Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey, and Pima Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 West Campus Aztec Gymnasium 2202 W Anklam Road Tucson, AZ 85709 West Campus Aztec Gymnasium website Pima Aztecs website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 1,000 A Desert Gem Pima Community College, established in 1966 when the citizens of Pima County, Arizona, approved the formation of a junior college district, has grown into a vital multi-campus institution in the greater Tucson area. The West Campus, where its athletics are centered, officially opened to students in the fall of 1971. The college’s athletic teams, known as the Aztecs, compete in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Aztecs have a strong tradition across various sports, consistently fielding competitive programs that are frequently ranked nationally. The West Campus itself is architecturally significant, having been built between 1968 and 1970 with a bold, exposed reinforced cast-in-place concrete design. It is nationally recognized for its innovative, Brutalist-inspired aesthetic, which interacts beautifully with the desert topography. The mascot of Pima Community College is the Aztec, which is a powerful and respected symbol across the campus, though the mascot's in-person appearance for fan interaction at smaller regular-season matches is not guaranteed. Food & Beverage 4 There is a very small concession stand at the gym with a very large menu offering menu items at a very decent price. Atmosphere 3 Stepping into the Aztec Gymnasium, a visitor is immediately struck by the purity of the sporting environment. This is a classic, mid-century college gymnasium design, where the court is the undisputed focus and spectator seating is kept tightly against the sidelines. The structure is intimate, which is its greatest strength, ensuring that the visual and auditory experience is maximized for every fan. The bleacher-style seating puts you right on top of the action. Neighborhood 4 Tucson, Arizona, is the second-largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area, over one million people live. For those looking for local flavor, the immediate area has a variety of quick dining options. A short drive will bring you to local staples like Filiberto's Mexican Food, which is a popular regional chain for quick, satisfying Mexican fare, a must-try for travelers looking for authentic Southwestern flavors. The entire Tucson area is rich in history and culture, offering unique attractions like the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission just a short drive from the college. This proximity to both urban amenities and untouched nature means the venue serves as a great launchpad for exploring the unique character of Tucson before or after the game. Fans 3 The crowd is predominantly composed of players’ family members, friends, and other Pima students who are genuinely invested in the success of the Aztecs. Access 3 Reaching the West Campus Aztec Field is straightforward and stress-free for the average visitor. The facility is easily accessible, located on the northern part of the sprawling West Campus. One of the most significant fan advantages is the plenty of parking nearby, which means the typical sports travel headache of searching for an expensive, faraway spot is eliminated. Being located on a college campus means the infrastructure is designed to handle student and staff traffic, and this translates into an easy arrival for event attendees. Given the venue's location near major Tucson roadways, getting to and from the site, even from downtown or other parts of the city, is a relatively simple drive. The ease of access and ample, free parking are a tremendous convenience that greatly improves the overall game-day journey. Return on Investment 3 Costs are a bit high with general admission at $10. You need to pay with cash or Zelle, which is a unique mix of options. . Extras 2 Pima has a history of national success, and this level of consistent excellence means you are watching a truly elite program. Another unique fact is the prominent presence of the surrounding Brutalist-style architecture of the main West Campus buildings, which were designed by renowned architects and have been featured in national architectural journals. This architectural detail makes a trip to the Pima campus a unique cultural experience in addition to a sporting one. Final Thoughts Pima Community College provides an outstanding, high-value opportunity to see nationally-ranked junior college athletics in a beautiful, accessible setting. The experience is intimate, authentic, and focused on the pure love of the game, making it a highly recommended stop for any true sports enthusiast traveling through Tucson.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Works Field House Memorial University of Newfoundland 17 Westerland Rd St. John's, NL A1B 3R7 Memorial Sea~Hawks website The Works Field House website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 1,400 Sea~Hawks on the Coast Memorial University of Newfoundland was established in 1825 and is the only university in Canada's final province.  The school has over 19,000 students. Athletic teams at Memorial began playing other schools in the 1950s and played their first basketball season in Atlantic University Sport (USports' eastern-most conference) in 1973.  They were originally named the Memorial Beothuks, after the indigenous people of Newfoundland, but adopted the Sea~Hawks moniker in 1990.  Basketball success in the AUS has been fleeting for the Sea~Hawks, who have made it to the semi-finals on six occasions, but have never made it to the finals or competed for a National Championship. Home for the Sea~Hawks is The Works Field House.  Located on campus, The Works Field House acts as the practice and game venue for basketball and volleyball, and also services track and field and a host of other recreation and training facilities.  It is a unique facility and serves the university well. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small snack bar-style concession behind the east side seating area.  There is also a cafe-style seating area beside the concession.  The menu includes pizza, hot dogs, chocolate, popcorn, candy, soda and Gatorade.  For fans from out of the province, one of the unique flavours of Crush soda may be of interest.  Pineapple and Birch Beer are very popular flavours in Newfoundland.  Beer, wine and liquor is also surprisingly available at Sea~Hawks games. Atmosphere 3 The Works Field House is a unique facility in USports and doubles as the indoor track and field facility for the Sea~Hawks, so it is an actual fieldhouse in the sense that it refers to a large indoor facility that supports outdoor activities.  The exterior of the Field House is not unattractive.  The rounded roof with green ends sits atop a brown brick and tan block exterior.  The main entry at the southwest corner is two stories of green glass that allows plenty of natural light into the facility.  Upon entry, fans are met with a small box office window for ticket purchases before heading upstairs to the main viewing area.  The Field House contains a 200 metre track, on which everything in the building works.  An elevated, 360-degree walkway leads to a variety of recreation and training equipment.  At the south end of the track is the basketball court.  The other two-thirds of the track are curtained off and contain other courts and recreation areas in the middle.  The basketball court is south-north oriented with retractable seating on the east and west sides.  The south end of the Field House has the main scoreboard as well as championship banners from other Memorial teams.  The seating consists of 12 rows of padded, fold-down seats.  The top four rows of seating are molded, plastic benches.  The best view is from the east side, which provides the proper view of the centre-court logo, and is where the majority of fans sit. The gameday production at a Sea~hawks game is very simple.  There are, surprisingly, no announcements for players who have scored in the game.  At the game that was reviewed, the PA announcer began to announce scoring, but stopped very early in the first half.  There are no real promos at the game.  There is definitely a community feel in the stands, and it is a bit of a throwback as kids would play on the court during halftime, a practice that was popular in other USports basketball venues but has all but been eliminated. Neighbourhood 4 The Works Field House is located on the campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland in the University Area neighbourhood of St. John’s.  St. John’s is a city of over 110,000 people and is the biggest city and capital of Newfoundland and Labrador.  There are a few spots for pre and post-game food and drinks that are not too far away.  The Bigs Ultimate Sports Grill, Pops Diner, The Pantry Cafe and Guv’nor Inn and Pub are some options.  Heading to Downtown St. John’s will give fans a ton of original options and has the Newfoundland feel to it.  The Newfoundland Regiment of the QMJHL is new to the city in 2025 and is the other main sports option.  St. John’s is a terrific tourist destination, especially early in the season.  Some other tourist options include Signal Hill, Jelly Bean Row, The Rooms and Johnson Geo Centre.  The Mile One memorial for Canadian hero Terry Fox is a must see when in St. John’s as well.  For fans looking to stay in the area, heading downtown to the Delta or Hilton are good spots to stay. Fans 3 Assessing fans for USports basketball is very difficult as the teams and league do not publish attendance figures.  All games are doubleheaders with the women’s teams so that may have something to do with the lack of attendance figures.  Memorial Sea~Hawks games appear to be well attended.  The game that was reviewed saw a healthy number of fans populating the east side stands.  Sea~Hawks fans are pretty quiet and reserved throughout the game and do not get terribly excited about much.   Access 5 The Works Field House is located on the campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland in the University Area neighbourhood of St. John’s.  It is on the east side of Westerland Road, between Prince Philip Drive and Elizabeth Avenue.  Getting to campus is not very difficult.  It is 1.5 km south of the Trans Canada Highway and 2 km west of Downtown.  There is plenty of free parking on site, at the south end of the Field House.  For fans interested in public transit, there are buses that enter campus and travel Westerland Road.  Fans should consult the Metrobus website for fares, schedules and maps.  With the Field House being so spacious, it is not difficult getting around the facility.  The washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 USports basketball is very affordable and Memorial Sea~Hawks offer some of the cheapest tickets in the league.  Tickets for the Sea~Hawks are doubleheaders with both the women’s and men’s teams and go for $8 per person.  The concession prices are good and the parking is free.  This all adds up to a very affordable evening with some quality basketball on the court. Extras 1 An extra mark for the perseverance shown by Memorial University towards their basketball programs as the Sea~Hawks are the most remote team in the country. Final Thoughts Taking in a Memorial Sea~Hawks game while in St. John’s is a great way to add to a Newfoundland vacation.  The Sea~Hawks provide a solid product on the court and are among the most affordable tickets in the country.  It may not be the first idea a fan gets when heading to the east coast, but it should definitely be considered. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Alumni Stadium 1282 N Dupont Highway Dover, DE 19901 Delaware State Hornets website Alumni Stadium website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 7,193 Fear the Swarm! Delaware State has been a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) since its founding in 1970. The MEAC is made up of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) located between Florida and Delaware. Delaware State is the smallest of the MEAC schools with a little over 3,600 students and was ranked 9th among all HBCUs by U.S. News & World Report in 2014. It opened in 1891, eventually to be named Delaware State College, and later changed to a university in 1993. One of their most unique programs is the university-based flight school, and it also has a fine business school. The Hornets football team plays at 7,193-seat Alumni Stadium, which is also their track and field venue. They are a four-time conference champion and made their first-ever FCS playoff appearance in 2007 losing to in-state rival Delaware. The team has had its ups and downs over the years. In 2007 they were named Black College National Champions, a mythical championship shared with Tuskegee University. The lowest point in the program’s history came on November 9, 1980, when Delaware State lost to the Portland State Vikings by a score of 105-0 in the most lopsided loss in Division I-AA Football history. Food & Beverage 3 There’s not much going on at Alumni Stadium in terms of official food stands, at least not consistently. If you check the grandstand by the main entrance, you’ll see two food stands that are often empty and unused. However, the local vendors usually save the day. You’ll find food trucks and local setups out on the grassy areas surrounding the track. You may find a stand offering popular quick-service chicken tenders, which is always a reliable option for a quick bite. A more official-looking stand in the northwest corner may also be open, serving up a fish dinner with two sides, along with a classic funnel cake, Hot Dogs, and Italian Sausage. Atmosphere 4 The stadium has a very unique atmosphere. At first glance, it looks like a pretty poor facility. There are high schools with better stadiums. And the track around the field makes views feel pretty far away. The south stand is mainly bleacher seats with a few areas with seatbacks. The north stand is entirely bleacher seats with no seatbacks. But the crowd is into their team. The band fires up the sound and gets everyone into the action. The stadium alone deserves a low rating, but the atmosphere makes up for the lack of facilities. The stadium also has a multi-media display system, featuring a high definition video screen and scoreboard that enhances the action. Neighborhood 3 You won’t find a quaint college town neighborhood here. Alumni Stadium sits right off the very busy DuPont Highway. From your seat, you can see the Dover Mall and the Dover International Speedway. I once even heard a stock car screaming around the track while walking up to the stadium. A produce store sits right next to the north stand, with another still open store nearby, so you’re good to go if you need pet supplies. The area is good if you need food and sustenance before or after the game. You'll find popular chain dining options nearby like Raising Cane's and Qdoba, which offer quick and familiar fare. For something a little heartier, Mission BBQ is a solid choice for post-game food. The area is filled with chain restaurants and big-box stores, making it convenient but decidedly unromantic. Also, construction is currently underway on a southern outpost of the Canadian coffee chain, Tim Hortons, which is definitely being built right up the road, promising Timbits and Double-Doubles soon. Fans 4 The fans are enthusiastic, even when the team isn’t meeting expectations. The excellent band, cheerleaders, and dance team help keep the energy levels high and the fans engaged. Access 4 The university is right off of a major road in DuPont Highway. A toll road, Route 1, takes you most of the way north to Wilmington is also nearby. Dover is about a one-and-a-half-hour trip from Philadelphia or Baltimore, and at least two hours from Washington DC. It seems close by on a map but is isolated at the center of the Delmarva Peninsula. If venturing to a shore destination such as Ocean City, Maryland, or Rehobeth, Delaware, then Dover may make a quick, enjoyable stop, but as a destination, it is not the easiest location to travel to. Watch out for NASCAR weekends when traveling in the area; those weekends are not recommended unless you have no other options, as traffic can pile up, so leave yourself additional time in those cases. There may also be tolls unless you are already on the eastern shore or the Delmarva region. If traveling from the DC and Annapolis area you will have to pay tolls across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. If going around the top of the bay from Baltimore you will have to pay very hefty tolls on either Route 40 or I-95. And coming from Norfolk you will need to pay for the Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Parking is easy as you will be directed by university police to various lots around the campus. It is free except for the annual homecoming game where parking will be $20 or if you choose to park right by the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Normal ticket prices run from $10 to $25. Homecoming gets a price bump from $30 to $40. Youth tickets are typically $5 (or $10 for homecoming), with seniors (62+) paying $10. With free parking (most days), the price seems just about right for the overall experience you’ll have. . Extras 1 There is not much to this stadium. The lack of official food seems weird, but the local vendors offer some great food at a great value. This is the one true extra here at Delaware State University. Final Thoughts While many high schools boast far better facilities than Alumni Stadium, the passionate crowd, great atmosphere, and fine quality of play ensure that a visit to Delaware State football is a good time for any fan.