Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71
Cooper Field 37th St NW & O St. NW Washington, DC 20057
Year Opened: 1994
Capacity: 3,750
The Hoya Coop
Georgetown Hoyas lacrosse is one of the top college programs in the country, having competed in 15 NCAA Tournaments and reaching the quarterfinals ten times, although they only have reached one Final Four, in 1999. The Hoyas play their home games at cooper Field, formerly known as Multi-Sport Field, which is also home to the Hoyas' football program. Multi-Sport Field underwent major renovations in 2018 and 2019 thanks to a donation from Peter and Susan Cooper. The stadium was renamed in their honor and expanded from 2,500 to 3,750, and permanent restrooms, concessions, and a concourse were added.
Food & Beverage 3
There is one concession stand located just inside the entrance to Cooper Field. Typical options such as hot dogs and chicken tenders are available, as are assorted snacks, chips, candy, and soft drinks. The menu is pretty basic but you certainly won't go hungry. If you are looking for something more, there is sometimes a food truck parked outside the stadium selling tacos and quesadillas. Fans can leave the stadium to get the food and return with it. However, this truck is incredibly overpriced with the cheapest item being a whopping $15. The prices at the concession window in the stadium are much more reasonable.
Atmosphere 3
Cooper Field has improved a lot since the renovations and is now a venue worthy of such a top lacrosse program. A proper concourse is now located under the bleachers, and fans can walk up steps or a ramp to their seats. All seats are bleachers which can get a bit uncomfortable, but as the stadium is small and the front rows are elevated, you will have a great view of the action from anywhere. A small scoreboard is located behind the end zone to the left of the bleachers.
As the stadium is located in the heart of the Georgetown campus, many of the historic buildings are visible from the stadium. Some fans elect to watch the game from the walkway outside the McDonough School of Business rather than enter the stadium and watch from the bleachers.
Neighborhood 5
Cooper Field is located in the middle of the Georgetown campus, and you’ll probably have to head off campus to really do anything. However, the Georgetown neighborhood (which lends its name to the school, not the other way around) is one of the best in D.C. There are numerous restaurants ranging from casual sandwich shop Booeymonger’s to luxurious upscale restaurants such as 1789, and everything in between. Georgetown Cupcake sells exactly what its name implies, Clyde's of Georgetown is a locally popular American pub and bar, and Chaia is known for its fancy vegetarian and vegan tacos. All of this is located just a short walk or drive away from the University.
If you’re willing to head downtown to the National Mall area, the District has so much more to offer, and the best part is that most of it is free. Whether it’s taking in the sights and monuments on the Mall itself, or visiting one of the many museums such as the various Smithsonians, there’s something for everyone. All of the government-run attractions are free, but some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you wish to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. .
Fans 5
Georgetown is one of the top lacrosse programs in the country and the attendance reflects it, as they routinely draw close to 2,000 fans a game and sometimes even more. A rowdy student section sits in Section 3, although "sits" is not the right word here as they will typically be standing for almost the entire game. They cheer and shout throughout the game, and many of them turn up shirtless with painted chests even in weather that is less than ideal for doing such a thing. The seating is general admission and this section is not reserved for the exclusive use of students, but be warned if you try to sit behind them, your view may be obstructed. While not matching the student section, the other Hoya fans are also extremely passionate about their team. Cooper Field can get incredibly loud at times with the fans packed together in the small bleachers. While many lacrosse programs don't draw very well, Georgetown does and that is reflected in the experience here.
Access 4
Parking is conveniently available in a garage that is right at the stadium if you use the right elevator to exit. Unfortunately, this bank of elevators isn’t clearly marked, but even if you use the wrong one, you shouldn’t have to walk more than a minute or two. Parking is $5 per hour, which means it will likely cost more than your game ticket, but considering the neighborhood, this isn't out of the ordinary. The concourses are easy to navigate and a massive improvement on the way it used to be here. Restrooms are available off the concourse and are of a sufficient size for the crowd.
Unfortunately, the Washington Metro does not run to the Georgetown neighborhood and the closest stops are several miles away. There are buses that stop nearby, but your best bet is to drive or take an Uber or Lyft if driving is not an option. Georgetown is nowhere near downtown and is just across the river from Virginia, so you do not have to worry about city traffic coming in.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets are $10, which is a reasonable price for the experience you're getting, and are just $5 for youth. Concessions are affordable as well, at least at the main window. However, the parking that can cost more than twice what a ticket does brings this down a notch. A family of two adults and two children will pay almost as much to park as they will for their tickets. For smaller groups or fans traveling alone, the price to park may make up the majority of the cost of going to a game here.
Extras 2
One bonus star for the gorgeous setting of Cooper Field in the middle of Georgetown’s campus. The field is surrounded by historic buildings which remind you of the college setting.
A second and final star for the Jack the Bulldog statue near the entrance. Jack is the Hoyas’ mascot, and although neither the live nor costumed versions made an appearance during our visit, the statue is a nice touch.
Jack the Bull Dog Statue, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey