Linda Johnson Smith Soccer Stadium - Holy Cross Crusaders
- Paul Baker
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57
Linda Johnson Smith Soccer Stadium
1 College St.
Worcester, MA 01610
Year Opened: 2006
Capacity: 1,320
Crusader Soccer
The Linda Johnson Smith Soccer Stadium officially opened for the 2006 soccer season. The first game played here was a women’s match between Holy Cross and Providence College. The pitch became the first permanent home for both the men’s and women’s programs for Crusader soccer. The stadium is named in gratitude for Linda and Park B. Smith, class of 1954 alumni, for their leadership and contributions to the construction of the $2 million project.
Soccer has been played at Holy Cross since 1965. The school began a women’s program in 1983. Today the Crusaders compete in the Patriot League, a conference consisting of small private schools in the northeast. The Holy Cross men’s soccer team has appeared in the NCAA tournament one time (2002), losing in the first round. The women’s team has also appeared in one NCAA tournament (2000), losing in the first round.
Food & Beverage 1
There are no concessions available at Smith Stadium. Most fans bring their own drinks and snacks to Crusader soccer games. Veteran Crusader fans will come to games well-stocked with food and drink to enjoy in the Greene Family Plaza or in the parking lots before or after the game. As the season progresses and the temperatures start to dip, you’ll be sure to see lots of hot beverages from the local Dunkin’ in the bleachers.
There are vending machines in the Hart Center should you come unprepared and want to take the long walk to get a drink or snack.
Atmosphere 3
The gameday presentation at a Crusader soccer game is a pretty standard one for a school here in the northeast. There just aren’t many places in a typical soccer game where staff can insert themselves into the presentation. Much of the energy at a soccer game has to come from the stands and the fans. Luckily, the friends and families of the players are generally up to the task.
There is a simple scoreboard in the east corner of the field which displays game information. The PA announcer gives game information and injects some energy where he can, and music plays over a good sound system during breaks in play. It’s a pleasant place to take in a game on a nice fall afternoon or evening.
Neighborhood 3
Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park, located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.
The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.
Worcester’s acclaimed “Restaurant Row” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center. The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park, is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross.
Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain is located just ten miles outside of city limits.
Fans 2
Holy Cross doesn’t draw as well as the bigger-name Division One programs in the area. A scan of recent box scores shows that a Crusader soccer crowd tends to average around 200 fans, topping out at around 400 fans per game. Of course, it doesn’t help that the weather in Worcester tends to turn cold quicker in Worcester than in other parts of New England.
This is certainly what we at Stadium Journey would call a “friends and family” crowd. Everyone seems to be connected to someone on the pitch. With a large portion of the Crusaders schedule consisting of games against other New England teams, there is a good turnout from visiting team supporters as well. The fans here are generally loud and supportive of their favorite players and the home team.
Access 3
The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Smith Soccer Stadium is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, behind the Luth Complex (home of the Crusaders basketball and hockey venues) and adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. Complete driving directions to the Holy Cross campus can be found here.
Smith Soccer Stadium is located right behind the Luth Center, adjacent to the Hart Track and Field Center. There is a parking lot on the side of the Luth Complex which is convenient to the soccer pitch, as well as on the access road that circles the facility. Rest rooms are located inside the Hart Center as well. There are no concessions or restroom facilities outside at Smith Soccer Stadium.
Seating consists of a set of bleachers that runs the length of one side of the pitch. In a neat setup, the soccer field and track complex share a press box on top of their back-to-back bleachers. Depending on which field is holding an event, everyone in the press box will utilize one side of the press box or the other. There is plenty of standing room atop the bleachers for fans who need to stretch their legs a little.
Return on Investment 5
There is no charge for admission to Holy Cross soccer games. Parking is also free in the lots surrounding the Luth Center. With no concessions available, you won’t need to reach for your wallet even once when visiting Worcester.
Extras 1
The views of the city of Worcester from the top of Mount Saint James and the front of the Luth Complex are spectacular, especially on a crisp fall day.
Final Thoughts
Smith Soccer Stadium is a simple, but attractive facility that suits the needs of the Holy Cross soccer teams well. While you’re enjoying some soccer, you can take in some great views of the city of Worcester below.
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