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 E.B. Henderson Sports Complex 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW Washington, DC 20008 UDC Firebirds website UDC Turf Field website Capacity: 300 Firebirds of Fury The University of the District of Columbia, known as UDC for short, is a historically black college (HBCU) and the only public university in the District of Columbia. The school was founded in 1851 and is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington. The school's athletic teams are known as the Firebirds and compete in Division II of the NCAA, in the East Coast Conference. The Firebirds' soccer team plays on a turf field that is also home to the school's lacrosse program. The naming of the field in various sources is inconsistent, with it being referred to as the UDC Turf Field, the UDC Soccer Field, the UDC Sports Complex, and the UDC Soccer/Lacrosse Complex. To make matters even more confusing, the sign outside says Firebirds Field, yet another possible name. We will keep it simple for this review and call it the UDC Turf Field. The field was renovated in 2024, adding bleacher seating for 300 fans as well as lights and a new scoreboard/ Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at the UDC Turf Field. However, there are vending machines selling drinks in the lobby of the E.B. Henderson Center next door if you get thirsty. Atmosphere 3 UDC Turf Field is a small, intimate facility with seating for only a few hundred fans in some bleachers, which are extremely close to the action. You will be able to hear the chatter on the field between coaches, players, and referees. A scoreboard is located behind the right goal, and cleverly repurposes space that is used for penalty time in lacrosse to instead show corner kicks and shots on goal for each team. A UDC soccer game is a very basic experience with few bells or whistles. You are basically here to watch soccer. and not much more than that. Neighborhood 4 The UDC campus is located in the Van Ness neighborhood in Northwest Washington, D.C. You will find many places to eat or drink nearby, including Sfoglina Italian and Pho 14. The Tenleytown neighborhood is about a 15-20 minute walk away heading west on Van Ness Street, and offers even more options. Fans 3 UDC draws a decent crowd consisting mostly of friends and family of the players, with occasional locals and alumni. Many of the fans are family members of the visiting team as well. Although it isn't the largest crowd, the fans are quite involved, cheering on their team the best they can from start to finish, showing a spirit you don't always see at this level. Access 5 Getting to the UDC campus is very easy, whether you are driving or taking public transit. The Van Ness-UDC Metro stop on the Red Line is located right next to campus, an easy walk from the stadium. You can also park in the campus garage, a short walk away, entering off Van Ness Street. Parking in the garage is officially $8 for 1-3 hours and $12 for 3-6 hours, so depending on how early you get there, expect to pay somewhere in this range. That being said, when Stadium Journey visited, the parking pay machines were down and the gate was up, allowing us to park for free, so you may get similarly lucky. We visited a game in October 2025, and the machine seems to have been down since at least December 2024, when we attended a basketball game there and parked for free then as well. So the chances of being able to park for free may be higher than previously thought. If they ever fix the machine, you're going to have to pay, though. Once you park, you will walk up a flight of stairs to the main campus, and the stadium is around the corner up another small flight of steps to the gate. There are no restrooms at the field itself, but there are some next door inside the Henderson Center, which are open during soccer games and more than sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 2 Tickets are $7 for UDC soccer, which is a very high price to pay for Division II college soccer. They can only be purchased on the Hometown Ticketing app, although there is a QR code to scan at the gate if you do not buy in advance. Parking may also be quite expensive, assuming they manage to charge for it, making a UDC soccer game an expensive event for the level of play this is. It certainly won't break the bank, but pretty much everything else at this level will cost you less. Extras 1 Check out the statue of a firebird near the entrance to the stadium, honoring UDC's unique mascot. Final Thoughts UDC's soccer stadium provides an intimate but fairly basic experience for watching a game. The price tag is unfortunately quite high for this level of play, but it's a nice enough stadium, so fans still may want to check out a game here.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 W.B. Mason Stadium Blessed Basil Moreau Dr North Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks football website W.B. Mason Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,400 The Sky’s The Limit   Many who follow college sports in New England were surprised when tiny Stonehill College, a school with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,500 students, announced in April 2022 that they were elevating their athletic programs to the Division One level and becoming a member of the Northeast Conference. The private Catholic school is located in North Easton, Massachusetts on the original estate of Frederick Lathrop Ames Jr. It was founded in 1948 by the Congregation of Holy Cross.   W.B Mason, a business supply company headquartered in neighboring Brockton purchased the naming rights for the facility. The company, led by CEO and Stonehill alumnus Leo Meehan, pitched in $1.5 million of the $4 million construction cost of the stadium. The playing field is dedicated in honor of Tim “Cogs” Coughlin, a class of 1980 alumnus and member of the Stonehill football team, who lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. In addition to serving as home to the Skyhawks football team, W.B. Mason also serves as home to Stonehill’s field hockey, lacrosse and track and field teams.   Stonehill has sponsored football teams since 1988, using the nickname “Chieftains” until 2005. Stonehill football competed in Division Three until 1996, when they moved up to Division Two, staying there until 2021. The Skyhawks joined the Football Championship Subdivision’s Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2022. Since moving to Division One, the Skyhawks have compiled a record of 13-27. Approaching W.B. Mason Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 3   W.P. Mason Stadium lacks permanent concession facilities. A tent is set up for Skyhawk football games beyond the north end of the grandstand operated by Bon Appetit Dining Services. The menu here features stadium standards, with a few rotating specialty items (i.e. cheesesteaks) thrown in to expand the menu on a given day. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stonehill athletic events.   In addition, a beer garden operated by nearby Shovel Town Brewery is located just beyond the north end zone. They feature a selection of their excellent microbrews, including a special collaboration with Stonehill athletics, Hillhaus, an Oktoberfest Marzen.   Atmosphere 3   Fans who have been visiting Stonehill regularly since the program’s elevation to Division One in 2022 will have observed the evolution of the gameday presentation at W. B. Mason Stadium, including the development of some Stonehill traditions and the overall improvement of the gameday experience. The staff have incorporated some giveaways and fan involvement into the gameday, such as having younger fans in attendance challenge Ace the mascot to a dance contest, students kick field goals for a television, and more. The music and PA announcements are slick and professional, and while this is certainly a small-school experience, it’s a fun time.   There does not seem to be a dedicated student section at W.B. Mason Stadium, but there is an active tailgating scene and enthusiastic fanbase. If you arrive early to the stadium, the parade of fans heading to W.B. Mason from the parking lot at McPhadin Library right before kickoff is very amusing. The sound system is quite good, and as mentioned before, the music and PA announcer add a lot to the atmosphere. The cheerleading and dance squads perform throughout the game. For such a new facility, the basic scoreboard in the north end zone looks quite outdated.   Ace roams the stands at W.B. Mason Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 2   Stonehill College’s suburban location and sprawling campus belies its location in a bustling area with many dining and lodging options for visiting fans. State routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both routes are pretty busy local roads, lined with strip malls filled with the usual national chains alongside a few local eateries in both directions. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal.   While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options close to school should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott right by Route 24.   More information about local accommodations, restaurants and attractions can be found here .   Fans 2   Even with W.P. Mason Stadium’s rather small capacity, the entire undergraduate enrollment could fit inside. So, it’s not surprising that there are not huge crowds at Skyhawk football games, but average attendance since the program’s elevation to Division One has hovered at around 2,000 fans per game. Crowds over the years have tended to start off big decrease over the course of the season.   There’s a decent, if not overwhelming, turnout by the student body. The majority of the fans in attendance appear to be locals, many of whom have a connection to the players down on the field. With the NEC’s compact geographic footprint, you’ll be sure to see a good number of visiting fans in the stands.   An interesting characteristic of a Stonehill crowd is that they are late arriving. Tailgating is allowed in the parking lots near the stadium right up until kickoff, and it seems that a good percentage of the fans in attendance keep the party going until the last possible minute. It’s pretty interesting to see the foot traffic increase along Blessed Basil Moreau Drive as kickoff time approaches. Stonehill game action at W.B. Mason Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   Stonehill College is located in suburban Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from W.B. Mason Stadium. The stadium is located on the western edge of campus, adjacent to some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including Lou Gorman Field  and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex.   Fans will find ample parking in the lot in front of the McPhaidin Library located a short walk from the stadium, as well as several other parking lots scattered around campus. All of the lots are just a short walk to the stadium. The entrance to W.P. Mason Stadium is located on the southeast corner of the facility, with the grandstand on the opposite west side of the stadium.   Seating consists of a single grandstand that runs the length of the field. The center sections contain individual molded plastic seats, with the rest of the seating consisting of metal bleachers without backs. This new grandstand is fully ADA compliant and easily accessible for all fans. Fans looking for an alternate viewpoint can take advantage of the standing room along the southern edge of the field.   Unfortunately, the presence of a track surrounding the football field pushes the seats a bit further from the action. This is a common feature of the multi-purpose fields that are found at smaller schools. Rest rooms are located in the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex, with additional port-a-johns available behind the grandstand.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Skyhawks games are sold as general admission, with tickets priced at $15. Seniors 65+ and students can purchase tickets for $10.   Parking is free in the lots near the stadium. With inexpensive concessions, an afternoon at a Stonehill football game is a very affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans.   Stonehill Athletics Hall of Fame in Sally Blair Ames Field House. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1   An extra point is awarded for the Stonehill Athletic Hall of Fame located adjacent to W.B. Mason Stadium in the Sally Blair Ames Field House. During games the team store is also set up here.   Final Thoughts   W.B. Mason Stadium is smaller facility which fits perfectly into the fabric of tiny Stonehill College. Now that the Skyhawks are a full-fledged member of Division One, they are no longer a program in transition, but the game day experience continues to evolve.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Cressy Field 285 Old Westport Rd Dartmouth, MA 02747 UMass Dartmouth Corsairs football website Cressy Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1.850 Corsair Football at Cressy Field The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (better known as UMass Dartmouth) is one of five campuses in the University of Massachusetts system. It is located in the town of Dartmouth on the South Coast of Massachusetts, in between the cities of Fall River and New Bedford. The university has an enrollment of about 8,000 students, about half of whom live on campus. The school offers 123 undergraduate programs and 32 graduate programs. Football was first played at Southeastern Massachusetts University as a club sport in 1985 (the school changed their name to the UMass Dartmouth when it was merged into the UMass system in 1991). The team originally played at Sargent Field (now named Paul Walsh Field ) in New Bedford. in 1988 football was upgraded to a varsity sport to coincide with the opening of Cressy Field on campus. The Corsairs have qualified for the NCAA Division Three tournament three times in their history, most recently in 2024. UMass Dartmouth has also played in five postseason bowl games The home field of the UMass Dartmouth football team, Cressy Field, is named in honor of Peter H. Cressy, Chancellor of UMass Dartmouth from 1993 to 1999. In addition to the football team, Cressy Field serves as home to the men’s and women’s soccer teams, women’s field hockey, and lacrosse teams. Food & Beverage 3 A huge upgrade in the concessions experience was undertaken late in the 2025 season, as food trucks were brought in to replace longtime concessionaire Chartwells. Chartwells handles the campus' catering, and traditionally served up a menu of basic, traditional stadium fare. A pair of local food trucks offered up a diverse, high-quality menu for hungry Corsair fans. Boston Trolley Dogs served up giant gourmet hot dogs topped with pulled pork, chili and more, along with chicken fingers, fries and other snack items. Supa Dupa served up BBQ sandwiches and nachos with your choice of meat toppings. If you visit Cressy Field during their annual Blue and Gold Game, in addition to the usual concessions, a beer tent is located adjacent to the football field. At this time, it's not clear if the food trucks are a permanent addition to the UMass Dartmouth game day experience or just a temporary change for the last couple of games on the 2025 schedule, but judging by the lines at the food trucks, this was a hit with the fans. Lines at Food Truck at Cressy Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 3 You wouldn’t expect an elaborate gameday presentation at a small venue like Cressy Field, and you won’t get one here. Still, all the elements you would expect to see at a college football game are found here. The school's cheerleaders and pep band perform throughout the game. Music plays over an excellent sound system during play stoppages, adding noise and energy to the festivities. A scoreboard in the south end zone provides basic game information, and the PA announcer adds a lot of energy to the proceedings without being too over the top. There’s a pretty good turnout from the student body and a really good turnout from the players’ families. As you might expect, they are really into the game. For a D-3 game, this can be a pretty loud place. As the Corsairs program has enjoyed success over the past few years, the game day experience and fan support has grown along with it. The squad currently enjoys one of the longest home winning streaks in all of college football, having won 26 consecutive games as of the end of the 2025 season. They have not lost a home game since 2019, before the pandemic. Neighborhood 3 UMass Dartmouth is a self-contained campus located in the suburban town of Dartmouth, MA, in between the cities of Fall River and New Bedford on the state’s south coast. Route 6, which is lined with businesses, eateries, and lodging options, is a mile from campus. Visiting fans looking for a bit of local flavor may be disappointed with the endless suburban sprawl of big box stores and restaurant chains, but if you are good with these options, there’s plenty to be found. A complete visitor’s guide to the area around campus can be found here . Stadium Journey’s favorite spot to visit after a Corsairs football game is Buzzards Bay Brewery, located about a ten-minute drive from Cressy Field in neighboring Westport. Buzzards Bay offers up a variety of excellent craft beers, and on most weekends the brewery features live music and food trucks at their site on a converted farm. Max's Burgers and Cask 'N Pig BBQ are other excellent options nearby. Visiting fans coming to the area may not wish to spend a whole lot of time in either Fall River or New Bedford, two cities struggling with some of the issues facing many poor cities in the northeast. Still, there are places of interest in both cities. Fall River is home to Battleship Cove, the largest collection of World War II naval vessels in the world. Also nearby is the Lizzie Borden Bed and Breakfast/Museum, located in the same house where the infamous murders took place in 1892. The museum is open for tours and fans of the macabre can even spend the night at the house. The New Bedford Whaling Museum focuses on the history of the Whaling industry and features a walkable downtown with cobblestone streets near its working waterfront. There are plenty of attractions in the area for visiting fans. Boston is located about an hour away to the north. Cape Cod is located a half-hour to the east. Providence is a half-hour away to the west, and Newport, with its Gilded Age mansions, is 45 minutes away. The Jolly Roger Flies at Cressy Field. