Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Long Bridge Park
475 Long Bridge Dr
Arlington, VA 22202
Year Opened: 2011
Capacity: 500 (estimated)
Planes, Trains, and Soccer at Long Bridge Park
Located in Arlington, Virginia, just outside Washington, D.C., Marymount University is a Catholic college, whose sports teams, known as the Saints, compete at the Division III level of the NCAA. The Saints soccer team plays their home games at Long Bridge Park, a few miles from campus. The name "Long Bridge Park" properly refers to a 36-acre county park in Arlington containing a playground, an aquatics center, an Esplanade, several other walking paths, and several soccer fields used by local teams. Marymount plays their home games on Field 1, officially known as Boeing Field, although their home is typically referred to just as Long Bridge Park in the media.
The stadium is located less than a mile from Reagan National Airport, and planes taking off will fly low over the field throughout the game. The Long Bridge Park Esplanade is located behind the bleachers, and beyond that are railroad tracks used by passenger and freight service. This makes Long Bridge Park a great place for planespotters and trainspotters as well as soccer fans.
Food & Beverage 1
When Stadium Journey visited, there was a food truck parked in the parking lot of Long Bridge Park, serving not just the field Marymount was playing on at the time, but other fields in the park that were hosting youth soccer games. The truck sold ice cream, smoothies, and bubble tea. The food truck may not be here for every Marymount game - it likely depends on what else is going on in the park at the time.
Atmosphere 3
There are six sets of bleachers of only a few rows each lining one sideline at Long Bridge Park. Many fans also stand along the path or bring their own chairs and sit on them. Behind the bleachers is a hill, and at the top of the hill is the Long Bridge Park Esplanade. Some fans choose to watch from here as well, although your view may be obstructed by trees. A small scoreboard is located at one end and shows only the most basic information.
A Marymount soccer game is a pretty basic experience. You are close enough to hear a lot of the shouting that goes on on the field, but there isn't much happening beyond the game itself. When the Saints score, the PA announcer will shout "Gooooooooool" in a long, drawn out manner, then music will play, but that's about it.
Neighborhood 5
Long Bridge Park is located just north of the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington. Crystal City is a mix of shops, high rises, and offices, many of which are connected by underground passageways so you don't have to go outside to get from one place to another. We, the Pizza is quite popular with the locals, as is Bob and Edith's Diner, but whatever kind of food or entertainment you are looking for, you will probably find it in Crystal City.
As mentioned above, there is a lot to do in Long Bridge Park itself as well, including walking trails and playgrounds for children. The 3/4-mile Esplanade offers views of the Potomac River and monuments in DC as well as offering birdwatching, trainwatching, and planewatching opportunities.
Fans 4
Despite being a Division III school, Marymount draws several hundred fans to its games to mostly fill the seating area. The crowd is a good mix of friends and family of the players and Arlington locals, many of whom come with kids who play youth soccer on the adjacent fields and hope to someday play in college or beyond. There is a decent student presence despite being several miles from campus - Marymount is primarily a commuter school, so getting to Long Bridge Park is not an issue. However, there is no real designated student section.
Access 3
If arriving by car, Long Bridge Park is located just off I-395. There is a parking lot in between the field Marymount plays on and the youth soccer fields. It would be sufficient for the crowds Marymount draws if the game were the only thing going on in the park, but this will very rarely be the case. As a result, even if you arrive early, you will probably find only a few spaces to park in. People come and go, so spaces may open up if you circle around. There is also parking available along Long Bridge Drive and an additional lot a short walk away by the Aquatics and Fitness Center. Parking is free on weekends, but there is a charge on weekdays until 5 PM and a limit of three hours. Fortunately, Long Bridge Park has lights, so the vast majority of Marymount's weekday games are after 5 PM.
If taking public transportation, the Crystal City Metro station along the Blue and Yellow lines is about a 15-20 minute walk away. Just be mindful of track work and station closures, especially on the weekends.
Restrooms are available in one corner, on the opposite side from the bleachers but near the parking lot, and are generally sufficient for the crowd.
Return on Investment 5
There is no charge for admission to Marymount soccer games, and parking will generally be free as well. As a result, a game at Long Bridge Park is an excellent value.
Extras 2
One star for the view of the Washington Monument to the right of the bleachers.
A second star for the opportunity to see passing planes and trains while you watch the game.
Final Thoughts
The quality of play on the field at a Marymount soccer game may not be the highest, as this is Division III, the lowest level of the NCAA. However, Long Bridge Park is a unique place to watch a college soccer match, and fans in or around Arlington will want to head down here to check it out.
Opmerkingen