Related Links:
Experience Perkins Stadium Gameday Video
Submit Your Favorite Perkins Stadium Memory
As part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the opening of Perkins Stadium, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Department of Intercollegiate Athletics presents the "Perkins Stadium at 50" series Presented by UW Credit Union, a look at some of the most memorable moments and games in the history of the stadium.
Over the last 25 years, UW-Whitewater has regularly ranked at or near the top of the NCAA Division III national rankings in attendance.
Starting in 2006, the Warhawks have ranked among the top 10 in the nation in total attendance each year, including second in Division III in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2018.
UW-Whitewater drew a nation-best 48,760 fans to Perkins Stadium in 2019, including 12,402 to the team's win over UW-Platteville, the fourth-highest single-game attendance in program history.
The Warhawks' single-game record of 17,535 was achieved on Oct. 8, 2016, for the team's 17-14 victory over UW-Oshkosh. That number, which is also the highest recorded in Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference history, helped UW-W draw a single-season record 51,459 fans to the stadium.
"My favorite memory (of Perkins Stadium) has to be the fans," former Warhawk defensive back Marcus McLin (2011-14) said on a recent Inside Warhawk Athletics podcast. "You don't know until you actually play there and actually go to those games.
"With us being Division III, you don't expect that many people at the games. You don't expect that loyalty, the crowd or the tailgating."
With numerous parking lots within close walking distance to Perkins Stadium, the tailgating atmosphere on game days rivals many Division I schools. The presence of UW-Whitewater's marching band, directed by Dr. Glenn Hayes, provides fans with entertainment and music throughout each game.
Fans also stay engaged through the presence of UW-Whitewater's spirit squad, which includes both the dance team and cheerleaders, and the presence for the last 25 years of "The Cannon Guy", Mike Lesko, who fires off a cannon in the south end zone each time the Warhawks score.
Thanks to partnerships with UW-W's First Year Experience (FYE) and Career and Leadership Development (CLD) offices, the Warhawks have held a select number of pregame concerts for the last two years, including last year's Jesse McCartney concert prior to the team's season-opening win over Dubuque (Iowa).
Each fall, FYE oversees events surrounding the campus' annual Family Fest, which is intentionally scheduled during the weekend of a home football game. CLD plays a major role in Homecoming events leading into the Saturday football game.
UW-Whitewater's final home game of the season is traditionally reserved as both a Military Appreciation Day and as the game to recognize a child receiving care at Shriners Hospitals for Children.
All of these initiatives have helped UW-Whitewater sustain and grow one of the best small college gameday atmospheres in the country.
"The thing that makes football special there is that football is important," former Warhawk defensive back Brady Grayvold (2012-14) said on an Inside Warhawk Athletics podcast from September.
"The reason why that stadium is so special is that it's a staple. Athletics is the front porch to the university in Whitewater … they've made it a priority to make athletics important and to make the student-athlete experience top notch. I think when you combine those types of things, and you combine the success that you have, I think that creates a culture among students, the boosters, the alumni, the different fans and the kids that want to play there. I think that really enhances the experience overall.
"Perkins Stadium kind of has its own little niche in college football. If you're a fan of college football, you should absolutely try and take in a game there, and see that kind of environment, much like small school football across America."
The Warhawks have also had their fair share of success at Perkins Stadium. Over the last 15 years, UW-W is 110-4 in home games, good for a .965 winning percentage. The team's current 20-game winning streak inside The Perk is the fourth-longest in program history.
A loyal fan base, an engaged campus community and passionate alumni all combine to nurture an atmosphere that leads to the program's success.
