User:Dgiovag/sandbox/Hancock Stadium

The '''[http://goredbirds.com/sports/2014/5/12/Facilty_hancock_stadium.aspx? Hancock Stadium]''' is the home football field for Illinois State University's Redbird's team. The stadium was originally built in 1963, but was recently renovated and finished in 2013. It is located on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.

=History= The stadium was opened in 1963 and was named after a former athletic director Dr. Howard Hancock. In 1969 the stadium underwent some minor renovations and replaced the grass with artificial turf. Because of this the Hancock Stadium became the first college in Illinois to ever have artificial turf for their football field.

=The Big Renovation= Originally, the Hancock Stadium was built in 1963 and has remained untouched ever since. It was until September 16th, 2011 when Dr. Al Bowman, the university president, and Gary Friedman, the athletic director, announced the plan for a $27.6 million project for the new stadium. Their first project in this renovation started during the 2012 football season for the Redbirds. First, the plan was to knock out the east side bleachers which lowered the capacity of the stadium to 7,500 people. But due to their successful season in 2011 this never stopped the fans from coming out and supporting their Redbirds!

Both the president and the athletic director agreed that the stadium needed this upgrade to elevate the fan experience, unify the campus as one, easier access for everyone and a create a brighter future for all the Redbirds. This renovation changed the experience to all coaches, players, staff and most importantly the fans! Right on the 50 yard line stands the Hancock Stadium Club. Ticket holders of the club and suites get to sit back with a great view of the field inside this beautiful 5,500 square-foot club. Even though you may not have club seating, you will still have a comfortable seat back on the east-side grandstand of the stadium. Although there are 500 club seats available, the new Hancock capacity is 13,391. In this huge section, there is also a student section that Illinois State students who are a part of Red Alert can call their own.

One major downfall before the renovation was that the old stadium was not very wheelchair accessible. The stadium originally had two spots available for Redbird fans in wheelchairs, but this new renovation quadrupled that! Not only does it offer better views for the fans, but they also installed two sets of elevators to make it more accessible.

=Hancock Stadium Club= The Hancock Stadium Club is a 5,500 square-foot suite that is right above the 50 yard line and overlooks the field. Because the club has windows on the east and west side of the space, it gives a great view of the town of Normal. The Hancock Stadium offers anyone to hold special events there such as work meetings, birthday parties, wedding/baby showers and even wedding receptions.

=Reggie Redbird= One very important person, or shall we say animal, to the Illinois State fan club is Reggie Redbird. Reggie is Illinois State University's mascot and is known for his enthusiasm at all sporting events. It was in the 1960s when Reggie's great-grandfather made special appearances to games, but it wasn't until 1981 until Reggie got his name. He was named "Reggie" by the Junior Redbird Club in honor of the famous baseball player, Reggie Jackson. Although as time went on they had to make minor changes to his appearance keep up with current trends, his enthusiasm and love for ISU has never changed. Stay updated with Reggie by following his Twitter account and visit his Facebook page!