Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57
TU Field Hockey Complex 7500 Osler Dr Towson, MD 21252
Year Opened: 2018
Capacity: 500
Towson Tigers Field Hockey
Built in 2018, the TU Field Hockey Complex is home to the Towson University Tigers field hockey program. Prior to is construction, the Tigers played field hockey in the spacious Johnny Unitas Stadium, also home to the football and lacrosse teams. However, this stadium was far too large for the crowds field hockey attracted, and the bladed turf was not an ideal playing surface, so in 2018 field hockey got its own stadium. The field is located adjacent to the basketball arena and near several other athletic facilities.
Food & Beverage 1
There is one concession stand at the TU Field Hockey Complex, although it is actually in the adjacent softball field. Simply go around the corner and you will be there. The only things for sale here are bottled water, soda, and snacks such as candy and chips. At least the prices are affordable. Only credit cards are accepted.
Atmosphere 3
The TU Field Hockey Complex consists of a few rows of bleachers on one side of the field. Some fans also like to stand or sit in their own chairs along the sideline. No matter where you sit, you will have a decent view of the action, although your view of the corner of the field may be obstructed by the press box. A scoreboard in the corner of the stadium shows the time, score, as well as the shots, saves, and penalty corners for each team. There is really not much going on here other than the game itself as college field hockey is not a huge deal at Towson or most other schools.
Neighborhood 3
The TU Field Hockey Complex is located in the back part of campus, behind SECU Arena. There is not much to do in the immediate area, but Towson is a decent suburban area and Baltimore is a short drive away and offers plenty more options. Whether there is anything within walking distance depends on how far you are willing to walk, but there are plenty of options, both chain and local, along York Road. The Charles Village Pub and The Greene Turtle are both local favorites, but unless you’re willing to walk half an hour each way, you will need to drive a short distance. The Towson Town Center shopping mall is also nearby.
Fans 3
Towson averages about 100 fans for a field hockey game, sometimes more, sometimes less. Most of the fans are friends or family of the players, though you do get some local Towson fans as well. Given there is the same core group of fans who attends almost every game, they are knowledgeable about the team, the players, and the sport and all seem to know each other very well, although they are welcoming of others too.
Access 3
Towson University’s campus is located several miles off I-695, the Baltimore Beltway. Once you arrive on campus, where you will park depends on whether it is a weekday or weekend game. If it is a weekend game, simply park in the lot right next to the field for free. Assuming there is not a football game at Johnny Unitas Stadium, you should be able to do that. On weekdays, you will need to park in a paid visitor lot or garage. The lot next to the stadium is available for paid visitor parking on weekdays, and you can pay on your phone or at the station, although it will likely cost you over $10 to park there. Garage rates will vary depending on where you park and for how long. We suggest visiting on a weekend day when there is no football game for easiest access.
Restrooms are available in the softball stadium and are of a sufficient size for the crowds.
Return on Investment 4
Admission is free, and if you visit on a weekend, you won’t pay for parking. We suggest doing so to maximize value, but there ultimately isn’t enough here to earn the highest score.
Extras 1
The friendliness of the Towson fans gets them an extra star here. They will not hesitate to explain the finer points of field hockey to fans less familiar with the game or lend you a spare umbrella on a rainy day.
Final Thoughts
The three major sports at Towson University are football during the fall season, basketball in the winter, and lacrosse in the spring. Anything else really does not get much attention, and that includes the field hockey program. Although they have a nice new stadium, fans with no connection to the program are unlikely to show up to visit it. That being said, if you’re a field hockey fan or have some connection to Towson athletics, a trip here is worth a visit. Just do it on a weekend so you don’t have to pay a ridiculous amount for parking.