The Gilman Field

I was invited watch an adult league soccer game and I had no idea that this gem existed! Clean field that’s pretty much on the bay, nice looking turf, dedicated athletic adults playing a game that they love.
We had no trouble finding the place, but parking spots seemed to fill up quickly.
Though it may be tempting to bring your dog along with you to enjoy outdoor sports; dogs, food, and any drink besides water is not permitted at Gilman Field.
It was really windy and a bit chilly, but I had a great time being a spectator and would come back to enjoy watching another game, but will remember to bring a sweater.

Nice turf. The only con is it’s pretty darn windy all the time

The turf fields are crumbling, off-​gassing reused tire rubber. This has been declared by the EPA to be a health hazard. It’s completely unacceptable for our kids to be playing on this, in Berkeley of all places.
No bathrooms, not enough parking, it’s a complete madhouse during practice and on game days. This place was not planned well.

Great little local right by the freeway snuggled within neighborhoods and a few businesses.
Came here for the first time for a Spartan workout tour. The area was kept pretty clean and very open fields. Love the fact that there are plenty of garbage cans and signs to clean up after your pet. The ground was a bit wet and it was hard to get a grip when working out. Was slipping and sliding a bit. However I love the fact that there is a lot of areas you can play sports like soccer or frisbee and do work outs in the clean open area. I saw a few families with their small children so it’s a good family park to come to, to take a leisure stroll without the traffic of too many cars.

I am trying to learn about how this works. If anyone could tell me if you can just show up on the weekends and play pickup games that would be great.

just love this place. no complaints what so ever. and to top it off there is a taco truck right outside hahaha. very windy bring your jacket no matter if its hot or

What exactly is the downside to playing soccer by the bay on a sunny day? There is not one bad thing that can come out of this, especially since they have grass and turf!
There’s even a taco truck there on most days

The grass fields are definitely adequate, minus the part where they didn’t build a high fence with wind screen cloth for the outside fields as they did for the indoor fields. I’ve played there every summer in a league since it opened, and even in summer it’s a bit much.
The turf fields, for being the newest public soccer turf fields built in the East Bay, have one shockingly glaring omission– THERE IS INSUFFICIENT PADDING UNDERNEATH. In between the turf itself and the concrete it’s poured on is a certain amount of rubber and other substances that make up the meat of what you run on. The Gilman fields, in all their glory, contain, unfortunately, a marked degree less of padding. I play at a pick-​up game on the Cal campus (Underhill) with the exact same turf. It is like night and day when you step on it. In Gilman, you can immediately feel the difference. The very first time I played on Gilman North, I caouldn’t walk for 2 days after my back seized. This has never happened any other time in my life, on any other surface.
I’m not writing this to bash the fields (duh, 4 stars), but as a serious warning to other players. Do not wear cleats, and just check the surface out and how you, your shoes, and your body respond to it before charging down the pitch or jumping up for a header and landing.

I’m new in town and noticed these fields right off the freeway. I exit the freeway and find this place. There are turf fields and grass fields. It’s right on the edge of the San Francisco Bay so it tends to be very windy. That is both good and bad, because the Ball movement tends to get affected by the wind
It seems that every time I have gone there people are playing. Its well maintained and clean. The games are mostly pick up games in which anyone is welcomed to join.
I look forward to coming back here often

Great facility!!! The City runs the field and they do a great job! Best pitch I play soccer on.

Soccer by the Bay!
2 full turf fields, and 2 regular grass fields. Needless to say, this soccer spot gets plenty of usage by tons.
It gets fairly cold here, so be prepared!
Also, make sure you zip up your soccer bags, hide your phone/​wallet/​keys somewhere safe! It has been known that little thieves walk by the sidelines and swipe your stuff! Although there are plenty of people milling about, they tend to be brave and take your valuables.
There always seems to be plenty of parking for us ballers, so it’s never really the problem. You’ll probably get into a car wreck at the Gillman exit, before you can’t find a parking spot for your car.
Try to use the facilities at home. Unless you are a weirdo who enjoys port-a-potty’s, then you’ll be in heaven here!
There is a bleacher style bench at the first field, but after that there isn’t much else for spectators. BYO-​chair!
Albeit downright freezing at times, a great place to joga bonita!

Think you have no reason to go to Gilman Field? But, you do! Every weekend (or every day, rather) the fields are filled with local athletes (read: people in admirable physical condition) kicking balls around in a semi-​professional manner, while the sea breeze and summer sun add an extra dose of vitality to the scene.
I was talked into coming here with a couple dudes to watch a Saturday soccer game — not my typical thing, but a welcome change on a sunny day. We cruised on our bicycles from Cesar Chavez park, along the coastline path, pulled into the parking lot just across from Golden Gate Fields, and joined the action. We watched the 30 – 40 league, older gents who have maintained an impressive level of youthful stamina. There were friends and family on both sides, rooting them on. I’m a real sports dummy, so this was a good place for me to learn the basics, like «does it hurt when they bounce the ball off their head?». Apparently, it doesn’t.
Gilman Field is a fabulous place to be a sports spectator. There’s multiple fields, clean metal bleachers, and lots o’ parking space. As for the athletes, I’ve heard that faux grass & tar field gets wicked hot when you’re out there playing, but if you’re camped on the bleachers it’s all fun, sun & games.

Sports by the bay. If I played sports (I just watch now), this field would be my preference. Turf, Grass, Softball Fields along the water, beautiful sunsets included. Make sure you have a permit, because the field use is highly coveted!
Bring your equipment, but leave the food outside the gates because they only allow water in, though they do have a drinking fountain. If you drink too much water, be prepared to use the port o potties. I don’t have anything to say because I avoid them.
The fields are conveniently located off the freeway, but the freeway can be plagued with heavy traffic at abnormal times of day. Parking is a challenge during game days (usually Weekendss during the sports season because a second lt is not available for use near the front lot at the Turf fields. There is another small lot at the grass fields so you don’t have to trek across the fields to get to yours. Be sure not to leave valuables in you car!
There is a taco truck just outside the parking lt that attracts hungry players during their breaks. But that is it for convenient food at the location.

Love these fields but it’s freakishly cold and windy due to its bayside location!!!

I mean really what else do you want, this place is cool. Artificial full length soccer fields I play in the EBSSL so it is organized and officiated. There are several things I’d like to point out. One you must be on a team and have the fields reserved to play here. Second, if you play here be aware that if you leave your personal items on the sideline there is potential that homeless/​thieves will steal your keys and drive off with your car.

Gillman field (Tom Bates Sports Complex) is a great place to play rain or shine. A reliable and well maintained source of all-​weather and grass playing fields .
I have played many a great game of ultimate frisbee at Gillman and now my son has begun playing his soccer games there as well.
highly recommended!

Gilman Field (aka Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex) is a new-​ish set of 2 turf fields (or 4 small-​sided fields) plus 2 additional grass fields tucked away in the back. The turf fields are made out of the new-​style high-​end turf; the grass fields are made out of well manicured, short-​cut grass. Both sets of fields are in great condition and are geared primarily for the soccer and disc crowd.
You need a permit to play on the turf fields, and they are regularly booked by leagues, sports camps, and others. You can still sneak in the occasional pick-​up soccer game, especially on the grass fields.
Big thanks to the East Bay Regional Park District for making this happen — we need as many sports fields as we can get.