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Fans 3 The crowd at a UMass Dartmouth football game can vary greatly depending on the day of the week, weather and opponent, but a typical crowd numbers between 1,000-2,000 fans per game. For the 2025 season the Corsairs averaged 1,400 fans per game. There's a good turnout from the student body at football games, and a lot of support at the school between all the different Corsair teams. One of the great things about going to games at smaller schools is the connection that so many in the stands have with the players down on the field. With many of the players in the game coming from local towns, a great percentage of the fans in the stands consist of families and friends. The fans here create a lot of noise and energy as they support their team. Access 3 Cressy Field is located on the southern end of the UMass Dartmouth campus, alongside the University’s other athletic facilities, including the Tripp Athletic Center . The town of Dartmouth is located in southeastern Massachusetts, in between the cities of Fall River and New Bedford. Located about an hour’s drive south of Boston, the campus is easily accessed by car, as it is located just a few miles from Interstate 195. Fans utilizing public transportation will take SRTA’s number 14 bus that runs hourly between Fall River and New Bedford. Schedules can be found here . UMass Dartmouth has a unique layout, with the majority of the buildings on campus located within a single ringed road that circles the campus. Visitors to UMD will enter on the north side of campus and drive around to the athletic complex on the south side of campus. Parking is available in one of the many lots that ring the campus. To help fans access the Cressy Field more easily, the school has instituted shuttle service from the parking lots to the football field. Several manicured paths will guide fans through a grove of trees to the football field. Seating is comprised of metal bleachers on either side of the field. There is plenty of room around the field for fans who wish to stand and take in the action. Portable restrooms are located on the north end of the field as well as in the nearby Tripp Athletic Center . UMass Dartmouth Corsairs during the National Anthem. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 4 All ticketing at UMass Dartmouth is done electronically through the HomeTown Ticking app. Cash is not accepted at Cressy Field. Tickets are sold as general admission for ten dollars. Seniors and youth receive a two-dollar discount. With free parking and inexpensive concessions, a visit to Cressy Field is an affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts football fans. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the unique setup and architecture of the UMass Dartmouth campus. The school was named in 2013 by Travel and Leisure as one of the ugliest campuses in the nation. The campus was designed by famed architect Paul Rudolph in the early 1960s in the Brutalist style. To contrast the school’s buildings from the outside world in an attempt to create a social utopian environment, most of the buildings on campus are made entirely of concrete (béton brut) and feature irregular features which attempt to create a more communal atmosphere. Many visitors to campus describe it as resembling a prison. It may be better described as a bunch of gray concrete spaceships parked in a giant open field. Either way, it's a most unique campus. Claire T. Carney Library at UMass Dartmouth. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia. Final Thoughts One of the more entertaining Division Three football experiences in New England can be found at UMass Dartmouth. After the game, take a tour of one of the more interesting campuses in the nation. In a region dominated by Gothic architecture, this Brutalist campus in the middle of the southeastern Massachusetts woods certainly stands out. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Legacy Stadium 1830 Katyland Dr Katy, TX 77493 Map It Katy ISD Tigers Athletics website Legacy Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 12,000 Katy's Legacy Stadium When it first opened in August 2017, Katy’s Legacy Stadium was the most expensive high school football stadium in America, demanding a whopping $70 million to be completed. While the massive 12,000 capacity stadium hosts numerous teams such as Morton Ranch and Paetow, one tenant in particular stands out among the rest: Katy High School. Since 1959, the Katy Tigers have won nine state championships (winning twice since moving into Legacy Stadium) while practically being a feeder system for the NFL with alumni such as Andy Dalton, Eric Heitmann, and Danielle Hunter.  The Katy Tigers have a long tradition of a terrific ground attack and a stout defense, arguably the cornerstones of the purest form of the game. In that regard, despite the massive fortress and the surrounding spectacle throughout the game, going to a game at Legacy Stadium brings one back to the roots of the game. Back when it was about beating the other man across from you through muscle and will, and not through an aerial circus.  Food & Beverage 4 Legacy Stadium has a wide variety of food and beverage options from local eateries such as Hungry Howie’s (pizza), Sun City Fresh Squeezed Lemonade, and Chick-fil-A. The prices are pretty standard, with each offering a small selection of their menus, such as 32-ounce lemonades for $7, chicken sandwiches for $7, and personal pizzas for $6.50.   As you wait in line, you can watch the game from the reasonably sized flat screen atop the large brick and cement concession stand. This is a rarity for most of America, as high school football stadiums rarely do this outside the Lone Star State. This only goes to show that everything is bigger in Texas.  Legacy Stadium - TV Screens Above Concessions, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 It was homecoming on this particular night, but one can surmise that the atmosphere is always this festive whenever the Katy Tigers take the field at Legacy Stadium. What first caught this author’s attention was when he was told that, in Texas, no one ever crosses to the other side. EVER. While one can assume that this is standard for all high schools in America, they would be wrong. Although they set up separate stands for home and away crowds, they often intermingle at the concessions. That’s not the case for Legacy Stadium, where even the concessions are separated in the massive stadium.  Shortly after Katy begins each half by running through a banner, their fans clap along to their fight song. Flag bearers play a huge role as they run across the field after each touchdown, the flags depicting their national and state titles flailing in the wind.  Still, while it seemed like the schools were at war, as the game dragged on in the second half, the camaraderie became apparent on the field. The bands battled it out in song in between plays, and the cheerleaders skipped arm in arm around one end zone to the other side of the field. Neighborhood 3 As a Houston suburb, Katy can seem both big and small. The neighborhood resides right next to I-10 and, at times, can feel cramped, but once you reach Legacy Stadium, it is clear that everything revolves around the town’s football teams. In fact, Legacy Stadium isn’t the only stadium in town. Just across the parking lot rests Rhodes Stadium, an older, smaller stadium that still brings that old Texas charm to the game.  As a suburb of Houston, Katy is a great place to stay if you are in town for Houston-centric activities such as taking in an Astros , Texans or Rockets game. Katy has several hotels that are more affordable than the many scattered over downtown Houston. The best hotels in the city are located in the outlets of Katy Mills, right next to a massive Bass Pro Shop. These include Springhill Suites by Marriott , Country Inn & Suites by Radisson  , and Hilton Garden Inn Houston West Katy . If you would like a bite to eat before the game, there are lots of choices to choose from in Katy, such as Texas Tradition, Charley’s Cheesesteaks and Wings, Oh Mmm Gyros Katy, and the Cheesecake Factory. Fans 3 The fans are a dedicated bunch, all clad in red and very serious about the game. They clap along to the school fight song at the beginning of each half and cheer when appropriate. They are a respectful bunch who are there to embrace all that their beloved state encompasses. The school’s pep squad helps in the pageantry by selling a wide assortment of game-ready items to the fans, painting the stands with red and white. Access 3 The parking lot is vast and free. While traffic getting into the stadium is a bummer, if you wait a minute after the game, it clears up quickly. There are multiple entrances, and it is possible to have an Uber drop you off. Once inside, it may be easier to find a place to sit on the upper deck. The bathrooms are spacious and clean, too. Return on Investment 4 If you love studying other cultures, then high school football just may be for you, as every team comes with its own identity and aura. That being said, the $10 this author spent on the ticket was invested well, as it wasn’t just a ticket to a game, but a portal into a different dimension. Everything that this author thought he knew about high school football was multiplied. Whether it was the double-deck stands, the massive marching bands, or the flatscreens on top of the concession stands, everything was bigger. Extras 4 Most high schools have a band, but again, everything is bigger in Texas. Katy is no exception. Whether it was Katy or Paetow, both schools put great emphasis on their bands before, during, and much after the game, each putting on a lengthy performance after the contest, with both teams taking turns saluting their respective fight songs before going off to find their families.  The scoreboard is a large one, packed with a variety of sponsors' logos while featuring one of the cleanest resolutions in high school sports.  Speaking of videos, the flat screens atop the concession stands are a true rarity in high school football. But not in Texas. In fact, many of the newer stadiums in Tomball and Allen have the same feature, giving fans the unique opportunity to watch the game as they wait in the long lines.  Once the game was over, lights beamed from the base of the stadium’s base giving Legacy Stadium a red hue. In the night’s darkness, the stadium truly stood out in this instance.  Legacy Stadium - Red Hue at Night, Photo by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts As this author walked through the stadium, the phrase “everything is bigger in Texas” continued to bellow in his head. Indeed, Legacy Stadium is a cathedral compared to most high school football stadiums, and, as a cathedral, it does a great job at highlighting all that is great about the culture. The bands are good-sized and very lively, the stadium has twice as many levels as most high school stadiums do, the videoboard is of terrific quality and monstrous, and the product on the field is top-notch for that region. There isn’t even a running track around the field as the stadium is clearly dedicated to the gridiron.  With the Cowboys AT&T Stadium  in Arlington and the Astros Daikin Park  in Houston (to name a few), the Lone Star State has truly done a magnificent job at making stadium building into an art form, and this ideology bleeds out beautifully into the high school level.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Tinsley Center 325 Plymouth St. Bridgewater, MA 02324 Bridgewater State Bears men's basketball website Tinsley Center website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 1,000 Bridgewater Basketball   Bridgewater State University is one of nine state universities in the Massachusetts Public Higher Education System. It was founded in 1840 by Horace Mann as the Bridgewater Normal School. As one of the first schools in the nation established to train teachers, it is considered by many to be the “Birthplace of teacher education in America” and has one of the most prominent Teaching and Education programs in the country. The university currently has an undergraduate enrollment of just under 10,000 students, with an additional 2,000 students enrolled in graduate programs.   The Tinsley Center is an 84,000 square-foot facility that opened in 2002. It serves as home to the school’s basketball and volleyball teams. Athletic Department offices, classrooms, laboratories, and a walking/jogging track are also contained in the facility. It is named in honor of Adrian Tinsley, who was the first female president of the college, serving from 1989-2002. She oversaw the expansion and modernization of the school as it transitioned from a college to a university. Under her leadership, Bridgewater State became the second-largest public school in Massachusetts.   Basketball teams have represented Bridgewater State since 1905. Today, the Bears compete in Division III’s MASCAC Conference, consisting of teams from around the state of Massachusetts. The Bears men’s basketball teams have qualified for the NCAA D-3 Tournament eight times, reaching the sweet sixteen in 2009. The women’s team has qualified for the NCAA tournament twelve times. Game action at Tinsley Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 2   There is a snack bar in the lobby of the Tinsley Center, named “The Bear Trap.” They take the “snack” very seriously here, as the featured items served are nachos and popcorn. Assorted candy, chips, protein bars, and the like round out the selections. Fans looking for a cold drink will find cans of Pepsi products and water. A pair of nearby vending machines offers up Gatorade and more snack items. No item at the Bear Trap costs more than five dollars.   Atmosphere 2   The game day atmosphere at the Tinsley Center is pretty standard for a small school. There isn’t a lot of technology to be found here, so you won’t find a lot of bells and whistles to distract you from the action down on the court. Even when there is a big crowd filling up the bleachers at the Tinsley Center, there isn’t a whole lot of noise at a Bears basketball game.   You’ll find much that is familiar here at Bridgewater State. The cheerleading squad lines up along the near baseline, performing throughout the game. Although the pep band has been present in the past, they were not in attendance for the Bears’ 2025 season opener. The sound system is put to use with music during play stoppages, and the PA announcer does a solid job of providing game information, although he was very hard to understand during Stadium Journey’s visit. Simple scoreboards hang on three sides of the court, displaying basic game information. This is an old-school presentation that looks much like it must have when the building first opened. Bridgewater State University Athletics Hall of Fame at Tinsley Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   The Tinsley Center is located about a mile from the Bridgewater town commons, which is where you’ll find most of the action in this small town. Visitors looking for a place to eat before or after the game will have to take a short drive to find most of the local options. Most of the choices in the area are fast-food chains, but locals recommend several other choices, including Barrett’s Alehouse, Emma’s Pizza, Gonzalez House, or the local outpost of 99 Restaurant. There are no lodging options in the immediate area around campus. Visitors will have to check out the areas closer to the highways.   Fans visiting Bridgewater from out of town will likely want to continue to Boston, located 25 miles to the north, or Cape Cod, about 30 miles to the southeast, for more dining, lodging, and points of interest. Also located nearby are the coastal towns of Plymouth and New Bedford.   Fans 3   As is the case at most small schools in the area, you won’t find a huge crowd at the Tinsley Center. The average BSU crowd numbers between 200-300 fans, with many of those in attendance having a personal connection with the players down on the court. You’ll be sure to find family members from both teams in attendance, along with a decent turnout from the student body. With the majority of the Bears’ schedule consisting of teams from nearby towns in Massachusetts, you are likely to find some fans of the opposing squad in attendance. BSU Bears lined up for the National Anthem. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   Bridgewater State University is a town of just under 29,000 residents located in southeastern Massachusetts. Boston is located about 25 miles north, and Providence is located about 30 miles west. Bridgewater State University can be found in the north-central part of town, about a mile from the town common.   Driving is the primary method for getting to campus, as Route 24 and Interstate 495 both pass just a few miles away from campus. Visitors utilizing public transportation will find the Bridgewater MBTA Train Station on campus most convenient. Complete transportation information to the BSU campus can be found here .   Tinsley Center is located on the northern edge of the Bridgewater State University campus in the Swenson Athletic Complex . Parking for basketball games can be found adjacent to the football stadium, which will require a short walk to arrive at the Tinsley Center. A small lobby contains the snack bar, restrooms, and the BSU Athletic Hall of Fame. The gym will be on your right as you enter.   All seating consists of wooden bleachers, which run along one side of the gymnasium. There is also limited seating on either end of the court. A walking/jogging track runs along the second floor overlooking the court and also serves as a standing room area. In a small gym like this, all seats feature excellent views of the action.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to a Bears game costs eight dollars. All seats are general admission. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the football stadium. Concessions are inexpensive, with no item costing more than five dollars. A game at Bridgewater State is an inexpensive entertainment option for local basketball fans. As an added value, many nights the men’s and women’s teams will play doubleheaders at a single admission price. BSU Bears huddle up before the game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 2   Banners honoring all Bridgewater State championship teams, tournament appearances, and notable achievements across the school’s 22 varsity sports hang around the facility.   The school’s athletic department Hall of Fame is located right outside the gymnasium, displaying the hardware won by the school over the years.   Final Thoughts   While the Tinsley Center is a basic facility, it provides a solid home for the Bridgewater State Bears. Small gyms such as this can be found throughout the country, providing quality competition at an affordable price. Those of you who don’t consider lower levels when watching college sports might want to reconsider. Don’t sleep on Division Three sports!   