If you’ve ever been to Como Regional Park on a Saturday morning, you know the vibe. It is chaotic. It is loud. There’s the smell of sunscreen, the sound of whistles, and a sea of families hauling folding chairs from their SUVs. Right in the thick of it all is McMurray Fields St Paul, a sprawling athletic hub that basically serves as the heartbeat for local sports in the Twin Cities. But here is the thing: most people just see it as a bunch of soccer pitches and ball diamonds. Honestly, there is a lot more going on beneath the surface—literally and historically—than just a place to kick a ball around.
It’s huge.
The site covers nearly 32 acres of land tucked between Lexington Parkway and Como Avenue. If you aren't paying attention to the signs, you might just think it’s part of the zoo or the conservatory. It’s not. It is its own beast. For decades, it has been the go-to for adult softball leagues, youth baseball, and some of the most competitive soccer matches in the metro area.
The Weird History of McMurray Fields St Paul
You’d never guess it today, but this land used to be part of a workhouse farm. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, the St. Paul Workhouse was located nearby. Prisoners actually provided the labor for early park maintenance. The plateau where the fields sit now was identified as "suitable for playgrounds" as early as 1890 because it was one of the few flat spots in the rolling, hilly landscape of Como.
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But it wasn't always one big flat plain.
For a long time, the fields were split into two levels. It wasn't until 1953 that the city finally excavated the higher western end to create the single, massive level we see today. The name comes from William McMurray. He was a local tea merchant and a park advisory board member who was so obsessed with public spaces that he actually went broke donating land to the city. He once told a reporter he had no idea where his money went, but he hoped it did people some good. That is the kind of legacy you want for a park, right?
What’s Actually There? (The Loadout)
If you’re heading there for the first time, don't just "show up" and hope for the best. The layout is specific.
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- The Turf: There are three artificial turf fields. These are the workhorses. They host soccer, football, and lacrosse.
- The Diamonds: You’ve got one dedicated baseball field and three softball fields. These get packed for the municipal adult leagues.
- The Winter Shift: When the Minnesota frost hits, the fields don't go dormant. They actually host broomball and boot hockey rinks.
- The Hill: On the edge of the fields, there is a notoriously steep sledding hill. The city officially recommends it, but be warned—it’s not for the faint of heart.
One of the biggest changes recently involves the perimeter. You might notice about 22 massive limestone blocks and new fencing. Why? Well, in early 2025, some guy decided to drive his car onto the soccer pitch during a match. It was terrifying for everyone involved. The city dropped over $115,000 using sales tax funds to install these barriers. It’s a bit of a bummer that it was necessary, but it makes the fields feel a lot safer now that you don't have to worry about a sedan joining your 7-on-7 game.
The Stormwater Secret
Here is a bit of "inside baseball" for you. Underneath McMurray Fields St Paul, there is a massive engineering project that most people walk right over without knowing. It's a stormwater treatment and reuse system. Because the fields sit right next to Como Lake, which has struggled with phosphorus levels for years, the city built a system to catch runoff.
This isn't just about drainage. They actually use that captured water to irrigate the fields. It’s a closed-loop system that keeps the grass green without sucking the city’s potable water supply dry. It’s pretty brilliant, honestly. It prevents about 55 pounds of phosphorus from entering the lake every year. If you’ve noticed the lake looking a little less "green and scummy" lately, you can thank the infrastructure under the ball fields.
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Pro Tips for Visiting
Parking is the primary point of frustration. There is "ample" parking, sure, but during peak league times, it’s a total nightmare. If you’re playing on the east fields, try the lot off Jessamine Ave. If you’re on the west side, Lexington is your best bet, but you’ll probably end up walking.
Also, there is zero shade.
If you are a parent sitting through a double-header in July, you will bake. Bring a pop-up tent or at least a very good umbrella. The city has added some new seating and "site furnishings" recently, but the middle of that 30-acre expanse is basically a sunbaked desert during the summer.
Actionable Next Steps
If you want to actually use the fields rather than just watching from the sidelines, here is how you do it:
- Check the Schedule: Don't just show up with a ball and expect an open turf. These fields are heavily permitted. You can check the Saint Paul Parks and Rec "Municipal Athletics" portal to see if a field is open for public use or reserved for a league.
- Rent a Field: If you have a group, you can actually rent the turf. For 2026, the resident rate for the McMurray Soccer East/West fields is about $100 per hour. It’s pricey, but for a full-squad scrimmage with lights, it’s worth it.
- Join a League: The St. Paul Municipal leagues are some of the best-run in the state. Whether it's "Kittenball" (the old-school name for softball they still reference) or a fall soccer league, get your registration in early. Spring/Summer applications usually open in early January.
- Visit the Sledding Hill: If it's winter, skip the gym and haul a tube up that hill ten times. It’s a workout and a half.
McMurray Fields St Paul isn't just a patch of grass. It's a complex, historical, and highly engineered piece of the city's identity. Whether you're there for the history, the soccer, or just to let the kids burn off some energy on the sledding hill, it's one of those places that makes St. Paul feel like a real community.