Born in 1903 in Macomb, Western Illinois Leathernecks football carries a Marine-inspired identity that stands tall in the FCS. The program has stacked up multiple conference championships across eras and earned repeated NCAA playoff bids, including deep runs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Legends like NFL All-Pro Bryan Cox, record-setting back Herb Donaldson, and explosive runner Aaron Stecker trace their roots to Hanson Field, while the program’s namesake coach Ray "Rock" Hanson anchors a tradition built on toughness and pride.

On game day, Hanson Field buzzes with purple and gold as the Marching Leathernecks set the tempo and Colonel Rock the Bulldog rallies the crowd. Tailgating rings the stadium, the student section stays loud all afternoon, and in-state clashes with Eastern Illinois and Illinois State add extra edge to the atmosphere. It’s Macomb’s fall heartbeat, week after week.

Western Illinois Leathernecks Football Stadium and Game Day Information

Western Illinois Leathernecks Football

Home venue: Hanson Field in Macomb, Illinois.
Capacity: 16,368 for football.
Parking: On-campus lots by Hanson Field and Western Hall; buy season or single-game passes from WIU Athletics, with limited day-of options and ADA spaces. Go West Transit serves campus and the nearby Macomb Amtrak station; check weekend schedules and arrive early.
Cheapest Month to Attend a Game: September. Prices vary by opponent and weekend.
Nearby eats and attractions: Sports Corner @ 124 on the Macomb Square, 5 minutes; The Old Dairy near campus, about a 10-minute walk; Chick's on the Square, 5 minutes; Western Illinois Museum on the Square; Argyle Lake State Park, about 15 minutes west.

Frequently Asked Questions about Western Illinois Leathernecks Football Tickets & 2026 Schedule Details

How much are Western Illinois Leathernecks Football tickets?

No matter what you're looking to spend, Vivid Seats has tickets to fit your budget. Currently, Western Illinois Leathernecks tickets start at $38, with an average price of $53. Prices vary by opponent, date, seat location, and game type (regular season, rivalry, bowl games, playoffs). All Western Illinois Leathernecks tickets are backed by the Vivid Seats 100% Buyer Guarantee.

What is the best time of year to attend a Western Illinois Leathernecks Football game?

The best time of year to attend a Western Illinois Leathernecks Football game is often September, when ticket prices tend to be more affordable.

Where do the Western Illinois Leathernecks play?

The Western Illinois Leathernecks play home games at Hanson Field.

Can I buy parking passes for Western Illinois Leathernecks Football games?

Vivid Seats has Western Illinois Leathernecks Football parking tickets for Western Illinois Leathernecks Football home games at Hanson Field.

What are the most in-demand Western Illinois Leathernecks Football games in recent history?

There's been no shortage of memorable Western Illinois Leathernecks games. Here are some of the most in-demand games and opponents in recent seasons, according to average sold price.

Valparaiso Beacons at Western Illinois Leathernecks Football on September 13, 2025
Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. EIU on September 27, 2025
Western Illinois Leathernecks vs. NDSU on November 05, 2022

When do Western Illinois Leathernecks Football tickets go on sale each year?

Regular-season tickets typically become available after the NCAA Football schedule is released, typically in the summer. Check back often as inventory updates throughout the season.

Can I buy suite tickets for Western Illinois Leathernecks Football home games at Hanson Field?

Yes, Western Illinois Leathernecks Football suite tickets are often available for Western Illinois Leathernecks Football home games at Hanson Field, although availability varies by matchup and demand. Select your game, then use the map and filters to view suites, club, or box listings.

What do suites and club seats include at Hanson Field for Western Illinois Leathernecks Football games?

Amenities vary by listing, but suites and clubs at Hanson Field commonly include private entry, luxurious seating, TVs, Wi-Fi, and a private restroom. Review each listing’s notes for seat quantity, parking passes, and food and beverage details before checkout.

When do Western Illinois Leathernecks Football playoff tickets go on sale?

>p>Western Illinois Leathernecks Football postseason tickets become available on Vivid Seats once official bowl or playoff matchups are announced. Inventory updates as teams qualify, so check back often for the latest options.

Is Vivid Seats legit for Western Illinois Leathernecks Football tickets?

Yes! Vivid Seats is a trusted ticket marketplace used by over 100 million fans. When you buy Western Illinois Leathernecks Football tickets on Vivid Seats, every order is backed by our 100% Buyer Guarantee. That means your purchase is safe, your tickets will arrive before the event, and they'll be valid or your money back.

Are tickets guaranteed on Vivid Seats?

Absolutely. Every Western Illinois Leathernecks Football ticket sold on Vivid Seats comes with our 100% Buyer Guarantee, which ensures:

Your transaction will be secure.
Your tickets will be delivered before your event.
Your tickets will be valid and authentic or your money back.

Our mission is to make buying Western Illinois Leathernecks tickets stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying your event.

Are fees included in the price I see on Vivid Seats?

Vivid Seats uses All-In Pricing, so you'll see the full cost of a Western Illinois Leathernecks ticket, including fees, upfront as you shop. No surprises at checkout.

Will my group be seated together?

Yes, we guarantee that tickets purchased together will be together, unless otherwise noted in the listing.

What happens if my event is canceled or postponed?

If your event is canceled, you'll receive a full refund. If an event has been postponed or rescheduled, rest assured that your tickets will be valid for the rescheduled date. For some rescheduled events, the primary source of the tickets will reissue all previously purchased tickets with new bar codes. If this occurs, the seller will notify us, and we will deliver new tickets to you and remind you to discard your old tickets.

Does Vivid Seats have a rewards program?

Yes! Vivid Seats offers a leading ticket loyalty program: Vivid Seats Rewards. Fans earn credit on every purchase, which can be redeemed for future tickets. The more events you attend, the more perks you can unlock:

A free 11th ticket after 10 purchases
Birthday rewards
Seat upgrades and VIP parties
Exclusive experiences like on-ice or on-field passes to your favorite team

What are the best seats at Hanson Field for Western Illinois Leathernecks games?

The best seats at Hanson Field for Western Illinois Leathernecks games are typically near midfield in the lower bowl. Fans looking for value often prefer upper-level seats between the 30-yard lines for a full-field view and lively crowd atmosphere.

How can I watch the Western Illinois Leathernecks Football?

NCAA football games air across ESPN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and each conference’s dedicated network (like SEC Network or Big Ten Network). Streaming options may also be available via ESPN+ or Peacock.

What time do doors open for Western Illinois Leathernecks Football home games?

Gates for Western Illinois Leathernecks Football games typically open 90 minutes to 2 hours before kickoff.

Western Illinois Leathernecks Football Schedule and Ticket Prices

Western Illinois Leathernecks Football Dates will be displayed below for any announced 2026 Western Illinois Leathernecks Football dates. For all available tickets and to find events near you, scroll to the listings at the top of this page.

DATE	CITY	VENUE	LOWEST PRICE
08/27/2026	Macomb, IL	Hanson Field	$45
09/05/2026	Macomb, IL	Hanson Field	$45
09/12/2026	Madison, WI	Camp Randall Stadium	$73
09/19/2026	Macomb, IL	Hanson Field	$45
10/03/2026	Macomb, IL	Hanson Field	$45
10/17/2026	Cape Girardeau, MO	Houck Stadium	$47
10/24/2026	Macomb, IL	Hanson Field	$45
10/31/2026	North Charleston, SC	Buccaneer Field	$52
11/14/2026	Macomb, IL	Hanson Field	$45
11/21/2026	St Charles, MO	Harlen C. Hunter Stadium	$47