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mullett Arena 411 S Packard Drive Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona State Sun Devils website Mullett Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 5,000 A Desert Hockey Home Arizona State University, established in 1885 in the bustling desert oasis of Tempe, Arizona, has evolved from its humble beginnings as the Territorial Normal School into one of the nation’s largest and most innovative public research institutions. The Sun Devils compete in NCAA Division I, primarily as members of the Pac-12 Conference, but their burgeoning Ice Hockey program has blazed its own trail, carving out a respected niche in the sport. Stepping into this new era is the state-of-the-art Mullett Arena, which opened its doors in 2022. This venue is a game-changer, not just for ASU hockey but for the entire college hockey landscape in the Southwest. Designed with an intimate, modern sensibility, the 5,000-seat arena ensures every fan feels right on top of the action. It is a stunning, singular venue that immediately anchors the future of hockey in the Grand Canyon State, solidifying the team’s commitment to competing at the highest level while also serving as a central part of the campus's athletic architecture. The Arizona State Sun Devils men's ice hockey team is a member of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), having officially joined for the 2024-2025 season after competing as an NCAA Division I independent for several years. The National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC) includes the following schools, besides Arizona State University, Colorado College (Tigers), the University of Denver (Pioneers). Miami University (RedHawks), University of Minnesota Duluth (Bulldogs), University of Nebraska Omaha (Mavericks), University of North Dakota (Fighting Hawks), St. Cloud State University (Huskies), and Western Michigan University (Broncos). The conference is scheduled to expand to 10 teams with the addition of the University of St. Thomas (Tommies) beginning in the 2026-2027 season. Food & Beverage 4 The prices here trend toward the higher end of the college venue scale, yet there is a standout item that offers a surprisingly great value proposition. For the visiting fan, a slice of the arena's pizza stands as a must-try. This isn't your typical paper-thin piece; the $14 slice of pizza is truly enormous, essentially constituting multiple standard servings merged into one colossal meal. It’s a satisfying, hearty reward for the price, providing enough fuel to last through all three periods of action. Beyond this singular value star, the concession stands deliver the necessary variety of gameday staples, ensuring you never have to venture too far from the ice to grab a classic snack or beverage. The selection is modern and efficient, built to handle a quick rush between periods without sacrificing quality, providing a streamlined experience that enhances the overall gameday flow. Atmosphere 5 The moment the puck drops at a Sun Devils hockey game inside Mullett Arena, the atmosphere is electric, embodying the kind of intense, localized energy that only a 5,000-seat building can generate. The arena's modern, tight design works in perfect concert with the crowd's enthusiasm, trapping the sound and creating a deafening, unified roar that is genuinely intimidating for visiting teams. This intimate, bowl-like configuration, you are never more than a handful of rows away from the action, enhancing the sensory immersion. Mullett Arena Interior, Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey What elevates this college hockey experience further is the venue’s fascinating past: it also served as the temporary home for the NHL’s Arizona Coyotes from 2022-2024, imbuing it with a distinct professional polish that few college barns can claim. This combined pedigree of top-tier professional use and passionate student support for the college program creates a unique, high-octane environment you simply cannot replicate anywhere else in the Southwest. Neighborhood 4 The location of Mullett Arena is a major win for the traveling enthusiast, placing the venue right in the heart of the ASU campus, adjacent to the dynamic city of Tempe. This is a university town setting that is ripe for exploration before and after the game. Step out of the arena, and you are immediately positioned to explore Tempe's bustling Mill Avenue, a lively hub of restaurants, bars, and unique shops that caters perfectly to a gameday crowd. For those seeking authentic local flavors not found inside the arena, the surrounding area offers a vibrant tapestry of casual and upscale dining experiences that capture the Southwestern spirit. The arena is integrated into the larger ASU Athletics Village, next to the Desert Financial Arena, which provides a seamless, sports-centric district feel. This strategic placement makes the entire gameday pilgrimage easy, allowing visitors to park once and enjoy both the natural beauty of the Arizona landscape and the vibrant life of a major university town, all within an easy walk of the arena. Fans 5 Sun Devil fans bring a tangible passion to Mullett Arena, demonstrating why the program has become such a rapid success in a non-traditional hockey market. The crowds are a perfect blend of die-hard hockey aficionados and an energetic student body, all unified under the banner of the maroon and gold. They are vocal, knowledgeable, and ready to make noise for sixty minutes, turning the intimate confines of the arena into a formidable fortress. You will see dedicated supporters in the stands wearing everything from replica jerseys to the classic gold pitchfork, ready to unleash the famous "Fork 'em Devils!" cheer. This loyalty is clearly driven by the team’s rapid ascent in the college hockey ranks, giving the fans a real sense of pride and ownership over their program and making them incredibly invested in the outcome of every single game. The intensity and engagement of the Arizona State faithful is infectious, making you feel like a welcomed part of the Sun Devil community the moment you take your seat and adding a palpable sense of urgency to the competition. Access 4 Getting to Mullett Arena is refreshingly simple for a major metropolitan area, making the travel day much less stressful for the visiting fan. The arena is strategically positioned in Tempe with excellent connectivity to major interstate highways, particularly the Loop 202 and I-10, providing straightforward routes for those driving in from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) or other parts of the Valley. Once near the campus, parking is typically available in multiple adjacent university lots and structures, which are well-managed for gamedays. The layout of the arena itself is highly conducive to smooth entry and exit, further aided by its integration into the greater ASU Athletics Village. For those who prefer public transport, the Valley Metro Rail system offers stations nearby, providing a convenient, cost-effective, and traffic-free way to reach the heart of the action without having to worry about traffic or parking logistics. Regardless of your chosen mode of transportation, the arena’s location emphasizes accessibility, proving that thoughtful design can make a massive difference in the gameday experience. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices vary depending on the opponent, and we have seen fairly high prices for most games. This is not the type of venue you can just walk up and get a last-minute ticket. Extras 3 The ASU Spirit Squad and the powerful sounds of the Sun Devil Marching Band’s drumline are frequently on hand, injecting constant energy into the stoppages of play and enhancing the sense of school pride. The true star of the show is the legendary mascot, Sparky the Sun Devil. This beloved figure is a constant, visible source of fun and school spirit, and his dedication to the team is quantified with a unique fan interaction: Sparky performs push-ups for every ASU goal scored, matching the total number of goals to date for that game, leading to some truly memorable displays. Adding to the venue's distinctive identity is the Mountain America Community Iceplex, a separate rink attached to the facility that is used for practice and community skating, highlighting the venue’s commitment to growing the sport in the region and ensuring its legacy extends beyond the team itself. Final Thoughts Mullett Arena is the rare venue that manages to feel both state-of-the-art and incredibly intimate, perfectly balancing a modern aesthetic with old-school college hockey passion. It is an essential pilgrimage for any NCAA hockey fan traveling through the desert, proving that the sport is truly thriving under the Arizona sun.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Algoma Central Arena @ Canada Games Park 2021 Canada Games Wy Thorold, ON L2V 4Y6 Brock Badgers hockey website Canada Games Park website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity :1,200 Brockey Night in Canada Brock University is a public research university in St. Catharines, Ontario, and boasts over 19,000 students.  It was established in 1964 and is named after Sir Isaac Brock, a British General who died at the Battle of Queenston Heights during the War of 1812.  Brock is well-known for their Sports Administration program, which boasts the likes of NHL General Manager Kyle Dubas amongst its alumni.  The Brock Badgers began playing hockey in 1967 as part of the OIAA.  The Badgers joined what is now the OUA in 1971.  They have made four appearances in the University Cup and played for the Queens Cup on four occasions, earning silver three times.  In 2022, the Badgers moved from their previous home, Seymour-Hannah Sports & Entertainment Centre in St. Catharines, to the brand new arena at Canada Games Park across the road from campus in Thorold. Built for the 2022 Canada Games hosted by the Niagara Region, Canada Games Park offers some indoor and outdoor sports facilities, including the Algoma Central Arena, where the Badgers play.  The indoor facilities, including Algoma Central Arena, are found in the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre.  Canada Games Park is owned by a unique consortium consisting of Brock University, the City of St. Catharines, the City of Thorold, and the Regional Municipality of Niagara. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stand is found in the common lobby of the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre.  The menu is fairly simple and includes typical snack bar items.  These include hot dogs, sausage, chips, chocolate, candy, cookies, muffins, and Dip’n Dots.  Coke products, slushies, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and water are soft drinks that are available.  A small selection of beer, cider, and seltzers is also available. Atmosphere 3 Canada Games Park is a large property with both indoor and outdoor facilities.  The indoor facilities are found within the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre, which is a low-profile, sleek building featuring plenty of glass and a dark gray siding fascia.  The green grass on the roof is evident as part of the environmental design of the building.  Inside the facility, the vastness is evident immediately.  The most prolific of the indoor facilities is the Algoma Central Arena, which is the main arena for both hockey and lacrosse and supports a capacity of 1,200 fans.  Algoma Central Arena is on the west side of the building, and fans will enter from the south end of the arena. Naming rights for the arena are held by Algoma Central Corporation, which operates a fleet of marine carriers.  In 2024, a totem pole was moved from a park in St. Catharines and now has a home inside the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre. Inside the arena, an aura of newness and cleanliness prevails.  The ice runs from north to south, with all of the seating found on the west side.  Grey, plastic arena seats offer fans a degree of comfort not found in many buildings in this league.  The floor on the south end is raised higher than the arena floor.  The east side features a metallic grating, which gives the arena a fresh and clean look.  On the wall in the northeast corner are championship banners for the St. Catharines Athletics of the OJLL.  Unfortunately, there are limited markings showing Algoma Central Arena as the home of the Badgers.  A banner under the window on the east side and the centre ice logo are pretty much the entirety of the markings.  Fans enter at ice level in the southeast corner of the arena, where ticket sales and ticket scanning occur.  At the entry, there is a trophy case which had some Brock jerseys. Also found in the trophy case is the Steel Blade Classic trophy, which is awarded to the winner of the annual Homecoming Game played at Meridian Centre.  It is a decorative sword, patterned after the sword carried by artillery soldiers during the War of 1812, in a wooden case.  Another trophy case houses a set of medals from the 2022 Canada Games and a model of a ship from the Algoma Central fleet.  Also on the southern wall, fans will find information placards on the Welland Canal and Algoma Central Corporation.  A simple score clock hangs above centre ice as well. The gameday production at a Badgers game is very simple.  The speaker system is very good, and it is easy to understand the announcements. Neighbourhood 4 Canada Games Park is located at the north end of the City of Thorold, immediately south of St. Catharines, and part of what is considered the Niagara Region.  There are some spots for fans to get a pre- or post-game meal.  These include In Piazza, Cracker Jack’s, and the Overtime Pub.  For fans looking for other sporting experiences, Algoma Central Arena is shared by the St. Catharines Athletics  of the OJLL; however, their schedules do not overlap.  The Badgers also field other teams on campus, including basketball .  The nearby Meridian Centre in St. Catharines is the home of the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs  and CEBL’s Niagara River Lions.  It is a very short drive for fans to get to Niagara Falls, which has a plethora of tourist options, including the Horseshoe Falls themselves.  This is a must-see for fans new to the area.  Hiking on the nearby Bruce Trail may also be of interest.  For fans wishing to stay near Canada Games Park, the Four Points Sheraton is right there. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess USports hockey fans as the Badgers have not published any attendance figures for the 2024-25 season.  The game that was reviewed, the third home game of the 2025-26 season, welcomed 200 fans to the game.  Attendance reporting for the current season has been inconsistent.  That being said, Brock has a reputation for strong fan support, especially when it comes to taking their fans on the road, with the school periodically organizing road trips and providing a group of loud and rowdy students to a road game.  The Steel Blade Classic, an exhibition hockey game played at the Meridian Centre as part of Homecoming, routinely sells out.   Access 5 Canada Games Park is located on the north side of Thorold, immediately south of St. Catharines.  It is surrounded by Lake Moodie to the east of Merrittville Highway and Isaac Brock Blvd. Getting to Canada Games Park is very easy.  Highway 406 is due east of Canada Games Park and is the main north-south artery for the region.  There is free parking on site, and enough that finding a spot should not be an issue. For fans wishing to take public transit, some buses run along both Merrittville Highway and Isaac Brock Blvd.  Fans should check the Niagara Region Transit  website for fares, schedules, and maps.  With its modern design, traversing the Algoma Central Arena and Walker Sports and Abilities Centre is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the Badgers are $15 for adults, with discounts for seniors and youth.  Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door.  Parking is free at Canada Games Park, and concession prices are decent.  The quality of play on the ice is strong, and Brock routinely ices a competitive team.  Overall, the Badgers provide a solid return on investment for the sports fan. Extras 2 An extra mark for Michael Nicholson, who became the 1st black player to captain a Canadian college in 1969. An extra mark for the Steel Blade Classic, which has become one of the premier USports hockey games in the country. Final Thoughts Taking in a Brock Badgers hockey game will give the fans the opportunity to catch a consistently competitive hockey team play in a bright, clean, and comfortable setting.  It is worth checking out the Niagara Region and Brock University for a bit of Brockey Night in Canada. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Scotiabank Arena 40 Bay St Toronto, ON M5J 2X2 Canada Toronto Maple Leafs website Scotiabank Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,800 Leafs Forever There are few sports franchises in the world that are as iconic as the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Their brand is intertwined with Toronto and Canada in a fashion that is only enjoyed by the truly historic and elite franchises.  Founded in 1917 as the Toronto Arenas, the Leafs have a rich history and revered place among the “Original Six” franchises.  The testament of this history is found in the eleven Stanley Cup banners that hang in the rafters, nine after the team was rebranded as the Maple Leafs in 1927.  The Maple Leafs juggernaut is helmed by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), a unique conglomerate formerly owned by corporate rivals Rogers Communications and Bell Canada and Larry Tannenbaum.  In 2024, it was announced that Rogers was buying out Bell to the tune of nearly $5 billion, essentially giving Rogers full control of the Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto Marlies, Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts and Scotiabank Arena.  This does not include the Rogers Centre and Toronto Blue Jays, which Rogers owns separately. The venerable home for the Leafs for decades was the “Cashbox on Carlton,” Maple Leaf Gardens.  In 1999, the Leafs moved closer to the lake, directly west of the CN Tower to the former Toronto Canada Post Delivery Building, which is currently known as Scotiabank Arena. It is difficult to argue that there is a better-located facility in the NHL, and the building is constantly changing for the betterment of the fan experience.  All that remains is for the Leafs to get that elusive Stanley Cup back under the blue and white banner. Food & Beverage 5 Scotiabank Arena offers a culinary experience that is as good as any franchise in sports.  MLSE is very conscious of the concessions that it offers and the Scotiabank Arena website provides a comprehensive accounting of all of the options.  All of the expected staples are available, usually found in the Food Junction stands.  Also new to Scotiabank Arena are a few grab and go areas.  