Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86
UMBC Stadium 5523 Research Park Drive Baltimore, MD 21227
Year Opened: 1976
Capacity: 4,500
Retrieve the Fans
Although UMBC athletics is best known for the basketball team’s shocking upset in the NCAA Tournament over Virginia in 2018, the men’s lacrosse team has been one of the school’s most successful programs over the years. The Retrievers won the America East Conference regular season title five years in a row from 2005-2009 and have made the Division I Tournament seven times.
The Retrievers play on campus at UMBC Stadium, which is part of a larger complex which also includes the baseball and softball fields. The soccer stadium and UMBC Event Center are located nearby as well.
In 2022, UMBC Stadium and the surrounding fields were renovated, adding a new fan plaza, upgraded concession stand, and other areas to improve the fan experience.
Food & Beverage 3
There is one concession stand at UMBC Stadium located on the fan plaza in between UMBC Stadium and the baseball field, right by the entrance. The menu is pretty decent and includes pizza slices (cheese and pepperoni), grilled chicken sandwiches, pulled pork sandwiches, and hot dogs. Snacks include candy, chips, soft pretzels, popcorn, trail mix, and granola bars. Soft drinks, bottled water, and alcohol are available for purchase as well. Prices are a bit on the high end but not outrageous.
Atmosphere 4
Walking into UMBC Stadium will put you on a fan plaza of sorts, added in the latest set of upgrades. There is some standing room area right there where some fans choose to watch, or you can walk down to the metal bleachers along the sideline. A track surrounds the entire field, but you should still have a great view of the action. A scoreboard will be located to your right which also shows saves and shots, although those are not always updated in real time.
Between the roar of the crowd, the action on the field, and the numerous vantage points from which to watch a game, UMBC Stadium is an excellent atmosphere in which to take in a lacrosse match.
Neighborhood 3
UMBC Stadium is located on campus in the Baltimore suburbs, and there is not much going on in the immediate vicinity. Even elsewhere in town, there isn’t much other than a few chain restaurants. UMBC won a hard fight with the US Postal Service to get a Baltimore mailing address, but it isn’t actually located in the City of Baltimore. Your best bet is to make the short drive to the actual city, perhaps to the Inner Harbor neighborhood, where you will find many restaurants and other entertainment options.
Fans 5
UMBC Retrievers fans pack the bleachers and the plaza at UMBC Stadium every game. Although they don't usually sell out, the crowds number in the thousands. Fans are loyal, loud, and represent UMBC's spirit of true grit. They never give up on their team, they will stay until the end and be as loud at the final whistle as they were at the start.
Lacrosse is the state team sport of Maryland (but not the state sport, which is jousting) and Marylanders love the sport more than residents of any other state. While UMBC has its loyal and large fan base, expect there to be a good number of visiting fans in attendance if they are playing another Maryland school.
Access 4
UMBC's campus is located a short distance of I-195 and I-95. The former ends where it meets the latter and continues as Maryland Route 166. Follow that a short distance and follow the signs for UMBC's campus.. Parking is available along Hillside Circle (pull-in spaces, not parallel, although those who prefer to back into the space will not be able to due to the street pattern) as well as in lots near the UMBC Event Center. All are a short walk from the stadium.
Once inside, there is plenty of room to move around or watch the game from different vantage points as noted above. Restrooms are next to the concession stand and are of a sufficient size for the typical crowd.
The one thing to keep in mind is that lines at the ticket window and getting into the stadium can move slowly close to gametime, so buy your tickets in advance and arrive early.
Return on Investment 4
Tickets to UMBC lacrosse games cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and children 6-12, and free for UMBC students and children six and under. For one of the nicest lacrosse venues in the country, in the state and city where the sport is most popular, this is an excellent value. However, the pricey concessions do bring this score down a notch.
Extras 4
Being part of the UMBC Stadium Complex, the UMBC Stadium is basically three venues in one. Fans can also check out the softball and baseball venues while they’re here.
There are free programs and other promotional giveaways at a table near the concession stand and baseball field.
Merchandise is sold out of a tent by the entrance.
A final star for the banners honoring UMBC lacrosse achievements.
Final Thoughts
The recent upgrades to UMBC Stadium have done wonders to improve the experience here. What was once a pretty basic stadium has turned into a crown jewel of lacrosse. There are so many outstanding college lacrosse options in the Baltimore area that it's hard to describe any of them as a "must-see", but if you are in the area and see UMBC is playing at home, you will want to check out a Retrievers game.
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