Nottingham Field - Home of the Bears
On September 9, 1995, UNC unveiled Nottingham Field for the first time as the Bears defeated Mesa State 58-7. The $4.0 million facility sits on the west-campus of the University of Northern Colorado, adjacent to Butler-Hancock Hall, the home of UNC Athletics.The field is named after Vic Nottingham, local businessman, UNC alum and longtime UNC booster. The 1952 student body president, Nottingham was co-chair of the committee that successfully raised private funds for the entire project.
Joining Nottingham on the stadium committee were Dick Monfort, John Zurbrigen, Bruce White and Bob Ruyle. Fund-raising efforts began in 1992, with construction on the 6,500-seat stadium beginning in June, 1994. The facility was completed in the spring of 1995.
Nottingham Field replaced Jackson Field, home of the Bears from 1926-1994. At the final game at Jackson Field, President Herman Lujan, Zurbrigen, Nottingham and White removed a piece of turf from the endzone. The turf was replanted in the south endzone of Nottingham Field.
The Bears have been close to unbeatable at Nottingham, posting a 24-1 record in three years at the stadium. While only 18 games have been played on the field, there have certainly been many magical moments:
Oct. 21, 1995 - Tom Beck throws a one-yard strike to Graham McDaniel with three seconds remaining to give the Bears a 30-27 win over 11th-ranked St. Cloud State.
Nov. 11, 1995 - The Bears cap a perfect 6-0 inaugural home season at Nottingham with a 55-21 win over Augustana.
Oct. 12, 1996 - The Bears score 31 unanswered points to overcome a 23-7 second-quarter deficit and defeat North Dakota State 38-36.
Nov. 2, 1996 - The Bears upset 11th-ranked South Dakota State 21-6, resurrecting the team's playoff hopes.
Nov. 16, 1996 - UNC defeats Augustana 41-7, the team's 12th straight home victory - a school record.
Nov. 30, 1996 - Tom Beck found Omar Zuniga in the endzone from two yards out with 12 seconds remaining to give the Bears a remarkable 27-26 win over second-ranked NW Missouri State in the NCAA quarterfinals.
Oct. 4, 1997 - A late fourth quarter drive stalled at the one-yard line for the Bears as they fell to North Dakota State 28-24 for their first-ever loss at Nottingham Field.
Oct. 26, 1997 - The Bears play their first-ever game on Sunday at Nottingham Field as a record 25-inch snowfall postponed the game one day. UNC defeated Nebraska-Omaha 37-17 in the game.
Nov. 15, 1997 - UNC cruises past North Dakota 34-7 to win its first NCC title since 1980 and earn an NCAA playoff berth.
Sept. 5, 1998 - The Bears set a single game scoring record with 72 points in a 72-26 win over Adams State in the season opener. Quarterback Corte McGuffey ended the day with a school record six touchdown passes and he completed 16-of-20 passes.
Sept. 19, 1998 - The Bears defeated Augustana 56-9, marking the 100th career victory for head coach Joe Glenn.
Nov. 21, 1998 - UNC utilized a 28-point first quarter to cruise to a 52-24 win over North Dakota in the first round of the NCAA Playoffs. A record crowd of 7,312 saw Corte McGuffey throw for five touchdowns and run for another as the Bears advanced to the quarterfinals.
