Tomlinson-Fillippo Field at Farrell Stadium - West Chester Golden Rams
- Richard Smith
- 3 days ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
Tomlinson-Fillippo Field at Farrell Stadium
855 S New St
West Chester, PA 19383
Year Opened: 1970
Capacity: 7,500
A Purple and Golden Stadium
Farrell Stadium is an American stadium on the campus of West Chester University in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Built in 1970, it serves as the home field for the West Chester Golden Rams football and track and field teams. The field was recently renamed in 2024 to honor two distinguished alumni, Robert “Tommy” Tomlinson and Tom Fillippo, cementing the legacy of two standout players and supporters of the university.
The stadium has a seating capacity of 7,500 and features a FieldTurf playing surface. The stadium's recent upgrades, including a new state-of-the-art video scoreboard and a reimagined game-day experience, are breathing new life into the West Chester football program.
West Chester is the largest of the 10 state-owned universities belonging to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) and the sixth largest university in Pennsylvania
West Chester competes as a member of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC).
Food & Beverage 3
The food and beverage options at Farrell Stadium are what you would expect at a Division II football game. A concession stand is located under the main grandstand, offering standard stadium fare like hot dogs, hamburgers, fries, and drinks. While the offerings are not particularly unique, they are sufficient to satisfy basic cravings. The line is usually pretty long, but from our experience, it moves quickly and efficiently.
The recent "reimagined" game-day experience for students includes a dedicated "Purple Pit" with food trucks, which is a great addition that adds some variety to the food scene for that section of the crowd.
Atmosphere 4
The atmosphere at Farrell Stadium is on the rise. With the recent naming ceremony for Tomlinson-Fillippo Field and the unveiling of a new video scoreboard, the university is making a clear effort to enhance the game-day experience. The reimagined football experience aims to create a family-friendly, high-energy environment for everyone, from students to alumni and the local community.
The stadium is made up of two simple grandstands. One is the larger home stand and the other a slightly smaller visiting team stand. There were so many Golden Rams in attendance, many of the home fans ended up sitting in the visitor stands.
The "Ram Walk" pre-game festivities and a dedicated "Kids' Zone" contribute to a festive and welcoming vibe. The stadium feels well-maintained and has a picturesque backdrop during the fall, which adds to the overall experience.
There is a really good marching band, cheerleaders, and a fun mascot (Rammy) who gives a little more flair to Golden Rams games.
Neighborhood 4
West Chester University is located in the borough of West Chester, Pennsylvania, a charming and historic college town. The stadium is located on the university's south campus, which is an easy walk or drive from the main campus and the bustling downtown area.
The town itself is full of restaurants, bars, and shops, offering plenty of options for pre- or post-game activities. The classic college town feel adds a great dimension to the game-day experience, making it more of an event than just a game.
Fans 4
The Golden Rams have a passionate and loyal fan base. The recent changes have been embraced by the community, and game attendance is growing. The fans are engaged and loud, especially in the student section, and are knowledgeable about the team. They are supportive of both the players and the new initiatives from the university, making for a positive and friendly environment.
Access 3
Getting to Farrell Stadium is fairly straightforward. It's located just off South New Street in West Chester. Parking is available in designated lots and is cashless, with a flat fee of $10 per car.
General admission seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The stadium has a strict bag policy, so be sure to check the regulations before you go to avoid any issues.
While there are a lot of cars on game day, the university has a good system in place to handle the traffic flow.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets to a West Chester Golden Rams football game are a great value. With tickets costing only around $5 to $10, you get to experience a high-quality Division II football game in a stadium that is actively investing in improving the fan experience. The combination of a strong football program, a solid game-day atmosphere, and a great location makes this an excellent value for your money.
Extras 4
A statue of former Golden Rams quarterback Michael Horrocks, who was a co-pilot on United Airlines Flight 175 and died in the September 11 attacks, stands at the north endzone of the field. This is a powerful and touching tribute that adds to the stadium's character.
The ability to walk around the whole stadium is a nice little extra. There is also a nice hill where one can sit and watch the game. Some fans even found some other lawn areas around the stadium to sit and watch the game.
The West Chester Marching Band is an extremely good band and provides a good show.
All of the fan enhancements really show and provide a great atmosphere for fans.
Final Thoughts
Tomlinson-Fillippo Field at Farrell Stadium is a great example of a school taking steps to enhance its game-day experience. The recent renovations and the "reimagined" football experience demonstrate a commitment to both the team and the community. While the concessions may be fairly standard, the atmosphere, neighborhood, and overall value make this a worthwhile visit for any fan of college football. It's clear that the West Chester Golden Rams are building something special, and it's exciting to see what the future holds for this historic program and its home stadium.
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