Owings Mills East Field Hockey Field - Stevenson Mustangs
Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Owings Mills East Field Hockey Field Mustang Way Owings Mills, MD 21117
Year Opened: 2022
Capacity: 250
A Horse is a Mustang of Course, of Course
Stevenson University is located in Owings Mills, Maryland, about a 25 minute drive northwest of Baltimore. Several of the school's athletic teams, known as the Mustangs, play their home games at a complex of fields on Stevenson's East Campus. In addition to soccer, baseball, and softball fields, East Campus features an artificial turf field that is home to the Mustangs' field hockey team. While many Division III hockey teams are forced to share bladed turf fields with other sports such as soccer or football, the Mustangs have the surface typically used at higher levels, which resembles old-fashioned AstroTurf that is long obsolete in other sports. This enables the ball to roll better and leads to a style of play that is more fast-paced and exciting.
Food & Beverage 2
A table is located as you enter the field hockey stadium at Stevenson University, selling a small menu of concession items. Hot dogs, chips, and candy are your only food options, while bottled water, soda, and Gatorade are available to drink. Occasionally they will offer special concession items. For instance, when Stadium Journey visited, they were selling pink-frosted cupcakes for Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Prices are very reasonable, with nothing costing more than about $5.
Atmosphere 3
Stevenson's field hockey field is nicer than many you will see at the Division III level. For starters, just having a field designed for field hockey is not something you see at every school at this level. As mentioned above, many are forced to share bladed turf fields with sports like soccer or football. The artificial turf field at Stevenson was designed for field hockey and enables a faster-paced, more exciting style of play. The one downside is that a running track surrounds the field and puts fans far from the action.
There are several vantages points here fans can watch the game from. There are two small sets of bleachers along the sideline, and it may be hard to get a seat here if you show up late. Some fans also stand along the fence surrounding the field or bring their own chairs and sit on the hill behind the bleachers in between the field hockey and baseball fields.
Music is played pregame, after goals, and between quarters, but it is not loud or intrusive.
Neighborhood 4
Owings Mills is located in the northwest suburbs of Baltimore, and there is plenty to do near the Stevenson campus. Terri's Cafe is located just around the corner and is a great place to get breakfast or brunch before the game, with great food and friendly service. However, they close at 2 PM on Saturdays and is closed on Sundays, so be aware if traveling to a weekend game. There are several shopping centers just down Owings Mills Boulevard with everything from burgers to wings to Mexican and Peruvian food.
Fans 5
Stevenson draws a good crowd for this level of field hockey, averaging 100-200 fans a game. The fans are deeply knowledegable and passionate about the team and pack the bleachers, fence and hill. Even some Division I teams struggle to draw this many fans to field hockey. While it is still a small crowd compared to certain other sports, given the context here, this earns a high rating from us.
Access 4
Owings Mills Boulevard is located just off I-795, and Stevenson's East Campus is about a mile away. There are several lots here, and how crowded they will be depends on what else is going on in the complex that day. You should be able to find a seat, but you may have to walk a bit, especially if you arrive late.. On the other hand, if a soccer game is ending shortly before field hockey starts, arriving later may actually make it easier to park.
Restrooms are available in a big building by the entrance and are sufficient for the crowds the Mustangs draw. They are shared by the entire complex so may get more crowded if there are other events going on.
Return on Investment 5
Admission to all Stevenson field hockey games is free of charge. Concessions are reasonably priced as well, even if the selection is quite limited. Overall, a game here is an excellent value.
Extras 1
The many different vantage points to watch the game from is worthy of a bonus star here.
Final Thoughts
While Stevenson's field hockey team may not be the most popular one on campus, fans of the sport will find a fine facility here with a fan base that exceeds many you will see at this level. If you're in the Baltimore area, head on down to Stevenson's East Campus to check out a game and you will not be disappointed.
