Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14
Steller Field
N Mercer Rd & E Merry Ave
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Year Opened: 1964
Capacity: 1,100
A Falcon’s Field
Like many college baseball facilities, the home of the Bowling Green Falcons is named after a long-time and successful coach. In this case, Steller Field is named for Warren E. Steller who guided the Falcons for more than 30 seasons (1928-1959). The field hosted its first game in 1964, and it was officially dedicated as Warren E Steller Field the next season. The venue has a capacity for 1,100 fans, and is a basic, but comfortable place to watch Mid-American Conference baseball games.
Food & Beverage 2
There is one concession cart serving the ballpark with a very basic menu. The totality of food includes hot dogs ($3), peanuts ($3), sunflower seeds ($3), soft pretzels ($4), popcorn ($1), and candy ($2). Drinks include bottled Coca-Cola products ($3) and bottled water ($2). Since Bowling Green has a decent array of restaurants in the downtown area, your best bet is to head into town for lunch before the game, and dinner afterwards. You can also bring your own food or drink with you to the ballpark.
Atmosphere 3
The ballpark is small, but functional. There are 15 rows of metal bleachers with pretty good legroom. Seat cushions would be a good idea to bring along if you plan to sit in the bleachers. Sitting in the back row of the bleachers allows you to lean your back up against the press box, and also as an added bonus, you can hear the play by play of the home or visiting team. There isn’t much seating with any shade, so the press box can also be helpful in that regard in a late season, warm game.
Alternatively, many fans choose to bring their own chairs and sit along the fence stretching down the right field line. A speaker system perched atop the press box blares out announcements as well as a mix of classic rock and current pop hits. You’ll hear walk-up music for batters on the home side, but not the visitors.
The Falcons are situated in the first base side dugout, while the visitors take the third base side. If you have a rooting interest in the game you may want to venture more in one direction, but it really makes little difference here in this intimate seating structure.
There are no lights at this ballpark, so you’ll be attending a day game, probably starting no later than 3pm should you make the trip to Steller Field.
The scoreboard is the basic line score, with no video capabilities. Just sit back and keep your attention on the game, and you’ll have a nice spring baseball experience.
Neighborhood 4
Steller Field is located near the other Bowling Green athletic facilities including the Stroh Center and Doyt Perry Stadium. It is nearest to the hockey arena, BGSU Ice Arena. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding the ballpark.
It’s about a mile and a half to downtown Bowling Green from the ballpark, so you could walk if you want the exercise, but it is probably best to drive. There are several good bars or restaurants in the small downtown.
Reverend’s Tavern is a favorite for their selection of beers and slightly eclectic menu.
Trotters is open for dinner, and has a very cozy atmosphere. This comfortable little pub offers good food, a cozy atmosphere, and friendly service. I love most places with Scotch eggs on their appetizer menu, and theirs is certainly good.
Open for lunch is Beckett’s Burger Bar. You can guess what is on offer here. They also have a pool table and several TVs for sports fans to stay on top of what’s happening.
Fans 3
The fans at a Bowling Green baseball game are mild-mannered and friendly. You can easily wear gear for the opposing team with no animosity whatsoever from the home crowd. Folks tend to just sit back and enjoy the game, applauding for good plays made on either side, while rooting for their team.
If you’re able to catch a foul ball, they’ll ask you to return it, although you can trade in your temporary souvenir for a box of candy.
Access 4
Parking is available in the lot near the hockey arena. Signs say it is designated for commuters until 6pm, but you’ll be fine parking your car there during the baseball game. It’s free to park, and just across the street from the ballpark, but also out of range of foul balls.
Restrooms at the ballpark are unfortunately the port-a-potty variety. You can also try the hockey arena, which may be open during baseball games. During my most recent visit, the Alumni Lounge was open, located on the side of the hockey arena nearest the ballpark. This is a much better restroom option, but may not always be accessible.
All of the Bowling Green athletic facilities are very close to I-75, and you’ll have no trouble quickly leaving the ballpark and getting on your way to wherever you may be going.
Return on Investment 4
There is no entry fee to go and see a game at Steller Field, and parking is free as well. Concessions are unspectacular, but reasonably priced. Overall, the price is right if you want to see some college baseball and you’re in the area in northwest Ohio.
Extras 2
The Bowling Green Falcons have claimed MAC championships in 1995, 2002, 2008, and 2009. The team has made appearances in the NCAA Regionals in 1972, 1998, 1999, and 2013. All of these successful seasons are commemorated on the outfield walls.
In an age of more and more turf fields, especially in the Midwest, it’s nice to see that the Falcons have a natural grass and dirt field. It’s a symmetrical ballpark running 345 down the lines, 375 in the alleys, and 400 feet to straightaway center field.
Final Thoughts
It may be a basic ballpark, but it suits the purposes of the Bowling Green Falcons, and is worth the trip to see if you’re in the area for business or following your team on the road. Sometimes it’s the basic ballparks like Steller Field that allow you to just sit back and enjoy this pastoral game.
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