Hancock Stadium
Hancock Stadium is a 13,391-seat[1] multi-purpose stadium in Normal, Illinois. It opened in 1963.[3] It is home to the Illinois State University Redbirds football team as well as University High School. Central Catholic High School also played its games there through the 2004 season.
 | |
| Location | N Main St & W Locust St Normal, IL 61761 |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 40°30′43″N 88°59′48″W |
| Public transit |  Connect Transit |
| Owner | Illinois State University |
| Operator | Illinois State University |
| Capacity | 13,391 (2013–present)[1] 7,700 (2012)[2] 9,500 (2011) 11,500 (2010) 14,000 (2008–2009) 15,000 (1977–2007) 18,000 (1963–1976) |
| Surface | FieldTurf |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1963 |
| Renovated | 1969 (added turf), 2013 |
| Construction cost | $20 million (renovations) |
| Architect | BDMD Architects (renovations) |
| Website | |
| Illinois State athletic facilities page | |
History
Opened in 1963 and named after Illinois State's former athletic director Dr. Howard Hancock. In 1969, Hancock Stadium became Illinois' first college stadium that featured artificial turf as its playing surface.[3] The artificial turf was replaced most recently in 2010 and a new scoreboard was installed.[4]
For many years, Hancock Stadium was the home of the Illinois High School football championships. The games moved in 1999. As new bid took place in 2022. Hancock Stadium is hosting the Illinois High School State Football Championships from 2023-2028.
Renovation
In 2000 the Kaufman Football Building was opened.[3] This facility is now the home to the players and coaches. In recent years, Redbird football has enjoyed a resurgence of spirit and success, all bringing attention to the ailing facility. Under the leadership of athletic director (Gary Friedman) and university president (Dr. Al Bowman), plans detailing the Hancock Stadium Stadium renovations were unveiled in 2013.
The plans boast upgrades to the design of the new east-side grandstand, bleacher-back seating on the new east-side grandstand, concourse, new concession and restroom facilities, premium seating options, including 500+ chairback club seats, 5,500 sq. ft, indoor club accessible to club seat holders and 7 suites, press level above the indoor club, Redbird Team Store, where fans can purchase ISU gear, a new ticket office, and a new sound system and scoreboard (if funding allows).[5] Newly renovated Hancock Stadium's capacity is 13,391[1] The estimated cost of the Hancock Stadium renovation is $20 million.[6]
In the summer of 2011, the south bleachers of the stadium were removed to potentially start the first phase of renovations. Also fiberglass bleachers are a thing of the past, as new metal bleachers were installed on the west side of Hancock Stadium in August 2011.[7]
Future Plans
The design of the new east-side grandstand takes into account possible future growth and expansion.[5]
References
- "No. 24 Redbirds Re-Open Hancock Stadium Against Abilene Christian". Illinois State University Department of Athletics. September 17, 2013. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
- "No. 19 Redbirds Set To Open Season vs. Dayton". Illinois State University Department of Athletics. August 29, 2012. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. Retrieved September 1, 2012.
- "Hancock Stadium". Illinois State University Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on February 10, 2014. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
- "Hancock Stadium - Turf Replacement". Illinois State University. Archived from the original on February 3, 2010. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
- "Why Build". Illinois State University Department of Athletics. Archived from the original on September 21, 2013. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
- Reinhardt, Randy (September 27, 2011). "ISU's Hancock Stadium to Get $20 Million Upgrade". The Pantagraph. Bloomington, IL. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
- "Hancock Stadium panoramic photos for sale". 7 October 2015.