There are many specialty stands throughout the area that take the culinary experience to the next level.  Some of these include Cherry Street BBQ, Chingchein Rice Dog, Kibo Sushi, Hogtown Gourmet Hot Dogs, Hot Stove Carve, Molson Canadian Brewhouse, Pizza Pizza, The Poutinerie, St. Patties, Tim Hortons and Wicked Carib.  There are also a number of premium dining experiences as well as six different bars.  Overall, it seems that there is little a fan could want that is not on the menu. Atmosphere 5 Scotiabank Arena provides one of the best atmospheres in the NHL.  Located on Bay Street, the Scotiabank Arena really should be approached from the west, which is Maple Leaf Square.  The main entrance from the square features a massive videoboard above the entrances.  Maple Leaf Square is the location where fans of the Leafs and Raptors congregate to watch the game outside during the playoffs.  Highlights of the Scotiabank Arena exterior are the “Search Light Star Light Spot Light'' structure, which is actually part of the original Air Canada Centre logo, and Maple Leafs’ Legends Row.  The most honoured Maple Leaf players are immortalized in a series of bronze statues that not only cross eras but seemingly interact with each other.  Frank Mahovlich, Wendel Clark, Dave Keon, George Armstrong, Johnny Bower, Red Kelly, Charlie Conacher, Teeder Kennedy, Tim Horton, Turk Broda, Syl Apps, Mats Sundin, Borje Salming and Daryl Sitler are all part of the fantasy team. The summer of 2025 saw a significant renovation to Scotiabank Arena, which sometimes seems to be perennially under construction. The lower level concourse was a focus for this round.  LED ribbon boards, and a refresh of the concourse improves the cleanliness of the arena.  At Gate 5, a new production area for the pregame show, Gate 5 Live has been completed and the Union Station gate now has an innovative LED ceiling for fans to marvel at as they enter.  The concourse does have a modern fresh look, however, the tunnel entries to the seating bowl, which used to feature a variety of pictures of important Scotiabank Arena moments have been replaced with a benign, uniform mosaic consistent with the Scotiabank Arena brand.  The most recent renovation also included a revamping of the 500 and 600 level suites.  Up next is the 300 level concourse amongst other changes.  The full renovation rundown can be found on the Scotiabank Arena website. When entering the two tier seating bowl, fans are bombarded with the history and accomplishments of the Toronto Maple Leafs.  The two early Stanley Cup banners from the Arenas in 1918 and 1922 as the St. Pats, hang at the north side of the arena, starting from the east.  These are followed to the west by the nine Maple Leafs Stanley Cup banners including 1932, 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1962, 1964, and 1967.  Each banner features a picture of what the trophy looked like when presented that year.  On the opposite, south side hang the banners of the retired numbers for the Maple Leafs.  Hockey legends Frank, Mahovlich, Wendel Clark, Dave Keon, George Armstron, Charlie Conacher, King Clancy, Ace Bailey, Red Kelly, Johnny Bower, Turk Broda, Hap Day, Bill Barilko, Tim Horton, Teeder Kennedy, Syl Apps, Mats Sundin, Borje Salming Darryl Sittler and Doug Gilmour all have a home here.  These banners have an appropriate home right in front of the Foster Hewitt Memorial Gondola, where the various press sit.  The ice runs from east to west with the perfect center ice picture coming from the south side. The Maple Leafs also provide a solid game day production, which deftly melds the tradition with the modern.  LED projectors are used liberally in the pregame to show images on the ice surface.  The updated 600 level has a permanent home for the in house DJ, Summerknocks, who takes song requests on social media.  Organist Jimmy Holmstrom plays throughout the stoppages in play.  Each game the Leafs honour a member of the military with a spotlight and a member of the Leafs Alumni presenting a jersey from the stands.  The Leafs mascot, Carlton, interacts with fans and shoots t-shirts into the crowd and participates in promotions.  The Leafs are flanked by minor hockey players swinging their flags as the home team enters the ice.  Overall the Leafs’ production is not over the top as it is in some other markets and feels that it is just about at the right point.  Neighbourhood 5 Scotiabank Arena has a prime location that is second to none in the National Hockey League.  Scotiabank Arena is located right in the heart of the excitement in Toronto, one of the top tourist cities in North America.  Toronto is a vastly cosmopolitan city that offers just about anything that visitors could want. The restaurant scene in Toronto is fantastic and there are a multitude of pre and post game spots for food and drink within mere steps of Scotiabank Arena.  Real Sports is located right in Maple Leaf Square as is e11even.  The Loose Moose, The Fox, Miller Tavern, Taverna Mercatto, and Kellys Landing, to name a few,  are all great options that are within walking distance.  A unique dining experience fans could choose to partake in is at the top of the CN Tower which features excellent food and the best view of the city there is.  Toronto is also a sports fan haven as there are a ton of other sporting options.  Scotiabank Arena is shared with the Toronto Raptors  of the NBA.  Just down the road is Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays  of MLB.  Heading west along Lakeshore Blvd. will bring fans to Exhibition Place which has BMO Field and Coca-Cola Coliseum on the grounds.  These are the homes of the Toronto Argonauts , Toronto FC  and Toronto Marlies .  A pilgrimage to the old Maple Leaf Gardens may be of interest.  The hockey  and basketball  teams of Toronto Metropolitan University can be found here.  Just north is the University of Toronto where the Varsity Blues have a variety of athletic teams including hockey , basketball  and football . There are plenty of other tourist destinations in the immediate area.  The CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium are worth checking out.  The Eaton Centre is an iconic Toronto shopping destination and there are always events going on at Harbourfront.  However, any fan reading this review must take a trip to see the hallowed Hockey Hall of Fame .  Just a few blocks from Scotiabank Arena, it is arguably as good as Cooperstown and warrants multiple trips. For fans wishing to stay near the Scotiabank Arena, the Westin Harbour Castle is close.  However, any downtown option will be on the pricey side. Fans 4 Toronto Maple Leaf fans are among the most loyal and ardent in the NHL.  The fanbase has ached for a Stanley Cup since the last one was won in 1967, but the attendance at Scotiabank Arena and Maple Leaf Gardens before that, has never fallen off.  At the time of writing, at the beginning of the 2025-26 season, the Leafs averaged almost 18,600 and ranked 6th in the league.  The previous two seasons, the Leafs averaged over 18,000 fans per game and ranked in the top 10 in the league.  Leaf fans are a notoriously quiet group and have a reputation as being more corporate than raucous.  It is not unusual for the opening faceoff of the game or a period to be met with a half-full lower bowl.    Access 4 Getting to the Scotiabank Arena by car will force fans to traverse the Toronto traffic, which can be a real challenge.  The Lakeshore is quite far from Highway 401 in the north, so using Lakeshore Blvd or the Gardiner Expressway to travel east or west along the lake will be required.  There are plenty of parking options around which can be found for $20 or more.  The real travesty is that the City of Toronto has not taken any lessons from other cities when events are put on.  Upon exiting Scotiabank Arena, Toronto Police are not present aiding in the movement of traffic, leaving drivers on their own to get out of downtown.  On the plus side, public transit downtown is very good.  Union Station is attached to the Scotiabank Arena.  TTC subways and GO Transit trains along with Via Rail trains can be found here.  Fans should check the TTC or GO Transit  websites for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around the Scotiabank Arena is not terribly difficult, however fans need to keep in mind that there is rarely less than a full house in the arena and intermissions will be congested.  Washroom facilities are more than adequate, but will have lineups during intermissions as well.  With security protocols and procedures in constant flux, Stadium Journey strongly suggests visiting the Toronto Maple Leafs  and Scotiabank Arena  websites for the most up to date security information before heading to the arena. Return on Investment 3 The Maple Leafs are possibly the most expensive experience in the NHL.  For the 2023-24 Fan Cost Index, the Leafs topped the charts with over $700 on the index.  For a comparison, the NHL average was just $432.  Tickets for the Leafs are generally hard to come by, other than the secondary market.  Dynamic pricing does make pinning down a price difficult, however, for a mid-week game, against an opponent that would not be considered premium, standing room starts at $85.  Seats in the upper bowl start at $115 and seats in the lower bowl start at $200 and travel north to around $425.  Although concessions are top notch, fans will still pay premium prices.  Parking is not cheap downtown either.  Make no mistake, the experience at a Leafs game is solid, but fans will definitely pay for the privilege. Extras 3 An extra mark for the new Scotiabank Arena Tours which give fans a look behind the scenes that they have never had before at Toronto’s premier arena. An extra mark for Joe Bowen, the iconic Toronto Maple Leafs broadcaster who has been the play by play voice of the team since 1982.  The 2025-26 season will see the curtain fall on his legendary career and one final “Holy Makenah!”, his personal catchphrase. An extra mark for the continued rivalries the Leafs have with so many teams including the Red Wings, Senators, Sabres and of course, the Canadiens. Final Thoughts All hockey fans should consider making a pilgrimage to see the Toronto Maple Leafs and extend the trip to see the city of Toronto and especially the Hockey Hall of Fame.  Scotiabank Arena remains among the premier venues in the league and MLSE has done a spectacular job keeping the arena relevant for the last two decades and continuing to revamp and upgrade the experience. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena 55 Parkside St Minden, ON K0M 2K0 Haliburton County Huskies website S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity : 390 Sled Dogs The Haliburton County Huskies are a bit of a curiosity in the OJHL.  The most northern team, located in the town of Minden in Haliburton County, the Huskies are not too far from the most southern teams of the adjacent Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League (NOJHL).  They also have one of the smallest population bases in the league and the smallest arena capacities.  However, they are located in Haliburton County and have been there since 2021, and are the pride of the area.  The current Huskies were founded as the Oshawa Crushmen in 1965 as a Junior B franchise.  They were purchased by hockey’s Primeau brothers, Wayne and Keith, and renamed the Oshawa Fury after their equipment company.  They were moved to Whitby in 2008 and then eventually sold and moved to Haliburton County.  The Fury moved to Junior A and the current OJHL in 1998.  The current owner of the Huskies is Paul Wilson. Home for the Huskies is the S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena.  A newer facility, built in 2020, the arena is named after Sinclair George Nesbitt, who was Reeve of Minden and also held a number of administrative roles in the area.  The arena has a small capacity of 390 and shares space with the Minden Hills Community Centre. Food & Beverage 2 Nesbitt Arena has a small snack bar upstairs, adjacent to the Blueline Club.  There is a lack of a visual menu and price list, but a small selection of snacks is available, including chips, cookies, soda, chocolate, coffee, and hot chocolate.  The Blueline Club is across the hall, above the lobby in the west end, and serves a variety of alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 3 S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena is part of the recreation complex.  It definitely has a Northern Ontario look to it.  The main entry is an attractive grey brick under a peaked canopy with wooden support beams.  The rest of the exterior is a mix of brown brick, grey siding at the top, and windows.  Once inside, the Northern Ontario vibe continues with attractive wooden beams supporting a peaked atrium, accented with grey brick.  Fans are met with a temporary ticket table as well as a number of tables with Haliburton County Huskies swag.  Trophy cases dedicated to the Huskies are right at the door and are also found upstairs, where the main entry into the arena is found.  A hockey stick from local NHL product Cody Hodgson is among the most treasured artifacts.  The upper trophy case features a Haliburton Huskies leather jacket from their 1971 Junior D Championship team.  To the left of the main entry is a framed jersey for the retirement of Huskies’ Patrick Saini, who holds the franchise record for scoring. Inside the arena, fans are struck with a significant temperature drop.  Nesbitt Arena is one of the coldest rinks anywhere.  The ice surface is west-to-east oriented, with the seating found only on the south side.  The small nature of the community is really felt in the seating area, as there are only three rows of plastic arena seats.  Standing room with drink rails is also behind the seating.  The seating area is elevated high above ice level, giving the arena great sightlines.  Fans are also able to stand behind the glass at ice level.  The Blueline Club is the perfect place for fans who can’t handle the cold temperatures.  The Haliburton Highlands Sports Hall of Fame is of note on the south wall.  A little exploring will find the 1970-71 Junior D Haliburton Huskies, who won the area’s only junior championship, Cody Hodgson, and favourite son, Bernie Nicholls.  A simple hockey score clock hangs on the east wall to the left of a large Huskies banner.  The ceiling is light coloured aluminum siding.  This is of note because the acoustics are not terrific in the arena.  Announcements can be difficult to understand.  Overall, the arena is bright and clean and looks brand new. Neighbourhood 3 S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena is located in the town of Minden, part of the greater Haliburton County.  It would be considered right in the middle of cottage country.  Minden Hills, being only a town of almost 7,000, options for food and drink in town are fairly limited.  Some options include Boshkung Brewing Co., Mark’s Restaurant, Swan’s Thai Cuisine, Mulligan’s Pub, and Burnt Crust Pizzeria.  The Huskies are really the only game in town for the sports fan.  Haliburton County is definitely an outdoor area, so many other tourist options are tied to the outdoors.  Minden River Walk, Minden Boardwalk, and Nature’s Place Interpretive Centre are options.  There are a few independent inns and motels for those who wish to stay in the area. Fans 4 The Haliburton County Huskies occupy one of the smallest arenas and smallest population centres in the OJHL.  Keeping that in mind, the fan support the team enjoys is significant.  At the time of writing, early in the 2025-26 season, the Huskies averaged 418 fans per game.  This is higher than the seating capacity of the arena and ranked 4th in the OJHL.  The Huskies consistently rank in the top five in average attendance per game.  There were 385 fans at the game that was reviewed.  The fans at Haliburton County are fairly quiet and reserved, and not atypical of Ontario fans.   Access 3 The S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena is located in the Town of Minden, in the Township of Minden Hills in Haliburton County, which is pretty huge. The arena is just west of Highway 35, which is a two-lane highway.  During the autumn, the drive into town will be gorgeous with all of the changing leaves; however, driving in during the winter could be more problematic with winter conditions.  There is plenty of parking on site, and parking in the lower lot where the main arena entrance is found is advised.  There is no public transit option in Minden.  The amenities in S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena are very good, and it is one of the cleanest arenas that one will find in this league.  The arena is very cold, and there are no gas heaters above the seating area.  When choosing a seat, fans should be aware of stickers on seats delineating reserved seats for season ticket holders.  The washroom facilities are good, and other than the temperature, the arena is very comfortable. Return on Investment 5 Haliburton County Huskies hockey provides an excellent value for the sporting dollar.  Tickets for the Huskies are $15 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors.  Tickets are available at the door,, and cash or card is accepted.  Parking is free at the arena.  The product on the ice is solid, and the facility is clean and comfortable.  Haliburton County also provides a small-town feel to the production that is fairly unique and refreshing for the OJHL.  Overall, the Huskies are a great experience for the dollar. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Minden Hills Recreation Complex, which includes S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena as a community hub. An extra mark for the community focus and small centre in Haliburton County, unique in the OJHL. An extra mark for the beautiful autumn colours that fans can enjoy when driving into town during the appropriate season. Final Thoughts Although it may be the smallest centre in the OJHL, the Haliburton County Huskies are putting together a big-time experience.  S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena is one of the cleanest, brightest facilities in the league and fans will have a wonderful time at a Huskies game.  Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Five Star Stadium 1327 Stadium Dr Macon, GA 31207 Mercer Bears website Five Star Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 10,200 Football in the Core of the Peach State Founded in 1833 and renowned for its doctoral research, Mercer has served the South and is the oldest private institution in the state of Georgia. The Mercer Bears football team has certainly had a strange timeline in its existence, or more accurately, nonexistence. Originally known as the Mercer Baptists, the school first fielded a team in 1891 but did not consistently have a team until 1906. Mercer dropped its team for both World Wars, but unlike the first, it did not reinstate the Bears after the Second World War. It wasn’t until 2013 when the Bears made their return to College Football in the newly built Five Star Stadium, and now in 2025, they find themselves as one of the premier programs in the SoCon. Food & Beverage 4 The food options at Five Star Stadium are about what you would expect for a college football game. All the basics can be found at the five brick-and-mortar concession stands, two of them on the visitor’s side, and three along the home stand. In addition to the basics, nestled in the southeastern corner of the stadium is a BBQ smoker with sandwiches and nachos, adjacent to a very popular Kona Ice Truck. Fall Line Brewing has two tents with local draft beer on draft, one smaller one on the away side, and a larger tent on the home end. There is also a wine tent alongside each Fall line tent offering standard pours in addition to frozen wines. Atmosphere 3 The University puts a solid effort into creating the gameday experience, which begins way before the gates even open.  There is a large green space adjacent to the stadium where the university puts on a sponsored tailgate. The combined effort of fans and local vendors, and the school creates a fun pregame atmosphere for both families and warm keg-drinking college students alike. Five Star Stadium’s brick facade does a perfect job of blending into the beautiful Mercer campus. The stadium itself is entirely bleacher seating with backs, with two tiers along the home side, and a single tier along the away side. They do the job and provide quality sightlines from any angle. In the endzones are two grass hills, the fans often populate instead of bleachers, with the south endzone providing shade on the sweltering Georgia early-season games. The student section and Mercer band reside on the away side, leaving the home side to alumni and locals alike. The Bears will play a hype video before the team exits the locker room. It is nothing notable, but it certainly gets the job done. During the game, there will be small promotions sponsored by local businesses, and the music played in breaks is not loud by any standard. It does not feel like the stadium is able to hold in too much noise, as it was pretty quiet during the game, but that could have just been due to the opponent, as the Bears were clearly the dominant team after five minutes of the game. Neighborhood 4 The Mercer campus is beautiful. Clean orange brick is the foundation for seemingly every building on campus, and there are plenty of green areas and lots for tailgating. All of Mercer’s athletic facilities (baseball, basketball, softball, soccer, etc.) are in the vicinity of the football stadium. The walk downtown is about 25 minutes from the stadium; it is nothing bad, and the sidewalk is well-maintained. If willing to make the walk, Fall Line Brewing in downtown Macon is an excellent before or postgame location. In terms of beer, their black IPA is unique and amazing, and the kitchen in the back makes a mouthwatering Ruben. Downtown is littered with local restaurants, so you will certainly find something that suits your fancy by merely looking at Google Maps. There is a Hilton Garden Inn right next to the stadium on campus, but no stress if it is fully booked on gameday. Macon is the largest city in central Georgia, so hotels and Airbnb are plentiful. Be sure to check if any events are happening at the Macon Coliseum, as it is home to the SPHL’s Macon Mayhem and many concerts. Fans 3 Mercer is the largest school in central Georgia, and has a prominent local and alumni support alike. So far this season, the Bears are averaging 9,252 fans per game, putting them at 90% capacity average on the season. Marquee conference games obviously have a larger draw than others. While they do tend to show up in numbers, the fans that do attend are not the loudest in the country by any means. It feels like a very relaxed, family-like atmosphere at the game. On that note, the student turnout was the only disappointing aspect of the crowd. Granted, we shouldn’t knock the crowd on their intensity in this game, because they were playing a far lesser team, and it never really felt like a competition. Access 4 Getting to and around Five Star Stadium is a seamless process. The campus and stadium are right off I-75 on “Mercer University Drive”. Once you take this exit, there are many street signs that direct you to different game day parking options, all very close to the stadium, and be sure to bring cash, because all parking is $10 and is cash only. On the Mercer athletics website, there is also a parking map if you have a specific parking lot or area in mind. The stadium concourse is one level, simple and spacious, allowing for easy access to all points in the stadium. There are three restrooms along the home side at two in the away end, just like the concession stands. Across from a home side concession stand, there is a “Bear Wear” window selling official Mercer apparel. Return on Investment 4 A Mercer football game doesn’t necessarily have to hurt the wallet; it is very affordable compared to other teams in the state. The SoCon certainly isn’t the premier conference in FCS, but it is far from the worst, and at this moment in time, the Mercer Bears are one of the top teams in the country. Ticket prices start at $8 for berm seating, $25 for general admission away end, $25 reserved upper, $35 reserved lower, and $35 ADA. If you don’t mind sitting on the berm, the $8 is of great value, but if you prefer a bleacher, then I recommend going for a reserved upper ticket, as the sightlines are great and you get a little breeze. Concessions are more than reasonable; cheeseburgers and hot dogs are the most expensive at $6, nachos are $5, and smaller snacks, waters, and drinks round out at $4. As mentioned before, be sure to bring $10 cash for parking. It isn’t anything insanely cheap, but for the experience, the price proves to be well worth it. Extras 2 There is not much in terms of extras for the stadium. It does seem a little strange that the press box is on the away end, which seems to be unique to Five Star Stadium. Final Thoughts Mercer has done a very impressive job of making Mercer a football school, and the city seems to reflect the same buy-in.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 GCU Arena 3300 W Camelback Rd Phoenix, AZ 85017 GCU Antelopes Volleyball website GCU Arena website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 7,000 It's Canyon Time Grand Canyon University is a large private Christian university located north of downtown Phoenix, AZ. 20,000 students attend the physical campus, with another 70,000 doing so online. The university opened in 1949 and has been located in Phoenix since 1951. Grand Canyon University has been controversial in that it has held a for-profit status for many years. The school is trying to shed that status, but so far, the federal government is not convinced. That for-profit status has made some other colleges unhappy about Grand Canyon playing NCAA basketball, although recently, much of that controversy has been cooling. Grand Canyon University offers over 200 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs through its nine colleges. Grand Canyon University is a member of the NCAA Division I, with most sports participating in the Mountain West Conference. The school's mascot is the Antelope. One of the most famous alumni is comedian Bill Engvall, while businessman Jerry Colangelo is maybe the person most known as having a Grand Canyon affiliation. The Global Credit Union Arena, most often referred to as the GCU Arena, was opened in 2011. Just over three years after opening, GCU Arena closed on March 3, 2014, to undergo a massive remodel that saw an addition of 2,000 more seats. Food & Beverage 3 The arena has two concession stands for volleyball matches, offering a decent amount of food offerings at a very good value. Pepsi is the cola brand of choice, and there is no alcohol sold. Atmosphere 4 It is quite weird that a new arena went through a massive remodeling so soon after it opened, but the additions made a very good arena even better, as well as larger. The new upper deck addition did create some weird things in the GCU Arena. The upper deck itself has some support straps that hang into view, but luckily, they don’t impede views much. There is a band, cheerleaders, and a team mascot who liven the place up a bit. There are nice scoreboards and video boards around the venue to enhance the experience. Neighborhood 3 Grand Canyon University is located in a very urban and sometimes rough neighborhood. There may not be too many local establishments that a sports fan will enjoy in the direct area, so it may be best to do those kinds of things away from the arena. The university claims to have lowered crime rates in the area, as well as increased property prices. The university also does a good job of engaging and working with the local neighborhood to try to become a good neighbor. You may want to look at options in downtown Phoenix for pre- or post-game options. Fans 4 The crowds are not nearly as intense as for basketball games, but you will still see a pretty decent crowd that stays engaged and active throughout the match. Access 4 The university is located north of downtown along 33rd Avenue. The access to the area is good, and the free parking at either the large garage off of 33rd Avenue or other nearby parking lots makes getting to a game fairly easy. Security checks are outside of the arena itself and make it an easy way in to the venue. Return on Investment 5 The Antelopes offer fairly cheap tickets, sometimes far under $20. With the decently priced concessions and the free parking, the return on investment here is strong. . Extras 4 The Jerry Colangelo Museum is located next to the arena and showcases items from the businessman’s life and career in and outside of basketball. Colangelo was a star basketball player at Illinois as well as being identified with the United States Olympic Team. A vault of Bibles is buried underneath the center court. The unique upper deck and related seating make for some interesting extras to see here at the GCU Arena. There is a very good team store located at the entrance level of the arena. Final Thoughts GCU Arena is a gem of an arena that offers a great volleyball atmosphere.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sweeney Field 5600 City Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19131 St. Joseph’s Hawks website Sweeney Field website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 3,000 Hawks Soccer in Philly Located on the campus of St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Sweeney Field has been home to ten different Hawks sports teams for almost a hundred years of use. Today, the stadium hosts the Hawks' soccer and lacrosse programs as well as track and field meets. This review will focus on the experience at a soccer match. The stadium has undergone many renovations over the years, most recently in 2013 when it was extensively expanded. At the same time, it was renamed after Sean Sweeney, a member of the Board of Trustees and a benefactor who made the expansion possible. Food & Beverage 1 There is no concession stand at Sweeney Field. Vending machines are available in a student lounge in adjacent Mandeville Hall. There is also a "provisions shop" that appears to sell food, but this was closed on weekends, including when we went, as it is targeted at students and not many of them are in academic buildings then. Atmosphere 3 Sweeney Field is a pretty basic stadium with several rows of bleachers. Fans enter from the top and can walk down to wherever they want to sit. Light poles may obstruct some of the action as they are located in front of some of the seats. However, this is easily avoidable. St. Joseph's is legendary for their mascot, The Hawk, who shows up and flaps his wings for the entire game, never stopping. The mascot's motto is "The Hawk Will Never Die," and he is indeed present at soccer matches, flapping his wings. However, when we attended, he left early, possibly due to the weather. Neighborhood 4 St. Joseph's is one of Philadelphia's Big Five colleges, and Sweeney Field is located on the Hawk Hill campus in Philadelphia, near the western edge of the city. St. Joseph's straddles the line between Philadelphia and Merion Station, with Sweeney Field falling just inside the city limits. Merion is considered part of Philadelphia's Main Line, a wealthy area on the west side of the city. Despite The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air giving West Philadelphia a bad rap (figuratively speaking - we have nothing against the theme song), this is one of the nicest parts of the metro area. You will find many restaurants and hotels along Route 1 (known as City Avenue as it passes by the campus, but several other names in different places), a short walk or drive from Sweeney Field. You will find everything from pizza to Mexican to delis to classic Philadelphia cheesesteaks. It's a more suburban feel than downtown, but it's a nice enough place to hang out before or after a game. Fans 4 Sweeney Field seats about 3,000 fans, which is far too big for the crowds the Hawks typically draw. When we visited, only a few hundred fans were in attendance, many of them from a youth sports group that had shown up as a big group. Many of the fans are friends and family of the players or are alumni themselves. It is good to see former players still interested in the team they once played for, but it would be nice to see bigger crowds at such a large stadium. Access 4 The St. Joseph's campus is easily accessible from I-95 and I-76, and Route 1 runs right through campus, so you should have no trouble getting here. Parking is available in large lots next to the stadium for free, and in the Hawks Landing Garage across the street for about $3-$5, depending on how long you park for. Restrooms are available adjacent to the stadium in Mandeville Hall. They were more than spacious enough for the soccer crowds on the Saturday when we visited, but on a weekday when there are students in the building attending classes, it may be different. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to regular-season games at Sweeney Field, though the policy may vary for Atlantic 10 or NCAA postseason events. Parking is free as well. Overall, a St. Joseph's soccer game is an excellent value. Extras 2 The legendary Hawk mascot is worthy of an extra star here. His endless wing-flapping is an impressive feat for the person in the costume. A second star for the Hawk statues on either side of the bleachers at the top of the seating area, watching over the field like sentries. A third and final star for a merchandise table selling Hawks athletic gear. Final Thoughts Sweeney Field is a nice soccer stadium, but unfortunately is far too big for the crowds the St. Joseph's Hawks draw. There is a lot of potential here, and if fans would show up in larger numbers, this would be an even better place to watch some college soccer.

With this episode of the Stadium Journey podcast, recorded on April Fools Day, we look at some of the biggest fools in sports.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photo Courtesy of   Mortenson, SRG Partnership, and Populous The Hillsboro Hops, High-A affiliate, of the Arizona Diamondbacks broke ground on their new $120 million stadium today. The ceremonies took place next to the team's current ballpark Ron Tonkin Field.. Hops officials stated that a new stadium was the only solution, based on MLB guidelines for its minor league facilities.  Ron Tonkin Field needs improvements, including a female dressing room for umpires, a weight room, a visitors clubhouse, bigger clubhouses, new training and nutrition spaces, and a covered batting cage.  The $120 million to construct the new ballpark that hopes to be complete for the Hops 2026 Northwest League season comes from the following: $82 million comes from bonds backed by the stadium’s future revenue $15 appropriation from the Oregon Legislature $8 million from Washington County $2 million from Tualatin Valley, a non-profit that promotes tourism in the region According to the team’s website, the new 7,000-seat stadium will be designed as a year-round outdoor entertainment venue for concerts, festivals, community events, and amateur baseball games.  Ron Tonkin Field will remain standing and provide a host site for destination events like the Little League Baseball World Series, as well as high school and college baseball and softball games. Design-builder Mortenson, SRG Partnership, and Populous will design the new stadium. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Rumors are in the air about Major League Baseball adding a pair of teams in the near future. The gang discussed their thoughts about who is in line to get a team, ponders if there be any surprises, and where will these new teams play before a ballpark is built? Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Tuesday night at 7PM eastern at danlaw.tv .

With only 2 weeks remaining in the season, there is still one spot left up for grabs in the CFL playoffs. The race for the top seed in the West Division remains tight after BC’s win last week, with the Blue Bombers and Lions tied at 12 wins each – Winnipeg has 2 games left while BC only has 1 remaining. Friday the 13th proved unlucky for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, as they fell to the BC Lions 33-30 on a last-second field goal – the clock had seemingly gone to zero and the home crowd was gearing up for overtime, but the refs determined there was 1 second left on the clock, allowing the Lions to attempt the go-ahead score. Fortunately for Hamilton fans, however, the Ti-Cats had already clinched a playoff berth weeks ago, leaving them still in the hunt for the Grey Cup despite Friday night’s loss. The Tiger-Cats are currently sitting third in the East Division, several games ahead of the hapless Redblacks, who lost to the top-seed-in-the-East Toronto Argonauts last week. The last playoff spot left is the third seed in the West – if the Roughriders can manage to beat the Argos this week the spot will be theirs, but a loss opens the door for either the Elks or Stampeders. Saskatchewan, Edmonton, and Calgary are all well below five hundred on the season, with the Roughriders having the best record of the three at 6 and 11.

