What is the capacity of Brown Field?

Brown Field has a seating capacity of 5,000.

Where is Brown Field located?

Brown Field is located in Valparaiso, Indiana.

What team plays at Brown Field?

Brown Field is the home stadium of Valparaiso Beacons in the Pioneer.

What stadiums are near Brown Field?

The closest stadiums to Brown Field are Rate Field (39 mi), Soldier Field (40 mi), Notre Dame Stadium (45 mi), Wrigley Field (46 mi), Ross–Ade Stadium (72 mi), Waldo Stadium (94 mi).

How old is Brown Field?

Brown Field opened in 1919, making it 107 years old. It ranks #13 among the oldest stadiums in the country.

Brown Field - home of Valparaiso Beacons in Valparaiso, Indiana

NCAA FCS

Brown FieldValparaiso, Indiana

Valparaiso Beacons

👥

Capacity

5,000

🏆

Conference

Pioneer

📅

Opened

1919

🌱

Surface

N/A

Quick Actions

🏈Track All NCAA FCS 📍View on Map

📖About Brown Field

Brown Field is a 5,000-seat stadium located on the Valparaiso University campus in Valparaiso, Indiana. Home to the Valparaiso Beacons football program, this intimate facility provides a classic Midwest college football atmosphere just south of Lake Michigan.

🏛️History

Origins

Brown Field was built in 1919, making it one of the oldest football venues in the Pioneer Football League. Named after the Brown family, early benefactors of Valparaiso University, the stadium has served the Beacons (formerly Crusaders) for over a century, witnessing the evolution of college football.

Major Renovations

1965Grandstands expanded and modernized

2002FieldTurf surface installed replacing natural grass

2010New press box and video board added

2018Stadium lighting upgraded for night games

Notable Moments

Oct 18, 1980Record attendance of 10,500 for rivalry game

Nov 9, 2013Upset victory over San Diego in Pioneer League play

Sep 28, 2019First home win as Beacons (rebrand from Crusaders)

🎟️Visitor Guide

Best Seats

The west grandstand offers the best views and shade. Midfield seating provides optimal sightlines in this classic bowl configuration. The intimate stadium means every seat is close to the action with excellent views.

Parking Tips

Campus parking is available in lots near Brown Field. Arrive 90 minutes early for prime spots. The compact Valparaiso campus makes parking straightforward. Additional street parking available in nearby neighborhoods.

Game Day

Valparaiso's campus has a strong Lutheran heritage and welcoming atmosphere. The northwest Indiana setting is beautiful in fall. Visit the Chapel of the Resurrection, one of the largest university chapels in the world. Tailgating is family-friendly and reflects the Midwest hospitality.

🗺️Local Recommendations

🍺Bars & Drinks

Octave Grill

Local bar and grill near campus with game-day specials. Popular with Valpo students.

📍 1 mile50 Washington St, Valparaiso

💡 Casual atmosphere and good wings. Fills up on game days.

Aberdeen Brewing Company

Local craft brewery in downtown Valparaiso with house-brewed beers.

📍 2 miles210 Aberdeen Ct, Valparaiso

💡 Great local craft beer. Try the flagship IPA.

🍽️Restaurants

Strongbow Inn

$$$

Valparaiso institution since 1962. Prime rib and classic American steakhouse.

📍 3 miles2405 E Morthland Dr, Valparaiso

💡 Make reservations for game-day dinner. The prime rib is legendary.

Meditrina

$$$

Farm-to-table restaurant in downtown Valpo with seasonal menu and craft cocktails.

📍 1 mile62 Washington St, Valparaiso

💡 Upscale pre-game dining. Reservations recommended.

Don Quijote

Popular Mexican restaurant with generous portions and good margaritas.

📍 1.5 miles119 E Lincolnway, Valparaiso

💡 Quick service and family-friendly. Good for groups.

🏨Hotels

Fairfield Inn & Suites Valparaiso

Modern hotel near campus with complimentary breakfast.

📍 2 miles2301 E Morthland Dr, Valparaiso

💡 Closest hotel to campus. Book early for football weekends.

Hampton Inn Valparaiso

Comfortable accommodations with breakfast included.

📍 2 miles2301 Morthland Dr, Valparaiso

💡 Good value option. Clean rooms and friendly staff.

🎭Attractions

Chapel of the Resurrection

Free

Fifth-largest university chapel in the world. Stunning architecture on Valpo campus.

📍 0.3 milesValparaiso University, Valparaiso

💡 Must-see before the game. Beautiful interior and impressive organ.

Indiana Dunes National Park

Free

National park on Lake Michigan with beaches, dunes, and hiking trails.

📍 10 milesIndiana Dunes, Chesterton

💡 Perfect Saturday morning before afternoon games. Beautiful Lake Michigan beaches.

Memorial Opera House

Historic theater in downtown Valparaiso with performances and tours.

📍 1.5 miles104 Indiana Ave, Valparaiso

💡 Beautiful historic building. Check schedule for performances.

🅿️Parking Options

🅿️

Brown Field Parking

$10

Lot📍 0.1 miles

💡 Primary parking adjacent to stadium. Arrive early for closest spots.

🅿️

Campus Visitor Lots

$10

Lot📍 0.3 miles

💡 Additional parking in designated visitor lots throughout campus.

🚗

Street Parking

Free

Street📍 0.4 miles

💡 Free street parking in neighborhoods near campus.

Suggest a Tip

Know a great bar, restaurant, hotel, attraction, or parking spot near Brown Field? Share it with us.

Discover More Stadiums

🏆

Pioneer

View all conference stadiums

→

📍

Indiana

View all state stadiums

→

🔍

Browse by Conference

Explore all conferences

Stadium Rankings

🏛️

#13 Oldest Stadium

View top 50 oldest

Learn more on Wikipedia→

Stadiums Near Brown Field

→

Rate Field

Chicago White Sox

Chicago, IL39 mi

→

Soldier Field

Chicago Bears

Chicago, IL40 mi

→

Notre Dame Stadium

Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN45 mi

→

Wrigley Field

Chicago Cubs

Chicago, IL46 mi

→

Ross–Ade Stadium

Purdue

West Lafayette, IN72 mi

→

Waldo Stadium

Western Michigan

Kalamazoo, MI94 mi

References

Content sourced from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA) and official team sites. Additional information verified against public sources.