Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Stevenson-Pincince Field
235 Hope St.
Providence, RI 02906
Year Opened: 1979
Capacity: 3,500
Brown Bears Lax
Stevenson-Pincince Field was named in honor of longtime Brown men’s soccer and lacrosse coach Cliff Stevenson, who was instrumental in establishing the soccer program at Brown in the 1960s as well as giving the sport a foothold in many schools around Rhode Island at this time. In 2015 the facility was rechristened to also honor longtime women’s soccer coach Phil Pincince.
In 2020 the old bleachers and press box that made up the stadium were torn down and replaced with a new three-story, 22,500-square-foot facility complete with dedicated team locker rooms, training facilities, coaches' offices, public restrooms, and concessions. The “Center for Lacrosse and Soccer” opened in time for the 2020 lacrosse season.
The Brown Bears have a storied history in the sport, as the men’s team began to play in 1926. The Bears have claimed 10 Ivy League championships, have qualified for 15 NCAA Tournaments (most recently in 2022), and have reached a pair of Final Fours (in 1994 and 2016).
Food & Beverage 3
There is a concession stand on the concourse of the grandstand. There’s not an overly fancy menu here, but you should be able to find something if you need a snack during the game. Hot dogs and pizza slices anchor the menu, with pulled pork sandwiches serving as a special item during the day of Stadium Journey’s visit.
In addition, there’s a selection of chips, pretzels, candy, and cotton candy available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stevenson-Pincince Field. No alcoholic beverages are allowed inside the facility.
Atmosphere 4
As a rule, the atmosphere at a college lacrosse game is a bit more lively than you may expect with the smaller crowds on hand. Lax fans are generally louder and more boisterous than fans of the other “minor sports” at most colleges. Brown is no exception. Fans are into the action, knowledgeable about the sport, and connected to the players.
Stevenson-Pincince Field features a video board in the southwest corner of the field that is put to good use with replays, highlights, graphics, and game information. Another, the smaller scoreboard is located in the northeast corner of the field. It displays basic game information. Music plays over a quality sound system during play stoppages and the PA announcer adds some energy to the proceedings.
During halftime, youth teams take the field, and there are other contests and giveaways scattered throughout the game. Keep your eyes peeled for Bruno, the school’s mascot, who may be participating in a favorite giveaway at Brown, the chocolate bar toss. Digital programs are available for all fans.
Neighborhood 5
Stevenson-Pincince Field is located in Providence’s affluent East Side, adjacent to many of the school’s other athletic facilities in the Erickson Athletic Complex. Also located in the complex are Meehan Auditorium, the Paul Bailey Pizzitola Sports Center, and Murray Stadium, among others. Brown Stadium is located about a mile away.
Just a couple of blocks from the Athletic Complex is Thayer Street, the East Side’s main commercial drag. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops can be found here, including Brown’s bookstore and the Avon Cinema, which dates back to the early 20th century.
Other notable areas in the East Side a short walk or drive from Brown University are Hope Street, Wayland Square, and Wickenden Street. All have their bohemian vibes and feature great local restaurants, shops, and bars. Of course, downtown Providence is located just at the bottom of College Hill about a mile away from Brown. If you’re visiting Providence from elsewhere, this is likely where you will find lodging options in addition to numerous additional dining choices.
Providence has a well-deserved reputation as one of the finest small cities in the country for foodies. Visitors to the area will find more than enough choices to satisfy even the most adventurous of palates. If staying in Providence isn’t appealing enough, Boston is an hour’s drive to the north, with the mansions and beaches of Newport about 45 minutes south.
Fans 4
Brown Lacrosse enjoys strong support. Stadium Journey visited Stevenson-Pincince Field on a beautiful April Saturday afternoon, and the main grandstand was packed with fans. The announced attendance of over 1,100 seems representative of a typical Bears crowd. Remember, the college lacrosse season stretches from February to May. Crowds generally increase throughout the season as the weather warms.
Lacrosse fans are more than just fannies in the seats. They are among the most loyal, dedicated, enthusiastic sports fans you’ll find anywhere. A lax crowd is certainly a case of quality over quantity. Brown lacrosse fans are no exception.
Sitting in the stands you’ll come across a more rowdy game day experience than you’d expect (not in a bad way). The fans are loud and enthusiastic. Perhaps this is due to the personal connection many fans have with the players on the field, but it creates a fun atmosphere to be a part of, even as a visiting fan.
Access 3
The Erikson Athletic Complex is located on the eastern edge of Brown University’s urban campus. While Interstates 95 and 195 both run close to Brown, there is no direct way to access Brown from the highway. One must navigate the East Side’s crooked, crowded streets to arrive at the complex.
Luckily, parking is plentiful around Brown’s athletic facilities. There are a pair of smallish lots within the complex, adjacent to Stevenson-Pincince Field. Unfortunately, since there is generally a lot of activity in the complex on the weekends, you may not be able to find a spot here. There is abundant on-street parking in the area, which is free on the weekends.
Seating at Stevenson-Pincince Field consists of metal bleachers without backs in a grandstand that runs the length of the field. This grandstand is built into the Lacrosse and Soccer Center, with a concourse at the top of the seating area. Handicapped seating and standing room are located on this concourse. Also located on the concourse are the concession stand and restrooms, which are new, clean, and large enough for a typical Bears lacrosse crowd.
Return on Investment 3
Tickets for Brown lacrosse vary in price depending on the opponent. Ivy League games top out at $15 for general admission seating. Non-conference games vary in price depending on the opponent and day of the week. Discounts are available for youths and seniors. Cash and cards are accepted at Stevenson-Pincince Field.
Parking is free in the lots adjacent to Stevenson-Pincince Field, as well as on-street should these lots be full. Be sure to check signage if parking on-street for neighborhood and/or time restrictions.
Concessions are reasonably priced, making an afternoon at a Brown lacrosse game an affordable entertainment option for Rhode Island sports fans.
Extras 2
On the south end zone fence are displayed Brown Ivy League titles, tournament appearances, Final Four berths, and a graphic honoring the two Bears to receive the Tewaaraton Trophy given to the nation’s outstanding players, Darren Lowe, and Dylan Malloy.
Final Thoughts
Renovations to Stevenson-Pincince Field have taken what was formerly just a set of bleachers surrounding a grass field to one of the more outstanding facilities in the area. Brown typically fields a competitive Ivy League team and the fan support they receive is outstanding. It all adds up to a great place to spend a spring afternoon in Providence.
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