Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium is a special place for football fans in Wyoming. I’ve been to many games there, and the atmosphere is always electric. The stadium sits on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie, giving it a true college football feel.
The field got a cool new look in 2013 with a design that shows off Wyoming’s mountains. This unique touch makes it stand out from other college fields. I love how it captures the spirit of the state right there on the playing surface.
The stadium has seen some updates over the years to keep fans comfortable. It’s not the biggest venue, but that means you get a great view from any seat. Plus, you can’t beat watching a game with the Wyoming landscape as your backdrop.
Key Takeaways
- Jonah Field features a mountain design that reflects Wyoming’s landscape
- The stadium offers great views from all seats due to its compact size
- Recent updates have improved the fan experience at War Memorial Stadium
History of Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium
I love the rich history of Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium! It’s been the home of the Wyoming Cowboys football team since 1950. The stadium replaced the older Corbett Field, giving fans a bigger and better place to cheer on their team.
When it first opened, War Memorial Stadium could hold about 20,000 excited fans. Over the years, they’ve added more seats and made lots of improvements. Now it can fit over 29,000 people!
One cool thing I learned is that it’s the highest elevation stadium in NCAA Division I football. Sitting at 7,220 feet above sea level, it gives the Cowboys a real home field advantage.
In 2005, the field got a new name: Jonah Field. This was to honor a big natural gas field in Wyoming. I think it’s neat how they tied in a local industry to the stadium’s identity.
The stadium has some great art too. There’s a bronze statue called “Fanning a Twister” by Chris Navarro right outside. It shows a cowboy on a bucking horse – perfect for getting fans pumped up before games!
Over the years, War Memorial Stadium has seen many upgrades. They’ve added new seats, better concessions, and more bathrooms. It’s come a long way since 1950, but it still keeps that classic college football feel.
Stadium Features and Amenities
Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium has some great features that make it a fun place to watch football. I love how they’ve updated the stadium while keeping its classic feel. Let’s look at some of the best parts.
Wildcatter Stadium Club and Suites
The Wildcatter Stadium Club and Suites is my favorite spot in the whole stadium. It’s on the east side and has amazing views of the field and mountains. Inside, there’s a big lounge area with comfy seats and TVs everywhere.
The suites are really nice too. They have big windows, private bathrooms, and food service. I’ve been in one once and felt like a VIP!
The club level seats are cushioned and have more leg room than regular seats. Plus, you can go inside to warm up if it gets cold.
Press Box and Media Facilities
The press box is huge and spans the whole west side of the stadium. It’s where all the reporters and broadcasters work during games.
I got a tour once and was impressed by how modern it is. There are fancy TV and radio booths, lots of workspace for writers, and great views of the field.
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The media center has fast internet and all the tech the press needs. It makes it easy for them to share game updates quickly.
Scoreboard and Video Technology
The big video scoreboard is awesome! It’s at the north end of the field and shows replays, stats, and fun videos.
I love watching the replays on it. They’re super clear, even from far away. The scoreboard also has a cool Wyoming Cowboys logo that lights up after touchdowns.
The whole stadium has Wi-Fi now too. It’s great for checking scores or posting photos during the game.
Seating and Fan Experience
The bleacher seats aren’t fancy, but they give the stadium an old-school football feel. I like sitting there to be right in the middle of the crowd energy.
For a comfier option, there are chair-back seats in some sections. They cost more but are worth it for long games.
The iconic bucking horse logo at midfield looks amazing. It’s the same one from Wyoming license plates.
The synthetic turf field is great too. It stays in good shape all season, even in bad weather.
The Playing Surface
I’ve got to tell you about the awesome new playing surface at Jonah Field! The University of Wyoming recently installed a FieldTurf Vertex CORE system for the 2023 season. It’s top-notch artificial turf that’s built to last.
One thing I love is that they kept the iconic Mountain design in the end zones. It looks amazing and really shows off Wyoming pride. The FieldTurf surface uses cool 3-layer infill technology for better safety and performance.
Some key benefits I’ve noticed:
- Great durability
- Improved player agility
- Stunning aesthetics
The synthetic turf handles Wyoming’s tough weather like a champ. I’m impressed by how it stays in great shape game after game.
FieldTurf is known for their quality, and this Vertex CORE system doesn’t disappoint. It’s the same turf used by lots of pro and college teams. The players seem to really enjoy the consistent surface.
I think fans will appreciate how good the field looks on TV too. The vibrant green turf really pops against the brown mountains in the background. It’s a perfect combo of performance and Wyoming style!
Athletics and Sports Programs
Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium is a hub for exciting sports action. The stadium hosts thrilling football games and other athletic events that bring the community together.
Cowboy Football Impact
I love watching Cowboy football games at Jonah Field. The Wyoming Cowboys play their home games here, and it’s always an electric atmosphere. The stadium can hold over 30,000 fans, which makes for an amazing game day experience.
One cool thing about Cowboy football is that they play at the highest elevation in Division I. The field sits at 7,220 feet above sea level. This gives our team a unique home field advantage against visiting teams who aren’t used to the thin air.
I’ve seen some great matchups against Mountain West rivals like the Air Force Academy, University of New Mexico, and Utah State. The passion of the fans and players is incredible to witness firsthand.
Other Sporting Events
While football is the main attraction, I’ve enjoyed other events at the stadium too. Track and field competitions sometimes take place here. It’s fun to watch athletes sprint on the same turf where the Cowboys play.
The university also uses the facility for graduation ceremonies. Seeing students celebrate their big day in this iconic venue is really special.
Community events like concerts or rallies occasionally happen at Jonah Field as well. It’s neat to see the space used in different ways beyond just sports.
I think the versatility of the stadium adds a lot of value for students and local residents. There’s always something exciting going on, no matter the season.
University and Community Engagement
I’ve seen firsthand how Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium brings the University of Wyoming and Laramie community together. It’s amazing to watch fans from all over the state come to cheer on our Wyoming Cowboys.
On game days, the stadium buzzes with excitement. Students, locals, and alumni mix and mingle, creating a lively atmosphere. I love seeing everyone decked out in brown and gold, showing their Cowboy pride.
The stadium hosts more than just football games. It’s a hub for various university events and activities. I’ve attended graduation ceremonies and concerts here too. It really feels like the heart of campus life.
Local businesses in Laramie get a boost on game weekends. Restaurants and shops are packed with fans. It’s great to see how the stadium helps support our community.
War Memorial Stadium also honors Wyoming’s military history. The name itself is a tribute to war veterans. I find it touching how the university uses the space to recognize those who served.
For many Wyoming residents, visiting the stadium is a family tradition. I’ve met folks who’ve been coming to games for generations. It’s more than just a sports venue – it’s a place where memories are made.
Stadium Location and Accessibility
I love how War Memorial Stadium is nestled right on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie. It’s such a pretty setting with the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop.
Getting to the stadium is pretty easy. If you’re coming from out of town like I did, Laramie is about a 2-hour drive from Denver and 3 hours from Salt Lake City.
Cheyenne is the closest major city, only about 50 miles away. I found plenty of parking around the stadium when I visited. There are lots right next to it, which is super convenient.
Public transit options are a bit limited, but the stadium is walkable from most parts of campus. I enjoyed strolling through the university grounds on my way there.
Inside, I noticed the stadium has good accessibility features. There are ramps and elevators to help fans get around. The concourses are wide, making it easy to move about.
I think the location is just perfect for gameday atmosphere. Being right on campus means there’s always a buzzing energy around the stadium. It really adds to the college football experience!
The Name Behind the Field
Jonah Field at War Memorial Stadium got its name from some very generous Wyoming families. Their story is pretty cool, and I’ll tell you all about it.
Legacy of the Martin and McMurry Families
I think it’s awesome how the Martin and McMurry families helped name our stadium’s field. Mick and Susie McMurry teamed up with John and Mari Ann Martin to make a big donation to UW Athletics. They wanted to honor the Jonah Field natural gas field they developed in western Wyoming.
These families really care about our state and our university. Their gift means the field will always be called Jonah Field. I love how they connected Wyoming’s energy industry to our football team.
When I watch games at War Memorial Stadium, I think about how one gift can make such a big impact. It’s cool to see Wyoming’s natural resources and sports come together like this.
Innovations and Technological Advancements
I’m excited to share some cool new tech upgrades at Jonah Field. The stadium is getting a major boost that will make games even more fun to watch.
Tarkett Sports Contributions
I’ve heard great things about the new FieldTurf Vertex CORE surface coming to War Memorial Stadium. Tarkett Sports, the company behind it, is really stepping up the game.
Their turf is super tough and can handle all kinds of weather. I love how it looks too – it keeps that awesome mountain design in the end zones.
Eric Daliere from Tarkett North America says it’s top-notch stuff. I’m pumped to see how it improves things for the players. The turf is supposed to be really fast and grippy, which should make for some exciting plays.
Jed Easterbrook, who works at the university, seems pretty happy about it too. He thinks it’ll be great for the team and fans alike. I can’t wait to check it out when the Cowboys host Texas Tech on September 2nd!
Health, Safety, and Player Welfare
I’m impressed by the attention given to player safety at Jonah Field. The stadium uses FieldTurf, which I think is a great choice for player protection.
FieldTurf is known for its durability and safety features. I’ve learned that it can reduce the risk of certain injuries compared to natural grass.
A study by Michael C. Meyers from the Department of Sport Science at Idaho State University caught my eye. It showed that FieldTurf has proven safety benefits for players.
Here are some key points I found about the turf:
• Provides consistent playing surface
• Absorbs impact better than some other surfaces
• Requires less maintenance, staying in good condition longer
I noticed the stadium also has modern medical facilities. This is crucial for quick response to any player injuries during games.
The high elevation of the stadium (it’s the highest in NCAA Division I) is something to keep in mind. I think it’s great that they take extra precautions to help players adjust to the altitude.
Overall, I feel the stadium takes player welfare seriously. It’s nice to see such a focus on keeping athletes safe while they play the game they love.
Frequently Asked Questions
War Memorial Stadium in Wyoming has some unique features and interesting facts. I’ve gathered answers to common questions about this historic venue and its recent upgrades.
What is the seating capacity of War Memorial Stadium in Wyoming?
War Memorial Stadium can hold about 29,000 fans. This makes it a cozy venue that still packs in plenty of energy on game days.
How has the War Memorial Stadium changed after the renovation?
The stadium got a big upgrade in 2013. They redesigned Jonah Field with a cool new look that fans love. The new field design really catches your eye.
Can you purchase alcoholic beverages at War Memorial Stadium during games?
Yes, you can buy beer at War Memorial Stadium. They started selling it a few years ago. It’s a nice option for fans who want to enjoy a cold one during the game.
Which is the highest elevation football stadium in the United States?
War Memorial Stadium sits at 7,215 feet above sea level. This makes it the highest Division I FBS football stadium in the country. The thin air can be tough on visiting teams!
What are the seating options and views like at War Memorial Stadium?
I find the views pretty good from most seats. The stadium isn’t huge, so you feel close to the action. There are bleacher seats and some chair-back options too.
Who was Jonah Field named in honor of?
Jonah Field is named after the Jonah natural gas field in Wyoming. It’s a nod to the state’s energy industry. I think it’s cool how they tied in local history with the stadium name.
