Do you know what infamous crowd act was created at Husky Stadium on Halloween in 1981? What about how much the massive “super-trusses” in the Bank of America Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion weigh? Can you name the department store chain that was founded by the father of Lloyd Nordstrom, whose family’s generous donation helped birth the UW’s own Nordstrom Tennis Center? While that last one may not have been too difficult, one has to admit that the University of Washington’s many stadia are filled with interesting history.

HUSKY STADIUM

Built in 1920 with an original capacity of just 30,000, Husky Stadium can now hold up to 72,500 screaming fans, making it the nation’s 15th largest on-campus facility. With more than 70 percent of those seats lying in between the two end zones, the UW’s main attraction is considered one of the loudest in the country.

“When they start stomping and clapping, you can feel the metal rattle in your helmet,” Washington defensive tackle David Richie said after a 1995 game against Army.

Comments such as these have become synonymous with Husky Stadium over the years.

Noise levels at Husky Stadium have been recorded at up to 130 decibels, comparable to standing near a running jet plane engine.

Other than the tremendous sound they produce, Dawg fans are credited with “The Wave.”

On Oct. 31, 1981, the Huskies squared off against a tough Stanford team led by Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway. In the third quarter, guest Rob Weller and band director Bill Bissell directed students to rise out of their seats in order by section. “The Wave” was such a hit that it was used the following week at a Seahawks game and, ultimately, in events worldwide.

The Huskies would ultimately score 28 points in that third quarter, helping to set up their 42-31 win over the Cardinal.

Though it can be downright frightening for opponents on game day, Husky Stadium also has one of the most scenic views in college football.

The stadium was strategically designed to offer stunning views of surrounding scenery, like the luscious, green University of Washington campus, Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains.

HEC EDMUNDSON PAVILLION

Hec Edmundson Pavilion is another of the University of Washington’s high quality sports facilities. Playing host to Husky sports such as the men’s and women’s basketball teams, gymnastics and volleyball, the UW understood the structure’s importance and ordered a 19-month, $40 million renovation in 1999.

Originally completed in 1927, the University of Washington Pavilion was renamed the “Clarence S. ‘Hec’ Edmundson Pavilion” 21 years later, honoring the institution’s outstanding basketball and track coach of the same name. The arena received its current title after the rebuilding, which was possible thanks to a generous donation from Bank of America.

While the building was originally laden with skylights — they were found to be unsafe after one fell in 1938 and were immediately removed — Bank of America Arena now boasts a massive structure with clear viewing from any angle.

Before the major reconstruction in 1999, the facility was notorious for its support pillars, which obstructed the view for some attendants. Gone are those pillars and in are the new, state-of-the-art “super-trusses” that line the length of the building from east to west, eliminating field-of-view issues.

The Husky basketball team has amassed 776 victories through 77 seasons in the arena — more wins than any other team in the nation has accumulated in their current arena.

NORDSTROM TENNIS CENTER

The Lloyd Nordstrom Tennis Center lies north of Husky Stadium and sports six indoor tennis courts. What makes these courts so unique is the story behind their creation — each has been named after a special donor.

The center opened in 1989 using a $2.5 million donation from the family of Lloyd Nordstrom. A member of the Husky varsity tennis team from 1930-1932, Nordstrom, a department store mogul, made his passion for both tennis and the University of Washington come to fruition with this modern facility.

In just its first year, the Nordstrom Center was voted an outstanding tennis facility by the United States Tennis Association’s Technical Committee. Today, the courts are used for more than just indoor competition and may be scheduled for use by students and faculty.

There are more amazing Husky sports venues with their own histories that also deserve attention. Whether it’s Husky Softball Stadium, Husky Ballpark or Dempsey Indoor, each facility offers different experiences, histories, legacies and pride that shouldn’t be missed.

Reach reporter Ben Foutz at sports@dailyuw.com.