Hinchliffe Stadium — Attraction in Paterson

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...

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...

The Field of Nightmares !!!

Do not be surprised that a story is told of where the $100 million dollars went for this monstrosity of a venue.

It did not go for the baseball experience.

Hinchliffe Stadium will be the worst baseball experience of your life.

The staff is rude and unprofessional. That is the low class General Manager who refuses to see how awful this stadium is and repeatedly threatens and yells at paying customers with ejection for stating their dislike of this monstrosity.

I was in the monstrosity for 15 minutes and asked for a refund.

I would have been glad to leave, the game had not started yet.

But the manager stated - "TOO LATE, YOU ALREADY WALKED IN" !!!

His tone was one of "HaHa Sucker"we already got your money!

The game had still not started. Yet, no opportunity to make this right by the manager. Unprofessional.

This manager does share his true frustrations of this monstrosity with his ticket manager, the ticket manager informed me.

I tried, I really tried to find something likeable about this entire baseball experience.

This stadium is not a baseball stadium, it is a track & field stadium with cheap Tents for dugouts, cheap large Nets everywhere of which one very large net represents a right field wall the net has a yellow line across top for 90 feet that represents a homerun line. That is not even the worst.

The worst thing at this monstrosity is a an extremely extremely extremely large carpet that covers everything including the field, all warning track areas and 90% of the out of play area.

This is worst field and stadium in America.

The Jackals owner needs to stop this embarrassment to the game of Baseball.

This Cheap looking baseball experience should be stopped by the Frontier league.

Now we see why the Jackals were Asked to leave Yogi Berra stadium. This owner should be held accountable by the Frontier league.

It was 98 degrees on June 21, and they turned off the water fountains on purpose so you buy $4.00 water that costs .16 cents.

The field has no natural surface anywhere. One large carpet for everything.

The press box is down the left field line. They charge more for online tickets.

Cheap Tents are their dugout. The concessions are way overpriced.

It is a horrible stadium, it is not a baseball stadium it is a track & field stadium with a large carpet on it.

The press box gives hits when Field choice putouts occurred.

The tickets are overpriced.

None of the seats have chairbacks all seats are hot aluminum cheap benches.

The staff agrees with all above and are ashamed to be there.

Go to any other stadium you can.

Kindly,...