So, you’re thinking about heading to a New Jersey Jackals game. Great choice. But if you’re still putting "Montclair State University" into your GPS, you’re about three years behind the curve.
The New Jersey Jackals stadium is no longer the cozy, wooded Yogi Berra Stadium. As of 2023, the team packed up their gear and moved five miles down the road to Paterson. Specifically, they moved into Hinchliffe Stadium.
And honestly? This isn't just a "new venue" situation. It’s a complete cultural reset. Moving from a college campus to a National Historic Landmark that literally hangs over a waterfall is a bold move. Most people still think of Hinchliffe as that "crumbling concrete ruin" they saw from I-80 for twenty years. But if you haven't been there lately, you’re missing out on one of the most unique pro baseball experiences in the country.
The Resurrection of Hinchliffe Stadium
For a long time, Hinchliffe was a ghost. It sat vacant from 1997 until its grand reopening in May 2023. We’re talking about a $100 million-plus renovation project that basically saved a piece of American history from the wrecking ball.
Why does it matter? Because Hinchliffe is one of only a tiny handful of stadiums left standing that hosted Negro League baseball. This is where legends like Larry Doby—the Paterson local who broke the American League color barrier—actually played.
What the renovation actually changed:
- Seating: They’ve got about 7,800 seats now. It's an amphitheater-style horseshoe, which makes for some weird, awesome sightlines.
- The Field: It’s all synthetic turf now. Why? Because the stadium has to be a "multipurpose" beast. The Paterson Public Schools use it for football and track, and as of 2026, the New York Cosmos soccer team is even using it as their home base.
- The Museum: There’s a Negro Leagues museum (the Muth Museum) integrated right into the complex. You can literally learn about the civil rights history of the sport before you go grab a hot dog.
The vibe is very "Art Deco meets 2026." You’ve got the original 1930s concrete aesthetic, but with updated locker rooms and a massive scoreboard that actually works. It’s a weird, beautiful mix of old-school grit and modern polish.
The Logistics: Don't Get Stuck in Paterson Traffic
Let's talk about the stuff that actually matters when you're trying to get to the game. The stadium is located at 1 Jasper Street, Paterson, NJ.
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Parking used to be a nightmare scenario. Seriously, back in the day, you just sort of hoped for a spot on a side street. Now, there’s a dedicated 315-space parking garage nearby, though it can still get tight on big promotional nights. Pro tip: If it’s a fireworks night or a "Family Day," get there at least 45 minutes before first pitch.
Also, the stadium is basically inside the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. You can see the spray from the Passaic River falls from certain parts of the stands. If you have time, walk over to the overlook before the gates open. It’s a 77-foot drop and honestly looks like something out of a movie, not something you’d expect to find in the middle of a dense North Jersey city.
The "New" Ownership and 2026 Vibe
Things changed again recently. In late 2025, a guy named Baye Adofo-Wilson took over the team. He’s a Paterson native and was actually one of the developers who helped fix the stadium in the first place.
What does this mean for you? The team is leaning way harder into the "Paterson" identity. You’ll see more local food vendors, more community nights, and a serious effort to make the Jackals feel like a neighborhood team rather than just a "minor league" outfit.
The field itself was recently renamed Wellpoint Field at Hinchliffe Stadium. Don't let the branding confuse you; everyone still just calls it Hinchliffe.
Is the Fan Experience Actually Good?
Look, it's independent baseball (Frontier League). It’s not Yankee Stadium. But that’s sort of the point.
- Price: You can still get in for under $20.
- Closeness: Because of the horseshoe shape, you are right on top of the action.
- The "Wind" Factor: Since the stadium sits on a bluff near the falls, the wind can be a factor. Even in July, a night game can get a bit breezy. Bring a light hoodie just in case.
One thing people get wrong: they think it’s just for baseball. It’s not. Between the Jackals, the high school games, and the soccer matches, the place is rarely empty.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you want to do the New Jersey Jackals stadium the right way, follow this checklist:
- Check the Schedule for "Fireworks Nights": The Jackals do fireworks better than most, and seeing them explode over the Paterson skyline is a legit core memory.
- Visit the Muth Museum First: It’s right there at the stadium. It gives the game so much more context when you realize you’re sitting in the same spot where Hall of Famers played during the Jim Crow era.
- Eat Locally: While stadium food is fine, Paterson has some of the best Middle Eastern and Peruvian food in the state within a mile radius of the park. Grab some dinner on Main Street before or after.
- Buy Tickets Online: Even though it’s a 7,000+ seat park, the lower sections near the dugouts sell out fast because the prices are so low.
The New Jersey Jackals didn't just move to a new stadium; they moved into a piece of living history. It’s a little louder, a little more urban, and way more interesting than their old home. Just remember to double-check your GPS for Jasper Street, not Montclair.