Voted yearly as one of the
most scenic stadiums in college football, Husky Stadium is primarily a
college football stadium, but was the temporary home of the Seattle
Seahawks during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. 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. In February 2008 the university
announced that construction and renovations to Husky Stadium will
begin in November 2008 and be complete by August 2010. This project
will cost an estimated $300 million.
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