The Arena Football League is starting back up again, and Tim Capper joins us to give us the ins and outs of the new league, and what to expect.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Coach Eric Eaton ( @Coach_EE_ ), now in his seventh season as the head basketball coach at St. Michael’s College in Vermont, led the Purple Knights to the Sweet Sixteen in 2023-24, their best finish in 23 years. Days before his team's regular season tip-off, Coach Eaton took a few moments to discuss what he loves. St. Michael's 2025-2026 Basketball Schedule   STADIUM JOURNEY: Let's rewind a little. Describe the magic of the recent Sweet Sixteen run? How special was it?  COACH ERIC EATON: The 23-24 season was amazing and had so many special moments. We had a great group of guys who genuinely cared about each other and had a collective drive to win. They rallied around raising the level and the standards of the program, and they did exactly that. The response and support we had on campus and in the community was tremendous. There was a true college basketball atmosphere in our gym, and it was so much fun to play in front of our professors, friends, and family. It’s a season I’ll never forget.   STADIUM JOURNEY: More recently, you upset the neighboring D1 Vermont Catamounts (UVM) in a preseason game. Preseason or not, that W must've been extra sweet. How much contact do the two programs have? COACH ERIC EATON: It was a great night for our program and school to beat one of the winningest mid majors in the country. UVM Basketball has been elite for 20 years, and it’s been fun to watch when I was at D1 and now across town at Saint Michael’s. I’m good friends with Coach Becker and his staff and I have the utmost respect for them. I think it’s a great game for the state and the basketball fans in the area.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Just this year, you played a few games in Montreal. How did that go? COACH ERIC EATON: The games in Montreal were great for us. We played against some tough, well coached teams and were fortunate to win all four games. It gave us a chance to start practicing early and to get a window into what we can be. It’s also a beautiful city to visit with amazing food and culture.   STADIUM JOURNEY: How much if any NIL is there in D2 college basketball? Has it arrived? COACH ERIC EATON: NIL is already at the D2 level with many schools having their own collectives. It is undoubtedly going to continue to impact our level for years to come. It’s a change in CBB that we as coaches need to adapt to or get left behind.   STADIUM JOURNEY: In this day and age, do coaches still visit recruits at their homes or is it mostly Zoom visits? COACH ERIC EATON: I think coaches still do home visits if they have the budget and time. It’s a very personal way to inform an athlete about their school and program and allows a family to see a personal side of a coach and their staff. Zoom meetings definitely have added a high level of accessibility, but I still prefer the personal connection and interaction of face to face visits.   STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your "living room" pitch to a recruit? Why should they choose St. Michael's College? COACH ERIC EATON: The short answer: Saint Michael’s is a wonderful school with a challenging educational experience. It’s a true community where professors, advisors and staff sincerely care about our students’ success as people. We take great pride in our basketball program being a “players program.” We expect a high level of accountability amongst our guys. We do our best to push them to find out how hard they can work and how great they can be, and we want them to carry that work ethic with them when they graduate.   STADIUM JOURNEY: In your coaching journey, you've been an assistant at a few places (Iona, Quinnipiac,Albany, Holy Cross). Who were your main coaching mentors? Who shaped Coach Eric Eaton? COACH ERIC EATON: The first coach who impacted me as a player was my high school JV coach at Doherty HS, Ed Capstick. He was tough and expected a lot. He taught me to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I played for the legend, Tom Blackburn at Worcester Academy. Coach Blackburn showed me how to handle myself with class and how to push myself to that next level. As a coach, my first D1 job was with Ralph Willard at Holy Cross, who gave me the tools to create the foundation of who I am as a coach. He preached organization, urgency and forward thinking. He asked you to think like a head coach while learning to be a great assistant. Will Brown at UAlbany and Tom Moore at Quinnipiac allowed me to be myself and to have a voice within the programs they led. They allowed me to really grow and build a trust level with them. Tim Cluess at Iona had a huge impact on me. His passion, toughness and relentlessness is so infectious. He re-energized me and helped me take a big step toward being a head coach. Nobody was happier for me when I got the job here at SMC. Finally, is my close friend, Sean Doherty. Sean is one of the kindest and most loyal people I have ever known. He also isn’t afraid to tell you the truth when you need to hear it. Sean was instrumental in my journey as a coach, and I wouldn’t be here without him.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Your sons (Evan and Owen) are going through the college basketball recruiting process right now. What's it like to be on the other end, a parent, not a coach? COACH ERIC EATON: It’s interesting to see the other side of recruiting as a parent. I’m fortunate to be able to offer them “inside” info into the process and I’m proud of how they’ve handled everything in a challenging time for high school kids to get recruited. To their credit, they’ve worked very hard on their games and in the weightroom, and I think their best basketball is ahead of them.   STADIUM JOURNEY: If I didn't mention this, I would be remiss. Sadly, St. Michael's alum and ardent supporter Rich Tarrant Senior, a former Hall of Fame Purple Knight basketball player, passed away somewhat recently. Is the team doing anything special to honor Mr. Tarrant this season? COACH ERIC EATON: Mr. Tarrant was a titan in the state of Vermont and his impact here will be felt for generations. He was very kind to me, and I really appreciated his love for SMC and our Basketball Program. We honored him on campus a few weeks back.   STADIUM JOURNEY: So, if someone's planning a trip up to northern Vermont, what spots should be on their itinerary? COACH ERIC EATON: Obviously, a Saint Michael’s basketball game is a must stop. Downtown Burlington has a lot of great spots for food, shopping and a beverage any time of year. In the summer, I enjoy the lake where there are some great spots right on the water. If you’re looking for a good lunch grab a sandwich from our friend Tom at Jersey Mike’s (South Burlington). I’m all about the Philly steak or chicken. The Windjammer is a good spot for a pre or postgame beverage. And the best ice cream around is at the Village Scoop.   STADIUM JOURNEY: What can fans expect attending a St. Michael's College basketball game? COACH ERIC EATON: You’ll see a team that plays very hard and with passion. We take great pride in the name across our chest. You’ll also see a very high level of college basketball in the NE10. It’s a great league with some very talented players and excellent coaching. Jon Hart is ManversusBall

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hotchkiss Field 800 Florida Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002 Gallaudet Bison website Hotchkiss Field website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 1,500 Bisons Of DC Gallaudet University was founded in 1864 in Washington, D.C. as the only college in the United States exclusively for deaf and hard-of-hearing students. Since then, it has grown to almost 2,000 students. Gallaudet’s athletic teams, known as the Bison, compete in the NCAA at the Division III level. Most of Gallaudet's athletic teams compete in the United East conference, but as the UEC does not sponsor football, the Bison compete in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) for that sport. Hotchkiss Field on the Gallaudet campus is home to the Bisons' football program. It was here at Gallaudet that the football huddle was invented in 1894. The Bison were playing another deaf team and were concerned that they would see the play calls in American Sign Language (ASL) - an early instance of sign stealing in sports. So quarterback Paul Hubbard gathered the team in a tight circle around him, preventing the other team from seeing anything and giving birth to the modern-day huddle. Over a century later, this small Division III school continues to be a source of innovation in college football. In response to a much more modern version of sign stealing, the NCAA recently allowed one player per team on each side of the ball to have a microphone in their helmet to communicate play calls from the sideline. However, since Gallaudet players are unable to make use of audible playcalling, the school worked with AT&T to develop a 5G helmet that displays the play call visibly to the quarterback. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions are sold out of a truck at Hotchkiss Field, located to the right of the bleachers, directly in front of you as you come in from the parking lot. As you are walking in, you will notice the smell of freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs, and smoke wafting off a grill. That's right - they grill the food hot and fresh here, no prepackaged stuff sitting in warmers for ages. Cheeseburgers, hamburgers, impossible burgers, veggie burgers, and hot dogs are all available here, with none of them costing more than $5. Assorted sodas, Gatorade, candy, and chips are also available for purchase. Being that this is Gallaudet, all of the concession workers are fluent in ASL, but many of them are deaf. There is a whiteboard you can write your order on if necessary. If you order a grill item, they will give you a ticket, which you then take to the grill itself to pick up your order. Atmosphere 3 Seeing as Gallaudet is a college exclusively for deaf or hard-of-hearing students, the atmosphere here is certainly unique. The basic layout of the stadium is pretty standard for Division III, however. There are some metal bleachers on one side of the field, which are general admission and rarely fill up except possibly on homecoming. A scoreboard is located behind one end zone and shows some standard basic information. There is no public address system at Hotchkiss Field, which would be shocking at any other college but is perfectly reasonable here. You can usually figure out what is going on in the field from the standard signals made by the referees. Before each game, the national anthem is performed in ASL rather than sung, and the cheerleaders incorporate sign language into their cheers. They will often make the sign for "applause", and the fans will oblige by clapping or making the ASL sign themselves. The Bison keep a large base drum on their sideline, which they use to signal to the players, who can feel the vibrations in the field. It is harder to feel the vibrations in the stands, but that may simply be because hearing fans are not as attuned to such things. There is no mascot here, and unsurprisingly, there is no band either. No music is played pregame, so hearing fans can hear the sounds of the visiting team warming up and the coaches calling to the players, although at the game we attended, the away team brought their own boombox to play music during warmups. Neighborhood 5 Gallaudet is located in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, D.C., which stands for “North of Massachusetts Avenue.” Although this wasn’t always the nicest neighborhood, it has improved a lot in the last few years and is perfectly safe. The main attraction in the neighborhood is Union Market, located a short walk away from campus, which is an indoor market featuring a wide variety of food stands. Just about anything you can imagine is offered, ranging from arepas to pizza to Korean tacos to Ethiopian food to an old-fashioned New York-style soda shop. There are also many other attractions throughout D.C., including many monuments, memorials, and museums. All of the government-run attractions are free, though some of the private ones are not. Just keep in mind if you want to tour the White House or Capitol, you will need to book in advance. Fans 4 Gallaudet averages a few hundred fans to a typical home game, with homecoming often drawing over a thousand. For the Division III level, this is a decent crowd. Many of them are friends or family of the players or are alumni of Gallaudet, and many are deaf or hard of hearing themselves. They will still clap after big plays, but for understandable reasons, there is far less shouting and vocal cheering than at other schools. Access 5 Gallaudet is far enough away from downtown D.C. that driving is relatively easy. There is a lot and a garage located behind the Field House next door to Hotchkiss Field, where fans can park for free. If this fills up (which typically only happens on homecoming), staff will direct fans to other lots and garages on campus, which will be a bit of a longer walk. The NoMa-Gallaudet stop on Metro’s Red Line is a short walk away as well. Unsurprisingly, Hotchkiss Field is easily accessible to fans who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as to those who are not. All arena staff are fluent in ASL, and many are fluent in spoken English as well. As noted above, the concession stand has a whiteboard to allow fans who don't know ASL to communicate with deaf workers there. Restrooms are available in the Jordan Academic Center behind the bleachers, across a small street that is closed to vehicular traffic on gamedays, so you should have no trouble crossing it. There is also a single-person handicap-accessible restroom directly under the bleachers. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $12 each for adults, with discounts for youth and seniors. Parking in the lots is free, and concessions are extremely affordable here. Overall, a Gallaudet football game is an excellent value. Note that tickets must be purchased through the Hometown Ticketing app and displayed on your phone. If you do not buy them in advance, there is a QR code to scan at the gate. Extras 2 There is a giant bison statue outside the Field House, honoring Gallaudet’s nickname, which you will pass on your way to the stadium. A second star for the large base drum on the Gallaudet sideline. Final Thoughts A visit to Gallaudet football is certainly a unique experience. Whether it’s the ASL announcements and anthem before the game, fans applauding in sign language, or just the unique experience caused by a game with no announcements, music, or any other form of PA, all college football fans, regardless of ability, will have a good time here. When combined with the unique historical contributions Gallaudet has made to the game of football, it is well worth making the trip to Hotchkiss Field to see a game.

Artist rendering of the upgraded stadium (Photo courtesy of Rice Athletics) On Thursday, November 6, Rice University announced a new project that is being billed as “transformative” in its objectives. At the top of the list is renovations to historic Rice Stadium . Billed as the Gateway Project , the massive $120 million project looks to revitalize the stadium, home of the Rice Owls football team , as well as connect the west side of Rice’s campus to historic Rice Village, via a new pedestrian walkway. The project will utilize unused property currently owned by the university to create a park-like space for fans at the stadium, as well as provide easier access to Rice Village. The construction will also open up several blocks in the area for retail and green spaces in the historic neighborhood. “This signals a new era for Rice Athletics,” said Tommy McClelland, Vice President and Director of Athletics for Rice, at an event announcing the project. “The enhanced Rice Stadium will offer a best-in-class experience for our student-athletes, fans and alumni while positioning Rice to compete at the highest levels athletically and academically. It will be a place of pride for the university and for Houston.” Built in 1950, Rice Stadium was home to Super Bowl VIII in 1974, and was also the site of the iconic “We choose to go to the moon...” speech by President John F. Kennedy in 1962. The west side of the stadium will see the demolition of the existing press box, upper bowl, and upper concourse area to make way for a new three-level tower – the new structure will include premium club seating, 14 private suites, and a new press box for coaches and the media. The southwest entry plaza will reinforce the stadium-in-a-park concept, connecting to a landscaped walkway leading to Rice Village. Stadium renovations will begin after the 2026 season and are anticipated to be completed in 2028. Currently, the renovations are not expected to impact Owls home games. ---- Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photo Courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels The Richmond Flying Squirrels will be getting a new ballpark in 2026. After 40 years of minor league baseball played at The Diamond , a new era will begin at CarMax Field . A state-of-the-art facility that will be used for more than just baseball games. ​ Team officials describe it as a multi-use entertainment venue in the heart of the Diamond District, a 67-acre mixed-use development featuring apartments, housing, hotels, retail stores, restaurants, and public green space. While the mixed-use area is common among new ballparks built in the early 21st century, it is what is inside that will stand out among others of its kind. ​ The stadium will feature a 360-degree wraparound concourse slightly raised above street level. The left-field area will feature group and social spaces featuring a multi-tiered beer garden and a kids’ zone with outfield lawn seating in right field. The stadium will have a capacity of 10,000, with 5,500 on the lower level. The seats will be wider and there will be more room between the rows. ​ Field-level dugout suites will place fans as close as possible to home plate. It will offer a unique viewing experience and a look into the visiting team's dugout . ​ Photo Courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels The left field social area will be home to the Car Scout Power Tower, a distinctive feature that will stand 34 feet tall and 8 feet wide. The LED screen will display game information and enhance entertainment elements. It might be the first of its kind at a minor league stadium and perhaps a harbinger to future endeavors. ​ The Atlantic Union Bank Lounge will have 6,000 square feet of indoor space to entertain fans during the ballgame, but also be big enough for conferences, banquets, fundraisers, weddings, and other functions throughout the calendar year. ​ The exterior of the stadium will be equipped with a solar array on the roof and parking lot. A total of 1,700 solar panels will cover portions of the two-tier roof, and five solar panels will cover the carports in the parking lot. All of the harnessed energy will generate 1 megawatt of carbon-free electricity, enough to power 250 Richmond homes at full capacity. ​ Photo Courtesy of the Richmond Flying Squirrels As for The Diamond , that has stood the test of time as the home of the Squirrels and formerly the Richmond Braves, it will be razed and redeveloped as part of the Diamond District. The stadium finished at the bottom of Stadium Journey's Double-A Rankings this year. ​ CarMax Park will be everything The Diamond could never be. A facility that can host more than 9 innings of baseball and do it comfortably. There will be more than a few baseball travelers making plans for Richmond in the spring and summer of next year. