Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86
Lois T. Murray Field 1700 E Cold Spring Ln Baltimore, MD 21251
Year Opened: 2017
Capacity: 150
Home of the Bears
Morgan State University was founded in 1867 as the Centenary Biblical Institute, a Methodist Episcopal seminary. Later it changed its name to Morgan College. The name changed once again in 1939 to Morgan State College when it became a public university. The school was granted university status in 1975, thus becoming Morgan State University. Morgan State is not a part of the University System of Maryland; the school opted out and possesses its own governing Board of Regents.
Morgan is a well-known Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Famous alumni include actress Mo’Nique, singer Deniece Williams, former Mayor of Baltimore Catherine Pugh, and Kweisi Mfume, former President of the NAACP and current U.S. Congressman.
Athletically the school competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). MEAC members are HBCU schools located in the Southeastern and the Mid-Atlantic United States.
After more than a decade of talks and planning for an upgraded on-campus softball facility, the dream became a reality, when Morgan State debuted its newly refurbished home field on Saturday, April 1, 2017.
Lois T. Murray Field is named for the former elementary school located that was located on this site. Lois T. Murray Elementary/Middle School is now located about a mile away in a new building.
Food & Beverage 0
There is no permanent food stand at the field.
Atmosphere 4
Lois T. Murray Field is a simple facility with a nice atmosphere. After the school moved to its new home the dugouts were built, as well as a new backstop and fence around the playing surface were installed and topped off with a windscreen along the entire outfield fence. Before this, it was likely a standard school playfield.
There are two bleachers at the field. Many fans will watch from other places around the field as the bleachers hold a small amount of fans.
Neighborhood 3
The area right around Morgan State is essentially residential. It is not a bad area, but neither is it overwhelmingly welcoming. You will probably want to venture away from campus for food, lodging, and entertainment.
A personal favorite for food is Miss Shirley’s at 513 West Cold Spring Lane. They are known for their great breakfast and down-home food.
Venturing further from campus, one may want to try out the suburb of Towson with its variety of shops and restaurants. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill, Sushi Hana, and Zia’s.
For slightly more upscale cuisine a visit to the 1100-1200 blocks of North Charles Street where The Brewer’s Art and Sammy’s Trattoria offer good food at decent prices.
Baltimore is home to many tourist attractions such as Harborplace, Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone.
Fans 4
The fan atmosphere will depend on the game. As with many college softball games, the bulk of the fans tend to be family or friends of both teams. Student attendance at games seems to be pretty low, although it is higher when Coppin, Howard, and Delaware State come to town.
Access 3
Morgan is not too hard to find. If on the Baltimore Beltway, I-695, one can take exit 30A (Perring Parkway/MD-41S) south until it becomes Hillen Road. Lois T. Murray Field is located at the corner of Hillen Road and Arlington Avenue.
Limited spectator parking is located at Lois T. Murray Field next to the playing field. You can also park on a few of the streets around the stadium but depending on the crowd it could be difficult to find a spot.
Return on Investment 5
You are not going to be watching the highest level of softball competition, but the cost is about the best you can find. That’s right, there is no admission cost. Combine that with free parking, and you have a pretty great night out.
Extras 1
The location alone is a nice extra. They took an unused plot of land, close to campus, and turned it into a nice softball field that has a great atmosphere.
Final Thoughts
Lois T. Murray Field is a nice little facility that has its small seating capacity as its only real downpoint.