Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71
Bowditch Field
475 Union Ave
Framingham, MA 01702
Year Opened: 1930
Capacity: 5,300
Take a Bow, Framingham
Bowditch Field was built in the 1930s as a Works Public Administration project. The football stadium is part of a larger complex which also contains a baseball field, tennis courts, basketball courts, track and field facilities, and the city’s Park and Recreation Department offices. It has served as the home field to the Framingham State Rams football team since 1978.
Framingham State University began sponsoring football in 1972 as a club team. Two years later the squad was elevated to varsity status. Today the Rams compete in the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC). Framingham State has won 11 conference titles and qualified for six post-season tournaments in their history. One FSU football alumnus, Joshua Onujiogu, has made it to the National Hockey League.
Framingham State University is a public university located in the Boston suburb of Framingham. With an enrollment of 4,500 students, the school began its existence as a Normal School, a training school for teachers. Today the university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in several majors.
Food & Beverage 2
There is a small concession stand underneath the home bleachers. Staffed by volunteers from the local Lions Club, hungry Rams fans can pick up a hot dog or some pizza slices. Bottles of Pepsi products are featured along with assorted chips and candy. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at this community complex. Fans can bring their snacks into Bowditch Field. On chilly Massachusetts fall afternoons, you’ll be sure to see lots of hot Dunkin’ beverages.
Atmosphere 2
There’s a very laid-back atmosphere at a Framingham State football game. With the smallish crowds in attendance here, there’s not a ton of noise produced by the fans. Also, the sound system, while adequate, is not very loud. It can be tough to hear game announcements. The public address announcer does her job in a quiet, workmanlike fashion, but doesn’t add much energy to the goings-on.
The FSU cheerleading squad is present but isn’t audible unless you are sitting nearby. There’s not much of a turnout by the student body, so most of the energy in the stands comes from the many family members who come out to see the team play.
Neighborhood 3
Bowditch Field is located in a residential area in the Boston suburb of Framingham. There may not be much in terms of lodging or dining options near Bowditch Field, but there are plenty of choices nearby throughout the city.
Route 9, the main business thoroughfare in the area, runs just to the north of the complex and contains numerous restaurants and hotels for visiting fans. Buckley Kitchen and Bar, Legal Sea Foods, and Samba Steak and Sushi are among the many excellent local choices. For fans looking for a place to stay while in Framingham, Hampton Inn, Residence Inn by Marriot, and Sheraton all are located nearby.
Of course, if visiting Framingham from out of town, downtown Boston is just 20 miles away and accessible by the Commuter Rail.
Fans 3
The Rams attract decent crowds to Bowditch Field for football games. While there’s not a huge turnout from the student body (Bowditch Field’s location off-campus undoubtedly hurts in this regard), the fans that do show up strongly support the Rams. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players and help to create a lively atmosphere.
With the compact geographic footprint of the MASCAC, there’s usually a strong turnout from visiting fans as well.
Access 3
Framingham is a city of over 72,000 residents located 20 miles west of Boston and 20 miles east of Worcester. The area is easily accessed by car, as Interstates 90, 93, and 95 all run near Bowditch Field. Route 9, the main local business thoroughfare, runs just to the north of the complex. MetroWest Regional Transit Authority’s number 2 bus has a stop a short walk from Bowditch Field. The Framingham State campus is located about a mile away from Bowditch Field.
There is ample parking in the lots adjacent to Bowditch Field as well as in a grass field adjacent to the stadium that is used for game-day parking. Seating consists of aluminum bench seating in grandstands that line three sides of the football field. There is also plenty of standing room around the field.
The presence of a track pushes the seating back a bit from the field, but all the grandstands feature excellent views of the field. Restrooms are located on both sides of the football field and are plenty large enough for the typical Rams crowd.
Return on Investment 5
Admission to Framingham State football games is priced at five dollars for general admission seats. Parking is free in the lots surrounding Bowditch Field. Concessions are inexpensive, with no item costing more than three dollars. An afternoon at a Framingham State football game is the most affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.
Extras 1
There is an extensive display in the entry plaza of Bowditch Field which lists important dates and events in the facility’s history. Take a look at some of the famous names who are connected with this place.
Final Thoughts
Bowditch Field is a wonderful community facility that serves the needs of the Framingham State Rams well.
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