Boston University Nickerson Field
Allston, Massachusetts
1969
Nickerson
Field is located on the site of Braves Field, the home field of the
Boston Braves from 1915 through 1952. Although most of Braves Field was
torn down when B.U. bought the site, part of the ballyard lives on: the
original right-field bleacher seats from the old Braves Field were used
to make the Nickerson Field grandstand.
Right off Commonwealth Avenue on Babcock Street in Boston University’s West
Campus, Nickerson Field, with a capacity of 15,000 seats, served as
the home of Boston University collegiate football team until football at
Boston University was discontinued in 1997. From 1960 though 1962,
Nickerson Field was the home of the Boston Patriots, and the USFL
Breakers also made use of the facility.
The field is now home to Boston University’s Terrier sports and is mainly
used by the lacrosse, field hockey, and soccer teams. The facility is also used for other Boston University activities including commencement ceremonies. Boston University’s Walter Brown Arena, home of the hockey and basketball teams, is located next to Nickerson Field.
1. Letter's 'B.U.' cut into old Braves Field infield
Image number: 05_02_010381
Photographer: Jones, Leslie, 1886-1967
Allston, Massachusetts (1955)
Tractor plowing up turf along first base line at former Braves Field. Initials "BU" carved into infield in honor of the new owners, Boston University.
4. Painters atop ladders change name of Braves Field to Boston University Field
Image number: 05_02_010760
Allston, Massachusetts (1954)
Newspaper caption on verso reads, "A Change in Name: Painters atop ladders change name of Braves Field to Boston University Field. The university purchased the property, long the home of the Boston Braves who moved to Milwaukee last year." Boston & Alba
5. Constructing the new Nickerson Field
Image number: 05_02_010761
Allston, Massachusetts (1955)
Workmen are seen constructing the bench seating at the new Nickerson Field, formerly Braves Field.
9. General View of B. U. Commencement
Image number: 05_02_010757
Allston, Massachusetts (1969)
Newspaper caption on verso reads, "Aerial view of Boston University's centennial commencement at Nickerson Field."
10. Commencement Exercises, Boston University Field
Image number: 05_02_010763
Allston, Massachusetts (1954)
Part of the 15,000 to 17,000 people attending commencement exercises at Boston University Field. Shows speaker at podium and band on field. Pitching mound and basepaths of old Braves Field are still visible.
Sports
Temples of Boston: Images of Historic Ballparks, Arenas and Stadiums,
1872-1972
has been made possible through a Library Services and
Technology Act grant
administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library
Commissioners.
