US Stadiums: Hinchliffe Stadium, New Jersey
Hinchliffe Stadium, New Jersey
Hinchliffe Stadium in Paterson, New Jersey is home to both the professional baseball team New Jersey Jackals (East Division of the Frontier League) and the New York Cosmos of USL League One. Two local Paterson high schools also use the venue for American football matches and other sports events.
Capacity, History & Design
The multi-use stadium first opened back in 1932. It was named after the then mayor John Hinchliffe. In its early years the stadium staged baseball games in the Negro National League featuring such teams as the New York Black Yankees, New York Cubans and Newark Eagles, boxing, track and field and stock car races. The American Soccer League's New Jersey Eagles also played here between 1988 and 1989.
Constructed during the height of the Great Depression, the stadium is one of the nation's last surviving Negro League ballparks. During the era of segregation, it served as an important venue where African American players could demonstrate their talent and compete at the highest levels of the game.
However over the years Hinchliffe fell into disrepair as a result of underfunding and was closed in 1996 with demolition on the horizon. Thankfully, it reopened in 2023 thanks to new funding from the local authorities and support from the local community.
The venue now has a capacity of around 10,000. The playing surface is artificial turf and there is floodlighting.
NY Cosmos
This is the third incarnation of the New York Cosmos.
The first and most famous Cosmos were in existence from 1971 to 1985. The second Cosmos lasted from 2010 to 2017 with the third rebirth dating from 2025.
The original New York Cosmos was founded in 1970 and became the most famous club in the history of American soccer. Playing in the North American Soccer League, the Cosmos transformed the sport's profile in the USA by signing international stars such as Pelé, Franz Beckenbauer, Carlos Alberto, Giorgio Chinaglia and Johan Neeskens. The team drew huge crowds, especially at Giants Stadium, and won five NASL championships. When the NASL collapsed in 1984, the Cosmos ceased competitive operations and formally shut down in 1985.
A revived Cosmos organization was launched in 2010 after the club's intellectual property was acquired by new investors. This version began play in 2013 in the modern North American Soccer League, a second-division league unrelated to the original NASL. The club won several league titles and featured notable players including Raúl González and Marcos Senna. However, financial and league instability led to the suspension of professional operations after the 2017 season.
The current, third-generation New York Cosmos emerged under new ownership. Rather than pursuing the high-profile star power of the original Cosmos, this version has focused on sustaining the historic brand within the modern American lower-division soccer setup. It strives to preserve one of the most recognizable names in U.S. soccer history.
Access
The stadium is in Paterson, New Jersey approximately 21 miles east of downtown New York and Manhattan.
Hinchliffe Stadium is not so accessible by public transport.
There are buses taking about an hour from Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York to Broadway Bus Terminal in Paterson, from where it is about 20 minutes on foot.
There is parking available for 300 vehicles.
Address: 186 Maple St, Paterson, NJ 07522, USA.
Accessibility
Following its major renovation, the historic stadium was brought into full ADA compliance through ramps, elevators and wheelchair-accessible seating.
Things To See & Do in New York / New Jersey
Atlantic City Boardwalk is famous for its beaches, casinos, restaurants, and lively entertainment scene, it is one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast.
Liberty State Park is an attractive waterfront park with views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island, along with walking trails and picnic areas.
Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township is one of the largest theme parks in the United States, featuring 14 thrilling roller coasters, a safari park, and family-friendly attractions.
Back in NYC try to find time to visit Times Square, known for its bright billboards, theaters, shopping, and nonstop energy, especially at night and Central Park, a vast urban park offering scenic walking paths, lakes, gardens, and outdoor activities in the heart of Manhattan.
Hotels in USA
Book Hotels in New York & New Jersey
Recommended places to stay in NJ include the Hampton Inn Carlstadt - At The Meadowlands and the Extended Stay America Suites- Meadowlands - East Rutherford.
Book hotels in New York - Booking.com
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