Brian Kelly '83 Stadium - Assumption Greyhounds
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86
Brian Kelly ’83 Stadium
80 Nelson Place
Forest Grove, MA 01605
Year Opened: 2005
Capacity: 1,200
Touch of Grey
Assumption University is a private Catholic University in Worcester, MA. Founded in 1904 by the Augustinians of the Assumption, the school offers 37 majors and 50 minors to its enrollment of just over 2,000 students. Long known as “Assumption College,” Assumption transitioned to University status in 2020 with the reorganization into five distinct schools.
Football has been played at Assumption since 1967, when the school began a club program. In 1988 the team was elevated to varsity status. They were inaugural members of Division Two’s Northeast-10 Conference at the conception of the circuit in 2002. Three Assumption alumni (Deonte Harty, Scott Simonsen Zach Triner), have played in the National Football League.
Brian Kelly Stadium was built on the site of Multi-Sport Stadium, Assumption’s old stadium. The central component of the university’s Centennial Campaign, the stadium cost $3.2 million to build. Today six Greyhound teams (football, men’s and women’s lacrosse, men’s and women’s soccer and field hockey) all use the facility.
The Stadium is named for Assumption class of 1983 alumnus Brian Kelly, who played on the Greyhounds football team during his undergraduate days and went on to serve as the football team’s defensive coordinator and the softball coach. He later went on to a successful college coaching career, including stints as coach at Notre Dame and LSU. Kelly and his wife Paqui support a scholarship at Assumption for members of the football team.
Food & Beverage 2
There is a small concession stand at the southwest corner of the stadium. Visiting fans can pick up burgers, hot dogs, chips, candy and assorted Coca-Cola products. Alcohol is not allowed inside Kelly Stadium. Fans are allowed to bring in their own drinks and snacks to the stadium. You’ll be sure to see lots of hot drinks from the local Dunkin’ as the weather turns cold later in the season.
Atmosphere 2
The gameday atmosphere at Kelly Stadium is everything that you would want and expect at a small school and small facility like you find here at Assumption. There’s nothing over the top or overdone here in any aspect of the presentation. In short, it’s a laid-back, relaxed place to take in some quality football on a Saturday afternoon. You’re far from the bright lights of big-time college football here at Assumption, and that’s probably precisely why you chose to be here.
The atmosphere begins with the tailgating lot. Located a short walk from the field, You’re not going to find rowdy drinking games or loud shenanigans here. You’ll be among fans enjoying some pregame food and drink before heading across the street for the game. During the game, there’s no band playing, which is a big minus, but the cheerleaders and dance team perform in their respective corners of the stadium. Music plays throughout the game (sometimes when it shouldn’t), and the PA announcer goes about his job in a very workmanlike fashion. The Greyhounds mascot, Pierre, wanders around the stands throughout the game interacting with fans. One word to the athletic department: please get the mascot costume washed!
There’s a videoboard in the north end zone that displays game info and plays some replays and graphics. Unfortunately, the board is positioned very far from the field. There is a lot of empty space between the back of the end zone and the edge of the stadium.
Neighborhood 3
Assumption University is located in the residential Forest Grove neighborhood of the city of Worcester. While very secluded and quiet, the university is close to downtown. Visiting fans looking for dining or lodging options while visiting Assumption will find nothing in the immediate vicinity of the school, but luckily, there are plenty of options to be found a short drive away.
While there aren’t many dining or lodging options right around Assumption, downtown Worcester is only two and a half miles away. Located here is the city’s famous Restaurant Row, Shrewsbury Street, where dozens of restaurants, shops and businesses are concentrated along a two-mile stretch of road. Also located downtown is the DCU Center, home of the ECHL’s Worcester Railers. The up-and-coming Canal District is home to Polar Park, home of the Worcester Red Sox. Even though there are 13 colleges in and around Worcester, Holy Cross fields the only Division One teams. Fitton Field and the Hart Recreation Center anchor the facilities there.
Fans 3
Attendance at Assumption football games has been in a slow and steady decline over the past couple of decades since they reportedly averaged over 2,100 fans a game. For the 2025 season the Greyhounds drew an average of just over 1,000 fans per game to Kelly Stadium, just under the conference average. The first two games of 2026 show a similar trend attendance-wise.
You won’t find much of a turnout from the student body at an Assumption football game, nor is there a dedicated student section. The stands are filled with locals, families and alumni looking for an affordable afternoon of entertainment. The crowd doesn’t add a ton of energy to the proceedings, but they are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the Greyhounds. With the compact geographic footprint of the Northeast-10 Conference, you’ll be sure to see many fans of the visiting team in the stands. As a visiting fan, you can feel safe sporting the opposing colors at Kelly Stadium.
Access 3
Brian Kelly Stadium is located on the northern edge of the Assumption University campus alongside the rest of the school’s athletic facilities, including H.L. Rocheleau Field, Normand R. Marois Field and Plourde Recreation Center. The school is located in a residential neighborhood which, while not far from downtown Worcester, is somewhat secluded and not directly served by public transportation. Driving is the best method to arrive at Assumption.
Parking for Greyhound football games is available at no charge in the many lots around campus. The lots directly adjacent to the stadium are reserved for tailgating. If you are not planning to tailgate, you will have a short walk, up to a half mile, to the stadium. And since this is Worcester, you will naturally be walking uphill.
All seating at Kelly Stadium is metal bleachers contained in a grandstand on the western side of the stadium. There is plenty of standing room at the top of the grandstand and at field level at the south end zone. There is also a party deck which offers great views of the action.
Lines at the concession stand were not too long, even at halftime. There are a pair of port-a-johns in the south end zone, but given the lack of lines there and their relative cleanliness, there must be permanent rest rooms somewhere in the facility that this writer could not find.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets to Greyhounds football games are sold as general admission for ten dollars. Seniors and children are admitted for five dollars, while students and members of the military are admitted free of charge. Parking is free in the lots around campus, except for the tailgating lots, for which passes must be purchased. More information can be found here.
Refreshments at the concession stand are reasonably priced, making an afternoon at an Assumption football game an affordable entertainment option for Central Massachusetts sports fans.
Extras 2
Championship banners honoring all the teams that call Kelly Stadium home are hung along the fence on the east side of the field.
Greyhound Park provides a meeting spot just outside the entrance to the stadium, complete with a life-size statue of a greyhound, providing that perfect Instagram spot before heading inside for the game.
Final Thoughts
Brian Kelly Field is a typical small football facility at a small school. It doesn’t try to be anything that it isn’t, and that’s exactly part of its charm. If you head to a game at Assumption, be ready for a relaxed afternoon of quality football far from the bright lights of the big time.
