Howze Field

Hello, New Yorkers! When you visit the United States Military Academy at West Point, you're stepping onto hallowed ground rich with history and tradition. But it's also a vibrant, active campus, and at the heart of much of its athletic and community excitement lies Howze Field. While not a typical "park" for casual strolling in the same way a municipal park might be, Howze Field is a central and "beautiful facility" that plays a crucial role in West Point's athletic events, ceremonies, and community gatherings. For those looking to experience the energy of Army West Point sports or participate in special events, Howze Field is a primary destination.

Howze Field is more than just a patch of grass; it's a dynamic outdoor space steeped in military and athletic heritage. Historically, it was developed for polo at the U.S. Military Academy, a nod to its long-standing connection with sports and cadet life. Today, it's widely recognized for its association with Army West Point football and other athletic programs, serving as a practice field for teams and a key area for pre-game festivities. Visitors often praise it as a "Fabulous facility," acknowledging the significant investment and care that goes into maintaining such a prominent part of the Academy's infrastructure. It's a place where tradition meets contemporary use, offering a unique blend of military precision and spirited competition, making it a compelling spot for anyone visiting West Point.

Howze Field is centrally located within the grounds of the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, with its address simply listed as West Point, NY 10996, USA. More specifically, it is situated "directly south of Michie Stadium, adjacent to the Foley Center Indoor Practice Facility." It is also found "on Mills Road, on the left when traveling north." This places it in close proximity to Michie Stadium, the Holleder Center, and other key athletic and academic facilities, making it a pivotal area on the West Point campus.

Accessibility for New Yorkers to Howze Field, like all areas within West Point, is subject to the security protocols of an active military installation. General public visitors (those without a Department of Defense ID card) must first go through the Visitor Control Center (VCC) to obtain a Local Area Credential (LAC) or enter with a qualified escort. The VCC is located at 2107 New South Post Road, West Point, NY 10996, and it's essential to check the official West Point website for current operating hours and identification requirements before your visit. During major events like football games, specific gate entry points and parking instructions will be provided, often directing visitors through Thayer Gate or Stony Lonesome Gate.

For transportation from the New York metropolitan area, driving is a popular choice, offering scenic routes through the Hudson Valley. Bus service is also available via Short Line Bus, which provides direct routes from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan to the West Point Visitors Center. While there isn't direct Metro-North train service to West Point, nearby stations in Garrison or Peekskill can be used, with a taxi or ride-share completing the journey to the Academy. During large events, shuttle buses often operate from designated parking lots to Howze Field and Michie Stadium, making on-post navigation convenient once you've gained entry.

Howze Field, as a premier athletic and event space at West Point, offers a range of "services" that cater to both the Academy's functions and public visitors (with proper access). These include:

• Athletic Practice and Training Facilities: Primarily, it serves as a training ground for Army West Point athletic teams, particularly football, as noted in various reports of practices held on the field.
• Event Hosting Space: Howze Field is frequently used for "Black Knights Alley," which is a "Fan Fest that runs on Howze Field, between the Foley Center and Michie Stadium," especially during football gamedays. This fan fest features "live music, inflatables for kids, face painting, tailgate show, as well as other vendors."
• Pre-Game Activities and Fan Engagement: It serves as a central hub for pre-game festivities, including "Black Knight Walk" where "Army heads to their locker room prior to the game," allowing fans to interact and show their support.
• Spectator Experience: The field's open nature and strategic location provide viewing opportunities for various activities, contributing to the overall gameday atmosphere.
• Community and Cadet Use: Beyond major events, the field likely serves as a multi-purpose open space for various cadet activities, physical training, and other official Academy functions.

