Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00
Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium
1 Cunningham Square
Providence, RI 02908
Year Opened: 2016
Capacity: 1,500
Friar Away
Anderson Stadium is the new on-campus home of the Providence College lacrosse and soccer teams. Located next to Schneider Arena, the stadium is part of the overall upgrade and consolidation of the school’s athletic facilities.
Formally known as Chapey Field at Anderson Stadium, the facility is named in honor of Mike and Maura Chapey, class of 1986, who donated one million dollars, and Board of Trustees member Karl and Kerri Anderson, class of 1988, who donated $1.5 million towards the construction of the facility.
Providence College has been sponsoring lacrosse teams since 1980. Competing in the Big East Conference, the Friars have qualified for the NCAA Tournament three times, most recently in 2007.
Food & Beverage 2
Anyone who has been to any sporting event at neighboring Brown University is familiar with Frenchy’s catering. They handle concessions at all the events on the East Side of Providence. At Anderson Stadium, Frenchy’s operates a food cart.
Hungry Friar lax fans can pick up some snacks while watching the game. Popcorn, hot dogs, nachos and assorted candy bars comprise the entire menu here. Bottles of Coca-Cola products are also available.
Atmosphere 3
Fans who have not experienced a college lacrosse game may be surprised by the enthusiasm shown by the relatively small crowds at the games. Many of the fans in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the field, and wear their hearts on their sleeves throughout the action. Lacrosse fans as a rule are enthusiastic.
Anderson Stadium is a new facility with state of the art sound and video systems that are put to good use throughout the game with replays, game stats and music during play stoppages. You’re not going to get an elaborate game day presentation at a Friar lacrosse game, but you will enjoy yourself at Anderson Stadium.
Neighborhood 3
Anderson Stadium is located at the northeast corner of the Providence College campus next to Schneider Arena. Downtown Providence is located less than two miles away. With the PC campus’ location in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood, there aren’t a lot of dining, lodging or entertainment options right around campus, but visiting fans will find plenty to do in Providence just a short drive away.
Providence has a reputation as one of the top small cities in the nation for culinary options. Most fans visiting the area will head downtown for things to do, but fans looking for options near campus will find some pub style restaurants near Anderson Stadium. Stadium Journey recommends The Abbey, known for their collection of signature burgers and wide variety of draft beer. Fans looking for something a little fancier should head over to Federal Hill, Providence’s Little Italy, where a concentration of top-notch restaurants can be found.
Fans 3
Providence College averages between 300-500 fans per game for lacrosse. Understandably, crowds increase in size as the weather warms over the course of the season.
Lacrosse fans as a whole are very enthusiastic and connected to the players on the field, and it can be a fun atmosphere despite the relatively small crowds in attendance. With many games against local rivals on the Friars’ schedule, it’s not unusual to see a significant number of visiting fans in attendance.
Access 4
Providence College is located in the residential Elmhurst neighborhood of Providence, about a mile from Route 146 and Interstate 95. To reach Anderson Stadium, fans will need to do some driving through the city, but the campus is still pretty easy to reach. Detailed driving directions can be found here. Fans using public transportation will be pleased to know that RIPTA’s number 55 bus has a stop right next to Schneider Arena, adjacent to Anderson Stadium.
With the majority of fans driving to Friar lacrosse games, parking is at a premium. Luckily, there is plenty of parking in the area. There is a two-level garage attached to the west grandstand of Anderson Stadium, as well as several lots within walking distance of the facility. Many fans opt for on-street parking on Huxley and Admiral Streets.
Seating at Anderson Stadium consists of bleacher seating in grandstands on either side of the field, with some individual stadium seats around midfield of the main (west) grandstand. There is a berm on the south side of the field, which is a popular place for students to gather. Fans can walk the entire perimeter of the facility, with views of the action available from all points. Restrooms are available in Schneider Arena next door to Anderson Stadium.
Return on Investment 5
Admission to Friar lacrosse games is free, as is parking in the garage adjacent to Anderson Stadium. While the food at the Frenchy’s cart may be a little more expensive than expected, it’s not outrageously priced. Fans are able to bring their own snacks into the game with them. In the cold winter months of the season, it’s common to see lots of Dunkin’ coffee in the stands.
Extras 1
The game day presentation at a Friar lacrosse game is fairly standard, with not a whole lot going on that could be considered extra. There are free roster sheets available to all fans. If time allows, duck into Schneider Arena next door and check out the displays in the lobby there, including the national championship trophy the school won in 2015.
Final Thoughts
Providence College is a small school with a big history in intercollegiate sports. In recent years the Friars have experienced success in several sports, including consecutive appearances in the NCAA basketball tournament from 2014-2018, a final four appearance in soccer and national championships in hockey and cross country. They have been working hard to improve their on-campus facilities, and Anderson Stadium is a fine representation of these efforts.