Eastern Washington Eagles
Overview
Stadium: Roos Field
League: NCAA Division I FCS
Head Coach: Aaron Best
Team Mascot: Swoop
Year Opened: 1967
Capacity: 7500
City / State: Cheney, Washington
Rivalries & Top Games to Attend
Governors Cup
Rival Team: Montana Grizzlies
The Governors Cup between Eastern Washington and Montana is one of the biggest games of the years. The game often has FCS playoff implications, and both bragging rights and the cup are always on the line. You won’t want to miss it when the Eagles take on Montana, so make sure to get tickets when the Grizzlies come to town.
The Dam Cup
Rival Team: Portland State Vikings
The rivalry between Eastern Washington and Portland State spans across multiple sports, and the winner takes home The Dam Cup. The football rivalry dates back to 1968 and Vikings hold a slim 20-18-1 lead in the all-time rivalry. Make sure to be in attendance when the Eagles take on Portland State as it’s one of the best games of the year.
Eastern Washington Eagles Tailgate Guide
Atmosphere
Eastern Washington may not be the biggest school, but it’s certainly home to a big tailgating scene. Eagles fans from all over eastern Washington come out to cheer on the Eagles and tailgate before the game making a trip to Cheney a fun time for anyone who loves college football or tailgating.
All around Roos Field you’ll see Eagles fans dressed head to toe in red and black grilling, drinking, and having fun. There is lots of camaraderie between the fans, and everyone is quite nice as long as you’re wearing EWU colors. Even if you aren’t, don’t be afraid to start up a conversation with Eagles fans as they’re more than happy to talk ball.
Additionally, make sure to take the opportunity to see the band and cheer squad perform at the tailgate before the game. Both groups put on a great show and do an excellent job of creating a spirited atmosphere surrounding the game.
Traditions
Parking Lot Cheer and Band Performances
Keep an eye out for Eastern Washington cheer team and band as they perform around the tailgate. Both groups put on a great show and create a fun atmosphere with their performances before the game.
Stadium Facade
Check out the stadium facade on your way into the stadium, which celebrates the Eagles 2010 national championship as well as the program’s retired numbers. The display is a must-see for Eagles fans as well as an excellent reminder of Eastern Washington’s greatest players and teams.
Where to tailgate
General Parking
If you don’t have a reserved parking space, then arrive early to secure a spot in the general parking area. Lot 3, 11, and Rozelle are where cars can park, and Lot 11 is where to park if you’re bringing an RV or another oversized vehicle.
Reserved Parking
Those of you who plan to attend several games or want to tailgate the biggest tailgaters at EWU will want to check out the reserved parking lots. Here you’ll find season ticket holders who know how to tailgate making it a great place to tailgate before the game.
Eastern Washington Eagles Stadium Guide
In Game
Eastern Washington has been one of the most success FCS football programs of late invigorating the fan base and helping create a fun in-game atmosphere. Fans from all over the area come to cheer on the Eagles, and you’ll find a packed crowd when attending a game at Roos Field.
Throughout the game, the fans do an incredible job of showing their support for the Eagles. You’ll hear fans cheering and chanting non-stop, and for the most part, everyone remains standing throughout the game since the student section is at the front of the main stand. The standing is a major contributor to the good atmosphere and helps intimidate the opposition.
Speaking of intimidating the opposition, Roos Field’s red turf known as “The Inferno” does a fantastic job of disorienting opposing teams. The Eagles red uniforms on the red turf give them quite an advantage and make it difficult for opposing teams to come away from Roos Field with a W.
The fantastic fan support and the unique feel provide by “The Inferno” make attending an Eastern Washington football game a fun and unique experience for any FCS football fan.
Things to check out
The Inferno
Eastern Washington is one of the few NCAA teams to have a field that isn’t green creating a unique atmosphere at Eagles games. The Eagles’ red field is known as “The Inferno,” and its unique color goes a long way in giving Eastern Washington a strong home field advantage.
Firing the Cannon
After every Eagles score, the EWU ROTC fires off the cannon in celebration. There is nothing better than the sound of the cannon going off after the Eagles score, which ignites the crowd into a frenzy.
Swoop
Swoop is the Eagles mascot and a must-see part of any Eastern Washington football game. He gets into all kinds of antics at games, so keep an eye out for Swoop during your visit to Roos Field.
Eagle Marching Band
The Eagle Marching Band’s performance is one of the best parts of any Eastern Washington football game. The band plays a variety of school songs and contemporary music creating a fun atmosphere at games. You also won’t want to miss the band’s halftime performance.
EWU Cheerleading
The EWU cheerleaders get everyone pumped up with their routines throughout the game. The cheer squad leads fans in a variety of cheers and chants, so join in and give the Eagles as much of a home field advantage as possible.