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NCAA FCS

Brown FieldValparaiso, Indiana

Valparaiso Beacons

About Brown Field

Brown Field has been home to Valparaiso Beacons football since the program's founding in 1919. The 5,000-seat stadium in Valparaiso, Indiana is named after former university president Henry Baker Brown. The Beacons compete in the Pioneer Football League (NCAA Division I FCS). Artificial turf replaced natural grass in 2008 as part of the FITT renovation campaign; lights were added in 2010 and the field was re-turfed with FieldTurf in 2019. The surrounding Warren G. Hoger Track was dedicated in 2014. Brown Field has hosted nine conference championship teams, in 1945, 1951, 1952, 1954, 1964, 1968, 1969, 2000, and 2003.

Brown Field 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)

Visiting Brown Field

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
Lot0.1 miles

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

Campus Visitor Lots

$10
Lot0.3 miles

Additional parking in designated visitor lots throughout campus.

Street Parking

Free
Street0.4 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.

Stadium Rankings

Brown Field ranks among the venues tracked on Fan Stamp as the 13th-oldest.

Closest Stadiums to Brown Field

Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Field

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.
When was Brown Field built?
Brown Field opened in 1919.
Where are the best seats at Brown Field?
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.
What are the best parking tips for Brown Field?
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.
What type of surface does Brown Field have?
Brown Field has a fieldturf (artificial turf) playing surface.
What stadiums are near Brown Field?
The closest stadiums to Brown Field are Rate Field (39 mi), Soldier Field (40 mi), SeatGeek Stadium (44 mi), Notre Dame Stadium (45 mi), Wrigley Field (46 mi), Ross–Ade Stadium (72 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.

References

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