Stephen Schott Stadium - Santa Clara Broncos
- David Hegler
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Photo Courtesy of David Hegler, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29
Stephen Schott Stadium
El Camino Real
Santa Clara, CA 95053
Year Opened: 2005
Capacity: 1,500
Bronco Baseball
For decades, the Santa Clara University Broncos baseball team played at the tiny Washington Field on the campus of what is now Washington Elementary School, a short walk from campus. After appearing in and losing the 1962 College World Series, the Broncos then moved to multi-use Buck Shaw Stadium the following year where they would reside for the next 41 years. In that span, they won their conference and made it to the NCAA tournament ten times, each time failing to snag the one thing that has eluded a proud program all these years: the NCAA championship.
Over the years, the Broncos baseball program has had numerous baseball luminaries pass through its doors. Whether they are Giants like Al Gallagher and Bob Garibaldi or two-time World Series champions such as Nelson Briles of the St. Louis Cardinals, each has made the most of their opportunity for a higher education while leaving their mark on the Broncos baseball program.
One member of the baseball program was almost forgotten until he paid for their new baseball stadium that bears his name Stephen Schott. The former owner of the Oakland A’s (of Moneyball fame) made a fortune in real estate after graduating from Santa Clara back in the late 1950s. While he’s pretty reclusive in the public eye, he’s always had a soft spot for his alma mater.
In 2005, Schott footed $4 million of the $8.6 million bill to build a new baseball stadium for his school. The 1,500 seat venue has proven to be a shining beacon for the proud program ever since.
Food & Beverage 3
The venue has a large concession stand right next to the main entrance that offers a variety of options, all of pretty standard for ballparks: nachos ($5), churros ($4.50), hot dogs ($7.50), hot dog combo ($11.50), candy ($3.75), chips ($3), popcorn ($6.50), coffee or hot chocolate ($3), ice cream bars ($5), and fountain drinks ($4.75).
Atmosphere 4
It’s an intimate setting that sits next to the noisy El Camino Real and a short distance from the San Jose Airport. However, despite all of the hustle and bustle around it, the ballpark provides a certain sense of serenity that is indescribable. From the perfect blend of light and medium green on the field to the comfortable smattering of fans spread out throughout the stands eager to take in a game, the atmosphere is picturesque of the essence of the game.
There, the crowd gets noisy when necessary, but there are moments that it’s so quiet you can hear the lone fan jeering the umpire all the way from the other side of the ballpark.
Neighborhood 4
Aside from the often intense traffic on the El Camino Real, this is one of the safest neighborhoods in the state, surrounded by food, activities and hotels to set out-of-towners for a terrific weekend. Just down the Alameda towards the 880 onramps are clustered four hotels: Sterling Inn, Signature Inn Santa Clara, Valley Inn San Jose and Best Western Plus Airport Plaza.
If you’d like to grab a bite to eat before or after the game, there are several excellent options. Voyager Craft Coffee is right on the line where the El Camino Real turns into the historic Alameda. Taco Bell, Round Table Pizza, Rocko’s Ice Cream Tacos and Pizza My Heart are all right across the street from Finn Residence Hall on the Alameda too.
Other sports to visit in the spring near Stephen Schott Stadium include MLS San Jose Earthquakes, NHL San Jose Sharks, AHL San Jose Barracuda, MiLB San Jose Giants, San Jose State Spartans baseball, and Santa Clara's basketball.
Fans 3
The fans are friendly and invested in the action on the field. All through the game, stadium operators keep the fans engaged with raffle draws and contests such as the random hot dog eating contest right there on the stands. It’s clear that the school knows what drives the heartbeat of Stephen Schott Stadium: the fans.
Access 4
Parking is pretty scattered. There should be spots available in the nearby neighborhood on game day, or you could park at the nearby Starbucks down El Camino Real. The university also provides parking for $4 across the street near the Leavey Center. There are bus stops all along El Camino Real and it shouldn’t be an issue to get an Uber by the ballpark. The nearest Caltrain station is about a half mile away which services the Peninsula from San Jose to San Francisco.
Once you arrive, there is no bag check and hardly any security whatsoever. The men’s bathroom is spacious, clean and not modern. These days, most restrooms have motion sensors in at least their paper towel dispensers. Stephen Schott Stadium does not yet have that luxury.
Return on Investment 4
If you are looking for a quick and cheap fix of the national pastime then Santa Clara University baseball is the event for you. General admission is just $17, the food is affordable and the atmosphere is picturesque of collegiate baseball. The experience is well worth both your time and money.
Extras 1
Probably the neatest extra in the entire stadium is its rooftop. Covering all but the first six rows, it provides much needed shade on a hot spring day. Every once in a while, a player would hit a pop fly and the ball would land with a loud clang on the roof, keeping everyone awake. However, it does bring with it a decisive chill that can make watching a game uncomfortable… if you’re not prepared. It might be wise to bring a light jacket.
Final Thoughts
Santa Clara University has a rich tradition of excellence in baseball and even when they don’t field competitive teams, they usually play against the best in the region. Going to a game at Stephen Schott Stadium affords you the opportunity to watch big time college baseball in an intimate, safe and affordable setting.
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