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Nottingham Field - home of Northern Colorado Bears in Greeley, Colorado
NCAA FCS

Nottingham FieldGreeley, Colorado

Northern Colorado Bears

👥
Capacity
8,533
🏆
Conference
Big Sky
📅
Opened
1995
🌱
Surface
N/A

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📖About Nottingham Field

Nottingham Field, home to the Northern Colorado Bears since 1928, is one of the Big Sky's most historic venues. Located in Greeley, Colorado, the 7,500-seat stadium combines traditional charm with modern upgrades and sits at 4,658 feet elevation with views of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1928 as the university's first dedicated football stadium, Nottingham Field replaced earlier campus practice fields. Named after local businessman and UNC benefactor Wallace "Wally" Nottingham, the stadium was designed to accommodate the growing Bears program during the early decades of college football.

Major Renovations

1977West grandstand addition increased seating capacity
2006New FieldTurf surface replaced natural grass
2011Upgraded press box and coaches facilities
2019New video board and sound system installation

Notable Moments

Oct 8, 1928Nottingham Field opens with UNC defeating Colorado Mines
Nov 3, 2012Bears upset Montana 17-14 in overtime
Sep 21, 2019Northern Colorado defeats FBS opponent Colorado State 41-38 in Denver
Oct 14, 2023UNC's homecoming upset over conference rival

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

West grandstand (home side) offers shade and best views. East side can be warm in afternoon sun. Upper rows provide Rocky Mountain foothills views. Stadium's compact size means good sightlines throughout.

Parking Tips

Arrive 90-120 minutes early. Main lots are off 10th Ave and 20th St. Street parking available on residential streets east of campus (observe restrictions). Greeley's manageable size means parking is less stressful than larger programs.

Game Day

Greeley offers small-city college atmosphere. Pre-game tailgating is low-key but friendly. Visit campus landmarks like James A. Michener Library. Post-game, explore downtown Greeley (1 mile) for local breweries and restaurants. Colorado's front range provides scenic backdrop - clear days offer spectacular mountain views.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

WeldWerks Brewing Co.

$$

Award-winning craft brewery with rotating IPAs and barrel-aged stouts.

📍 1.5 miles508 8th Ave, Greeley, CO

💡 Try the Juicy Bits NE IPA. Consistently ranked among nation's best breweries.

Crabtree Brewing Company

$$

Downtown Greeley brewery with spacious taproom and outdoor patio.

📍 1.2 miles625 3rd St, Greeley, CO

💡 Family-friendly atmosphere. Good food menu.

Brix Taphouse & Brewery

$$

Neighborhood brewery with house beers and guest taps.

📍 1.5 miles813 8th St, Greeley, CO

💡 More locals than tourists. Pool tables and darts.

🍽️Restaurants

Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant

$

Greeley institution with authentic Mexican food and margaritas since 1986.

📍 1.5 miles825 9th St, Greeley, CO

💡 The green chili is phenomenal. Large portions.

The Coop

$$$

Upscale farm-to-table dining with Colorado ingredients and craft cocktails.

📍 1 mile924 16th St, Greeley, CO

💡 Best restaurant in Greeley. Reservations recommended.

Smokin' Fins

$$

Seafood and BBQ restaurant with poke bowls and smoked meats.

📍 3 miles5250 W 9th St Dr, Greeley, CO

💡 Unlikely combo that works. Good for groups.

The Garden Grille & Bar

$

American grill with breakfast buffet and casual dining.

📍 2 milesInside Holiday Inn, Greeley

💡 Solid pre-game breakfast option.

🏨Hotels

Holiday Inn Greeley

$$

Full-service hotel with pool, restaurant, and free parking.

📍 2.5 miles2563 W 29th St, Greeley, CO

💡 Closest full-service option. Book ahead for homecoming.

Country Inn & Suites Greeley

$$

Comfortable chain hotel with complimentary breakfast and indoor pool.

📍 2.5 miles2501 W 29th St, Greeley, CO

💡 Good value. Clean and reliable.

Hampton Inn Greeley

$$

Modern hotel with free breakfast and fitness center.

📍 3 miles2350 W 29th St, Greeley, CO

💡 Consistent Hampton quality. Free Wi-Fi and parking.

🎭Attractions

Greeley Freight Station Museum

Free

Local history museum in 1917 train depot with rotating exhibits.

📍 1 mile680 10th St, Greeley, CO

💡 Quick stop before games. Railroad history.

Poudre River Trail

Free

Multi-use trail system along Cache la Poudre River for walking/biking.

📍 Starts 1 mile from stadium

💡 Morning walk/bike before afternoon games. Scenic.

Downtown Greeley First Friday Art Walk

Free

Monthly art gallery crawl (if game falls on first Friday).

📍 1.2 milesDowntown Greeley

💡 Check calendar. Great pre-game Friday evening activity.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Nottingham Field Lots (10th Ave)

$10
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Primary parking. Arrive 90+ minutes early.

🅿️

Campus Parking (20th St)

Free
Lot📍 0.3 miles

💡 Walk to stadium. Usually available.

🚗

Residential Street Parking

Free
Street📍 0.3-0.5 miles

💡 Observe posted restrictions. Most spots free on game days.

Suggest a Tip

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

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References

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