Hanson Field

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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
Opened 1950
Expanded 2007
Owner Western Illinois University
Operator Western Illinois University
Surface Turf (completed in 2011)
Capacity 17,168
Tenants
Western Illinois University Leathernecks (NCAA)

Hanson Field is a 17,168-seat multi-purpose stadium in Macomb, Illinois, USA. It opened in 1950 and is home to the Western Illinois University Leathernecks football team. The Leathernecks have a record of 205-37-7 since 1950. From 1996 through 2004, Hansen Field was the training camp home of the National Football League's St. Louis Rams.

Outside the stadium, a statue of former WIU track and field coach and two time Olympic gold medalist Lee Calhoun stands. The field is named after former WIU football coach/A.D. and Marine legend Rock Hanson. 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.

Hanson Field now officially seats 17,168 fans; however, the extensive hillside surrounding the playing field allows for thousands more to enjoy a game. Some local residents can view the field from their homes on Stadium Drive, which borders the stadium to the east. A record crowd of 19,850 watched the Leathernecks defeat Central Michigan, Oct. 20, 1973.

References


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