Western Courier

Issue date: 8/27/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Adam Sacasa The new aluminum bleachers on the east side of Hanson Field increase the stadium's capacity by 1,200.

Media Credit: Adam Sacasa The new entrance to Hanson Field, next to "The Pit," features a ticket booth, concession stand and restrooms, as well as an outdoor plaza with a barbeque, outdoor concessionss and Rocky's Locker Room.

Hanson Field has been home to Western Illinois football for more than 50 years. It is clearly the established gridiron house within the Macomb city limits.

But, as any longtime homeowner can tell you, stay in a place long enough and it is going to eventually require some sprucing up.

That is exactly what Western did with its beloved football stadium - it poured millions of dollars into a renovation plan to upgrade and expand Hanson Field. It is improvement Athletics Director Tim Van Alstine said he was thrilled to witness.

"I think it's terrific," Van Alstine said. "It really has enhanced not only the football facilities, but the campus as well. I think there is going to be a lot of enthusiasm from the student body and the general public to come to the games and have the amenities that are going to create a very comfortable football experience for our fans."

Construction began during the Spring 2007 semester. Both the north and south ends of the stadium have been remodeled, while the biggest improvements were made to the seating on the east side. The stadium received new aluminum seats, replacing the original wood bleachers that were installed in 1955. The new seating increased the stadium's capacity from 3,800 to 5,000 on that side, upgrading the total capacity to 16,368.

"The student body will appreciate the investment that we've made to that side of the stadium, which is the student part of the stadium," Van Alstine said. "The sight lines are going to be so much better. It's going to create a bowl effect. It's really going to have a great impact on the viewing of the game."

With attendance always an issue, the expansion will hopefully increase fan appeal.

"There's a lot of seating there," said Tyson Szafranski, junior law enforcement and justice administration major. "Hopefully, we'll be able to fill the stands. I think if the team's good they'll be able to do that. I don't think we'll sell out, but it's a nice-looking renovation."

Just like any sport, the stadium will hold little value compared to the team's performance as the season goes on.

"I think it gives more of a Division I atmosphere, which will draw more people," said Joe Schergen, junior law enforcement and justice administration major. "The stadium looks like an atmosphere I'd be willing to attend. I think the attendance will go up, but I don't know that it'll be what they want. People are going to want to see the new stadium during the first couple games, but after that it'll be interesting to see how the attendance pans out."

Good or bad, the changes are expected to have a positive impact. However, Van Alstine said he would like to see continued improvements made to the stadium.

"We certainly appreciate the fact that the student government, and the general student body on campus, demonstrated that they value intercollegiate athletics and Leatherneck football," Van Alstine said. "But, we would like to use that side of the facility as a launching point to emphasize the fact that we need to do something with the west side."

"We want to turn it into what we call a '365 building' we can move offices, classrooms, etc. into that can be used by the entire university. It's right in the middle of our campus, and we certainly need a facility that is representative of our commitment to a great student experience."

As for now, construction will remain focused on completing the current project that still has some minor work to be completed.

"It's going to be about 90 to 95 percent completed by the time the season starts," Van Alstine said. "It's like anything else with the construction projects, there are always going to be a few little things that need to be corrected as you move through it. Right now, it's just some internal things that need to be worked on. But as far as the seating is concerned, that will all be completed by the season opener."

While it might not be completely finished, the renovations were clearly welcomed and provide many future benefits to the Western experience.

"I think it looks good, as long as they finish putting 'Fighting Leathernecks' on the top of the stands," Schergen said. "It looks better than it did. I think it was a good investment; when kids come to visit, they'll be impressed by the stadium. It should give them a positive impression of the university."

With the season and the stadium scheduled to open Aug. 30, Western students and fans will soon get their opportunity to judge the changes firsthand.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools