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On Saturday, August 31st, the UW Huskies returned home to face the Boise State Broncos since renovations to Husky Stadium began in November 2011.  During 2012, the UW Huskies had temporarily called CenturyLink Field their home, playing on the same turf as the Seattle Seahawks for the entire season.

So, for the last year, everyone has eagerly awaited the reopening of the new stadium, counting down the days to Retake Montlake!

Image by RJ 

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The unveiling of the new Husky Stadium for the UW vs Boise State game, came with no disappointments.  It’s an inviting stadium for Husky students, alums, and supporters. All of the renovations; from the removal of the track to bring fans closer to the action, suites and club seating are all great but the most impressive part of the stadium for me – a WSU Cougar Alum – is the west side of the stadium.  The Dawg Pound – student section – was loud and proud and their football team did not fail to give them a great football game.  The stadium is real nice and I’m sure any and all Huskies would be real proud to call it home.  The football team led by Keith Price made sure that their home, their new home, will be a feared place to play.  As a die hard football fan I couldn’t wait to get on the field as I longed to feel the anxiety and rush that came with the territory.  The Dawgs had ONE thing in mind and that was to WIN their 1st game at home!  Brad Puet

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Instagramers Seattle and We Are Juxt also returned to the field to capture the excitement and anticipation of the season’s first game.

Just like last year, local photographers will be given the chance to cover the UW Huskies games here at home.  It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity that has been possible because of our mobile phones and community leadership.  All the photos that you see from here on end are taken (and edited) with a smartphone only.

Image by Victoria

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Timing is key to capturing those fleeting moments.  Not only is it important to be a great photographer but it is also important to be able to catch the action – whether it be a game winning play or an act of frustration.  With every game we get better and just like the players, we get faster and smarter.

As an avid football fan, my goal is to try to connect the technicalities of the game with me actually being on the field.  What I’m trying to say is that watching a game on TV is so much different than actually being on the playing field.  Players, referees, cheerleaders, cameramen et al are there, up close and personal.  There’s a lot going on and it takes concentration to try and figure out the next move. Believe me when I say we’re on our toes and constantly on the go – it’s the best adrenaline rush ever!

Image by Bridgette S.

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I wasn’t prepared for this game.  

I shot two games last season at Century Link and was fully aware of how crazy the UW crowd could get for big games and big moments.  With the advent of the new Husky Stadium at hand, I wanted to fully focus on the fans engaged with the game and the team.

What I wasn’t ready for was how potent the UW offense was going to be.  They moved at a break-neck pace, never huddling during their possessions.  In the fourth quarter, the Huskies were moving the ball down the field and fast.  I was taking pictures behind the Dawg Pack when I realized that they were now inside Boise State’s 25 yard line.  I started sprinting down the steps to get closer to the field to get action and reaction shots, should they score.  I made it halfway down the stairs when Bishop Sankey punched it in for a touchdown.

This is going to be a crazy season, having to be aware of what the team is doing on the field and what the fans are doing in reaction to them.  The next game I cover, I’ll be ready for all of it. – RJ 

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The fans were loud and they were pumped!  I can still hear everyone, all 70,000+, scream at the top of their lungs, making sure everyone knew WHO’S HOUSE was back in action!  The sounds of the orchestra still ring in my ears too, it all remains so unforgettable.

Image by Brad Puet

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Image by Bridgette S.

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Image by Victoria 

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Image by RJ

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The PAC-12 looked right at home with millions of viewers watching nationwide.  But the pressure didn’t shake the UW Huskies as they went on to beat the Broncos 38-6.  As you can imagine, the crowd went wild with every play and the early state of nervousness became an all around thrill ride for Dawg fans both present and afar.

It was a remarkable game and we can’t wait to see what the Huskies have in store for the next game vs Illinois.  We are confident that they will continue to play with the same heart and soul.

Image by Bridgette S.

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Image by RJ

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Image by Brad Puet

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I’d like to thank Daniel Hour and UW Athletics for inviting us to cover the home games.  We are truly appreciative of the opportunity and are proud to represent the Huskies.  Rest assured that we will do our very best to capture as much as we can so we can relive the moment and enjoy it for years to come.  After all that’s what photography is all about : )

More images can be found on We Are Juxt UW.

Thank you for inviting us to shoot for last nights game, it was nothing short of magical – Victoria

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Image by Brad Puet

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Images by Bridgette S.

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Image by RJ

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Images by Victoria

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Follow the above photographers on Twitter

Brad Puet// Bridgette S. // RJ // Victoria 

Click on Go Huskies to read previous articles.

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Bridgette