Husky Stadium: A Century of Football and Memories at the University of Washington
Husky Stadium, officially Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium for sponsorship purposes, stands as an iconic landmark on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. It has been the home of the Washington Huskies football team since 1920, witnessing countless games, renovations, and unforgettable moments. More than just a sports venue, Husky Stadium serves as a gathering place for the university community, hosting commencement ceremonies and various events throughout the year.
Early History and Construction
The need for a new football venue became apparent in the early 20th century. Prior to Husky Stadium, the UW football team played its home games on Denny Field, located on the northern edge of campus. While the team enjoyed a period of remarkable success there, attendance averaged less than 6,000 fans per game.
In 1920, the University of Washington marked a significant milestone with the construction of a new stadium on the southern edge of campus, adjacent to Lake Washington. Originally named Washington Field, the stadium was built to replace Denny Field with an initial seating capacity of 30,000. The construction, managed by Puget Sound Bridge and Dredging Company, cost approximately $565,000, a sum equivalent to around $8 million today. A good chunk of the money came from small bronze plaques sold by students, who wanted the stadium built. The facility was completed in just six months, a testament to the engineering skill of the time. To help with the hefty price tag, a statewide fundraising effort sold commemorative plaques for $50 and $100, and UW students pitched in by doubling the student fee they paid from $5 to $10.
The stadium's first game took place on November 27, 1920, a match against Dartmouth College. While the Huskies lost 28-7, the opening of Washington Field marked the beginning of a new era for UW football.
Expansion and Renovations
Over the decades, Husky Stadium has undergone several expansions and renovations to accommodate growing fan support and modernize the facility.
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- 1936: 10,000 seats were added atop the rim of the stadium, increasing the capacity to 40,000.
- 1950: The south grandstand was developed, adding 15,000 seats with the construction of the upper deck. This addition, costing around $1.7 million, brought the stadium capacity to 55,000. The stadium was then nicknamed “Cassill’s Castle” after Harvey Cassill, then the UW athletic director.
- 1965: Additional student seating was added to the north side of the stadium.
- 1968: Washington became one of the first major colleges in America to install AstroTurf. 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.
- 1987: Another 13,000 seats were added to the north side with an upper deck. However, this project faced a setback when the cantilevered roof collapsed during construction in February, requiring it to be redone. The seating capacity increased to 72,500.
The 2011-2013 Renovation
The most recent and extensive renovation of Husky Stadium took place between 2011 and 2013, costing $261 million. The project, designed by 360 Architects and constructed by Turner Construction company, aimed to modernize the stadium while preserving its iconic character. The renovation was privately funded, with the UW drawing on a loan from the university’s internal lending program and raising $50 million through the philanthropic “Drive for Husky Stadium.”
Key improvements included:
- Removal of the track surrounding the field, allowing the playing field to be lowered by four feet and bringing seating closer to the action.
- Construction of a new lower deck in a horseshoe shape around the gridiron, along with a new upper deck on the south side of the stadium.
- Addition of offices and locker rooms for the football staff and student-athletes to the west end.
- Construction of a 70,000-square foot Football Operations Center and a sports medicine clinic.
- Installation of a new 31.2′ high x 108′ wide HD video/scoreboard.
- Addition of premium seating options, including covered patio suites, luxury suites, and Club Husky.
- Relocation of the student section from the north sideline to the west end zone.
During the renovation, the Huskies played their home games at CenturyLink Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks. The renovated Husky Stadium reopened in August 2013, with a slightly reduced seating capacity of just over 70,000.
Design and Features
Husky Stadium's unique design and location contribute to its reputation as one of the most scenic and iconic college football venues in the country.
- Location: Situated on the southeast corner of the University of Washington campus, the stadium overlooks Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains, providing stunning views for fans. The stadium's U-shaped design is specifically oriented to minimize glare from the early afternoon sun in the athletes' eyes.
- Architecture: The stadium's iconic metal roofs are a recognizable landmark in the Pacific Northwest. The 2011-2013 renovation maintained the feel of the old stadium while incorporating modern amenities and technology.
- Traditions: Husky Stadium is known for its loud and passionate fans. The stadium's design amplifies crowd noise, creating a challenging environment for opposing teams. Another notable tradition is "sailgating," where fans arrive at games by boat via Lake Washington.
Other Events
While primarily a football stadium, Husky Stadium has hosted a variety of other events throughout its history.
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- NFL Preseason Games: Before the arrival of the Seattle Seahawks, Husky Stadium hosted 12 NFL preseason games between 1955 and 1975.
- 1990 Goodwill Games: Husky Stadium was a primary venue for the 1990 Goodwill Games, featuring addresses by former President Ronald Reagan and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
- 2018 Special Olympics: The stadium hosted some events of the 2018 Special Olympics, the first time those Games were held in Seattle.
- UW Commencement Ceremony: Each spring, the University of Washington holds its commencement ceremony at Husky Stadium.
- Other Notable Events: President Warren G. Harding spoke inside the stadium to a crowd of nearly 25,000 people in 1923. In 1943, 35,000 people watched a demonstration of a mock WWII bombing raid.
Notable Moments and Traditions
Husky Stadium has been the site of numerous memorable moments in University of Washington football history.
- Record Crowd Noise: During a 1992 night game against Nebraska, ESPN measured the noise level inside Husky Stadium at a record 130 decibels, equal to a military jet aircraft taking off.
- The Wave: Many claim that the first audience wave originated in Husky Stadium on Halloween 1981.
- Apple Cup Victories: Husky fans fondly recall Apple Cup victories against Washington State University (WSU), particularly the thrilling 28-27 victory in 1975.
- 1991 National Championship Season: Husky Stadium was the home field for the 1991 Washington Huskies team that captured the national championship.
Sustainability Efforts
The 2011-2013 renovation of Husky Stadium incorporated several sustainability measures. More than 26,000 cubic yards of recycled concrete were used as fill on the new site, and over 1 million gallons of water were cleaned prior to discharging off-site. The old FieldTurf was donated to Seattle Pacific University’s soccer stadium, and the Football Operations Center earned LEED Silver Certification for energy efficiency.
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