Elliot Field - Fitchburg State Falcons
- Paul Baker
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score 2.57
Elliot Athletic Fields
53 Pearl Hill Rd.
Fitchburg, MA 01420
Year Opened: 1979
Capacity: 1,200
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Fly Falcons Fly
Fitchburg State University is a public university in the north central Massachusetts city of Fitchburg. With an enrollment of just over 4,600 students, the school was founded in 1894 as the “State Normal School in Fitchburg” as a secondary-education school for women. Today FSU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in 25 disciplines and is part of the Massachusetts State University System.
Elliot Field is part of a larger athletic complex which also contains Fitchburg State’s hockey arena (Wallace Civic Center) and baseball field (Michael P. Ricchard Field). The football field and complex are named for Robert J. Elliot, who was the college’s Athletic Director from 1942-1967. Mr. Elliot coached FSU baseball teams for 24 years and FSU soccer teams for 15 years. The complex is located about a half mile from campus.
Football has been played at Fitchburg State University since 1984. Currently a member of the Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC), the Falcons have not enjoyed a great deal of success over their existence. FSU has sported a .308 winning percentage and only nine winning seasons in their 40 years of competition. The Falcons have played in three post-season bowl games, going 0-3 in these games.
Food & Beverage 3
There is a tent behind the concourse which offers some basic concessions. On the night Stadium Journey visited Elliot Field, the stand was operated by Fitchburg State’s softball team, with all proceeds benefiting the team. Pizza slices and a variety of snacks were available for purchase, including chips, candy bars and cookies. Fans can combine a couple of pizza slices with a drink and chips to make a combo meal to save a couple of dollars.
Cans of Coca-Cola products are sold at the concessions tent. A popular location at Elliot Field is the beer garden, located in the southwest corner of the facility, where fans can enjoy assorted brews from local favorite Wachusett Brewery. Stadium Journey recommends their Blueberry Ale.
Atmosphere 2
The game day atmosphere at Elliot Field will look pretty familiar to those who have visited other small college football venues. The party starts in the Wallace Civic Center parking lot, where space is blocked off for fans who would like to partake in some tailgating activities before heading up to the stadium. After a short walk through the woods from the parking lot to the stadium, fans will find the festivities are just beginning. Freddie the Falcon roams the grandstand greeting fans, the sound system blasts out standard rock anthems, and the PA announcer does his best to keep the energy level high. The cheerleaders post up on the track all game long doing their thing for the fans. Conspicuous by their absence is the pep band.
A scoreboard in the east end zone displays game information, and there’s plenty of room to roam for younger fans who may need to let out some energy throughout the afternoon. While the crowds may not be the biggest you’ll come across, they are loud and supportive of the home squad. There’s a nice small-town feel going on here at Elliot Field.
Neighborhood 2
Fitchburg is a city of approximately 42,000 residents located in north-central Massachusetts. Once a thriving textile center and the home of many paper mills, the city is one of many northeastern cities that went through difficult economic times when the industries that fueled their economies dried up.
Elliot Field is part of a larger athletic complex about a half mile from the Fitchburg State University campus. Also located here is the Wallace Civic Center and Michael P. Riccards Field. The university is located adjacent to a residential area near Fitchburg’s downtown. There’s a great many shopping options in this area, as well as the noteworthy Fitchburg Art Museum. The area and the nearby White Mountains of New Hampshire are popular destinations in the fall due to the spectacular foliage present in the area. Fans looking to stay in the area will need to look towards neighboring Leominster and Route 2 for options.
Fans 3
Crowds at Fitchburg State can vary greatly depending on many factors, including time of year, day of the week, opponent, weather and more. Stadium Journey visited Elliot Field for the Falcons’ 2025 home opener on a Friday night, with a capacity crowd in attendance. A review of previous seasons show attendance figures that vary between 500 and 2,000 fans.
What a crowd at Elliot Field may make up for in quantity, they make up for in quality. The fans are supportive, vocal, and enthusiastic. Even though these fans haven’t had a ton to cheer about in recent years, they show up week after week to support the Falcons. There’s a good turnout by the student body as well. With the compact geographic footprint of the MASCAC conference, you’ll be sure to see a good turnout by visiting fans as well. Even at this level of football, fans travel well. This is a place where you can feel comfortable bringing the entire family, or sporting the opposing colors.
Access 2
Elliot Athletic Fields are located in central Fitchburg, about a half mile from the Fitchburg State University campus. The nearest highway, I-190, is about six miles away. Route 12, the local business route, is about two and a half miles from the football stadium. The Montachusett Regional Transit Authority (MART) Route 4 bus and the FSU Shuttle Bus both stop at the Wallace Civic Center parking lot, providing access to the MBTA Commuter Rail Stop.
Parking is available in a large lot adjacent to the Wallace Civic Center, located about a half mile from Elliot Field. Unfortunately, to get to the field from your car, you must walk a winding path through the woods. Those with mobility issues should be warned that there is an uphill grade to this path, and they may be better served to see if they can park in the smaller lot adjacent to the football field.
Seating at Elliot Field is located on the north side of the field. Most of the seating consists of metal bleachers without backs, with sections at midfield containing plastic bucket seats. There is plenty of standing room at the top of the seating area and in the east end zone.
Rest rooms are located in a building a short distance from the field. In addition, there are port-a-johns scattered throughout the grounds.
Return on Investment 5
Admission to Fitchburg State football games costs six dollars, with college and high school students receiving a three-dollar discount. Children under 12 and senior citizens are admitted free of charge. Parking is free of charge in the large parking lot near Wallace Civic Center. Concessions are inexpensive, meaning that taking in a game at Elliot Field is an affordable entertainment option for central Massachusetts sports fans.
Extras 1
A selection of Fitchburg State apparel is available at the ticket booth. Digital programs are available for all fans in attendance.
Final Thoughts
Elliot Field is another example of a fine facility that may be easily overlooked by fans who ignore the lower levels of college football. While far from the bright lights of big time college football, facilities like this offer quality football at affordable prices.
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