Neighborhood Spotlight: Star-Spangled Playground

Hey Footy Family,

Clinton Hill is near and dear to me as it's where I call home. The one drawback of the neighborhood is the dependence it has on the G train, which is to trains what the Knicks are to New York sports fans. A continual letdown. The Star Spangled Playground for your NYC Footy and Better Player games and practices because now you can simply bike or walk to the field while your friends and teammates suffer the single line nightmare that is the G train.

In all seriousness, the Star Spangled Playground is the perfect field if you're looking for a place to take you out of the hubbub of the city to play some soccer and enjoy one of the best neighborhoods in the city.

Up next: Clinton Hill

The Field: 

Located just on the edges of Clinton Hill, Bed Stuy, and South Williamsburg, the Star Spangled Field is a spacious, turf field tucked away on a quiet residential street. The field eludes the noise and energy of the city around it, except for that one guy who always seems to argue with the refs, we can't do anything about that. Believe me we've tried. 

Just a few blocks away from Pratt, the field is fairly large with plenty of room for two games. The park itself is larger than just the pitch, with a playground, track, and other facilities, which means NYC Footy games and Better Player practices can really use the entire breadth of the space without worrying about sharing the field or vying for space.

The downside is that the field is currently in need of a proper makeover, which we expect to happen soon.

The Neighborhood:

The area around the field has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to bars and restaurants you can hop to after (or before) your games.

Chilo’s: Only 4 short blocks from the field you'll find this tequila bar ready for you with a backyard taco truck, frozen margaritas and plenty of outdoor seating. They also offer discounts on drinks for teachers on Fridays, which is as enlightened a policy as I've heard of in a long time.

Mekelberg’s: Only two blocks further down the road, you've probably already heard of this place, but it's worth bringing up again. The bar hosts a long list of beers and wines, happy hour specials, a dangerously well stocked mini-market attached to the bar, and one of the best dam hot chicken sandwiches in Brooklyn. They've got a small backyard, and your standard parking space patio in the front of the establishment for you and your team.

Do or Dive Bar: All it took was a couple hastily taped V's and a long line through the word "restaurant" on the yellow awning to change the Do or Dine restaurant into the grungy and lively Do or Dive. If you want to drink PBR's in a backyard, or inside amongst the throwback neon signs littered around the bar surrounded by friends, this is the place for you.

Fun Fact: Mekelberg's in Clinton Hill is one of only a handful of places in the city that carries one of the best cheeses in the world, Old Witch. If you stop by, make sure to pick up a slice (or in my case 5) from the fridge. Trust me, you will love it.

Directions: If you don't live off of the G train, or if it's not an easy transfer for you, I do recommend biking to the field as it's in one of those pockets of Brooklyn where your options are G train or nothing.

Train: The field is 3 blocks away from the Classon Ave G train stop. 

Bus: The B46 bus stops directly in front of the field. 

Bike: There is, as always, a Citibike station located conveniently in front of the field. 

Thanks for listening.

- James

Get Kicking!

As always, we'd love any feedback you have about the fields, how to get there, or any hidden gems in the area. We promise to keep your secrets safe within our email blasts.