Hanson Field

Hanson Field
Location Macomb, Illinois
Coordinates 40°28′06″N 90°41′03″W / 40.4684°N 90.6842°W / 40.4684; -90.6842Coordinates: 40°28′06″N 90°41′03″W / 40.4684°N 90.6842°W / 40.4684; -90.6842
Owner Western Illinois University
Operator Western Illinois Athletics
Capacity 16,368
Surface Matrix Turf
Construction
Opened 1950
Expanded 2007
Tenants
Western Illinois Leathernecks (NCAA)

Hanson Field is a 16,368-seat multi-purpose stadium in Macomb, Illinois, USA.[1] The stadium which opened in 1950 is home to the Western Illinois Leathernecks football team and track and field team. The field is named after former WIU football coach/A.D. and Marine legend Rock Hanson. A unique feature of the facility is an extensive hillside that surrounds the field allowing for additional seating for thousands of spectators. Outside the stadium, a statue of former WIU track and field coach and two time Olympic gold medalist Lee Calhoun stands and a bulldog statue is located at the main entrance.

History

A record crowd of 19,850 watched the Leathernecks defeat Central Michigan, Oct. 20, 1973.

From 1996 through 2004, Hanson Field was the training camp home of the National Football League's St. Louis Rams.

In 2001, the main entrance of the stadium was renovated by adding an iron gate, brick pillars and an arch displaying the words, Hanson Field. The stadium’s east side received a $5 million face lift prior to the 2007 season. The renovation to the student seating section, funded largely by a facilities enhancement and life safety fee at the request of student leaders, included new bleachers, increased seating capacity, a new entrance, restrooms and concession stands.

In 2011, Matrix Turf was installed on the field.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Hanson Field". goleathernecks.com. Retrieved 2015-01-12.


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