Campbell's Field facts for kids
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| Address | 401 North Delaware Avenue Camden, New Jersey United States |
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| Coordinates | 39°57′01″N 75°07′42″W / 39.950245°N 75.128306°W |
| Owner | Camden County Improvement Authority |
| Operator | Rutgers University–Camden |
| Capacity | 6,700 |
| Field size | Left field: 325 ft (99 m) Center field: 405 ft (123 m) Right field: 325 ft (99 m) |
| Surface | Grass |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | June 15, 1999 |
| Opened | May 11, 2001 |
| Demolished | December 2018 |
| Years active | 2001–2018 |
| Construction cost | $25 million |
| Architect | Clarke Caton Hintz |
| Tenants | |
| Camden Riversharks (ALPB) 2001–2015 Rutgers–Camden Scarlet Raptors (NCAA) 2001–2018 Saint Joseph's Hawks (NCAA) 2009–2011 Temple Owls (NCAA) 2014 |
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Campbell's Field was a baseball park located in Camden, New Jersey. It opened on May 11, 2001, and could seat about 6,700 people. The stadium was home to the Rutgers–Camden college baseball team. Until 2015, it also hosted the Camden Riversharks, a professional baseball team from the independent Atlantic League of Professional Baseball.
The stadium was named after the Campbell Soup Company, which is based in Camden. They paid $3 million to have their name on the field for ten years. Campbell's Field was known for its great views. From the park, you could see the Benjamin Franklin Bridge connecting Camden with Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You could also see the Philadelphia skyline from the right-field stands.
Contents
History of Campbell's Field
How Campbell's Field Was Built
Construction for Campbell's Field began on June 15, 1999. Former New Jersey governor Christine Todd Whitman was there for the start. The stadium cost about $25 million to build. Before it was a baseball field, the land was used by different businesses, including a Campbell Soup Company factory.
The stadium was built to help bring new life to the city of Camden. It was part of a bigger plan to improve the area.
Awards and Recognition
Campbell's Field quickly became a popular place. It won several awards for its design and impact. In 2003, DigitalBallparks.com honored it, and in 2004, Baseball America named it the "Ballpark of the Year." Many local groups also gave it awards for its excellence.
In 2009, Campbell Soup Company decided to keep their name on the ballpark until at least 2020.
Changes and Demolition
Over the years, the stadium faced some financial challenges. In 2015, the Camden Riversharks, the main professional team, stopped playing there. They could not agree on a new lease for the stadium.
Even after the Riversharks left, the Rutgers University–Camden Scarlet Raptors baseball team continued to use the field. However, in December 2018, demolition of Campbell's Field began. The site is being redeveloped into a new sports complex for Rutgers–Camden baseball and other activities. This new complex is expected to be finished around 2021.
Baseball at Campbell's Field
College Baseball Teams
From 2001 until 2018, Campbell's Field was the home field for the Rutgers–Camden Scarlet Raptors baseball team. Other college teams also played games there. The Saint Joseph's Hawks used the park for some games from 2009 to 2011. The Temple University baseball team also played many of their home games at Campbell's Field in 2014.
Atlantic League All-Star Games
Campbell's Field hosted the Atlantic League All-Star Game twice.
- 2004 All-Star Game: On July 14, 2004, the North Division beat the South Division 10-8. About 6,234 fans watched the game.
- 2012 All-Star Game: The stadium hosted the All-Star Game again in 2012. The Freedom Division won against the Liberty Division 9-5. This game had an even larger crowd, with 7,619 people attending.
Stadium Fun and Features
Food and Drinks
As part of the naming deal, Campbell's Field offered many Campbell's Soup Company products. You could find V8 drinks, Pace salsa, and Pepperidge Farm snacks. Of course, traditional ballpark food like hot dogs was also available. There was even a Picnic Pavilion with barbecue from a local restaurant. For adults, the Flying Fish Brewing Company sold beer in a special pub area.
Fun Zone for Kids
The Fun Zone was a special playground area for children. It was often visited by Finley, the Riversharks mascot. The Fun Zone had a carousel and inflatable games, making it a great spot for younger fans.
Special Seating Options
Campbell's Field offered different ways to enjoy a game:
- Diamond Café: This area had a fancy buffet and waiter service. It also offered amazing views of the Philadelphia skyline and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
- Skyline & Bridge Suites: These were private rooms that could be rented for parties or meetings. They also had great views of the city and bridge.
Other Events at Campbell's Field
Rugby League Tournament
In 2011, Campbell's Field hosted a major rugby league event. It was the Atlantic Qualifiers tournament for the 2013 Rugby League World Cup. Teams from the United States, South Africa, and Jamaica competed. The United States team won the tournament, earning their first-ever spot in the Rugby League World Cup!
Concerts at the Park
Campbell's Field wasn't just for sports. It also hosted concerts:
