MACOMB, Ill. - Ahead of its football home opener, Western Illinois has released gameday information and protocol for all spectators to adhere to throughout the 2021 season.
 

2021 Schedule | The Leathernecks will make five appearances at Hanson Field this fall:

Sept. 18 | vs. Eastern Washington | 3 p.m.

Oct. 2 | vs. Southern Illinois | 3 p.m.

Oct. 16 | vs. South Dakota State | 12 p.m. 

Oct. 30 | vs. Illinois State | 3 p.m.

Nov. 6 | vs. South Dakota | 12 p.m. 
 

Ticketing | Tickets will be sold on gameday at all three gates and can also be purchased in advance at LeatherneckTickets.com or by calling 309-298-1190. See below for ticket prices:

Game	Reserved	General Admission	Youth/Senior* (GA only)
Eastern Washington (Sept. 18 - Family Day)	$20	$15	$10
Southern Illinois (Oct. 2 - Homecoming)	$20	$15	$10
South Dakota State (Oct. 16)	$20	$15	$10
Illinois State (Oct. 30)	$15	$10	$5
South Dakota (Nov. 6)	$15	$10	$5

*Youth ages 18 and under, senior ages 60 and above. Children under three years old are not required to purchase a ticket but must sit on the lap of a ticketed patron.
 

Clear Bag Policy | Since 2019, WIU Athletics has maintained a clear bag policy for entrance into Hanson Field. 

The only bags that are permitted inside Hanson Field include:

• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar)

• Bags that are transparent plastic, vinyl or PVC tote and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12"

• Small clutch bags no larger than 5.5 "x 6.5"

• An exception will be made for medically necessary items and diaper bags after proper inspection at the main gate

For more information on the clear bag policy, click here.
 

Tailgating | Tailgating will be permitted at Leatherneck football games this season. Q Lot will open five hours before the scheduled start time, and stadium gates will open 90 minutes prior to kickoff. 

Concessions and alcoholic beverages will also be available inside the stadium for purchase. 

Re-entry into the stadium, for any reason, will not be permitted.

Tailgating Policies include:

• University officials recommend that anyone who participates in an event on WIU property be vaccinated first.

• It is expected that all tailgaters will maintain proper social distancing.

• Fans should wear face coverings when in social gatherings and interacting within 6'of one another.

• Tailgating groups are encouraged to limit the size of their group to individuals who reside in the same household and no more than 10 individuals per group.

• In non-assigned tailgate parking areas, tailgaters should park with at least one empty parking spot between each tailgate group for distancing.

COVID-19 | Spectators are encouraged to wear masks and socially distance themselves during games. 

An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. Senior citizens and people with underlying medical conditions are especially vulnerable.

By attending any sporting event at a campus facility, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19, and you must follow all posted instructions related to this disease.

Please note that COVID-19 protocols are subject to change throughout the season. 

Do Not Miss Out on the Action! | There will be several ways to stay up to date with the Leathernecks' in-game action.

1. Follow the team's Twitter pages for in-game updates and game highlights - @WIUFootball. 

2. Acting as the flagship station of WIU football, Q 98.1 Radio will provide streams for games. Additionally, The Leatherneck Sports Network is back on Mixlr. Click here or download the Mixlr app (searching WIU Athletics) for access. Dr. Tom Cody and Randy Larson will be on the call all season long.

3. WIU Athletics continues its partnership with the WIU Broadcasting and Journalism Department to live stream all home football games via ESPN3 or ESPN+. 

ESPN3 is a part of ESPN's digital networks and is available for on-demand streaming for pay-TV subscribers. ESPN+ is a direct-to-consumer subscription streaming service with access to thousands of additional live sporting events, original content and shows, and an on-demand video library. Fans can subscribe to ESPN+ for just $5.99 a month (or $49.99 per year) and cancel at any time.

Media | Due to limited spacing, media personnel will not be permitted inside the press box at Hanson Field. A media workroom has been created in one of the university halls. Seating is limited and will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Masks are required for entry inside the workroom and must be properly worn at all times when inside the facility. 

Media will have field access for photos, as a field marker will be within a certain radius outside of the team boxes.

Media will be permitted to film/shoot from a select area in the visiting seating section inside Hanson Field. 

To request a media credential, please contact Keion Robinson at kj-robinson3@wiu.edu.
 

Complete Gameday and Tailgating information can be found here.