Campbell's Field facts for kids
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| Address | 401 North Delaware Avenue Camden, New Jersey, U.S. |
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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 special baseball park located in Camden, New Jersey. It opened its doors on May 11, 2001, and quickly became a beloved spot for baseball fans. This stadium was home to the Rutgers–Camden college baseball team. For many years, it also hosted the Camden Riversharks, a professional independent league team. The famous Campbell Soup Company, based in Camden, even bought the naming rights for the field. The ballpark was known for its amazing views of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge and the Philadelphia skyline across the Delaware River. Sadly, Campbell's Field was demolished in December 2018 to make way for new athletic fields.
What Was Campbell's Field?
Campbell's Field was a baseball stadium with 6,425 seats. It was located right on the Camden Waterfront. From the stadium, you could see the Benjamin Franklin Bridge connecting Camden to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. You could also enjoy views of the Philadelphia skyline from the right-field grandstand.
Building the Ballpark
Construction for Campbell's Field began on June 15, 1999. Former New Jersey governor Christine Todd Whitman was there for the groundbreaking. The project cost about $24 million. This included $7 million to clean up the land, which had been home to old factories and businesses. The stadium officially opened in May 2001. It was part of a bigger plan to help improve the city of Camden.
Awards and Recognition
Campbell's Field received many honors. In 2003, DigitalBallparks.com named it "Ballpark of the Year." The next year, Baseball America gave it the same award. It also won several local awards for its design and positive impact on the community.
A Home for Baseball Teams
From 2001 until 2018, Campbell's Field was the home field for the Rutgers–Camden Scarlet Raptors baseball team. It also hosted the Camden Riversharks professional team from 2001 to 2015.
Exciting All-Star Games
Campbell's Field hosted the Atlantic League All-Star Game twice. In 2004, the North Division won a thrilling game 10–8. The stadium welcomed 6,234 fans that day. In 2012, the Freedom Division beat the Liberty Division 9–5, with 7,619 people in attendance.
College Tournaments
The ballpark also hosted the Atlantic 10 Conference baseball tournament in 2008, 2010, and 2011. College teams like the University of North Carolina-Charlotte and Saint Louis competed there. The Saint Joseph's University baseball team even used Campbell's Field as their full-time home for a few years.
Fun Features for Fans
Campbell's Field offered many attractions to make a day at the ballpark enjoyable for everyone.
Food and Drinks
Because the Campbell Soup Company held the naming rights, the stadium sold some of their products. You could find V8 drinks, Pace salsa, and Pepperidge Farm snacks. Of course, traditional ballpark food like hot dogs was also available. For adults, the Flying Fish Brewing Company sold beer in a special pub area.
Play Area for Kids
The "Fun Zone" was a special playground for children. It featured the Riversharks mascot, Finley. Kids could enjoy a carousel and inflatable games.
Special Seating Options
Fans had different seating choices. The Diamond Café offered a fancy buffet with waiter service. It also had great views of the Philadelphia skyline and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Private rooms called the Skyline & Bridge Suites were available for groups. These rooms also offered amazing views and catering services.
More Than Just Baseball
Campbell's Field hosted events beyond baseball games.
Rugby League Matches
In 2011, the stadium hosted the Atlantic Qualifiers tournament. 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 and Music
The ballpark also welcomed famous musicians. On June 16, 2005, Bob Dylan performed there during his tour. On June 5, 2009, popular hip-hop artists T-Pain and Flo Rida also held a concert at Campbell's Field.
The End of Campbell's Field
In October 2015, the Camden Riversharks team stopped playing. They could not agree on a new lease for the stadium. With its main tenant gone, the future of Campbell's Field became uncertain. In September 2018, a company was hired to demolish the stadium. Demolition began in mid-December 2018. The site was then redeveloped into a new athletic complex. This new complex, called Camden Athletic Fields, officially opened on May 2, 2022. It now includes a new home for Rutgers–Camden baseball.
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