WALDO STADIUM

Buster Bronco gets the ROTC at the game between WMU and San Jose State at Waldo Stadium on Saturday, September 25, 2021. (Photo by Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com)Carlin Stiehl | MLive.com

The Broncos announced a change of leadership regarding their football team as head coach Tim Lester will not be returning after the 2022 season.

KALAMAZOO, MI-- After Thanksgiving, most of Kalamazoo wasn’t able to watch Western Michigan University’s last home football game against Toledo. Western Michigan Broncos linebacker Quinton Cannon (33) drags down Toledo Rockets wide receiver Adam Beale (10) at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Gracie Smith | MLive.com)Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comTwo Western Michigan Broncos color guard members perform during halftime at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Gracie Smith | MLive.com)Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comA Western Michigan Broncos fan watches the game at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, November 25, 2022. (Gracie Smith | MLive.com)Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comA Western Michigan Broncos marching band member walks onto the field at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, November 25, 2022.

KALAMAZOO, MI-- Kalamazoo was full of excitement Saturday afternoon as everyone prepared for Western Michigan University’s Homecoming game against Ohio University. Denzel Johnson, a Western Michigan student, gets crowned homecoming royalty at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday, October 15, 2022. (Gracie Smith | MLive.com)Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comWestern Michigan students dance at tailgate on Western Michigan University’s campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday, October 15, 2022. (Gracie Smith | MLive.com)Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comA Western Michigan Broncos fan slides down obstacle course at alumni tailgate on Western Michigan University’s campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday, October 15, 2022. (Gracie Smith | MLive.com)Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comTwo Western Michigan Broncos fans play corn hole on Western Michigan University’s campus in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

(Courtesy, Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections)The medicine ball push during Western Michigan University homecoming week in Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1953. (Courtesy, Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections)The 1956 'Homecoming Hoedown' during Western Michigan University homecoming week in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Courtesy, Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections)People gather for the 1958 Western Michigan University homecoming game in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Courtesy, Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections)The bon fire during the 1953 Western Michigan University homecoming week in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Courtesy, Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections)The Western Michigan University homecoming Queen and court during the homecoming game in Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1953.

KALAMAZOO, MI-- Western Michigan University alumni will celebrate homecoming this weekend as the Broncos face off against the Ohio Bobcats Saturday, Oct. 15. Kickoff for the Broncos’ 2022 homecoming game, hosted at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, is 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Related: Photos capture Western Michigan homecoming celebrations through the yearsFootball will not be the only thing to watch this weekend. Scenes from the tailgate before the Broncos home opener against Pitt on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 16 2022. The new student center as seen on Tuesday, Sep. 6, 2022, at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo.Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comMore on MLive:See 68 game photos from Western Michigan’s game against Eastern MichiganOctober meteor shower could deliver fireballs, extra bright meteorsTake a wild ride over Binder Park Zoo on new zip line and ropes course

KALAMAZOO, MI-- Early start for Kalamazoo as Western Michigan University football team’s game played against Eastern Michigan Saturday at noon. Eastern Michigan started the game off strong with two touchdowns in first quarter, while the Broncos weren’t able to score until second quarter. Eastern Michigan defeated Western Michigan, 45-23 at Waldo Stadium on Oct. 7. Related: Eastern Michigan football makes history with big win over WMUDuring the game, Western Michigan athletes with outstanding achievements were given letterman jackets. During halftime, Western Michigan had a professor for the School of Music play on drums with marching band.

KALAMAZOO, MI-- Kalamazoo was bustling with activity on Saturday afternoon for Western Michigan University football team’s game against New Hampshire. Western Michigan defeated New Hampshire, 44-7 at Waldo Stadium on Oct. 1. Related: Fast start propels Western Michigan football past New HampshireBefore the game started, an invite-only corporate tailgate was held at Kanley Track for CommUniverCity Night’s celebrates 30th anniversary. During halftime, Western Michigan had local high school marching bands perform alongside their own. Gracie Smith | gsmith@mlive.comGroup of people look for Western Michigan student tailgate on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, on Western Michigan campus in Kalamazoo.

