An unseasonably warm and dry fall has extended the season for pick-up games on campus — a great stress reliever during busier times of the semester. That’s the case for James Kemp ’27, who often plays pick-up football with his friends.
“Getting out with my friends and being active really helps calm me down with all the stress of school,” Kemp said.
With all the new construction on the Hawk Hill campus right now, finding an open grassy field is more challenging. We did the work for you to help find the best spots around Hawk Hill for field games.
Sweeney Field
Location: 5600 City Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19131
Hours: N/A
Best for: soccer, lacrosse, football
This field is located on the Philadelphia side of campus, sandwiched between the Haub School of Business, Hagan Arena, Post Hall and Bellarmine Hall.
Along with a turf field, Sweeney Field has soccer nets and lacrosse nets for anyone to use, making this a great option for those pick-up games.
Since this is the official field for some of St. Joe’s DI teams and is also used by many club teams, it’s often busy. The practice schedules are not available to the public. Because of that, it can be hit or miss for personal use. Nighttime is the best chance to find it open. Kemp and Evan Theoharis ’27 recommended the field despite its busyness because of the atmosphere and field conditions.
“At night, when it’s open, the lights are on,” Kemp said. “It’s obviously the best field conditions-wise but then also the atmosphere around. I always think looking up at Barbelin from the field is such a cool atmosphere.”
Theoharis agreed the lights are one of the biggest draws of playing pick-up games on Sweeney Field.
“We can play the latest amount of time there, as in terms of other ones where there’s no lights,” Theoharis said.
St. Mary’s Lawn
Location: 333 City Ave., Merion Station, PA 19066
Hours: N/A
Best for: backyard games, a game of catch, soccer
This field is located right behind McShain Hall and next to Claver House. If you are accessing this field by car, there is parking in the McShain lot, though it is often filled during class hours.
This is a very spacious field, but it is not completely level, and as the weather gets colder, the grass becomes more of a dirt field. It also lacks shade and privacy, as it is located on a main part of campus in the midst of a lot of student traffic. As a plus, though, there are occasional soccer goals to use if soccer is your choice of sport.
Berwick Field
Location: Maguire Access Road, Merion Station, PA 19066
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Best for: football, a game of catch/pass, backyard games
This field is located behind Paris Hall and next to the SJU Softball Field. It is easy to access on foot, but by car, your closest options for parking are the McShain or Merion Hall lots.
It is a full grass-leveled field that even has a small, lined football field. This field is often used for outdoor intramurals.
The field is spacious and surrounded by many trees, but do not be fooled. There is no shade in the area of play.
Anthony Molitor Jr. ’27, who plays football recreationally, recommended this field for its privacy.
“The grass isn’t great and it’s pretty bumpy,” Molitor Jr. said. “Other than it being out of the way of campus, nobody else knows about it. That’s why it’s pretty good.”
Merion Botanical Park
Location: 100 Merion Road, Merion Station, PA 19066
Hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Best for: backyard games, a game of catch
This park is located near the Merion side of campus on Merion Road, off City Avenue. If you plan on driving here, there is limited street parking along the park, but at the right time, you may find a spot in the lot for SEPTA’s Merion stop, which is located right next door.
While the park is off campus, it is easy to get to and has very large areas of grass to choose from. It’s a five-minute walk from Ashwood Apartments, Morris Quad Townhouses, Moore Hall and Merion Gardens.
It’s usually busy with people and dogs, but it’s big enough that you should be able to find a spot for yourself. There is both sun and shade, and while the entire area is not all level, some parts of it are. It’s a great place for a game of catch or Spikeball.
