Tweet #W1NasONE

Previous O'Brien Field 50 Year Sections
Post Season Games
Defensive Backs & Safeties
Offensive Linemen
Running Backs
Linebackers
Quarterbacks & Tight Ends
Specialists
Defensive Line
Wide Receivers
Top Crowds (Football)
Track All-Americans
Field All-Americans

This year marks the 50th Anniversary for O'Brien Field as the Panthers began competition at the renovated complex for the 1970 season.

With no football on the docket for the fall of 2020, every Wednesday this fall we bring you some memorable moments, players and teams to cap the Golden Anniversary. 

The location for the current football and track field was in place prior to the 1970 season and referenced as Lincoln Field.  The current grandstand and press box were constructed for that year replacing smaller sideline bleachers converting the space into a true college football and track facility.

The first football game played at the newly dubbed location was on Sept. 12, 1970 with a 28-18 loss to regional rival Indiana State.  The Panthers would get their first win the following week with a 19-14 win over Milwaukee on Sept. 19.
 
This week we wrap up our look at 50 Years of O'Brien Field with some of the famous names to have visited or competed at O'Brien Field.   We know you may have your personal favorites but the list was pretty big so we pared it down just a little.  

These notable former EIU coaches for football and track 
 
EIU Coaches
Football: Darrell Mudra, Al Molde, Bob Spoo and Dino Babers
Track: Pat O'Brien, Neil Moore and Tom Akers 
 
EIU Homecoming Parade Grand Marshalls
Bob Hope
Jerry Van Dyke (also an EIU alumnus)

US Olympians
Craig Virgin (US Record Holder)
Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Ranked as No. 5 top US Olympian All-Time)
Mike Conley (Olympic Medalist)
 
Announcers 
Vern Lundquist (ABC Announcer)
Bob Uecker (Milwaukee Football Play-by-play)

Visiting Coaches
Frank Beamer (Murray State to Virginia Tech)
Roy Kidd (Successful coach at Eastern Kentucky)
Jim Tressel (Youngstown State to Ohio State)

Events
Home to St. Louis Cardinals Football Training Camp
Home to IHSA State Track Meet for Girls and Boys
Home to Central Illinois Special Olympics.
Home to 1974 NCAA Division II Track National Championship