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NCAA FCS

Hanson FieldMacomb, Illinois

Western Illinois Leathernecks

👥
Capacity
16,368
🏆
Conference
OVC–Big South
📅
Opened
1950
🌱
Surface
N/A

📖About Hanson Field

Hanson Field is a 16,368-seat stadium in Macomb, Illinois, home to Western Illinois Leathernecks football. Opening in 1950, it's one of the larger FCS venues and has hosted NCAA playoff games. The stadium is named after Ray "Rock" Hanson, who coached at Western Illinois from 1926-1942.

🏛️History

Origins

Built in 1950 to replace Western Illinois' original field, providing expanded capacity for the growing program. Named after Ray "Rock" Hanson, whose 16-year tenure established Leathernecks football tradition.

Major Renovations

2009New artificial turf and track surface installed
2010Stadium renovations and improvements
2017New scoreboard and sound system added

Notable Moments

1983First NCAA Division I-AA playoff game hosted
Oct 20, 1973Record attendance of 19,850 set vs. Central Michigan
2014Gateway Conference championship decided at Hanson

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

Press box (east) side offers better amenities and shade. Lower rows provide closest views to action. Student section creates excellent atmosphere on home side.

Parking Tips

Parking lots surround stadium off Western Avenue and Stadium Drive. Free parking available. Macomb is small town, so traffic minimal - arrive 90 minutes early for tailgating.

Game Day

Hanson Field provides big-stadium atmosphere unique in FCS. Colonel Rock mascot and Leatherneck Battalion marching band create gameday energy. Strong tailgating culture in surrounding lots.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

The Shed

$

Popular college bar with gameday specials.

📍 1.5 miles

🍽️Restaurants

Macomb Brewing Company

$$

Local brewery with burgers and craft beers.

📍 2 miles

Rubio's Burritos

$

Local Mexican spot popular with students.

📍 1 mile

🏨Hotels

Americas Best Value Inn

$

Budget hotel near campus.

📍 1.5 miles

🎭Attractions

WIU Campus

Free

Walk the historic campus quad and Sherman Hall.

📍 0.5 miles

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Stadium Lots

Free
Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Ample parking surrounding stadium

Suggest a Tip

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

Stadiums Near Hanson Field

References

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