Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
Jeffrey Field University Dr and E Park Ave State College, PA 16801
Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 5,000
Nittany Lions Women’s Soccer
Sitting in the shadow of Beaver Stadium, Jeffrey Field is home to the Penn State Nittany Lions men’s and women’s soccer teams. The stadium opened in 1972 and is named after Bill Jeffrey, who coached the Nittany Lions’ soccer team from 1926 to 1952. Jeffrey Field has undergone several renovations over the years, first expanding to 3,500 fans and then to its current capacity of 5,000.
Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams play in Jeffrey Field; this review will focus on the experience at a women’s soccer game. The experience at a men’s soccer game is likely similar in many ways.
Food & Beverage 2
There is one concession stand at Jeffrey Field that serves only the most basic food. The only real option is a hot dog for $5. To drink, bottled water is $4 while soda and Gatorade are $5. Hot chocolate is available for $4 on cold days. Snacks include soft pretzels ($4), chips ($1), candy ($4), and nachos ($5, with an extra cheese cup available for $2). Credit cards are accepted.
Atmosphere 5
Jeffrey Field is one of the most impressive college soccer stadiums in the country. There are bleacher seats on both sides of the field, and anywhere you sit will have a great view of the action. The team does a tremendous job building energy here, playing music at times to pump up the crowd. However, much of the energy comes from a small but mighty student section, which functions similarly to Supporters’ Sections at professional soccer stadiums throughout the country. They will sing, chant, bang drums, and wave flags throughout the game. They are a big reason for the atmosphere here.
Nittany Lions Student Section, Photo by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
There is a small scoreboard in the corner of the field which shows the basic information as well as shots, saves, and corner kicks for each team.
The stadium offers sweeping views of nearby Beaver Stadium, home of Penn State football, and the Bryce Jordan Center, home of Penn State basketball.
Neighborhood 3
Penn State is located in State College, which as the name would imply is a classic college town. If looking for a place to eat or hang out, your best bet is to head downtown to College Avenue where you will find several restaurants and bars. However, fans with a sweet tooth may want to check out the Berkey Creamery on the Penn State Campus, a short walk from the stadium.
Fans 5
Penn State draws quite well for women’s soccer, regularly drawing over a thousand fans a game. The fans in attendance are boisterous and loud, particularly in the student section. They cheer on the Nittany Lions throughout the game. Often, the student section and the rest of the stadium will engage in call-and-response chants, most notably the classic “We Are Penn State” chant where the student section will chant “We Are” and the rest of the stadium will respond “Penn State.” The energy brought by the fans for the full 90 minutes is a tremendous part of the experience.
Access 2
If driving to the game, your best bet is to park in the Stadium West lot in between Beaver Stadium and Jeffrey Field. Parking is $5.50 if reserved in advance through the Parkmobile app or $10 the day of the game. Note however that if you plan on attending another Penn State game in the vicinity the same day, such as field hockey at the Penn State Field Hockey Complex or ice hockey at Pegula Ice Arena, if you are buying an event-specific parking pass in advance you will need to pay separately per event. But if you pay the $10 the day of, you will be good for the entire day and will come out ahead in the end.
Once you are in the stadium, it is fairly easy to get around. Fans looking to get to and from their seats can either walk behind the bleachers or on a concourse within the bleachers in between the lower and upper sections. Although there are no permanent restrooms at Jeffrey Field, port-a-potties are available.
Return on Investment 4
Admission to Penn State soccer is free, which is impressive for the Big Ten level. Although college soccer is typically inexpensive throughout the country, to see one of the top programs in the nation for free at one of the top venues is impressive. Unfortunately, the high cost of parking brings this down a notch.
Extras 5
There are banners in the stadium honoring Penn State men’s and women’s soccer’s national championships.
A table is on the bleachers in between the upper and lower sections selling Penn State soccer merchandise at affordable prices.
The third star for all the tremendous energy brought by the fans, especially the student section. For college soccer, this is impressive.
Another soccer field is behind Jeffrey Field called Little Jeffrey which has fun activities for kids before and during the game.
A fifth and final star for having so many venues close to each other. On the right day during the fall season, fans can easily take in at least part of a soccer, field hockey, and ice hockey match all in the same day a short walk from each other.
Final Thoughts
Jeffrey Field is one of the nicest college soccer stadiums in the country. Combine that with the great fan base and the opportunity to see multiple nearby events, and a visit to a Nittany Lions women’s soccer game is well worth it.