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NCAA FBS

Alaska Airlines Field at Husky StadiumSeattle, Washington

Washington

👥
Capacity
70,083
🏆
Conference
Big Ten
📅
Opened
1920
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

📖About Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium

Husky Stadium holds 70,183 and is the largest stadium in the Pacific Northwest. Its U-shaped design opens to stunning views of Lake Washington, the Cascades, and Mount Rainier. It holds the record as the loudest college stadium ever recorded—and may have originated "the wave" in 1981.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1920 with 30,000 seats, replacing Denny Field. Originally called University of Washington Stadium, renamed Husky Stadium in 1970. Alaska Airlines purchased field naming rights in 2015 for $41M over 10 years—then the largest such deal in college athletics.

Major Renovations

195025,000 seats added with two-story press box and roof
1968First major college to install AstroTurf
2013$280M rebuild: entire stadium demolished except north upper deck; field lowered 4 feet

Notable Moments

1991Washington captures national championship in undefeated season
Oct 31, 1981Possible birthplace of "the wave" during Stanford game
2024Washington's first Big Ten season after Pac-12 dissolution

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Rows 30-42 in sections 105-107 and 128 offer great midfield views. Don James Center (sections 228-230) has theatre-style chairbacks and fireside lounge. West side has best rain protection. Washington sideline is in front of 128-130; visitors in front of 105-107.

Parking Tips

Pay-By-Phone required for campus lots E17, E19, E20, E21 (near stadium). Lot E18 opens at 9am for serious tailgaters. Light rail is easiest—free parking at Angle Lake, Tukwila, and Northgate stations; $2.25-$3.50 fare drops you at the stadium entrance.

Game Day

"Sailgating" on Lake Washington draws 3,000+ fans in boats—anchor in Union Bay without permit, or reserve Husky Harbor dock space. Washington crew offers shuttles to/from boats. Bring ear protection—it's deafeningly loud. Layer up and bring rain gear; Seattle weather is unpredictable. Post-game, hit Shultzy's or Big Time Brewery on University Way.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Shultzy's Bar and Grill

$$

Classic sports pub with German food like currywurst and bratwurst. Numerous TVs. 15-minute walk from stadium.

📍 0.8 miles4114 University Way NE

💡 Upbeat atmosphere. Great post-game destination.

Big Time Brewery & Alehouse

$$

Seattle’s oldest brewpub. Casual atmosphere with house-brewed ales and standard pub fare.

📍 0.8 miles4133 University Way NE

💡 Great local brews. Perfect spot to grab a pint on the way to the game.

🍽️Restaurants

Jak's Grill

$$$

Perfect for pre/post-game meal. Steaks, seafood, burgers, and weekend brunch.

📍 0.5 miles3701 NE 45th St

💡 Filling meals just 4 minutes from stadium.

Xi'an Noodles

$

Hand-pulled noodles on The Ave. Try the spicy cumin lamb biang noodles.

📍 1 mile4511 University Way NE

💡 Delicious and affordable. Popular with students.

Portage Bay Cafe

$$

Popular breakfast and brunch spot nearby. Famous for their local, organic ingredients.

📍 1 mile4130 Roosevelt Way NE

💡 The toppings bar for pancakes and French toast is legendary.

🏨Hotels

Graduate Seattle

$$$

University-themed boutique hotel about a mile from stadium. The Mountaineering Club rooftop bar.

📍 1 mile4507 Brooklyn Ave NE

💡 Panoramic views from rooftop bar. Reservations recommended.

Silver Cloud Hotel - University District

$$$

Modern hotel located just north of campus with a complimentary shuttle to the stadium.

📍 1.2 miles5036 25th Ave NE

💡 Great gameday shuttle service for guests.

🎭Attractions

Sailgating on Lake Washington

$$$

3,000+ fans anchor boats in Union Bay before games. Unique Seattle tradition.

📍 0 milesLake Washington

💡 Reserve Husky Harbor dock space. Washington crew offers boat shuttles.

Drumheller Fountain

$

Iconic fountain on the UW campus with a stunning view of Mount Rainier on clear days.

📍 0.6 milesRainier Vista

💡 The best photo spot on campus with the mountain in the background.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Campus Lots E17-E21

Pay-By-Phone
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Lot E18 opens at 9am for serious tailgaters.

🅿️

Light Rail

$2.25-3.50
Lot📍 Various

💡 Free parking at Angle Lake, Tukwila, Northgate stations. Drops at stadium.

🅿️

E12 Parking Lot

$40
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Closest public parking to the stadium. Requires very early arrival.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium? Share it with us.

🔥Rivals

Stadiums Near Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium

References

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