Hail to the Purple! A Fan’s Guide to Washington Huskies Football Game Day

Get your fleet together for Husky football gameday! Before the University of Washington Huskies take the field at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, fans cover land and sea as traditional tailgating turns into sailgating on the neighboring Lake Washington. Enjoy “The Greatest Setting in College Football” by snagging either Washington Huskies tickets or Husky Stadium tickets, and learn about Washington Husky game day traditions, events and more below.

Pre-Game Traditions

By Saturday, Husky Nation have likely taken part in one major tradition already: Purple Fridays, when fans don the team’s Husky Purple. Inspired by the majestic Mount Rainier visible from campus, Husky Purple takes school spirit nationwide one day ahead of games. As the UW fight song “Bow Down to Washington” states, “Mighty are the ones who wear the purple and the gold.”

For home games, a Huskies fan’s day usually begins at Union Bay on Lake Washington thanks to the nearly century-long pregame tradition of sailgating. After its construction in 1920, fans quickly took advantage of the venue’s open, sea-facing southeast endzone by anchoring their boats outside. Sailgating has since become a pregame ritual that attracts more than 3,000 guests per home game, with 150 reservable dock spaces available at the popular Husky Harbor alone.

Although private moorage permits are offered via waitlist, fans are welcome to anchor in Union Bay without a permit. The school provides a shuttle service two hours before kickoff and one hour after the game ends. There are no fees to shore, but return trips cost $10 per guest over two years old. Charter boats are also available for vessel-less fans who still want to appreciate the unique pregame atmosphere and spectacular views on Lake Washington. For up-to-date pickup and dropoff information at Husky Stadium, as well as charter boat recommendations, visit the Washington Huskies football website.

Head back to land early to show your support during The Dawg Walk team entrance. Proceeded by the Husky Marching Band, UW Spirit team, Washington mascots Dubs and Harry the Husky and the iconic Helmet Car, the Washington Huskies football team make their first appearance two and a half hours ahead of kickoff. Beginning in 2024, the Dawg Walk launches on the northwest plaza of Husky Stadium and continues along Montlake Boulevard to the western Dawg Pack entrance.

On shore, fans can also complete their game prep at The Zone, a free gameday experience on the East Practice Field next to Husky Stadium. To enter for free, guests will need to present their Washington Huskies tickets as early as two hours prior to kickoff. The Zone includes food truck concessions, all-ages activities, lounge space, meet and greet opportunities and more. In addition, fans can purchase a VIP ZonePass for extended access through the start of the third quarter.

Tailgating Tips

Beyond sailgating, Husky Nation can gather for pregame fun in designated parking lots near Husky Stadium. Lot E1 on Montlake Boulevard typically attracts the most Washington fans, with gates opening six hours ahead of kickoff and spaces offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional parking is available in Lots E12, N25, N4, N5, W10, W12 and several on-campus garages. Meanwhile, Washington offers premium pregame experiences via Montlake Memories and reservable tailgating spaces via REVELxp.

Although sailgating might seem to throw your typical tailgate prep off course, sea-faring Washington Huskies fans still need the same gameday essentials like their phone and mobile Washington Huskies tickets, parking passes, photo ID and cash. All tailgaters should also pack  a large hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and plenty of fluids as well as weather-appropriate layers of purple and gold.

As a tailgate guest, make quick friends by serving up Seattle specialties like crabs, salmon or craft beers from Stoup, Holy Mountain or Georgetown Brewing Company. Most importantly, note that Husky Stadium is one of the loudest stadiums in North America, so bring adequate ear protection.

Before deciding on your gameday outfit, check the Washington Huskies home schedule for special Theme Games like Purple Out or Superhero Day. Fans get especially decked-out in Husky Purple for the annual Apple Cup rivalry game against the Washington State University Cougars. Normally held in alternating home stadiums, the annual matchup was held at Lumen Field, a neutral site and home of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, in 2024.

Inside Husky Stadium

With Husky Stadium standing for over 100 years, fans have racked up a time-tested supply of in-game traditions at the Washington Huskies football stadium, including:

“Bow Down to Washington”

Introduced in 1915, the Huskies’ official fight song, “Bow Down to Washington,” predates Husky Stadium, though its message still rings true (and louder) nowadays. Performed by the Husky Marching Band at games, fans everywhere are sure to “sing the glory of Washington forever.”

“Go Huskies” Cheer

Another classic cheer on every Husky game day, the “Go Huskies” call-and-response chant splits Husky Stadium between its north and south sections. Initiating the cheer themselves, fans on one end yell “Go!” and wait to hear “Huskies!” from the opposite side before repeating at an escalating volume.

The Wave

Get ready to hit The Wave at Husky Stadium, where cheerleading alumni claim the popular crowd participation activity was invented. However, unlike the current, circular rotation of standing spectators, Washington’s initial Wave went from bottom-to-top.

Husky Marching Band Halftime Show

Catch UW’s Husky Marching Band during halftime as they perform the official fight song as well as popular covers like The Champs’ “Tequila,” Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.” For an extra special performance, attend Washington’s annual Band Day theme game to hear the Marching Band accompanied on the field by local high school ensembles.

Post-Game Activities

After a Washington Huskies home game, more school spirit awaits in Seattle’s University District. Along University Way, stop by UW student staples such as Shultzy’s Bar & Grill, Big Time Brewery or Earl’s on the Ave. Elsewhere, sample some of Seattle’s finest dining options nearby at Agua Verde Cafe, Thai Tom, Ivar’s Salmon House or Din Tai Fung.

Closer to Husky Stadium, take in some of the University of Washington’s on-campus treasures like Drumheller Fountain, Red Square, the UW Botanic Gardens and the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, or bike along the Burke-Gilman Trail.

Learn more about the Washington Huskies with our FAQ below.

What school are the Washington Huskies?

The Washington Huskies athletic teams belong to the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington.

Does the University of Washington have sports?

Yes, the University of Washington has a variety of sports teams, including football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, rowing, softball and soccer.

Washington Huskies Game Day Schedule

To be a part of the next Washington Husky football game day, take a look at the team’s regular season football schedule.