Cushing Field - UMass Lowell Riverhawks Lacrosse
- Paul Baker
- Apr 4
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 6
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43
Cushing Field Complex
261 Riverside St.
Lowell, MA 01854
Capacity: 1,000
Lowell Lax
The University of Massachusetts Lowell, more commonly known as UMass Lowell, got its start in the 1890s as two separate institutions, the Lowell Normal School (later renamed Lowell State College) and the Lowell Textile School (later renamed Lowell Textile Institute). These two schools merged in 1975 to become the University of Lowell. In 1991 UL joined the University of Massachusetts system. Today UMass Lowell is the second largest campus in Massachusetts, with an enrollment of over 18,000 students in almost 200 Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs. Total enrollment has increased 50 percent since 2007.
The Cushing Athletic Complex is named for Lester H. Cushing, former athletic director and chair of the Department of Languages at Lowell Technical Institute for 49 years. The complex features two fields; Wicked Blue Field - home to the Field Hockey team, and Riverhawk Field - home to the school’s soccer and lacrosse teams. In 2013 both fields underwent renovations, which included the installation of artificial turf, in preparation for the addition of men’s and women’s lacrosse to the school’s roster.
Lacrosse is a fairly new varsity sport at UMass Lowell. The school began sponsoring the sport in 2015. In their 11 seasons of Division One play, the men’s team has yet to enjoy a winning season, although they did finish with an 8-8 record in 2018. The women’s team, after experiencing losing seasons for their first nine campaigns, reached the America East Conference championship game in 2024 and 2025, losing to Albany both times. Neither squad has qualified for an NCAA Tournament yet.
Food & Beverage 2
There is a small table hidden near the entrance to Cushing Field that serves as the concession stand for Riverhawk lacrosse games. Only snack items are sold here, with hot dogs, candy bars and chips making up the menu. Cans of Coca-Cola products and hot beverages are sold here. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks into Cushing Field to enjoy during the game. On cold February and March afternoons you’ll be sure to see lots of coffees and hot chocolates from the snack bar and the local Dunkin’ in the stands. You will also see some fans setting up tailgates before and after the games at UMass Lowell.
Atmosphere 2
There’s not a whole lot of room for a team’s staff to insert themselves into the game day presentation at a lacrosse game. That’s not to say there’s nothing going on at a Riverhawks game, it’s just that the action down on the field is the focus here. While fans will enjoy some tailgating before a Riverhawks game (and sometimes during halftime), everyone is here to watch some lacrosse, not to make fools of themselves.
Music plays over a decent sound system during play stoppages, and the PA announcer goes about his job providing game information without being too intrusive. If you’re sitting right in front of the press box the sound may be turned up a bit too loud, but you’ll appreciate this if you’re in the far reaches of the facility. Otherwise, whatever noise there is at Cushing Field is provided by the fans themselves. And the fans here do a pretty good job creating that noise.
Neighborhood 3
The University of Massachusetts-Lowell is located in the north-central part of the city of Lowell, right near the city line of adjoining Dracut. The campus straddles the Merrimack River along the rapids that fueled the mills that made this area a magnet for industry back in the day. The Cushing Complex is located on the North Campus, adjacent to the Costello Athletic Center.
Lowell has long been saddled with a reputation as a city with low employment, high poverty and crime rates which was best to avoid. Statistics show that Lowell is as safe or safer than other similarly sized cities in the area, but the reputation continues.
Lowell is a working-class city. There isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of the Cushing Athletic Complex to draw visiting fans, but visitors to the city may be interested in exploring the Lowell National Historic Park, which has preserved several old textile mills to tell the story of the industrial revolution. On the grounds of the park is a memorial to native son Jack Kerouac, who was one of the icons of the “Beat Generation.”
Most out-of-towners will likely make their way to nearby Boston, 25 miles to the southeast, but for those looking to stay in town, most lodging options are located out by Interstate 495. There are many excellent smaller restaurants scattered throughout Lowell. The Worthen House Café, located by the Tsongas Center, was established in 1898. Some of its notable patrons through the years were Edgar Allen Poe, Jack Keroac and Jimmy Breslin.
Fans 2
The crowd at a UMass Lowell lacrosse game is what we at Stadium Journey like to call a “friends and family” type of crowd, meaning that most of the people in the stands have a personal connection with the players on the field. Attendance is reported to be in the 150-300 range for most games, which is similar to many schools in the area.
Like many lacrosse crowds, what a Riverhawk crowd lacks in quantity it makes up for in quality. Lacrosse crowds are generally louder and more into the action than those you’ll come across in other sports. That being said, you can feel comfortable at Cushing Field, even if you’re wearing the opposing colors. With the compact geographic footprint of the America East Conference, you’ll be sure to see fans of both teams in the stands.
Access 3
The Cushing Athletic Complex is located on the north bank of the Merrimack River along with several of the university’s other athletic facilities, including the Costello Athletic Center. The school’s more noteworthy sports facilities, Tsongas Center and LeLacheur Park, are located on the other side of the river. Interstate 495 travels several miles to the south of Lowell, meaning that to reach the UMass Lowell campus one has to drive through the city. There is ample free parking near the complex in North Garage and the Riverside Lots.
Seating runs the length of one side of the field in the form of metal bleachers. There is plenty of standing room along the back side of the bleachers. There is also a small overlook on one corner of the field, where a few Adirondack chairs and a small set of bleachers are set up. This is a great spot to set up shop if you come to the game with kids, as there is some room for them to move around here.
Rest rooms are located on the ground floor of the parking garage adjacent to the field. There is ample parking all around the complex, and lines are not an issue.
Return on Investment 5
There is no charge for admission or parking at a Riverhawk lacrosse game. If you hit up the snack bar, no item is priced over four dollars.
Extras 0
Free roster sheets are available for fans who want them, but there is little going on here at Cushing Field that can really be considered extra. This is a pretty basic game day experience. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
Final Thoughts
As a facility, there’s not a whole lot going on at Cushing Field to set it apart from other lacrosse fields in the area. That being said, it’s a solid, if basic, place to catch some lacrosse action on a nice spring afternoon.