KALAMAZOO, MI-- Kalamazoo was bustling with activity on Saturday afternoon for Western Michigan University football team’s home opener against No. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comWestern Michigan Broncos wide receiver A.J. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comThe Western Michigan Bronco marching band performs during halftime at Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 16 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comThe Western Michigan Broncos student section at Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 16 2022. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comAlso on MLive:Blake Corum, Michigan football run over UConn for 3-0 startNo.

KALAMAZOO, MI – Untimely interceptions and an inability to slow down Pitt’s ground game cost Western Michigan a shot at the program’s second victory over a ranked opponent, as the Panthers pulled away for a 34-13 win Saturday in front of 22,875 fans at Waldo Stadium. The Broncos were within striking distance for much of the night, but Pitt put together a pair of fourth-quarter touchdown drives to turn a 20-13 game into a three-score advantage, following Daniel Carter’s 3-yard touchdown run with 3:03 left on the clock.

KALAMAZOO, MI -- All lanes on Stadium Drive will be open in time for the expected influx of traffic and visitors attending the first football game of the season at Waldo Stadium, the city of Kalamazoo told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette. Western Michigan University’s football home opener against University of Pittsburgh is Saturday. Western Michigan University has advised attendees to plan for extra traffic time and be aware of new traffic patterns. In February, the Kalamazoo City Commission approved a contract for the major project on Stadium Drive for $2.85 million. For the intersections at Howard, Oliver and Michigan, all pedestrian signals are working and they currently cycle with the traffic signals, Traffic Engineer Dennis Randolph told MLive/Kalamazoo Gazette.

Parking/shuttlesParking is available off of Oakland Drive, Stadium Drive and West Michigan Avenue. Fans driving in will be excited to see more parking on Oakland Drive, near the corner of Oakland Drive and Howard Street. Attendees can park at Lawson Ice Arena and take a free shuttle bus to Buster’s Block Party or Waldo Stadium. Stadium Drive constructionCurrent construction on Stadium Drive, outside of Waldo Stadium, will still be underway by Sept. 17 but all lanes will be opened to traffic. Waldo Stadium changesFireworks will welcome the Broncos to Waldo Stadium for the season’s first home game, and be set off intermittently at celebratory moments during the action.

KALAMAZOO, MI – The “thuds” echoed a little louder throughout Waldo Stadium on Tuesday, as the Western Michigan football team held its first full pads and full contact practice of the Broncos’ 2022 fall camp. “It doesn’t change much for the O-line,” senior left tackle Dylan Deatherage said. Sherwin switched from jumbo tight end, while Gideon started all 13 games at left guard last year. Deatherage started 12 at right guard, but was recruited as a long and lean tackle and has shown inside-outside versatility throughout his six-year career. More WMU sports coverageBig Ten, ACC transfers add talent, experience to WMU football WR roomStarting QB emerging as WMU football kicks off 2022 fall campFormer Western Michigan football prized OL recruit no longer with teamWestern Michigan Football schedule, win total odds and predictions5 things to watch from Western Michigan football’s 2022 fall campFour more WMU football players named to national award watch listsWestern Michigan RB Sean Tyler named to Maxwell Award watch list

KALAMAZOO, MI — Work to replace an aging culvert on Stadium Drive is scheduled to begin Monday, Feb. 14, kicking off a larger project on the stretch of road in front of Western Michigan University’s Waldo Stadium. The culvert is located just south of Oliver Street, at Arcadia Creek. Work is expected to be completed by April 30, the city said in a news release.

KALAMAZOO, MI-- It was senior night at Waldo Stadium and the Broncos last-minute drive gave them a 45-40 victory over Akron. Western Michigan Broncos prepare to take the field for their game against Akron at Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comWestern Michigan Bronco Marching Band performs during halftime at Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comWestern Michigan Bronco Marching Band performs during halftime at Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.comWestern Michigan Broncos seniors are introduced one-by-one on senior night at Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.

KALAMAZOO, MI - Western Michigan University defeated Kent State, 64-31, in front of a homecoming crowd of 18,176 at Waldo Stadium on Saturday. Students, alumni and Broncos fans gathered before the game to tailgate in the back lots of Waldo Stadium before being treated to a high-scoring football game.

