Brown Field - Valparaiso Beacons
Updated: Oct 1
Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Brown Field 1009 Union St Valparaiso, IN 46383
Year Opened: 1919
Capacity: 5,000
Valpo Beacons Shine at Brown Field
The Valparaiso football team has played on the same site since 1919. Brown Field has changed over the years for the Beacons, who are members of the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and the Pioneer Football League. Still, the atmosphere on Saturday afternoons has remained the same.
The 5,000-seat stadium grandstand was last remodeled in 1986, and until 1969 featured a baseball diamond. The stadium features an 8-lane track, lights, a concession stand, and a small section of seating for the away fans. The stadium originally opened as Athletic Field, but was renamed to honor Henry Baker Brown, the university's founder and president from 1873-1917, who led the university in acquiring the property. Valparaiso won its first game, a 26-0 victory over Chicago YMCA College in 1917.
The team won seven conference titles between 1945 and 1969 and two Pioneer League titles in 2000 and 2003. Valp appeared in one bowl game in 1951, a 47-17 loss to La Crosse State in the Cigar Bowl in Tampa, Florida.
Food & Beverages 2
The stadium has one concession stand underneath the home grandstand. The items are not varied and include hot dogs, brats, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, candy, chips, fountain drinks, beer, and hard seltzers. During heavily attended games, lines get long, with wait times even longer. A ticket to the endzone premium area includes a wider variety of beer, hard seltzers, and wines. They include varieties from Half Acre, Miller Lite, and Kendall-Jackson wineries.
Atmosphere 3
Valpo fans arrive well before kickoff and set up tailgating spots close to the venue in the open grass parking lot or the shaded areas closer to the stadium. Our visit was for homecoming against rival Butler University, and a larger crowd packed the grandstand, while many others stood up in the shaded area near the endzones.
The stadium’s grandstand is all general admission, and the best views are closer to the press box. The lower seats are partially blocked by the players, cheerleaders, and players' tent. However, a packed stand creates a lot of excitement from the school’s mascot meeting and greeting fans, cheerleaders drumming up the crowd, and fans singing after every Valpo touchdown.
An electric scoreboard is located in the northeast corner of the stadium. There are a few portable restrooms, but the better ones are inside the Athletics-Recreation Center just outside the main entrance. An 8-lane track surrounds the field, further placing spectators from the action on the field.
Fans pack the grandstand during the Homecoming game, photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Neighborhood 5
Valparaiso is about 30 minutes from the Indiana Dunes National and State Parks. This charming city boasts a vibrant downtown brimming with attractions, locally owned shops, and diverse dining options, all conveniently 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.
Fans 3
The stadium swells for Homecoming, and it would be hard to feel a little school spirit. The fans sing “Chelsea Dagger” in unison after every score, and stomp their feet against the grandstand on third down. This may or may not be the case for other football games during the season.
The team mascot Beacon makes his way around the stadium, photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Access 3
The stadium is on campus and easily accessible through downtown or SR-49. The stadium has two entrances at either side of the home grandstand, and certain areas can get crowded during heavily attended games, such as homecoming or games against rivals, Butler Bulldogs.
Return on Investment 3
Individual tickets are $14 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under; all seating is general admission. There is no box office at the venue, and tickets must be purchased digitally through a scan code. Another ticket option is the premium end zone section that includes food, a cash bar of beer and wine, and pre-game talk from the coach. The price is $45.
Parking is free for all games, and concession items range from $3.50 for popcorn to $8 for a beer or hard seltzer. The team does not sell merchandise at the games; the best bet would be to purchase these items at the university gift shop.
Extras 3
The stadium earns a point for a festive atmosphere for Homecoming, along with the Victory Bell and Tower that have been a part of the university since 1956. A third point is for the use of the restrooms in the basketball arena, where fans can also shake hands with players who make their way to and from the stadium and into the locker room.
There is plenty of tailgating fun before and after the game, photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey
Final Thoughts
Brown Field is not the most aesthetically pleasing college football stadium, and the atmosphere feels more like a high school football game. However, Valparaiso is a beautiful small town, and visiting a Beacons game is worthwhile when in the area.
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Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com
