Voted yearly as one of the
most scenic stadiums in college football, Husky Stadium is the home of the University of Washington football program. Husky Stadium was
constructed in 1920, and opened on November 27, 1920 with a capacity
of 30,000. Over the past 90 years, Husky Stadium has
undergone many renovations and expansions. Between 1936 and 1950, 25,000 seats were
added to Husky Stadium at a cost of over $1.7 million, along with a
two story press box and a roof covering part of the stands. In 1968,
an additional 3,000 seats were added. Also, the grass playing field
was removed and replaced by Astroturf leading to the Huskies becoming the first
collegiate team to ever have an Astroturf field.
In 1987,
Husky Stadium took its present day look. Over $13 million in
renovations including increasing the seating capacity to 72,500 were
completed. In 1990, a new eight-lane synthetic surface track was
installed. Prior to the start of the 2000 season, the Astroturf was
replaced by FieldTurf. Today, Husky Stadium is one of the best
collegiate stadiums in football. The lower seating bowl at Husky
Stadium is shaped like a horseshoe. A covered upper deck is located on
both sides of the stadium. Seventy percent of the seats are located
between the end zones. Fans attending football games at Husky Stadium
receive excellent views of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic
Mountain Range and Union Bay at Lake Washington.
In December 2006,
the University of Washington unveiled plans that would include
potentially expanding Husky Stadium. Under this plan, a new upper deck
would be constructed on the west side that would include football
offices. Permanent seats in the east endzone would be added, but not
blocking the view of Lake Washington.
On November 5, 2011
the Huskies played their last game at Husky Stadium before the
stadium is completly renovated by the 2013 season. The $250
million facelift will overhaul the stadium and force the team to
play at CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
for the 2012 season. The renovation project includes enclosing
the west end, replacing the bleachers with individual seating,
new seating in the east endzone, a new pressbox, the addition of
luxury suites, removing the track, lowering the field four feet,
new amenties and a new video/audio system. The project will
lower the seating capacity to 71,900 and is expected be complete
by September 2013.
Famous Players:
Chris Chandler, Steve Emtman, Chad
Ward, Lincoln Kennedy, Greg Lewis School Traditions: School Colors of
Purple and Gold, the Wave, and King Redoubt
PLANNING YOUR TRIP TO THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON AND
HUSKY STADIUM
Husky
Stadium
