Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field 3399 North Rd Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
Year Opened: 2007
Capacity: 5,000
A New Top Fox At Marist College
There was a seismic shift in the Marist football program in November 2023, when head coach Jim Parady announced his retirement after 32 years. The Red Foxes have had only three head coaches in their history, and Parady left as the longest-tenured head coach in Division 1. Enter Mike Willis, former Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator at Princeton.
The weather was stellar on this visit to Marist College. The fall foliage was in full effect on a sun-drenched day in Poughkeepsie with temperatures in the mid-60s, but a cooling breeze took effect, especially in the second half. Tenney Stadium sits next to the entrance of the campus and is nestled along the banks of the Hudson River in Poughkeepsie, New York, a city of about 32,000 situated roughly 75 miles north of New York City.
Marist is a member of the 11-member Pioneer Football League. In 2013, the Red Foxes shared a Pioneer Football League title with Butler University, but have enjoyed only one winning season since 2013.
Food & Beverage 3
The concession stand is located in the end zone as you enter the stadium. For the first time, alcoholic beverages are available for purchase from local breweries and cideries. Pepsi products are sold at this venue.
There are food trucks in the parking lot near McCann Arena for special occasions such as Family and Homecoming/Reunion Weekend.
Atmosphere 3
Tenney Stadium at Leonidoff Field is named after two benefactors of Marist athletics.
The field was named after Alex Leonidoff, a local physician and avid Marist Athletics supporter. The original facility opened in 1968. The present stadium was dedicated on October 6, 2007. The stadium's name honors Tim Tenney, CEO of Pepsi-Cola of the Hudson Valley, who provided the lead gift for the stadium renovation project. The Marist football, men's soccer, women's soccer, men's lacrosse, and women's lacrosse programs call the stadium home.
The eastern side of the field has 7 sections with 15 rows of permanent chairback seating installed. These seats offer a great view of the field. The west side of the field behind the visitor's sideline features three stairs of rock, layered below the ground. Fans can also sit on the grass or bring chairs.
The band is located at the southwest corner of the end zone adjacent to the cheerleaders and dance team who are situated just to the left or west side of the Marist sideline.
The crowd was engaged and supportive. Marist ditched most of its superfluous noise like AC/DC’s Hells Bells which is welcomed considering the size of the crowd and venue. The one drawback is the scoreboard is not large and does not have video capability.
Neighborhood 3
Poughkeepsie is situated between the Lower Hudson and the Capital District regions. The city is home to several major corporations including IBM and educational institutions including Marist, Vassar College, Dutchess Community College, and The Culinary Institute of America.
Cosimo’s Trattoria and Palace Diner are two popular places within walking distance of the stadium. The palace is open 24 hours. Erin O’Neill’s Pub and Grill is another option about a mile away.
Fans 3
On this day, there was a solid supportive crowd of 1,547 which was aided by the weather and the fact it was Homecoming and Reunion Weekend. Frankie the Red Fox, the band, and the cheerleaders stirred up the crowd.
Sean P. Stellato, a sports agent and motivational speaker, was honored at halftime. The 2002 Marist graduate and wide receiver led the team in touchdown receptions in 2001 and 2002. The school handed out a limited number of Marist-branded fedoras, his signature headwear. Stellato is the agent for New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito.
Access 4
The best access to Poughkeepsie from the west is coming across the Mid Hudson Bridge only 2 miles from campus. Traveling up or down Route 9 can be time-consuming with traffic somewhat heavy and many traffic lights. The Taconic Parkway is about 20 minutes from the stadium and traffic will be less burdensome coming in on Route 55. Parking is free but can be an issue here as the closest lots to the stadium fill up fast, and late comers can be forced to drive to the outskirts of the campus to find parking. Fortunately, there are ample spots but could be an 8-minute walk to Tenney Stadium.
The Poughkeepsie train station, served by Metro North and Amtrak, is 1.2 miles from the stadium.
Return on Investment 5
The seating area, which is all chairbacks, costs $15 while general admission tickets are $8. Fans who elect general admission seating are allowed to bring chairs for use on the lawn. Tickets cost only $6 for children under 12. Marist students are granted free admission. Ticket and concession prices are a bargain and parking is free which is welcomed during these inflationary times.
Extras 3
Just two miles southeast of the stadium, there is a beautiful bridge for pedestrians and cyclists which spans the Hudson River called Walkway Over the Hudson State Park. It is the world’s longest elevated pedestrian bridge (1.28 miles) and connects Poughkeepsie to Highland. The span, a former railroad bridge that has been repurposed, is open from 7 am until sunset.
The beauty of the campus is worthy of another point. The fall foliage is impressive on a sun-drenched October or early November afternoon. All home games start at Noon which is perfect to enjoy the combination of comfortable weather and football. The Hudson River can be seen from the upper seating area.
The Marist athletic community is elated by the exploits of kicker Jason Myers of the Seattle Seahawks. He played at Marist from 2009–2012. Myers, in his 10th NFL season, was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Jacksonville Jaguars on March 3, 2015. Myers, a member of the Seattle Seahawks, made the 2019 Pro Bowl.
Defensive end Terrence Fede was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 2014 and played for the Dolphins from 2014–2017.
Final Thoughts
Tenney Stadium is a picturesque location to take in an FCS college football game. The experience offers family friendly entertainment with low prices and comfortable seating.
コメント