When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Maxwell Family Field
Why Maxwell Family Field is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Maxwell Family Field is a vibrant, multi-use sports facility located on the University of California Berkeley campus, making it an excellent place to meet up with friends for sports and recreation. Situated east of the main campus on Gayley Road, just north of Memorial Stadium, this field supports a variety of athletic activities including field hockey, football, and soccer as well as intramural and recreational team sports. The presence of the stadium garage and proximity to landmarks like the Greek Theatre and Haas School of Business add to its accessibility and appeal. The field provides a community-oriented atmosphere where friends can engage in friendly competitions or enjoy watching university sports events in a spirited environment. With ongoing support and investment, including a recent $11 million financing transaction arranged to enhance the facility's infrastructure, Maxwell Family Field maintains modern standards that benefit both athletes and spectators. This makes it a great meeting spot for sports enthusiasts and friendly gatherings alike.
Here's what people think of Maxwell Family Field
As of recent, Maxwell Family Field holds a 4.5-star rating based on 45 reviews.
Reviews of Maxwell Family Field reflect a generally positive reception from visitors and users. Many appreciate the well-maintained condition of the field and its multi-sport usage, emphasizing its versatility for diverse athletic events and intramural leagues. The location on UC Berkeley’s campus is frequently praised for its convenience and scenic surroundings, making it a favored destination for local students and community members. Positive feedback often highlights the field's role in fostering a strong community spirit through various sports camps and recreational activities hosted there. On the downside, some reviews mention occasional challenges related to parking and crowd management during high-profile university events, which can impact the overall experience. However, these concerns are relatively infrequent and often mitigated by the efficient handling by facility staff. Overall, the reviews conclude that Maxwell Family Field is a well-valued asset for UC Berkeley and the local community, offering a welcoming environment for both casual and competitive sports gatherings.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
John Winters
Lovely Autumn afternoon at the Pride Game
Daniel Choi
Highly recommend for families with kids for the cal game tailgate
Martyn G
Visited it for Tailgate Town and enjoyed the setup with a live band performing. Perhaps angle the stage down the field rather than across would help atmosphere even more. Overall good way to prepare for the main event next door.
Thaddeus Bey
Great field and great place to tailgate
LB
Nice smooth turf field that is on top of a private parking lot at the top of campus, next to the football stadium and across from the business school. Field is usually used for varsity team practices, camps, etc. so is usually locked up but if you can get on there it's a great space! There are some bathrooms below but not sure if they are left unlocked...
John Winters
Lovely Autumn afternoon at the Pride Game
Daniel Choi
Highly recommend for families with kids for the cal game tailgate
Martyn G
Visited it for Tailgate Town and enjoyed the setup with a live band performing. Perhaps angle the stage down the field rather than across would help atmosphere even more. Overall good way to prepare for the main event next door.
Thaddeus Bey
Great field and great place to tailgate
LB
Nice smooth turf field that is on top of a private parking lot at the top of campus, next to the football stadium and across from the business school. Field is usually used for varsity team practices, camps, etc. so is usually locked up but if you can get on there it's a great space! There are some bathrooms below but not sure if they are left unlocked...
How to reach Maxwell Family Field
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Website: None
Why Maxwell Family Field may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Maxwell Family Field with your friends?
Maxwell Family Field presents an ideal spot to gather with friends or family for an active and enjoyable outing. This beautifully renovated multi-use sports facility boasts a 4.5-star rating from over 45 reviews, highlighting its popularity and broad appeal. Located just north of the iconic California Memorial Stadium, its convenient central location provides easy access and ample parking, including a parking garage beneath the field itself, making arrival and departure hassle-free. The field’s modern AstroTurf surface and well-maintained amenities create a welcoming environment for casual players and serious athletes alike. Whether you're looking to cheer on local sports teams, engage in friendly competition, or simply have a picnic while watching games, Maxwell Family Field offers a vibrant, communal atmosphere. The open design, accessible restrooms, and available seating area options allow for relaxed socializing, making it perfect for group meetups. Its history of hosting university teams, intramurals, and recreational leagues means the space is well suited for groups seeking both entertainment and physical activity in a safely managed outdoor setting. Bringing friends here ensures a memorable blend of camaraderie, sport, and community energy that supports connection and fun.
What sports activities can you enjoy at Maxwell Family Field?
Maxwell Family Field is a versatile venue supporting a broad range of sports, making it a hub for activity and engagement for groups with diverse athletic interests. Primarily, the field is home to the University of California’s varsity field hockey team, featuring a competitive AstroTurf 12 irrigated surface designed for optimal play quality and safety. Beyond field hockey, it serves as a practice and competition ground for Cal’s football program, providing a professional-grade turf for intense football drills and games. Soccer teams also frequently use the field for both practice sessions and recreational matches, welcoming players of all skill levels. Additionally, the field supports various intramural and club sports, allowing friends or families to book time for informal games or team activities. From flag football leagues to softball games and even marching band practice sessions, Maxwell Family Field’s multi-use design encourages an inclusive and lively sports culture. The facility’s updated warning tracks and edge treatments enhance safety, encouraging active play without worry. This range of athletic programming makes Maxwell Family Field a vibrant spot for gatherings centered around physical exercise and friendly competition.
