HUSKY STADIUM

Voted yearly as one of the most scenic stadiums in college football, Husky Stadium was the temporary home of the Seattle Seahawks during the 2000 and 2001 seasons. After spending more than two decades at the Kingdome, (multipurpose dome facility, that was also the home of the Seattle Mariners), the Seahawks wanted a new facility. In the mid 1990s voters approved bonds for two new stadiums to be built. A new baseball only stadium, Safeco Field, was constructed adjacent to the Kingdome. the Seahawks new facility was to be constructed on the same site as the Kingdome. The problem with this was that in order for the new stadium to be built, the Kingdome had to be imploded. While the new stadium was being constructed, the Seahawks moved to Husky Stadium, home of the Washington Huskies (NCAA).

Husky Stadium was constructed in 1920 and officially opened on November 27, 1920 with a capacity of 30,000. Over the next eighty years, Husky Stadium underwent many renovations. Between 1936 and 1950, 25,000 seats were added to Husky Stadium at a cost of over $1.7 million, along with a two story press box and a roof covering part of the stands. In 1968, an additional 3,000 seats were added. The grass playing field was also ripped up and replaced by Astroturf. The Huskies became the first collegiate team to ever have an Astroturf field. Finally, in 1987, Husky Stadium took its present day shape. The stadium looked like a new place due to it's $13 million renovation. With 72,500 seats it was no longer a small stadium. Prior to the Seahawks move into Husky Stadium in 2000, the Astroturf was replaced by FieldTurf. Today, Husky Stadium is one of the best collegiate stadiums in football. The lower seating bowl at Husky Stadium is shaped like a horseshoe. A covered upper deck is located on both sides of the stadium. Seventy percent of the seats are located between the end zones. Fans attending football games at Husky Stadium receive excellent views of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic Mountain Range and Union Bay at Lake Washington.