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NCAA FBS

Martin StadiumPullman, Washington

Washington State

👥
Capacity
32,952
🏆
Conference
Pac-12
📅
Opened
1972
🌱
Surface
FieldTurf

📖About Martin Stadium

Gesa Field at Martin Stadium is one of the most unique and intimate environments in college football, located in the rolling hills of Pullman. It is the only stadium in the country named after a sitting governor (Clarence D. Martin).

🏛️History

Origins

Opened in 1972 on the site of the former Rogers Field (which was destroyed by fire in 1970). The new stadium was a modern, concrete facility designed for the Cougars' growth in the Pac-8.

Major Renovations

2012Added the South Premium Seating building, including luxury suites and a new press box.
2014Opened the Football Operations Building in the west end zone, creating an enclosed bowl feel.

Notable Moments

Sep 29, 2017Cougars upset #5 USC on a Friday night, leading to a massive field storming.
Oct 20, 2018ESPN's College GameDay visits Pullman for the first time, seeing a record crowd of nearly 33,000.

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The South Side premium sections offer the best coverage and amenities. For energy, sit near the students on the north side. The stadium's low profile means every seat feels close to the action.

Parking Tips

Pullman is a true college town with limited game day parking. Most fans walk from the WSU campus or use the shuttle from the "Coug Park" lot.

Game Day

Watch for the "Coug Head" flag, which flew at every ESPN College GameDay for 15 years before the show finally came to Pullman. Sing "Back Home" and look for the cougar statue outside the stadium.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Coug

$

Long-standing WSU tradition, known for quintessential college bar experience and popularity on gamedays. An absolute WSU favorite.

📍 0.5 milesPullman

💡 The ultimate Cougar bar experience. Get there early on gameday.

Valhalla Pullman

$

Recognized for party atmosphere and gameday celebrations, largely due to close proximity to Martin Stadium and campus.

📍 0.3 milesPullman

💡 Walking distance from the stadium. Perfect for post-game celebrations.

My Office Bar and Grill

$$

Pullman mainstay with full-service menu, 29 beers on tap. Solid sports bar option with many TVs.

📍 0.6 milesPullman

💡 Great for watching other games before or after the Cougs play.

🍽️Restaurants

Paradise Creek Brewery

$$

Cozy, home-style atmosphere with many local and house-made craft beer options. Traditional pub fare like burgers and nachos.

📍 0.7 miles245 SE Paradise St

💡 Located in the old post office. Great local craft beer selection.

Southfork Public House

$$

Appeals to both college students and local community with deliciously flavorful, locally sourced food and great beer, wine, and cocktails.

📍 0.8 milesPullman

💡 Excellent food and drink selection. Popular with both students and locals.

Rico's Public House

$$$

Laid-back and sophisticated pub experience with rich historical feel, live music, and good food.

📍 0.7 milesPullman

💡 Quality restaurant food in a pub atmosphere. Great for a special gameday meal.

🏨Hotels

Hilton Garden Inn Pullman

$$$

Modern hotel close to Washington State campus.

📍 1.0 milesPullman

💡 Good value option close to campus. Book early for gameday weekends.

Quality Inn Paradise Creek

$$

Comfortable hotel with easy access to campus.

📍 1.2 milesPullman

💡 Budget-friendly option close to the stadium.

🎭Attractions

Coug Head Flag

Free

Famous flag that flew at every ESPN College GameDay for 15 years before the show finally came to Pullman in 2018.

📍 0 milesMartin Stadium

💡 Look for the Coug Head flag on gameday. It's a beloved WSU tradition.

Cougar Statue

Free

Iconic cougar statue outside Martin Stadium.

📍 0 milesMartin Stadium

💡 Take photos with the cougar statue before the game.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Martin Stadium Parking Lots

$20-30
Lot📍 0.2 miles

💡 Limited gameday parking. Arrive very early or use shuttle service.

🚌

Coug Park Shuttle

Free
Shuttle📍 1.5 miles

💡 Most fans use the shuttle from Coug Park lot. Recommended option.

🅿️

WSU Campus Parking

Free
Lot📍 0.5 miles

💡 Walk from campus. Pullman is a true college town—embrace the walk.

Suggest a Tip

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

🔥Rivals

Stadiums Near Martin Stadium

References

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