Woodsboro Bank Arena at the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center - Frederick Flying Cows
- Richard Smith
- Apr 27
- 4 min read
Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00
Woodsboro Bank Arena at the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center 601 Blazer Trail
Frederick, MD 21701
Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,600
Moo-ing at the Barn
The Frederick Flying Cows officially started in 2024. They play in the 94x50 League, which is a professional minor league basketball organization operating nationwide. The team hosts its home matches at the Woodsboro Bank Arena, situated on the Hood College campus in Frederick, Maryland.
The Hood Athletic Center, which the arena is part of, opened in November 2011. In March 2015, it was renamed the Ronald J. Volpe Athletic Center in honor of the former college president.
Food & Beverage 4
While the concession choices at Flying Cows games are not extensive, the quality of the available fare is high. A major feature is that at least one food truck is usually situated directly outside the venue. Attendees are permitted to exit and re-enter the arena after purchasing items from them. Just remember to get your hand stamped.
There are also concession items within the venue itself, offering many of the usual items. The prices are low and reasonable.
The game we attended, Bruster’s Ice Cream, was also selling its wares at a temporary stand in the lobby.
Adult beverages are sold at Flying Cows games at specific booths on both levels. New this year is the ability to drink your adult beverage everywhere in the arena. The upper bar, with its own arena viewing area, was closed for a private party at the game we attended.
Atmosphere 5
The setting for the Flying Cows' home games, the Woodsboro Bank Arena, is a compact gymnasium situated on the grounds of Hood College, a Division III institution. While the facility is a shared resource, the Flying Cows organization has successfully infused it with their unique branding and identity. The team calls the arena “The Barn” informally.
Seating is primarily general admission bleachers, with only a limited selection of premium chairback seats available courtside. Given the arena's modest size and intimate configuration, sightlines are excellent regardless of where spectators are seated.
The Flying Cows' identity is aggressively promoted, making the bovine theme central to the entire game-day experience. Fans will hear a distinct mooing sound played over the PA system during crucial moments, with other cow-related puns thrown in by the PA announcer.
The team’s mascot, Milkshake, and the Cow Belles, the team’s dance squad, add to the atmosphere.
There are a couple of simple scoreboards to keep track of the action in the game.
Fans were also being serenaded by a man playing a Didgeridoo, which is a new thing for us as sports fans. He was the one who also performed the Star-Spangled Banner, also a new one for us.
Neighborhood 4
Frederick has a lot to offer visitors. There is plenty of Civil War history, antique shops, great restaurants, wonderful parks, covered bridges, performing arts and culture, and unique shopping. Shopping, lodging, and restaurants are abundant at nearby Francis Scott Key Mall and its surrounding area.
Downtown Frederick may offer even better choices. The surprising renaissance of downtown Frederick means that there is an ever-growing selection of restaurants and shopping in the area. Brewer’s Alley Restaurant & Brewery is located on North Market Street if you are on the lookout for a local brewpub.
The Roy Rogers fast food chain is still thriving around Frederick. You must stop in and enjoy the roast beef sandwich; you will never want to have one at Arby’s again. Also, don’t forget to use the Fixin’s Bar and get a holster of fries. You can also choose from Double-R-Burgers, Gold Rush Chicken sandwiches, or fried chicken.
Francis Scott Key is buried across town. The lawyer and poet wrote the lyrics to the United States National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The Appalachian Trail is also nearby for outdoor adventurers. Frederick is also fairly close to both Baltimore and Washington, DC.
Fans 4
The fans have adapted to this team and league quickly, almost filling up the small arena for every home game. Many already have the necessary cow-related merchandise and moo along with the team.
It is a very family-friendly atmosphere that makes attending a game here quite enjoyable.
Access 3
Frederick is located just off a major highway (I-70), but Hood College is located within the neighborhoods of a fairly old city, with some small roads accessing it.
There is also limited parking on this small campus, so you may have to search a bit for decent parking. Luckily, since most games are on Friday nights or on the weekend, one should not have to worry about going against any campus parking regulations. Signs are directing where you should park. If you get a chance to walk across the impressive college quad, you should do so, as it is a pretty campus.
Return on Investment 3
There are tickets available in 4 different types: General Admission, Baseline/Sideline, Individual VIP, and Group VIP. Prices run from around $20 to over $70. There are also military, senior, and Hood College discounts available for those groups of individuals.
Parking is free on the Hood campus.
Concession prices are all reasonable.
Prices are good for the family.
Extras 4
The presence of cows is everywhere, and it will be obvious which team’s games you are attending. This gets them at least two stars because the branding is constant.
There is a good team store in the lobby offering items at decent price levels.
The PA announcer is non-stop with cow puns and various mooing-type noises.
Final Thoughts
Attending a Frederick Flying Cows game offers a great outing for the whole family at an affordable cost. While the level of basketball played may not be top-tier, the robust atmosphere is the main draw.
