Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71
Maxwell Field and Memorial Stadium 51 SE Lever St
McMinnville, OR 97128
Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 4,000
Welcome to Maxwell Field
The Linfield University Wildcats football team hasn’t had a losing season since 1955. Considered the longest streak of winning seasons in all of college football at any level, the Wildcats protect their home turf with a vigor that is hard to replicate.
Named after J.O. Maxwell, who donated much of the money necessary to build the venue, Maxwell Field has hosted many events in the small town of McMinnville, Oregon, since 1928. It has hosted 24 Division III football playoff games since 2004 and the Northwest Conference Track and Field championships in 2005, 2011, and 2017.
The concrete and brick building with the covered seating sits 2,250, and with the help of portable bleachers, the stadium can easily fit 4,000 spectators on a Saturday afternoon. Of course, there’s more than plenty of standing room only in the end zone near Division III’s largest video board. There, spectators can bring a lawn chair or blanket while watching the game.
Food & Beverage 4
The day of this visit was Homecoming, so the school had food trucks, a beer garden, a wine selection, and games that it normally wouldn’t have. They have a barbeque with hot dogs and burgers for $3 and $5 each. A good deal in this economy.
Atmosphere 3
As you enter the campus, you can’t help but notice all of the brick-laden buildings, majestic in their Italianate designs. With the sprawling lawns and the large, expansive trees, it truly feels like an institution of higher education. If you are late to the game, you can hear the PA announcer calling plays and making announcements to the gathered crowd.
When you enter Maxwell Field, there is a feeling that is rare in sports. Between the shining sun, the gathered crowd, and the lawn chairs spread throughout the far end zone, it truly feels like a picnic on a warm Spring day.
Neighborhood 2
The neighborhood is less than stellar and, at times, feels cramped. Still, there is a bright spot. Alf’s Burgers and Shakes is right around the corner from the university, and they serve excellent burgers and shakes. While the parking may be limited and the wait might be long, it’s certainly worth the hassle after an afternoon spent watching Division III football.
Alf's Burgers and Shakes, Photo by David Berger, Stadium Journey
For other football in the area, a half-hour drive northeast on 99W brings you to fellow Northwest Conference members, George Fox Bruins, in Newburg, Oregon.
Fans 3
The home side is packed and lively, especially as the Wildcats begin to pull away from their opposition. All around the field, fans stay very much invested in the action. At times, it can feel like a picnic, with fans either bringing their lawn chairs to sit on the turf right behind the end zone or standing near the entrance in the shade.
Access 3
Parking is a bit scattered on campus, but the lot next to Founders Way seems to be the best. Although a bit of a walk from the stadium, the spots are plenty. Founders Way is also an excellent place to send your Uber or Lyft driver.
Once you get to the stadium, you don’t have to worry about going through any screening process and can probably buy your tickets there, too. However, it is recommended to buy your tickets from the university website.
While the buildings are up to code, their restrooms are a bit messier than you would expect from a venue that has the largest video board in Division III football.
Return on Investment 2
Although the home bleachers are covered, none of the other seats are. The sun proves to be unforgiving as the game progresses. While it is a more than pleasant atmosphere, the weather will be a factor in your overall experience. If you are concerned about the weather, perhaps spending an additional $10 for a covered seat is all it will take for a better experience. Still, $15-$25 is a good deal for a college football game.
Extras 2
There’s a section of the home bleachers next to the away team bleachers, making for a unique experience as either one section or the other is always cheering. If you sit close enough on the visitor’s side, you can watch the offense and defense talk on the sidelines. While the coaches are careful enough not to let the crowd listen in on their instructions, you can hear the player’s emotions as they come off the field. It makes for an intimate setting.
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