Why is Maxwell Family Field perfect for hosting group meetups?
Maxwell Family Field excels as a destination for group meetups due to its blend of excellent facilities, convenient location, and community-oriented atmosphere. Its placement atop a parking garage offers substantial space and accessibility, making it easy for groups to arrive together with minimal parking difficulties. The open seating on the sidelines allows you to bring your own chairs, creating a cozy, personalized viewing area for friends and family to relax and socialize while enjoying games or practices. Restrooms located at field level add to the convenience, a key consideration for all-day meetups or events involving children and elderly guests. Moreover, the field’s legacy of hosting university-level sports and intramurals means that the turf and surroundings are maintained to a high standard, ensuring a pleasant environment throughout your visit. The environment encourages both active participation and casual spectating. Being part of the larger UC Berkeley sports complex, the field also benefits from a safe, well-managed setting with staff attentive to guests’ needs. This combination of factors makes Maxwell Family Field a comfortable and engaging space for groups looking to spend quality time outdoors while enjoying sport and recreation.
How accessible is Maxwell Family Field for visitors and groups?
Accessibility at Maxwell Family Field is carefully thought out to accommodate individuals and groups of varying mobility and needs. The facility is located just north of Memorial Stadium, within easy reach of public transportation routes serving Berkeley and the wider Bay Area. The parking garage underneath the field adds a significant convenience factor; while parking incurs an hourly fee, it simplifies visits by allowing groups to park close to the playing surface, reducing walking distances especially important for families with young children or elderly members. Metered parking is available on nearby streets as well, often free on weekends, providing budget-friendly alternatives. For those arriving by foot or bicycle, safe access paths connect the field to campus and surrounding neighborhoods. Entrance points are clearly marked, including a distinctive Bear statue on Piedmont Avenue serving as a landmark to guide visitors. Guests will find paved, level walkways to the field and to restrooms, supporting wheelchair access and stroller use. These thoughtful accessibility features make Maxwell Family Field an inviting spot for diverse groups wanting to enjoy the area with ease and comfort.
What amenities are available at Maxwell Family Field for groups and spectators?
Maxwell Family Field offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the experience for visitors, whether they are active participants or enthusiastic spectators. Key among these are the modern, well-kept restrooms located conveniently at field level, preventing the need for long walks and maintaining comfort during extended visits. Although there are no permanent stands on the practice field, ample space along the sidelines allows guests to set up portable seating and picnic-style arrangements, fostering a friendly, informal environment for socializing while watching games or training sessions. The field also benefits from lighting and proper signage, which helps in organizing group meetups during evening hours or larger events. Adjacent parking in the stadium garage ensures proximity and safety, and the field’s overall cleanliness policies encourage visitors to leave no trace, preserving the welcoming environment. For families, the open expanses around the turf provide safe play areas for children when not engaged in sports or while waiting between activities. These amenities collectively create a versatile, user-friendly venue tailored to groups looking for both active and relaxed gatherings.
Can you host private or group events at Maxwell Family Field?
While primarily designed to serve university teams and active intramural leagues, Maxwell Family Field is well suited to hosting private group events such as friendly sports matches, informal tournaments, or social gatherings linked to athletic activities. The field’s multi-use nature and the availability of the turf for football, soccer, field hockey, and other sports make it a flexible venue for planned events. Groups interested in organizing meetups can benefit from reaching out to the University of California Berkeley’s athletics department or the managing entity to inquire about field rental and scheduling options. Its proximity to a central campus location and convenient parking enhances its attractiveness as an event site. If your group’s goal is to enjoy a day of sport followed by social time, the open sidelines allow for customizable setups including seating, picnic blankets, and shade tents. For those focused on watching varsity or club matches, Maxwell Family Field provides a vibrant atmosphere contributing to event excitement. Planning ahead ensures coordination for access, parking, and amenities, maximizing the event’s enjoyment for your circle of friends or family.
What makes Maxwell Family Field a memorable spot for friends and family gatherings?
Maxwell Family Field stands out as a memorable gathering spot due to its unique blend of university spirit, outdoor activity, and community connection. Its status as a home venue for Cal’s field hockey team and other varsity sports adds an element of pride and tradition, creating an energetic backdrop for any meetup. The impeccably maintained playing surface invites physical activity, which encourages healthy, fun engagement among friends or family members of all ages. The field’s location nestled near iconic landmarks like Memorial Stadium and surrounded by college campus ambiance engenders a sense of occasion that adds to the day’s significance. Accessibility combined with amenities like restrooms and parking facilities means less stress, allowing groups to focus on enjoyment. The open layout fosters social interaction, whether cheering from the sidelines or playing pickup games. Finally, the positive reviews and repeated visits by locals reflect the quality of the experience, assuring new visitors that Maxwell Family Field is a top choice for active social gatherings that strengthen bonds and create lasting memories.