Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Stevenson-Pincince Field
235 Hope St.
Providence, RI 02906
Year Opened: 1979
Capacity: 3,500
Brown Bear Soccer
Stevenson-Pincince Field was named in honor of longtime Brown men’s soccer and lacrosse coach Cliff Stevenson, who was instrumental in establishing the soccer program at Brown in the 1960s as well as giving the sport a foothold in many schools around Rhode Island at this time. In 2015 the facility was rechristened to also honor longtime women’s soccer coach Phil Pincince.
In 2020 the old bleachers and press box that made up the stadium were torn down and replaced with a new three-story, 22,500 square foot facility complete with dedicated team locker rooms, training facilities, coaches offices, public restrooms, and concessions. The “Center for Lacrosse and Soccer” opened in time for the 2020 lacrosse season.
Brown's men’s soccer teams have been quite successful over their history, qualifying for 27 NCAA Tournaments, most recently in 2012. The Bears have won 20 Ivy League championships since 1963. Brown reached the national semifinals four times in their history, most recently in 1977. The Brown's women’s soccer teams have also experienced their share of success, winning 15 Ivy League titles and appearing in 9 NCAA Tournaments.
Food & Beverage 2
There is a concession stand on the concourse of the grandstand. If you need a snack, they've got you covered, with hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, chips, and candy available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stevenson-Pincince Field. No alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the facility.
Atmosphere 3
Soccer games, at least in this part of the country, don’t feature the rowdy atmosphere that many other college sports enjoy. Most of the energy experienced at a Brown soccer game comes from the younger fans in attendance. Since local youth soccer players can be a significant presence on certain days, you may actually experience an energetic game-day atmosphere here. But generally, a Brown soccer game is a laid-back affair.
Stevenson-Pincince Field features a video board in the southwest corner of the field that is put to good use with replays, highlights, graphics, and game information. Another, smaller scoreboard is located in the northeast corner of the field. It displays basic game information. Music plays over a quality sound system before the game and during halftime, while the PA announcer adds some energy to the proceedings.
There’s not a lot of downtime at a soccer game for shenanigans, but the team does run a contest at halftime where one fan attempts a kick from midfield at one of the goals. If they make it, everyone in attendance wins a free large drink from a local sponsor. Keep your eyes peeled for Bruno, the school’s mascot, who may be participating in a favorite giveaway at Brown, the chocolate bar toss. Digital programs are available for all fans.
Neighborhood 5
Stevenson-Pincince Field is located in Providence’s affluent East Side, adjacent to many of the school’s other athletic facilities in the Erickson Athletic Complex. Also located in the complex are Meehan Auditorium, the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center, and Murray Stadium, among others. Brown Stadium is located about a mile away.
Just a couple of blocks from the Athletic Complex is Thayer Street, the East Side’s main commercial drag. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops can be found here, including Brown’s bookstore and the Avon Cinema, which dates back to the early 20th century.
Other notable areas in the East Side a short walk or drive from Brown University are Hope Street, Wayland Square, and Wickenden Street. All have their own bohemian vibe and feature great local restaurants, shops, and bars. Of course, downtown Providence is located at the bottom of College Hill about a mile away from the Brown campus. If you’re visiting Providence from elsewhere, this is likely where you will find lodging options in addition to numerous additional dining choices.
Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest small cities in the country for foodies. Visitors to the area will find more than enough choices to satisfy even the most adventurous of palates. If staying in Providence isn’t appealing enough, Boston is an hour’s drive to the north, with the mansions and beaches of Newport about 45 minutes south.
Fans 3
Brown soccer enjoys decent support. Crowds can vary in size depending on the weather, day of week, and opponent, but crowds generally number between 500-1,000 fans. With Brown’s schedule featuring many other New England teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout by visiting fans.
The fans that fill the grandstand at Stevenson-Pincince Field vary from hardcore soccer fans to students to family members of the players. While many in the grandstand seem to have a personal connection with the players on the field, the presence of youth soccer players in their uniforms and others shows that this is not always the case. Fans are friendly and you can certainly feel comfortable bringing the whole family to a Brown soccer game.
Access 3
The Erikson Athletic Complex is located on the eastern edge of Brown University’s urban campus. While Interstates 95 and 195 both run close to Brown, there is no direct way to access Brown from the highway. One must navigate the East Side’s crooked, crowded streets to arrive at the complex.
Luckily, parking is plentiful around Brown’s athletic facilities. There are a pair of smallish lots within the complex adjacent to Stevenson-Pincince Field. Unfortunately, since there is generally a lot of activity in the complex on the weekends, you may not be able to find a spot here. There is abundant on-street parking in the area, which is free on the weekends.
Seating at Stevenson-Pincince Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in a grandstand that runs the length of the field. This grandstand is built into the Lacrosse and Soccer Center, with a concourse at the top of the seating area. Handicapped seating and standing room are located on this concourse. Also located on the concourse are the concession stand and restrooms, which are new, clean, and large enough for a typical Bears soccer crowd.
Return on Investment 5
Tickets for Brown soccer games vary in price depending on the opponent. Most games are priced at $7 per ticket for adults and $5 for children. Some games feature general admission seating for $2. Cash and cards are accepted at Stevenson-Pincince Field.
Parking is free in the lots adjacent to Stevenson-Pincince Field, as well as on-street should these lots be full. Be sure to check signage if parking on-street for neighborhood and/or time restrictions.
Concessions are reasonably priced, making an afternoon at a Brown soccer game a most affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans.
Extras 1
On the south end zone fence are displayed Brown Ivy League titles, tournament appearances, and Final Four berths for both the men’s and women’s teams.
Final Thoughts
Renovations to Stevenson-Pincince Field have turned what was formerly just a set of bleachers surrounding a grass field to one of the more outstanding facilities in the area. Brown typically fields a competitive Ivy League team and the fan support they receive is outstanding. It all adds up to a great place to spend a fall evening in Providence.
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