The Field of Triumph was a large outdoor stadium located in the Sea Ward of Waterdeep.
Location
The Field of Triumph was located at the southern end of the Street of the Singing Dolphin, across from the House of Heroes. It was bordered by Julthoon Street, Jelzar's Stride, and Seaeye's March. And up until the mid-14th century DR, it was also adjacent to the Lions road. The main entrance to the stadium was faced towards the end of Gulzindar Street.
Structure
This stadium stood over five stories tall. Its main entrance was known as the Lion Gate, due to it being carved to give visitors the impression that they were walking into the maw of a gigantic lion.
Activities
he Field of Triumph was the venue for many public spectacles from late spring until late autumn, weather permitting. The Open Lord of Waterdeep used the Field as a public forum to give proclamations to the city, but most of the time it was host to exciting events such as horse races, shows of magic and illusion, martial displays of formation and skill, gladiatorial combats, and exhibitions of strange and wondrous creatures and monsters from all across Faerûn and beyond. Attendance often numbered in the thousands.
Holidays
During Waukeentide, this coliseum was one of the buildings that the Guilds of Waterdeep traditionally held the gala festival and dance of Guildsmeet in. On Mirtul 9, the final event of the holiday Plowing and Running would be held here. And on Founders' Day, the stadium would be host to illusory shows of Waterdeep's history and martial exhibitions by the City Guard and other warriors of note.
Once every four years, during Shieldmeet, the Lords of Waterdeep would gather on the Field of Triumph to be reaffirmed as leaders of the city. They appeared in person, seated on sixteen thrones, wearing covered helms and robes that disguised their identities.
The parade of the Day of Wonders would always end in the Field of Triumph, after which many events would take place inside of the arena, including things like gladiatorial battles, an archery contest or even a circus show.
History
After the Field of Triumph was constructed, its architectural designs were kept within the Map House.
In the Year of the Turret, 1360 DR, the director of the Field of Triumph was the head of House Phylund, Lord Urtos Phylund I.
In the Year of the Wave, 1364 DR, a mad bard and green dragon disrupted the Shieldmeet ceremony of the Lords of Waterdeep.
A year later, an owlbear broke out of its cage while being transferred to a holding cell in the basement of the Field and killed Urtos Phylund I. A few years later, Prendergast Brokengulf married Urtos' widow, Aridarye Phylund, and eventually took over as Director. It was under his tenure (and at Aridarye's urging) that he initiated the Champion's Games.
In 1368 DR, Field of Triumph, like all other gambling establishments in the Realms became affected by Tymora's powers going out of control. Over four hundred bets were placed on the horse named Song of the Wind before the Field was able to update the odds board. The horse won three lengths ahead of the favorite steed, landing the Field of Triumph into debt. The establishment loaned a hefty sum of approximately ten-million golden lions from the noble Cassalanter family to pay the winnings out.