Hinchliffe Stadium

I went to Hinchliffe Stadium two years ago to see a great part of history. I've always had an admiration for not just the game of baseball but for baseball stadiums as well. Hinchliffe Stadium has a rich history behind it with minor league baseball, negro league baseball, and other sports. It was amazing knowing this stadium was built so long ago and has that old look with odd dimensions, which adds to its beauty. The world was much different back in 1932, baseball was segregated, and only day games were played. It made me think of a time I only read about in books. A beautiful ballpark.

Once upon a time, Hinchliffe Stadium stood as a beacon of sports venues. Over the decades, it fell into decay and disrepair, finally deteriorating into a proverbial white elephant in a blighted neighborhood, laying fallow for three decades; existing in a twilight status caught between condemnation as developers sought its demolition, and preservationists bemoaned for renovations. A few years back, to much hue and applause, renovations were indeed commenced, and to the tune of approximately 94 million dollars, the politicians and the press waxed poetic with grandiose declarations of how Hinchliffe Stadium was to soon become a bastion of ball venues and other activities. The stadium would resume hosting football games, and added what they thought was the crowning acquisition to the stadium - an independent minor league baseball team. Surely this was to be a successful endeavor. Sorry to say, one visit to this venue left me with one glaring question. If what they did to Hinchliffe Stadium cost 94 million, WHERE DID THE REST OF THE MONEY GO? The renovations that I observed, consisted of nothing more than bolting down a few thousand plastic seat bottoms (no backs) onto the previously existent concrete bleachers (not at all comfortable feel), unnecessarily tearing down the old press box and building a new one on the other side of the horseshoe, which puts the sun directly in the PA announcer's eyes (the scoreboard operator and the stat crew can similarly be affected in adverse ways), and putting in what has to be one of the most hideous field carpets imaginable, replete with bumps, pits, and folds visible to anyone who bothers to take notice. Add on the obligatory slap coat of paint, and there you have it, a 94 million dollar "refurbishment". While there may be some internal makeover in the locker areas (which I am not privy to), THE OPTICS STILL DON'T ADD UP. You can not convince me this bore a price tag of 94 million. 9.4 million, maybe. No way this lipstick on a pig treatment is worth 94 million. And what do the fans get? Uncomfortable seating ( Have you ever sat on backless plastic seats on either a hot summer day or a chilly late autumn one? Not comfortable at all). A neighborhood which still borders on the shady side ( do not stray more than one block away at any time) And just a bad overall experience, especially if you're coming to watch baseball. Now while this stadium is good for football and soccer, it is an absolute travesty for baseball. Anyone who wants to call this place suitable for minor league baseball has to be living in delusions of grandeur. First, it's laid out all wrong. Home plate is in a corner of the stadium where the stadium size dictates the existence of a VERY SHORT RIGHT FIELD FENCE. Balls fly out with alarming frequency leading to inordinately high scores. The "dugouts" are something out of the line of an amusement park, bearing resemblance more to something you just stick an air pump in. Finally, the GameDay management is an abomination. They turn off the water fountains just to gouge the fans at the concession stand. Any attempt to vocalize dissatisfaction is met with a most disrespectful and tactless tone. It's no wonder the baseball team suffers from low attendance; and now they're going to put a minor league soccer team in here? Good luck with that. As far as "Where did the rest of the money go?", I have my suspicions; anywhere from political kickbacks to overinflated labor costs, both or either of which likely led to someone or more turning in a pretty penny for all that.

I’ve been to the stadium twice to watch the first women’s tackle football team. The parking is free in the deck at Hinchcliffe residences which is a plus. Easy entry however the ticket window only holds two agents to assist with scanning barcode from the phone to give you wristbands for entry. Definitely suggest purchasing tickets online. The food was not pricey, but because it is prepackaged sometimes the buns on the burgers are soggy. It’s a very big stadium. Unfortunately it had begun to rain and lightning was a possibility so they cleared the stadium and sent us to the parking deck until it was safe to come back inside. Let’s go Jersey shore wave!!

This stadium when compared to yogi Berra is amazing!! My dad used to play football in high school here as quarterback .

Historic place, but not for baseball. parking deck is great. 7'2" clearance. pay as you enter the deck

Fun story about this stadium… back in 2015, during 50 Days of New Jersey, Geoff and I visited Paterson Falls and, while walking around the town, visited the then shuttered and dilapidated stadium. Geoff mentioned “wouldn’t it be nice if a minor league team played here?” A “few” years later, here they are!! Couple of things to know. This is a young stadium, with lots of work still ahead - parking, for example, is not advertised or easy to figure out. There is a garage next to the stadium ($7), but we didn’t know about it - we found street parking and walked over. The seat sections aren’t well marked (just a piece of paper taped to the wall) and most of the park is stadium seating (bleachers, metal, without backs). Someone said seat cushions are prohibited, which is a pity. After a while it’s hard to be comfortable on the metal seats. Lots of people opted to stand. The concessions are just okay - though the folks working them are super nice and friendly! No programs or score card!! I would have loved to have one, specially since today was opening day. They do have jerseys and caps (outside the stadium), but no pins or patches 😕 Another word about seating - avoid seating low, close to the field, on the first base side. The dugout makes it impossible to see first base. There is a vast distance between the stands and the field - filled with tables and temporary fences. Lots of children running about and throwing baseballs, which is great fun, but also distracting. A mesh screen surrounds the ball field, which is usual, but the poles are unusually wide obstructions. The stadium is accessible, however, the ramp leading down to the promenade is located on the third base side, but one has to go thru “the office space” to reach it. It was confusing. So… a few kinks to work out, but overall a nice experience. Hollywood, the bat retrieving dog, was a hoot! When not working, he toured the stands with his handler and posing for photos to the delight of kids and grownups alike. I never managed to take a good photo of Hollywood on the field - those darned fences kept getting in the way 😜!

Hinchliffe Stadium, a once-neglected historical treasure, now stands tall and proud, having emerged from decades of closure and disrepair into a breathtaking testament to Paterson's resurgent spirit! As a member of this generation, I am deeply honored to have witnessed the realization of this monumental project accomplished by our visionary mayor, which has brought new life and vibrancy to the heart of our beloved city. For far too long, the stadium lay dormant, a ghost of its former glory, reminding us of a bygone era when it played a central role in shaping Paterson's identity. But today, thanks to the unwavering commitment of our mayor and the collective efforts of the community, Hinchliffe Stadium has been restored to its former splendor, captivating locals and visitors alike with its awe-inspiring transformation. The restoration process has been nothing short of remarkable. Every inch of the stadium has been meticulously renovated, preserving its historical significance while embracing modern sensibilities. The architectural details, once lost to the ravages of time, now shine resplendently, a true reflection of the stadium's past grandeur. From the majestic entrance arch to the intricately refurbished seating, the entire venue exudes a timeless elegance that transports us back in time. Beyond its aesthetic revival, Hinchliffe Stadium has been thoughtfully reimagined as a vibrant hub of community engagement and cultural celebration. The stadium's new lease on life has breathed fresh energy into Paterson, with a calendar full of exciting events, sports tournaments, and cultural showcases, uniting residents of all backgrounds in celebration of our shared heritage. As I walked through the rejuvenated stadium, I felt a palpable sense of pride, knowing that I am part of a community that cherishes its history and takes bold steps to secure its future. The transformation of Hinchliffe Stadium is more than just a restoration; it is a testament to the resilience and determination of our city. It stands as a symbol of the remarkable achievements we can accomplish when we unite as one. Moreover, the stadium's revival has rekindled a sense of nostalgia and connection among Paterson's residents. Countless stories of triumph and camaraderie are etched into its walls, and seeing it come alive once more has created a shared sense of appreciation for our city's roots. It is a living testament to the enduring spirit of Paterson, inspiring us to forge ahead with renewed vigor and pride. In conclusion, Hinchliffe Stadium's renaissance is a triumph of historical preservation and urban renewal, and a beacon of hope for future generations. The mayor's vision and dedication, combined with the collective efforts of our community, have given us a timeless gift—a beautifully restored stadium that not only honors our past but paves the way for a brighter future. As I bask in the stadium's newfound radiance, I am reminded that the transformation of Hinchliffe Stadium is a celebration of the indomitable spirit that defines Paterson, NJ. This is not just a review; it is an expression of gratitude and admiration for a city that refuses to be defined by its challenges but chooses to embrace its potential and soar to new heights. History was made when we performed the first Eid prayer at the stadium on June 28,2023!

A great place in Northern NJ for families with kids to have fun! Enjoy America’s pastime in a historic stadium. Get there before the game to check out the museum (catch the 8 min movie about the stadium!)

What a great place to go for a baseball game! The stadium has safe parking and plenty of security They are so family friendly. My granddaughter who has never attended a game had a ball! The food stands have a good assortment of cold beers , beverages and snacks. Bathrooms clean! And plenty of seating Theme nights have give aways to the kids. We were there for Star Wars night and they all received light up sabers. Jump on in this place. You can get a ticket for $10!!!

Came here for a game last Saturday with my father and it was great! my father used to come here in the 70s and its so refreshing to see this place updated. Getting here was super easy, it was right near the Paterson falls. There is a parking deck which is nice and safe to park your car and the attendants were very helpful when i asked them some questions. Inside the stadium security seemed good, everything was clean and new, the bathrooms were beautiful (although there could be more, i only saw 1). We honestly had an awesome time and i cant wait to come back. The staff were super friendly and we talked to a few people, everyone seems happy to be there which is cool/ Coming to see the Jackals play for $15 is an awesome deal, the stadium was nice and it was a great experience. Really nothing bad to say here - pretty rare you can do anything nowadays for $15. i highly recommend coming for a game.

I want to soooooo love this place. We're a big baseball family and go to NUMEROUS different stadiums every year. When the Jackals went to Hinchliffe, we had to go to still have every stadium in NJ visited. I read about how much money was put into restoring this stadium but as I was walking around, in not quite sure of it adds up. I have seen before pictures but it's still very odd. They also built a senior living building right next door with a parking garage that they charge you $15 per car to park. Keep in mind, tickets are $15 each. That's a little steep to park at a minor league game... Not to mention in an independent league. Outside is very welcoming. Fresh coat of paint. Once you get inside, it's very cold. ALL bleacher seats. Talk about a back ache by the time the 5th inning comes around. Has to be stadium seats around the home plate and dugout areas. Completely unacceptable. There's only 2 restrooms in the entire stadium, so if you have to go, start walking when the urge hits. The food choices and quality was below average at best. When you pay, for some reason, it shows up as Wendy's on my bank account. Very odd. Now the field... the dugouts are just these popup tent looking things. Horrible way to represent a professional team. I actually felt bad for the teams. There's a huge track separating the field and the bleachers. The whole layout is just crazy. Lastly, there's a sponsor sign hanging in the outfield from some doctor that says "Official Doctor of the Sussex Miners". What????? The 2 stars was purely because the workers are absolutely phenomenal. Everyone was so helpful and polite. I just forsee this being a very short stay for the Jackals. I'm glad to have had the opportunity to see a game with my son in such a historic venue but very sad to see how poorly it was done.