Garcelon Field

With student residences on two sides and Commons on a third creating a stadium feel, Garcelon is a central, student-friendly athletic space that keeps Bobcats on the move. One of America’s oldest college fields, Garcelon was built in 1899 when Bates students helped to clear a pasture with axes and shovels. In recent years, Bates donors funded a stunning renovation, adding FieldTurf and state-of-the-art grandstands, press box, and lighting. While Garcelon is best-known as the home of Bobcat football and lacrosse, it’s a place for every kind of sport or activity, day and night and nearly all year long, including club, intramural, and pickup games.

Media Gallery

Billy Lahart | Voices from the Class of 2021

Bobcat Chat: Athletics Edition, Episode 2

A view of Garcelon Field through the windows of Commons

The Bates Lacrosse team plays at night for a large crowd

Athletics

⭐ Athletics

Bates has 42 varsity and club teams, and is a charter member of the NESCAC (New England Small College Athletic Conference).

Varsity Athletics

The school sponsors 32 varsity sports (16 men's, 16 women's), most of which compete in the Division III New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). The school's men's and women's ski teams and men's and women's squash teams compete in Division I.

Men's Sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Nordic Skiing, Rowing, Soccer, Squash

Women's Sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf, Lacrosse, Nordic Skiing, Rowing, Soccer, Softball, Squash

Club Sports

Bates Club Sports are competitive student organizations, recognized by Bates Athletics and formed by students motivated by a common interest. These programs are run by the students themselves with support from Bates Athletics staff and student employees that make up the Club Sport Organization (CSO). Bates Athletics currently supports 13 club sports that are a great opportunity to continue participating in sports that you love or to learn a new sport entirely. Clubs actively compete locally, regionally, or nationally against colleges and universities.

Current Clubs: Men's Basketball, Competitive Ski, Cycling, Equestrian, Women's Lacrosse, Men's Ultimate Frisbee, Women's Ultimate Frisbee, Men's Ice Hockey, Women's Ice Hockey, Men's Rugby, Sailing, Men's Water Polo, Women's Water Polo