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.
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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.
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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.
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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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Fight Songs
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“We’re Marching On”
Fight Song
We are marching on ‘neath the Purple and Gold;
We are singing a song that will never grow old.
All the Sons and Daughters of Western, today, go marching on.
W-E-S-T-E-R-N Yea! WesternHail to Western, true and loyal,
We are here to win this day.
When you see those conqu’ring heroes
Marching down the way (Rah! Rah! Rah!)
Ev’ry heart and voice will sing this melody of vict’ry’s song:
Fling out the Purple and the Gold, We’re Marching On. -
“Western Loyalty”
Alma Mater
Western students come together, Learning life’s new way to pave.
Paths before us, ever striving, Purple, gold, our color’s brave.
We all hold the keys within us. With new knowledge we will grow.
Stronger in our bond unyielding, Truer to the world we know.Chorus
Hail to Western, Alma Mater, May we honor thy fair name.
Hail to Western, ever greater, on to conquest and to fame. -
“Georgia on My Mind”
The Marching Leathernecks signature song, Dale Hopper’s arrangement of “Georgia On My Mind,” has been an audience favorite at Western since 1982. Hopper retired in May 2002 following 23 years as Western, including 20 years as director of bands. He died unexpectedly Sept. 16, 2005, but the band director’s legacy lives on in “Georgia.”
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“Hot Time”
Late last night while we were all in bed,
Mother O’Leary with the lantern in the shed,
And then the cow kicked it over, and winked her eye and said,
“It’ll be a Hot Time in the Old Town Tonight.”
