suggest a Tip

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

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Closest Stadiums to Hancock Stadium

→

Gies Memorial Stadium

Illinois

Champaign, IL49 mi
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O’Brien Field

Eastern Illinois Panthers

Charleston, Illinois83 mi
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Hanson Field

Western Illinois Leathernecks

Macomb, Illinois89 mi
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Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium

NIU

DeKalb, IL99 mi
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SeatGeek Stadium

Chicago State Cougars

Bridgeview, Illinois106 mi
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Ross–Ade Stadium

Purdue

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Frequently Asked Questions About Hancock Stadium

What is the capacity of Hancock Stadium?
Hancock Stadium has a seating capacity of 13,391.
Where is Hancock Stadium located?
Hancock Stadium is located in Normal, Illinois.
What team plays at Hancock Stadium?
Hancock Stadium is the home stadium of Illinois State Redbirds in the Missouri Valley.
When was Hancock Stadium built?
Hancock Stadium opened in 1963.
Where are the best seats at Hancock Stadium?
The renovated east side offers premium seating with seat-back bleachers and luxury suite options. For traditional fans, the west side provides excellent sightlines and close proximity to the action. Student sections create energetic atmosphere in the end zones.
What are the best parking tips for Hancock Stadium?
Arrive early on game days as parking fills quickly around campus. The Marketplace at Linkins, located directly across from Hancock Stadium, offers convenient access for pre-game dining. Street parking is available in nearby residential areas, but permit restrictions apply.
What type of surface does Hancock Stadium have?
Hancock Stadium has a fieldturf playing surface.
What stadiums are near Hancock Stadium?
The closest stadiums to Hancock Stadium are Gies Memorial Stadium (49 mi), O’Brien Field (83 mi), Hanson Field (89 mi), Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium (99 mi), SeatGeek Stadium (106 mi), Ross–Ade Stadium (109 mi).

References

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