Membership benefits begin at $100 and increase as gift levels increase, but the greatest gift is knowing you help provide a top-tier NCAA Division I experience for our Leatherneck student-athletes and enhance our sport programs. Click here join the club by making an early gift to the Western Challenge.  Members who are apart of the All-American, MVP, and Leatherneck Legends level will receive a tailgate sign upon reserving that they will attend the upcoming home game. 

Details on ways to give:

• Cash - The most common form of giving. Contributions of this nature provide the yearly financial resources necessary to operate a quality athletic program. They also allow the athletic department to allocate money to the area of greatest need.
  • You may restrict your donations to a specific sport if you so choose.
• Pledges - Commitment by a donor to contribute a certain dollar amount to the Leatherneck Club over a period of time on a schedule that is convenient to the donor.
• Giving online - Make a gift, right here, right now. Thank you!
• Gifts-In-Kind - Equivalent cash values of products or services used by the athletic department can also be given for donation to the Leatherneck Club.
  • These gifts may include office supplies, meals, hotel rooms, athletic equipment, printing, courtesy cars or vans, and other necessary department expenses. An appraised value is requested for most all gifts-in-kind and they must be approved by the Director of Athletics.
• Electronic Fund Transfer [EFT or Automatic Withdrawal] - Contributing to the Leatherneck Club is as easy as a phone call to enroll in electronic funds transfer or automatic withdrawal.
  • Simply call the Western Illinois Foundation office at (309) 298-1861. Three minutes, a few questions, and you are enrolled.
• Matching Gifts - Many companies match employee contributions - a great way to double, triple or even quadruple your gift at no extra cost to you.
  • Check with your company's benefit department for matching gift information and the appropriate matching gift form to include with your gift.
• Special Gifts - There are many other giving methods.
  • Members may consider establishing endowed scholarships or they may make gifts of real estate, stocks, bonds, insurance policies, and tangible personal property. Bequests and life income trusts are welcome.
  • All provide valuable financial support to Western Illinois athletics while yielding tax advantages and even lifetime income to the donor.

For payroll deductions, click here.

More Information:

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Upcoming Events
• Donate an item for the Annual Purple and Gold Auction
• 2026-27 Membership Card
• 2026-2027 Membership Benefits

 

 

Leatherneck Club Football Parking & Tailgating Information

Thank you for your support of Western Illinois Athletics and the Leatherneck Club! To help create the best possible game day experience, please review the following parking and tailgating information before arriving at Hanson Field.

Parking Eligibility

• Leatherneck Club parking passes are distributed only to eligible Football and Basketball season ticket holders.
• A valid Leatherneck Club Parking Pass must be clearly displayed at all times while parked in the designated Leatherneck Club lot.
• The Southwest Corner of Q Lot is reserved exclusively for Leatherneck Club members with valid parking credentials.
• Those who DO NOT have season tickets but are planning on attending a game please let us know and we will add you to the parking list!

Parking & Tailgating Guidelines

Varsity Level Members ($500–$999)

• Access to the Leatherneck Club parking area is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Upon arrival, parking attendants will ask whether you are parking only or tailgating.
  • Parking Only: You will be directed to the designated parking area located in the north and southeast portions of the lot.
  • Tailgating: You may set up in the far west portion of the lot.
• Tailgating spaces are limited to two parking spaces per vehicle.

All-American Level Members ($2,500–$4,999)+

• Receive a reserved, yellow-designated parking space for every home football game.
• Reserved tailgating spaces are limited to two parking spaces.

Tailgating Information

• Tailgating may begin 5 hours prior to kickoff.
• Please help keep the lot clean by disposing of trash properly and being respectful of fellow Leatherneck fans.

Hanson Field Policies

• Clear Bag Policy is enforced at Hanson Field.
• No outside food or beverages are permitted inside Hanson Field.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions regarding your parking pass, parking eligibility, or game day parking, please contact the WIU Athletics Ticket Office or the Leatherneck Club prior to game day.

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to seeing you this football season. Go Leathernecks!

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