Howze Field boasts several key features and highlights that make it a notable location at West Point, especially for visitors from the New York region interested in the Academy's vibrant life:

• Premier Athletic Grounds: It's lauded as a "Beautiful facility" and "Fabulous facility," indicating a high standard of maintenance and design, suitable for high-level athletic training and events.
• Central Location for Gameday Excitement: Situated directly south of Michie Stadium, Howze Field is the epicenter of Army West Point football gameday festivities. This includes "Black Knights Alley," a "Fan Fest" featuring "live music, inflatable's for kids, face painting, tailgate show, as well as other vendors," creating a lively atmosphere.
• Interactive Fan Experience: The "Black Knight Walk," where the team parades through Howze Field before games, offers a unique opportunity for fans to cheer on the cadets and feel intimately connected to the Army football tradition.
• Historical Significance: Howze Field is named in honor of Maj. Gen. R. L. Howze, who promoted and developed polo at the U.S. Military Academy, adding a layer of historical depth to the modern athletic use of the field.
• Spacious Outdoor Venue: Its large, open grass field provides ample space for a variety of activities, from sports practices to large-scale fan events.
• Impressive Surroundings: Being part of West Point, the field is set against the backdrop of the iconic Academy buildings and the scenic Hudson Valley, contributing to a visually striking environment.

As a key athletic and event facility within the United States Military Academy, Howze Field does not typically offer "promotions or special offers" in the commercial sense of a public park. Its primary "offer" is the unique access it provides to the spirited world of Army West Point athletics and major Academy events. Access to the field itself, particularly during large public events like football games, is generally included with event tickets or is part of broader West Point visitation experiences.

However, visitors from the New York region can look for various promotions and special offers related to the events hosted at Howze Field:

• Army West Point Athletics Tickets: Check the official Army West Point Athletics website for ticket promotions, group discounts, or season ticket packages for football games and other sports.
• Gameday Experiences: While "Black Knights Alley" is a free fan fest on Howze Field, there might be specific vendors within the alley offering promotions on food, merchandise, or activities.
• Military Discounts: For those with military affiliations, various discounts on tickets or related services might be available for events at West Point.
• West Point Tours: While not directly for Howze Field, guided bus tours of West Point (which often pass by or highlight areas like Howze Field) may offer seasonal discounts or packages. Check with West Point Tours, Inc.

It is always recommended to check the official Army West Point Athletics website and the main West Point visitor information pages for the most current event schedules, ticketing information, and any associated promotions.

For inquiries or to learn more about events at Howze Field and visiting West Point, here is the essential contact information:

• Address: Howze Field, West Point, NY 10996, USA. (Note: As a specific field, it doesn't have a distinct street number; it's located within the West Point grounds, adjacent to Michie Stadium).
• Phone: There isn't a direct public phone number specifically for Howze Field. For information related to Army West Point Athletics, including schedules and tickets for events held on or near Howze Field, you can typically contact the Army West Point Ticket Office at 1-877-TIX-ARMY (849-2769). For general inquiries about visiting West Point, including access control and visitor information, contact the West Point Visitor Control Center (VCC) at (845) 938-0390 or (845) 938-0392. Always refer to the official United States Military Academy at West Point website (www.westpoint.edu) and the Army West Point Athletics website (goarmywestpoint.com) for the most current and accurate information.

For New Yorkers looking for a dynamic and engaging outdoor experience beyond the typical park, Howze Field at West Point is an exceptionally suitable destination. Its primary appeal lies in its central role as the vibrant hub for Army West Point athletics and major community events. For sports enthusiasts, particularly football fans, it offers an immersive gameday experience, from the lively "Black Knights Alley" fan fest to the inspiring "Black Knight Walk" as the team heads to Michie Stadium. This allows for a unique blend of competitive excitement and patriotic spirit that is distinctive to West Point.

The "beautiful" and "fabulous facility" provides an excellent setting for these events, and its historical significance adds another layer of appreciation. For families, the inflatables and activities at Black Knights Alley make it a fun-filled environment. While visiting West Point requires navigating specific access procedures, the payoff is a meticulously maintained, secure environment and the chance to witness the traditions of one of America's most prestigious institutions up close. Howze Field offers a compelling reason to make the trip from anywhere in the New York region, providing a memorable blend of athletic prowess, community spirit, and the grandeur of the U.S. Military Academy.

Howze Field

West Point, NY 10996, USA