Perkins Stadium
Statistics
Capacity: 13,500
Built: 1970 (Renovated in 2008)
Built: 1970 (Renovated in 2008)
Surface: Field Turf
Located at just about the northern most part of the UW-Whitewater campus lies Perkins Stadium. Originally called Warhawk Stadium when it was first build in 1970, it was then the third largest football stadium in Division III. On September 14, 1996 the stadium was rededicated Perkins Stadium, after former Whitewater football coach Forrest Perkins. It was the university's former chancellor's, H. Gaylon Greenhill, idea to rename the stadium in the coach's honor. In 2008 the stadium received new synthetic turf, bench areas, landscaping and other improvements including upgrades to the entrance area and scoreboard. With this upgrade the new seating capacity reached 13,500, making it the largest stadium in Division III. On October 9, 2010 the Warhawks defeated Stout 30-7 in front of a crowd of 12,189 fans. That is not only a Perkins Stadium record but also a WIAC record which stands today.
Warhawk Stadium (now Perkins Stadium) had replaced the old Hamilton Field, which was located in the heart of the campus. It was Perkins' dream, when he took over the heading coaching position in 1955, to build a new football stadium. Then build a powerhouse program worthy enough to play in it. Few would argue that he successfully accomplished both. One interesting note on the Warhawk Stadium project was that the original plans called for a eastside grandstand to be much like the current westside grandstand. Original plans called for the stadium to seat over 22,000 fans. Perk’s lasting legacy is why it's now named after him. It took seven years for the stadium to become a reality. Perkins spent several years working with many committees in Madison before getting approval from the UW Board of Regents to build the complex. A better location for the stadium could not have been chosen, as it's slightly carved in the southwest corner of the Whitewater Nature Preserve. The higher up in the grandstand you sit, the better view you'll have of the preserve. Early in the season is the best time to take in the sights, just when the trees begin to change colors as winter approaches.
The main parking lot just south of the stadium is where majority of the tailgating action takes place. In previous seasons it only cost $4.00 to park there. However, this season, it'll run you $10.00 each game (oh....the price of success). However, most of the surrounding lots is only about $5.00 to park/tailgate. You didn't hear this from me, but if you get there early enough you just might be able to sneak your vehicle in for free. Since Whitewater 's recent success, there's no shortage Warhawk pride among their fans. Warhawk flags, tents and purple gear encompasses the parking lot each home game. Then about an hour or two before kickoff, the school's marching band makes its way into the stadium, practicing along they way as they march straight through the parking lot. Hearing the rhythmic beating of drums and the harmonic melody of horns definitely adds a nice element to the pre-game festivities at any college football game.
Once inside it's hard to not take immediate notice of all the signs, banners and murals echoing the football team's success. Upon entry to the stadium it's hard to miss a huge mural pasted to the south end of the press box. The mural features larger than life images of past DIII Athletes of the Year, in their respective sports (not just football). Perkins Stadium offers a video scoreboard just beyond the north endzone. Graphics, replays and advertisements can be viewed there throughout the game. My only complaint is that because the scoreboard is on the northside of the playing field, the sun tends to hit directly on it. Which creates some glare making it difficult to view at times. The sounds system is second to none, as it could easily be heard outside parking lot. The stadium itself has transformed into a very valuable recruiting tool for Whitewater. Perkins Stadium proudly flaunts the football program's past national championships (2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011), along with displaying the number of conference titles achieved (32). Just past the south end endzone erects nine flag polls. In years passed each poll held a different flag from each WIAC football team. Now it consists of five Warhawk flags and four national championship flags (each one alternating each other). It's very clear that a lot of tradition (and money) has gone into this football program. Stadium and all.
The students occupy the middle of the grandstand in the first section, and they branch out from there. On days when the stadium is at its fullest, the students will take up the entire first section and squeeze themselves right up to the band (north side of the west grandstand). Like all student sections (at any collegiate sporting event at any level) they stand the entire game. During my visit I witnessed a fan who chose to sit and watch the game directly behind the standing students. To no avail, he spent sometime yelling at them to sit down so he can see. I should have tapped the poor chap on the shoulder and told him to move further up. Rookie mistake...he'll know next time.
The main parking lot just south of the stadium is where majority of the tailgating action takes place. In previous seasons it only cost $4.00 to park there. However, this season, it'll run you $10.00 each game (oh....the price of success). However, most of the surrounding lots is only about $5.00 to park/tailgate. You didn't hear this from me, but if you get there early enough you just might be able to sneak your vehicle in for free. Since Whitewater 's recent success, there's no shortage Warhawk pride among their fans. Warhawk flags, tents and purple gear encompasses the parking lot each home game. Then about an hour or two before kickoff, the school's marching band makes its way into the stadium, practicing along they way as they march straight through the parking lot. Hearing the rhythmic beating of drums and the harmonic melody of horns definitely adds a nice element to the pre-game festivities at any college football game.
Once inside it's hard to not take immediate notice of all the signs, banners and murals echoing the football team's success. Upon entry to the stadium it's hard to miss a huge mural pasted to the south end of the press box. The mural features larger than life images of past DIII Athletes of the Year, in their respective sports (not just football). Perkins Stadium offers a video scoreboard just beyond the north endzone. Graphics, replays and advertisements can be viewed there throughout the game. My only complaint is that because the scoreboard is on the northside of the playing field, the sun tends to hit directly on it. Which creates some glare making it difficult to view at times. The sounds system is second to none, as it could easily be heard outside parking lot. The stadium itself has transformed into a very valuable recruiting tool for Whitewater. Perkins Stadium proudly flaunts the football program's past national championships (2007, 2009, 2010 and 2011), along with displaying the number of conference titles achieved (32). Just past the south end endzone erects nine flag polls. In years passed each poll held a different flag from each WIAC football team. Now it consists of five Warhawk flags and four national championship flags (each one alternating each other). It's very clear that a lot of tradition (and money) has gone into this football program. Stadium and all.
The students occupy the middle of the grandstand in the first section, and they branch out from there. On days when the stadium is at its fullest, the students will take up the entire first section and squeeze themselves right up to the band (north side of the west grandstand). Like all student sections (at any collegiate sporting event at any level) they stand the entire game. During my visit I witnessed a fan who chose to sit and watch the game directly behind the standing students. To no avail, he spent sometime yelling at them to sit down so he can see. I should have tapped the poor chap on the shoulder and told him to move further up. Rookie mistake...he'll know next time.
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