(Courtesy, Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections)Campus activities in 1994 during Western Michigan University homecoming week in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Courtesy, Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections)People gather for the 1958 Western Michigan University homecoming game in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Courtesy, Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections)The 1956 'Homecoming Hoedown' during Western Michigan University homecoming week in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Courtesy, Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections)'Snake Dance' during the 1962 Western Michigan University homecoming week in Kalamazoo, Michigan. (Courtesy, Western Michigan University Archives and Regional History Collections)The 1953 Western Michigan University homecoming parade in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Western Michigan fans are gearing up to cheer on the Broncos football team Saturday as the 2021 homecoming week kicks into full gear on WMU’s campus in Kalamazoo. General public parking costs $10, and is parking areas are located off of Oakland Drive, Stadium Drive and West Michigan Avenue. Additional parking is available along Oakland Drive, near the corner of Oakland Drive and Howard Street. Western Michigan Bronco students make their way through a tailgate lot before the season opener against Syracuse Orange at Western Michigan University's Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Friday, Aug. 31, 2018. Portrait of WMU fans during the game between WMU and ISU at WMU’s Waldo Stadium on Saturday, September 11, 2021.

KALAMAZOO, MI-- Western Michigan University was back at Waldo Stadium Saturday afternoon as they hosted Ball State. The Broncos lost to the Cardinals 45-20 and now have a record of 4-2. MLive was there to document the action, both on and off of the field. Check out 34 photos from the game in the gallery above. Next week Western Michigan will be celebrating homecoming as they host divisional opponent Kent State on Saturday, Oct. 16 with a kickoff time scheduled for 3:30 p.m.More WMU news:WMU football’s elite ball-control offense a product of players over play calling, coach saysHistorical photos show homecoming through the years at Western Michigan UniversityWestern Michigan receives votes in both college football polls for first time since 2016WMU football gets coach Tim Lester back for MAC opener, loses CB DaShon Bussell for season

KALAMAZOO, MI — Western Michigan University’s football team defeated San Jose 23-3 in a blowout Saturday, Sept. 25, at Waldo Stadium. The Bronco Marching Band made a special presentation with 300 high school students for Band Day, making the halftime show a spectacle of its own. The Bronco defense proved to be a powerful deterrent to any forward movement from San Jose State. Related: Dominant defense leads Western Michigan football to 23-3 win over San Jose StateWMU Defensive Coordinator Lou Esposito took on head coaching duties Saturday, after Head Coach Tim Lester tested positive for a breakthrough case of COVID-19 earlier in the week. Lester is set to returnThe Broncos head to Buffalo to take on the Bulls at noon Saturday, Oct. 2, and Western returns to Waldo Stadium on Oct. 9 to host the Ball State Cardinals.

KALAMAZOO, MI — Western Michigan fans celebrated the return of college football at Waldo Stadium Saturday, Sept. 11, as the Broncos shutout Illinois State, 28-0. Check out the pictures in the gallery for scenes from inside and outside Waldo Stadium Saturday. Next week, Western Michigan travels to Pittsburgh. The Broncos return to Waldo Stadium on Sept. 25 to host San Jose State. More on MLive:5 takeaways from WMU football’s record-tying win over Illinois StateWestern Michigan vs. Illinois State: A Bronco fan’s guide to game day in Kalamazoo‘We must honor the victims.’ 9/11 memorial service held at Kalamazoo’s Bronson Park

The Western Michigan University Broncos kicked off the season on the road against the Wolverines in Ann Arbor Saturday. KickoffKickoff for the first home game is 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo. Visit the WMU Athletics homepage to get directions to Waldo Stadium and learn more about parking for the big game. WMU Fight SongBronco fans know about the WMU Fight Song. Fight, Broncos fight, fight with all your might.

But due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the stands were empty for that unforgettable Wednesday night football game that saw Western Michigan stun Toledo with a 41-38 comeback win. When asked about what excites him most about the season, Lester said having the chance to showcase their offseason work in front of the fans. “They didn’t go away in January; they showed great discipline to get the offseason done like we needed. “We know we’re playing a good team in the first game, and that helps training camp,” Lester said. WMU kicks off its 2021 season with a noon kickoff at Michigan on Saturday.

