MACOMB, IL. - Get ready for game day at Hanson Field! To help make your visit safe, easy, and enjoyable, Western Illinois University Athletics has put together everything you need to know before you arrive. Review our Know Before You Go guide below for important information about parking, tailgating, stadium access, policies, and more. Please make sure to familiarize yourself with our Tailgating & Game Policies before you head to the game.
Clear Bag Policy:
- The only bags that will be permitted inside Hanson Field include:
- Bags that are transparent plastic, vinyl, or PVC tote and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc bag or similar)
- 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.
Game Day Information:
The game will kick off at 6:02 p.m. CST and will be broadcast on ESPN+.
Game Day Timeline:
- 1:00 pm - Tailgate lots open
- 4:00 pm - All Student Tailgate
- 4:30 pm - Ticket Office opens
- 4:30 pm - All gates open
- 5:30 pm - Alcohol sales begin inside Hanson Field
- 5:30 pm - Touchdown Terrace presented by Michelob Ultra open
- 5:34 pm - WIU Football Senior Day Recognition Begins
- 5:50 pm - Team warm-ups
- 6:02 pm - Kickoff vs. Northwestern College
Parking & Tailgating:
Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking lots will open at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for WIU's matchup against Northwestern College.
A designated area in the southwest portion of Q-Lot is available for Leatherneck Club member parking and tailgating. Leatherneck Club members should be aware of several changes for the 2026 season.
What's New for 2026:
Varsity Level Members ($500–$999): You now have access to the Leatherneck Club tailgating area on a first-come, first-served basis.
Tailgating: Leatherneck Club members who are tailgating may use the designated southwest portion of the lot, with space limited to two parking spaces per member
Parking Only: If you are not tailgating, you will be directed to the designated parking-only portions of Q-Lot.
All-American Level Members ($2,500–$4,999): You will receive a reserved parking space in the Leatherneck Club area.
TICKET CHANGES:
- Digital tickets available, purchase online at leathernecktickets.com. Here is our digital ticket guide for assistance: Here!
- Will Call: Has been moved to the Main Gate!
- Physical Tickets are only available at the Main Gate Left Window and Pit Gate!
Please give us grace as we work through the gameday operations with our new ticketing system, we apologize in advance for any inconvenience!
Student Tailgate: There will be a Student Tailgate for the August 27 game sponsored by Fraternity and Sorority Life that will start at 4:00 pm. There will be a live DJ, free food, and a giveaway item for the first 100 students present.
Tailgate Food Options:
Food trucks are joining the Leatherneck Football tailgate experience this season! Fans can find a variety of food options in the Q-Lot near University Drive, adding another way to enjoy game day before heading into Hanson Field. Whether you're looking to grab a bite while tailgating or just want something quick before kickoff, be sure to stop by, support our participating vendors, and enjoy the atmosphere as Leatherneck fans get ready for the game.
This week's food trucks are:
- Carnival Delights
- Flo's on Pulaski
- Twisted Pasta
Sodexo is also offering a new tailgating opportunity this season.
Enhanced Hanson Field Experiences
Rocky's Kids Club presented by Clock Tower Bank:
A new opportunity is coming to Leatherneck Football games for Rocky's Kids Club members and children under 12. In addition to a new designated area for Rocky's Kids Club on the north side of Hanson Field, Clock Tower Bank and Refreshment Services Pepsi have teamed up to enhance the game-day experience for our youngest Leatherneck fans with the new Two Dawgs Kids Zone, featuring Mug Root Beer. The Rocky's Kids Club captain will be honored on the field during the third quarter of the game. Kids Club packets are available for pickup in Western Hall.
Michelob Ultra Touchdown Terrace:
WIU Athletics sincerely appreciates all of our donors and sponsors who support WIU Athletics. Your generosity and commitment play an important role in the success of our student-athletes and programs. While we truly value every donor and sponsor, access to certain areas must be limited due to safety, space, and crowd-management considerations.
The Michelob Ultra Touchdown Terrace is a designated hospitality space for corporate sponsors, game-day sponsors, Leatherneck Legends donors, Leatherneck Club Board members, and qualifying Leatherneck Club members who have contributed $2,500 or more. Qualifying Leatherneck Club members may bring up to two guests into the Terrace.
If you would like more information about giving opportunities or ways to support Leatherneck Athletics, please contact leatherneckclub@wiu.edu
Concessions during the Game:
No outside food or beverages are permitted inside Hanson Field. Concessions are available on both the north and south sides of the stadium. Beer and wine are available for purchase at the south-side concession stand through the end of the third quarter.
Guest Services:
Fans with questions before, during, and after all Leatherneck home football games are encouraged to contact the WIU Athletics main office via phone at 309-298-1190.
