Photos by Gregory Koch Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14
So Sweet a Cat Field 107 Larchwood Ave West Long Branch, NJ 07764
Year Opened: 2007
Capacity: 500 (estimated)
So Sweet a Field Hockey Stadium
Located just a mile from the Atlantic Ocean and 50 miles from New York City, Monmouth University is right in the heart of New Jersey. The Monmouth field hockey team plays its home games on campus at So Sweet a Cat Field. The stadium is named after an animal belonging to Jane Freed, whose large donation helped fund the stadium, but it is not the kind of animal you would expect. It is not a reference to how good Freed's pet kitty was, but the name of one of her racehorses.
Food & Beverage 0
There is no food or beverage for sale at So Sweet a Cat Field, but fans are free to bring their own.
Atmosphere 2
So Sweet a Cat Field is pretty basic, even by college field hockey standards. Two small sets of bleachers are located along one sideline, straight ahead as you come in. Many fans of the visiting team will sit in the near set, as it is across from their bench. Monmouth fans will sit on the other set for the same reason. The bleachers are very close to the field and low to the ground - the bottom row will have your feet on the grass.
There is not much going on here besides the game itself. The PA announcer will announce the lineups before the game, and the goalscorers, but that is about it.
Neighborhood 4
Located just a mile from the Jersey Shore, there is plenty to do in the vicinity of Monmouth University's campus. Although it is in a residential neighborhood, the beaches of Long Branch are just a five-minute drive away. While these won't be helpful later in the season when the temperature of air and ocean is chilly, it is extremely popular early in the season, over Labor Day Weekend before it cools off. Long Branch and West Long Branch offer numerous restaurants, serving everything from tacos to pizza to Portuguese. While it is more lively when the weather is warm, it can be nice to experience the area without the crowds later in the fall.
Fans 2
Monmouth field hockey may draw a hundred fans a game, but about half of them will typically be fans of the other team. It is almost exclusively friends and family of the players, though an occasional Monmouth student may show up. Even compared to other college field hockey programs across the country, this is low attendance.
Access 3
Monmouth University is about 15 minutes off the Garden State Parkway via Exit 105 or a 90-minute train ride from New York City. If you do choose to drive, parking is available in a lot right next to the stadium for free. It shouldn't fill up, but if it does, other lots are available nearby. You will need to walk along the grass to get to the bleachers, but beyond that, getting around isn't a problem.
Restrooms are located in a shed in the far left corner of the field, near the American flag. They are not signed until you get over there, but people will direct you if you ask.
Return on Investment 4
Admission to Monmouth field hockey games is free, as is parking. You won't pay anything for concessions because there aren't any. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score.
Extras 0
There are no real extras here.
Final Thoughts
A Monmouth field hockey game is a pretty basic experience, even compared to other college field hockey venues. While the stadium may have the best name of any venue in the sport, the experience here is not as impressive. Still, if you are a fan of the sport and are in the area, you may want to head down to So Sweet a Cat Field to check it out.
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