Bill Steinbrecher Field - Valparaiso Beacons
Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86
Bill Steinbrecher Field Campus Drive W. Valparaiso, IN 46383
Year Opened: 2011
Capacity: 500
Valpo Has a New Name for its Softball Field
The Valparaiso University softball team plays on campus at what used to be called the Valpo Softball Complex. During our visit, the venue was announced as Bill Steinbrecher Field to recognize the impact and legacy of Director of Athletics emeritus Dr. Bill Steinbrecher.
The team has been playing at this site since 2003, but the current grandstand was constructed for the 2011 season. It included aluminum seating with chair-back seats in the middle section behind home plate, ADA ramp entrances, a press box, and a concession stand. A new scoreboard was added in 2017, along with revamped batting cages and bullpens beyond the dugouts.
The Beacons play a fall exhibition schedule of four games during the months of October and September. The games consist of doubleheaders on Saturday afternoons against regional and college opponents. It is a trend that is occurring at other college campuses across the Midwest.
The school is a member of the Missouri Valley Conference, but played in the Horizon League before the 2018 season. They won tournament conference championships in 2012, 2013, and 2016. The program made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament in 2012, losing to Kentucky.
Food & Beverage 0
The concession stand was closed during our visit; perhaps this is the case with most fall games. However, a return trip for a spring game could result in a higher grade for the food and beverage category. Spectators are allowed to bring their own food and drinks to the game.
Atmosphere 3
A Valpo softball game is a laid-back affair with all of the action taking place on the field. The stadium features a grass outfield, an all-dirt infield, and bullpens down each baseline.
Spectators do their best to cheer the players on the field, and it is plausible to hear coaches’ directions and guidance from the dugouts. The stadium holds no more than 500 people, and the grandstand rises above the field for great views; however, a few poles block certain spots.
The stadium has a scoreboard painted in school colors behind left field; tennis courts and Beacon Hall reside behind the outfield walls. Trees line up certain areas of the complex to add a nice touch to the proceedings. Team uniforms for fall ball do not include numbers on the back, an unusual sight for any baseball/softball game.
Neighborhood 5
Valparaiso is about 30 minutes from the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks. This charming city has a vibrant downtown with attractions, locally owned shops, and diverse dining options within walking distance of one another.
The downtown square offers a collection of amazing eateries, shops, and great places to drink craft beer. The streets are packed with people, enjoying dinner and drinks on outside patios. There is a selection of retail shops that sell olive oil, wines, fresh cheese, meats, and homemade sauces. The colorful and pleasant main street is definitely worth walking to check out the many selections of restaurants.
Don Quijote is legendary for its Spanish cuisine. Stack's Bar and Grill is a casual, library-inspired setting. 150-plus beers on tap, plus cocktails, wine, and shots. Industrial Revolution Eatery & Grille is an American restaurant & bar serving burgers, pizzas & local brews in an airy, industrial setting. Serrano's Mexican Grill is a relaxed Mexican restaurant with burritos, tacos, fajitas, and drinks.
During the fall season, visitors might be able to see other Valpo athletic contests at the Athletics-Recreation Center, Emory Bauer Field, or Brown Field.
Fans 3
The fans are either friends, close relatives, or classmates of the players on the field. The small gathering enjoyed a warm, late-fall afternoon of softball. The loudest chants and cheers came from the players’ dugouts.
Access 3
The structure is small and easy to walk around. Some ramps provide access and protective fencing for foul balls. There is a parking lot behind the stadium that provides ample space for cars.
Return on Investment 3
There is no charge for tickets to Valpo softball games. The stadium does not offer concessions or merchandise; if you are looking for pure softball action, this will be your type of atmosphere.
Extras 3
The stadium earns a point for its new name after Bill Steinbrecher. The second point is for the ability to watch a few innings during September and October. The final point is for the players’ chants from both dugouts during key moments of the game.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Bill Steinbrecher Field is a nice, serviceable venue for college softball. Tucked away in a nice part of campus and surrounded by campus buildings, it is an ideal way to spend an afternoon enjoying collegiate athletics.
----
Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
