The in-state rivalry between the Eastern Illinois Panthers and the Western Illinois Leathernecks dates back to 1930. The two teams were conference rivals until the Panthers move to the Ohio Valley Conference in 1996 developing a lot of bad blood between the two programs. While the rivalry hasn’t been played regularly since then, you won’t want to miss it when these two teams meet next.

Western Illinois vs Illinois State

Rival Team: Illinois State Redbirds

You won’t want to miss it when the Leathernecks take on in-state rivals Illinois State. There is always a lot at stake when these two Missouri Valley Football Conference rivals meet as not only are bragging rights on the line but also games in the standings.

Western Illinois vs Southern Illinois

Rival Team: Southern Illinois Salukis

Make sure to in attendance when in-state rivals Southern Illinois and Western Illinois square off.. Both teams entered the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 1985, and since then they have developed quite the rivalry.

Western Illinois Leathernecks Tailgate Guide

Atmosphere

Western Illinois is home to a fantastic tailgating atmosphere, so you’ll want to bring the cooler, grill, tent, and more when visiting Macomb, Illinois. Everyone outside Hanson Field is abuzz on game days and everywhere you look you’ll see purple and gold clad fans celebrating a Leathernecks game day.

The majority of the tailgating takes place in Q Lot, which offers first come, first served tailgating and opens five hours before kickoff. Get here early to secure your spot and get the most out of your Western Illinois tailgating experience.

Before the game also make sure to head over to the student union and catch the WIU Marching Leathernecks pregame concert. The concert is a fantastic way to get into the Leathernecks game day spirit and is a must-see for anyone attending a Western Illinois football game.

Tailgating is one of the best parts of any Leathernecks football game, so arrive early and set up for a full day of tailgating fun at Western Illinois.

Traditions

Bulldog Statue

Take your picture with the bulldog statue outside the main entrance. A picture of the statue is the perfect keepsake from your trip to Western Illinois, so stop by and snap a pic.

Band Concert

Don’t miss the WIU Marching Leathernecks pregame performance outside the student union. The concert starts an hour before kickoff and is an excellent way to get into the Leathernecks game day spirit.

Where to tailgate

Q Lot

If you want to tailgate before a Western Illinois football game, then get to Q Lot early and set up shop. Q Lot opens five hours before kickoff and is first come, first served, so get here early to secure a spot.

Western Illinois Leathernecks Stadium Guide

In Game

You’ll find everything you could want in a college football game at Western Illinois making a trip to Macomb a must for any die-hard football fan. The atmosphere at Hanson Field is among the best in the FCS, and every game feels like it’s life and death thanks to the incredible support of the Leathernecks fans. The student section known as Purple Haze is especially vocal in their support, so if you want to be near the rowdiest section of the crowd make sure to get tickets near the student section.

College football fans will also love the pageantry on display at Hanson Field. The Marching Leathernecks put on a fantastic performance throughout the game, and if you like mascots, then you’ll love both Colonel Rock and Rocky.

Finally, get to the stadium early as you’ll want to take the opportunity to see the Lee Calhoun statue. The statue honors the former Western Illinois track coach and Olympic gold medalist making it a must-see for any sports fan.

A Western Illinois football game is a fantastic experience for anyone who loves college football so get your tickets to a Leathernecks game today.

Things to check out

Lee Calhoun Statue

Stop by and check out the Lee Calhoun statue inside the stadium. The statue honors the two time Olympic gold medalist and former Western Illinois track and field coach, and it is a must-see for any fan of Leathernecks athletics.

Soldier Plaques

Hanson Field is dedicated to the Western Illinois students who served in World War I and World War II, so check out the plaques dedicated to them. The plaques are located on the southwest side of the stadium and do a great job of honoring these men and women.

WIU Marching Leathernecks

Enjoy the performance of the Marching Leathernecks throughout the game. The band puts on a great show, and their in-game music is also fantastic making them one of the best parts of any WIU football game.

Colonel Rock

Colonel Rock is the leathernecks live mascot and is named after former WIU football coach and athletic director Ray “Rock” Hanson. You won’t want to miss the loveable Colonel Rock at the game so keep an eye out for him during your visit.

Rocky

Rocky is the Western Illinois’s costumed mascot and is a fun part of any Leathernecks game. He gets into all kinds of antics at games, so don’t miss Rocky during your trip to Hanson Field.

Cheerleaders

Join the cheerleaders as they cheer on the Leathernecks to victory. The cheerleaders do a great job of riling up the crowd during the game, so join in and help the Leathernecks take home the W.

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