KALAMAZOO, MI — A pallid fog cast over Waldo Stadium Friday morning as the Western Michigan University football team took to the field for their first practice of the 2021 season. The first clash of bodies, the bantering of a legion of young talent and the piercing commands of a cohort of coaches consumed the stadium as the Bronco football machine slowly breathed to life. The 2021 season kicks off at noon Saturday, Sept. 4 against the University of Michigan. The first home WMU home game is Saturday, Sept. 11 against Illinois State. Kick off is 5 p.m.More on MLive:6 things to watch from Western Michigan football’s upcoming fall campWMU football’s Mike Caliendo named to Wuerffel Trophy watch list for second timeWMU football team will play under new lights in 2021 after Waldo Stadium upgrade

Defensive tackle Ralph Holley earned a spot on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, while offensive lineman Mike Caliendo received a nod on the Outland Trophy watch list and punter Nick Mihalic was named to the Ray Guy Award watch list. For the second consecutive season, Caliendo finds himself on the Outland Trophy watch list, which goes to the nation’s top interior lineman. Mihalic, a 5-foot-11, 205-pound junior out of Skokie, Ill., is considered among the nation’s top punters with his appearance on the Ray Guy Award watch list. Western Michigan Broncos punter Nick Mihalic (39) grabs the onside kick against the Toledo Rockets during the fourth quarter at Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020. WMU opens its 2021 season with a noon kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 4 at the University of Michigan.

Western Michigan University announced Monday it plans to eliminate attendance restrictions at Waldo Stadium for the upcoming football season, opening the gates for up to 30,200 spectators beginning with the Broncos’ 5 p.m. home opener against Illinois State Saturday, Sept. 11. With the general public barred from attending games at Waldo Stadium last year, WMU played in front of a smattering of players’ families in the stands, but with COVID-19 cases plummeting since mid-April, it appears the in-game atmosphere will be much different in 2021. WMU averaged 17,937 fans for its home games in 2019, which was down from the 18,293 per kickoff Waldo Stadium held in 2018, but up from the 15,886 the venue averaged in 2017. During the Broncos’ Cotton Bowl campaign in 2016, average attendance at Waldo Stadium was 23,838. Throughout its 82-year history, Waldo Stadium has hosted at least 30,000 fans on 14 occasions, with the attendance record of 36,361 set in 2000 during a game against Indiana State.

KALAMAZOO, MI - The Western Michigan football team wrapped up spring practice on March 25, and for the past week, the heavy lifting inside Waldo Stadium has been done by construction equipment and crew. The home of WMU football since 1939, the stadium is in the process of updating its lighting system by replacing fixtures on existing poles and adding new poles to meet NCAA best lighting practices. Permanent lights were first installed at Waldo Stadium in 1993, and a spokesperson for WMU said the current system is at the end of its useful life and that it is becoming difficult to secure replacement parts to maintain existing fixtures. The three video boards were installed ahead of the 2015 season opener against Michigan State at a cost of around $2 million. More WMU sports coverageSee full results from Western Michigan football’s 2021 pro dayWMU football’s Dee Eskridge runs 4.38-second 40-yard dash at pro day, but wanted fasterNew York Jets sign former No.

KALAMAZOO, MI - The Mid-American Conference announced its postseason awards Tuesday, and West Division runner-up Western Michigan was well-represented in all three facets of the game. Eskridge led the nation in all-purpose yards per game (213) and topped the MAC in receiving yards (784), receiving yards per game (130.7) and receiving touchdowns (8). Western Michigan's D’Wayne Eskridge (1) runs the ball against Northern Illinois' Jordan Gandy (14) during a college football game at Waldo Stadium at Western Michigan University on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020. Western Michigan won the game over Northern Illinois, 30-27.J. Western Michigan's Mike Caliendo (61) blocks during a college football game at Waldo Stadium at Western Michigan University on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020.

KALAMAZOO, MI - Western Michigan football fans might not be able to occupy their favorite seat at Waldo Stadium this fall, but the athletic department is offering a way for Bronco die-hards to find themselves in the stands another way. The cutouts cost $70 and will be available for fans to pick up from the university at the end of the season, which was shortened to six league-only games. Waldo Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan on April 5, 2020Joel BissellWestern Michigan’s home contests this season are against Toledo on Wednesday, Nov. 11, Northern Illinois on Saturday, Nov. 28 and Eastern Michigan on Saturday, Dec. 5. WMU opens its football season on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at Akron. MORE:Mid-American Conference releases 2020 football scheduleWMU football sets kickoff times for first 2 weeks of 2020 seasonWMU football’s A.J.