SEATTLE – University of Washington athletic department officials announced several fan experience enhancements for the 2017 Husky football season. The 2017 season will bring Husky fans enhanced concessions offerings, new tailgate opportunities and adapted policies concerning The Zone.

A newly-created ZonePass will be available for purchase on a season-long or single-game basis, and will grant a maximum of 500 patrons access to a premium area of The Zone pre-game through the start of the third quarter. The Zone will be open to all fans with a game ticket prior to the start of the game, however, during halftime it will only serve those with a ZonePass. Fans may purchase ZonePasses by clicking here.

"Fan preference data showed us two clear insights: our fanbase has a tremendous appetite for additional premium opportunities, and there is a frustration with the volume of fans in The Zone at halftime," Roy Shick , Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Affairs said. "We believe these new policies will help us take a big step in a direction that allows us to service our fans better."

Following the success of the Off Leash Deck in Husky Stadium's northwest corner and above section 101, a third beer garden, the Off Leash Porch, will be added in the eastside of the stadium.

Huskies fans will also have access to enhanced concessions, including new in-stadium offerings from Seattle chef Josh Henderson. Henderson's Great State Burger will operate a food truck for tailgaters and Kiki Ramen will be serving up Szechuan style fried rice in both general and club areas. UW fans in premium areas will have access to a new private label Husky-themed beer created by local partner Redhook Brewery. Purple Reign IPA, brewed to celebrate the Huskies pays homage to the traditional Northwest IPA, with fruit, citrus and pine flavors, lingering hop bitterness and a smooth finish. Husky Stadium premium areas will also feature a local wine each game.

Also among new offerings for the 2017 season is a new tailgate offering on Rainier Vista, one of the most picturesque locations in college sports. The Rainier Vista Tailgate Club will feature premium, turnkey tailgating solutions operated by UW's new hospitality partner, IMG LIVE. The new tailgate packages, which require no setup or cleanup for fans, are offered in three different sizes, accommodating groups of all sizes and budgets. Interested fans can learn more at www.tailgateclub.com/husky.

A statue of UW's national championship head coach Don James will be unveiled the week of Washington's homecoming game against UCLA Oct. 28. The Huskies will also be paying tribute to longtime radio play-by-play broadcaster Bob Rondeau, who will retire following the 2017 football season, at the Apple Cup game against Washington State Nov. 25.