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo Courtesy of Kyle M. Keenan Seattle’s Memorial Stadium is coming down after nearly 80 years of high school football games and graduations, soccer matches, and community events. Demolition crews are dismantling the aging grandstands at Seattle Center to clear the way for a $150 million, state-of-the-art multipurpose venue. The new stadium will seat 6,500 people and have a capacity of 8,000. It will feature three covered seating areas and multiple courtyards on the east and west sides. New concession areas, restrooms, locker rooms, and space center shops will be added. The design will integrate the stadium into the Seattle Center campus. The new stadium will be designed by Kansas City firm Generator Studio, a specialist in sports venues, which is collaborating on the design with local firm GGLO. Funding the costs will be $66.5 million, along with nearly $4 million in state funding and $40 million from the city of Seattle. Built in 1947 to honor Seattle students who lost their lives in World War II, the stadium’s legacy will live on with a preserved and expanded memorial plaza. The new facility will keep its high school football and graduation traditions while adding a broader slate of sports, from professional rugby to Ultimate Frisbee, with events planned annually. Photo courtesy of Brendon Keelan The stadium is home to the Seattle Cascades (United Frisbee Association), and Tempest (Western Ultimate League) has called the venue home since 2015 and 2021, respectively. Both teams will be sad to see the old stands razed, according to GM Xtehn Frame. “The stadium means a lot to our organization. I played on that field with the Cascades, coached the team, and can't count the number of home games we've hosted there - maybe more than any other pro team. It's sad to see those old concrete grandstands come down, but I'm looking forward to what's to come!” The stadium served as the first home of the Seattle Sounders when they were in the NASL and later the USL First Division. It also served as the home venue to the Seattle Reign of the National Women's Soccer League and FC Ballard in USL League Two. The Cascades and Tempest will play home games at temporary Interbay Stadium on the campus of Seattle Pacific University until construction is completed. However, Frame added that the team's home is at Seattle Center. “We really embraced Memorial Stadium in the heart of Seattle and made our home games super fun & family-friendly. Opening ceremonies with flags flying, a kid zone with a bouncy house, and Casey the Sasquatch roaming the stands. Of course, the on-field action was awesome to see from those steep grandstands. Opposing teams would tell us that we had the loudest and most passionate fans in the league!” The stadium hopes to be completed by the end of 2027 and operate as a sustainable not-for-profit venture, rather than a commercial enterprise. Seattle Public Schools will retain ownership and prioritize student athletics and events. Officials say the transformation will open the site to the community, create new sight lines to landmarks like the Space Needle , and make the venue a hub for Seattle sports for decades to come. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at   Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Artist rendering of Project Marvel, the proposed sports entertainment district (Photo courtesy of the City of San Antonio) On Tuesday, November 4, the citizens of Bexar County, Texas – the county where San Antonio is situated – took to the polls, to vote on two measures to help decide the future of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs . Voters were asked to vote for/against two propositions that could help fund a new downtown arena, which is something the Spurs and the city of San Antonio have been working toward since plans became public in 2024 . By a slim majority of 52% yes, Bexar County voters approved Proposition B, which will earmark $311 million in county hotel and rental car tax dollars (colloquially known as “tourist taxes”) to help fund the new $1.3 billion arena, to be built on the grounds of Hemisfair Park. “We love this city, we love this county, and the county and the city love us back,” Peter J. Holt, the chairman of Spurs Sports and Entertainment, told reporters at a public event on election night. City and county financing will cover roughly 61.5% of the arena’s total construction costs. The City of San Antonio has agreed to contribute up to $489 million via a combination of its share of state hotel taxes, property tax revenue from new development around the arena, and ground leases for that development. The Spurs will contribute $500 million and have guaranteed to cover any cost overruns. The vote ends what has been a contentious year-and-a-half, as vocal groups on both sides of the debate loudly voiced their opinions on the matter. San Antonio’s recently elected mayor, Gina Ortiz Jones, has seemingly been an opponent of the measure, speaking out publicly to call for a “slow down” on any measures regarding public funding for the privately owned San Antonio Spurs. According to reporting by the San Antonio Express-News , Spurs Sports & Entertainment – the owners of the NBA franchise – invested $6.5 million  in campaigning for the proposition. This included blanketing voter residences with numerous mailers, door hangers, online ads, and ads on local television. The vote was the first hurdle cleared in what is planned to be a much larger sports and entertainment complex in downtown San Antonio, which the city hopes will be a boon for residents going forward. The Spurs lease at their current home, Frost Bank Center, is set to expire at the end of the 2032-33 season; no timetable for construction of the new arena has been put forth as of yet. ---- Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Laurel Ice Gardens 13800 Old Gunpowder Road Laurel, MD 20707 Maryland Terrapins hockey website Laurel Ice Gardens website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 500 Here Comes the Hockey Turtle The American Collegiate Hockey Association is the leading organization for club collegiate ice hockey in the United States and is a step below NCAA ice hockey. Most of the teams that compete at this level do not sponsor hockey at an NCAA level, although a few do. The Maryland Terrapins compete in Division II of the ACHA, and as there is no ice arena on campus, they play their home games in nearby Laurel, at the Laurel Ice Gardens, a municipal rink that is home to several different amateur teams. The Ice Gardens actually includes several different rinks, and the Terrapins typically play their home games in Logsdon Pavilion, a rink located in the back of the Ice Gardens with some permanent seating plus standing room. If you are attending a different team's event on a different rink here, the experience may be somewhat different, as not all of them have permanent seating. Food & Beverage 4 The Laurel Ice Gardens has a nice little snack bar called Icebreakers Cafe, which serves up a good selection of food. There are some tables in the cafe where fans can sit and eat before the game or to warm up during intermission, or you can take your food into the rink and eat it there. Menu options include burgers, spicy chicken sandwiches, quesadillas, chicken tenders, and pizza. French fries are also available as a side. Like many ice rinks, The Gardens also serves breakfast all day, as they cater to a wide range of skaters who are coming in and training at different times. You can get an egg and cheese sandwich (sausage or bacon optional) or pancakes with eggs. A Caesar salad with grilled chicken is also available and is considered breakfast for some reason. To drink, bottled water, soda, and hot coffee are available. Prices for an entree will typically run around $12, while breakfast costs $6-$7. The inside of Icebreakers Cafe Atmosphere 4 Although Logsdon Pavilion is the nicest of the three rinks at the Laurel Ice Gardens, it is still a fairly basic experience. There are a few rows of elevated metal bleachers with very little legroom, and when those fill up (which they will), fans can stand along the glass and watch from there. The good news is you are up close to the action. There is also a PA announcer who announces starting lineups, goal scorers, and penalties, which is not a given for this level. A scoreboard behind one goal shows fans basic information, including time remaining on penalties. The team offers some promotions throughout the season, including fundraisers and giveaways. Overall, the atmosphere at a Terps hockey game is good - just be sure to arrive early if you want a seat. However, there is little point in arriving more than half an hour or so early, as another event will still be going on the rink. One thing to keep in mind is that it is very cold in the ice Gardens, even compared to other hockey rinks. Be sure to wear appropriate attire. Neighborhood 3 Laurel is a very pleasant suburb of Washington, D.C., but unfortunately, the best parts of the town are several miles from the Ice Gardens. You will find restaurants here of just about any variety, from Olive on Main serving Mediterranean fare to Mid Atlantic Seafood to Bella Indian and Italian Cuisine, which sounds like a weird combination, but the locals say it's quite good. You will have to drive a bit to get to any of this from the Ice Gardens, though, which brings this score down. Fans 4 The Terrapins draw a couple of hundred fans to a typical home game at the Ice Gardens. The crowd here is extremely knowledgeable about the team and the players, and many of them go to almost every home game. Although they aren't the loudest bunch, and the fact that many of them are spread out along the glass doesn't help with the crowd noise, they quite clearly care about their team. Access 3 Laurel is located right off Interstate 95, just north of where it splits from I-495 (the Capital Beltway). There is a large, spacious lot at The Ice Gardens, and while it gets crowded, you should be able to find a space. If you enter through the front doors, you will need to turn left and walk through one of the other rinks, then through the doors of Logsdon Pavilion. Staff can direct you if you are unsure of where to go. You can also enter through the side doors, which will put you right in Logsdon. There are tables selling tickets at both entrances. There are several restrooms located throughout the Ice Gardens, including one directly outside the doors to Logsdon Pavilion. You should generally not have to wait to use one, though it depends on what else is going on at the other rinks. Since many people use them after coming directly off the ice, there is often water on the floor, but there is no reason to suspect it is anything more sinister. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Maryland Terrapins hockey games is just $5, with tickets sold at the door. Cash and Venmo are accepted, but the cell signal is quite spotty inside the Ice Gardens, so you may struggle to pay with your phone. It is best to bring cash just in case. The food at the Icebreakers Cafe is a bit expensive, but it is of good enough quality that it seems like a fair price. Overall, a Maryland Terrapins hockey game is an excellent value. Extras 3 There are game machines in the lobby of the Laurel Ice Gardens for kids to play with, including a claw machine. Free programs with rosters for both teams are available at the ticket table for Terrapins games. A third and final star for all the friendly staff here, both those working for the Ice Gardens and those working for Terps Hockey. Final Thoughts While club hockey doesn't have all the fancy bells and whistles of the NCAA level, a Maryland Terrapins hockey game is still a fun experience. Fans of the Terps, or of hockey in general, should check out a game here at the Laurel Ice Gardens.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Arthur R. Driscoll Memorial Arena 272 Elsbree St. Fall River, MA 02720 Roger Williams Hawks men's hockey website Arthur R. Driscoll Rink website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,500 The Hawks Are Back on the Ice   Roger Williams was a Puritan minister, theologian and author who founded Providence Plantations in 1636. This settlement eventually became the state of Rhode Island. Williams was a staunch advocate of religious freedom, separation of church and state, and fair dealings with the local Native Americans. His Separatist views and belief that the Church of England was corrupt were deemed too radical by the Puritan leaders of Plymouth and Boston, so they expelled Williams from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.   Roger Williams University was founded in 1956 and named for Rhode Island’s founder. The school actually began operations in 1919 as the Rhode Island branch of Northeastern University before receiving its own charter from the state. The school moved to its current location in Bristol in 1969. Today, RWU’s 5,000 students study in 50 academic programs, including one of the only Marine Biology programs and one of the only Historic Preservation programs in the country. Roger Williams offers the only Juris Doctor (law degree) in Rhode Island.   2025 marks the return of NCAA hockey to Roger Williams after a 27-year absence. But this version of the Hawks is not the first squad to represent the school. Hockey teams representing Roger Williams College (at the time known as Roger Williams Junior College) played as far back as 1966. They competed in the NAIA, playing at the Boston Arena (now Matthews Arena ) against other teams from around New England. After winning a pair of New England titles, the school moved to Division Three in 1984. The school discontinued the hockey program in 1998 for financial reasons. In recent years, the school has sponsored a very successful club hockey program, which school officials have stated provided the impetus to restore the varsity program. The school will also ice a women’s hockey program beginning in 2026.   The Greater Boston area experienced a hockey boom in the early 1970s due to the popularity of Bobby Orr and the Big, Bad Bruins teams of the era. In response to the increased demand for hockey rinks and ice time, facilities were built throughout the state. Driscoll Rink in Fall River was one of these facilities. Driscoll Rink was named for Arthur R. Driscoll, a Fall River native who worked at the Massachusetts State House for 52 years, retiring as sergeant-at-arms in 1962. Mr. Driscoll, who passed away in 1966, was a great supporter of local skating programs.   Driscoll Rink Exterior. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 1    There is a small snack bar in the Driscoll rink lobby, which has a menu posted listing a variety of breakfast sandwiches and snacks for purchase. Unfortunately, the snack bar was not open during Stadium Journey’s visit. Fans have to make do with a quartet of vending machines selling Pepsi products, chips, and candy bars. There is a Dunkin’ Donuts located right across the street, so you’ll likely see a few fans run out during intermission to grab a hot drink to enjoy in this chilly rink.   Atmosphere 2   When the lights inside the arena dimmed seconds before the teams were to take the ice, a fog machine was activated, and I began to have high hopes that this would not be your standard small-rink game presentation. Sadly, those hopes were dashed almost immediately when I heard the sound coming out of the portable speakers set up for the PA announcer. The players entering the rink in a cloud of smoke turned out to be the highlight of the evening, by a long shot.   These FMC-operated rinks just don’t have the infrastructure needed to create any kind of elaborate in-game entertainment. There are no video boards, graphics, or sound systems in-house that fans are used to these days. Everything is dependent on what the staff schleps into the rink themselves. Thus, you get portable, muffled sound, basic scoreboards, and Spotify playlists played off of someone’s tablet. It’s all very basic and dependent on Wi-Fi signals. There are typically no promotions to speak of.   A significant negative factor during our visit was the fact that the person doing the pregame announcements sounded totally indifferent and didn’t even bother to announce goals or penalties during the game. This is a game experience that has nowhere to go but up.   So why two points? The fans brought a lot of energy. Stadium Journey visited Driscoll for Roger Williams’ first-ever NCAA game, and the 332 fans in attendance were loud and really into the action. Even though this rink is 25 minutes from campus, there was a good turnout from the student body, many of whom came dressed up for a Halloween costume contest. The Roger Williams Hawks Take the Ice for their First NCAA Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 2   Driscoll Rink is located in the North End of the city of Fall River, Massachusetts, a city of 94,000 residents on the Massachusetts-Rhode Island state line. The city was a textile manufacturing leader in the 19 th  century, and the industry still casts a large shadow over the city today. Visitors to the city will likely be headed here to explore sites related to Lizzie Borden or Battleship Cove, a collection of World War II-era naval vessels.   Driscoll Rink is located on the grounds of Durfee High School, in a mixed residential/business area. Visitors will find a McDonald’s, a Dunkin’ Donuts, a Papa Gino’s, and a Newport Creamery in the immediate area of the rink, but little else. Fall River does have its share of excellent restaurants throughout the city, particularly if you’re interested in Portuguese cuisine. Visitors will likely head on to nearby Providence or Newport for their optimum dining or lodging options.   Fans 2   Stadium Journey took in Roger Williams’ inaugural NCAA game, which took place on Halloween night in 2025. An announced crowd of 332 fans took in the action, which is a very respectable number for this level of hockey in this area. We fully expect attendance for the Hawks to settle into the “friends and family” zone of 100-200 fans per game. The fact that Driscoll is almost a half-hour drive from campus is sure to prevent a large turnout from the student body. Roger Williams Hawks Hockey Action. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   Driscoll Rink is easily accessible by car, as it is located just off Route 24. Interstate 195 travels through Fall River just a couple of miles south of the arena. Fans using public transportation can take the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority’s  108 bus to the arena.   A large parking lot on site provides ample parking, and a small lobby provides a warm place for fans to seek refuge from the chilly rink during intermission. Seating consists of four sets of wooden bleachers on both sides of the rink. Netting obscures views from all points in the rink, but won’t hinder your ability to watch the action on the ice. There is standing room on both ends of the rink. Small restrooms are located on the eastern side of the building. Men, time your visits wisely, as you’ll be competing with the players for space during intermission.   The layout of many of these FMC rinks is identical, so if you’ve been to one of the other ones (i.e., Hetland Arena  in New Bedford or Horgan Rink  in Auburn), you’ll get a serious case of déjà vu.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to a Hawks game is seven dollars. Parking is free in the lot adjacent to the rink. If the snack bar is open during your visit, prices are reasonable. If not, the vending machines don’t rip you off. If you grab a hot beverage and a donut at the Dunkin’ across the street, that won’t break the bank either. A D-3 hockey game is a very affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   National Anthem at Driscoll Rink Before Roger Williams Hockey Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1   An extra point is awarded for the return of NCAA hockey to Roger Williams University after a 27-year absence.   Final Thoughts   There’s nothing especially flashy or fancy about Driscoll Rink, and it certainly isn’t convenient for fans of Roger Williams hockey, but that doesn’t matter for Hawk hockey fans, who have been waiting almost three decades for a return to the NCAA. Surely there are more permanent plans on the horizon for the Hawks, so stay tuned…   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Moglia Stadium at Jack Coffey Field 441 E Fordham Rd Bronx, NY 10458 Fordham Rams website Jack Coffey Field website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 7,000 Moglia Fordham University has one of the oldest college football programs in the country, having started it back in 1882. The school’s football squad, the Rams, currently competes in the Pioneer League of the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and currently plays its home games at Moglia Stadium at Jack Coffey Field, which is located in The Bronx, New York. One of the Rams’ rivalries is with nearby Columbia University, located in Manhattan – Jack Coffey Field is only about 3 miles away from Lawrence A. Wien Stadium , home of the Ivy League’s Columbia Lions. Jack Coffey Field opened in 1930 and holds 7,000 fans in a single grandstand on the north side of the field.   Food & Beverage   4 Jack Coffey Field offers a decent selection of concessions at its main stand under the seating, in fact a wider selection than you might find at similarly sized venues. Drinks include hot cocoa, coffee, bottled soda, bottled water, Minute Maid, and PowerAde, all of which cost under $5. Snacks include packaged candy, chips, popcorn, pretzels, and nachos with cheese, with snacks costing between $3 and $7, while main dishes include hot dogs, burgers, and chicken sandwiches. The main dishes cost up to $10, but are quite tasty and of high quality. What sets the concessions here apart, is, there is a grill set up on the concourse, only a hundred feet or so from the main concessions stand, which offer a special item for each game – during my most recent visit it was bacon, egg, and cheese served on a hoagie roll.   Atmosphere   2 The Rams offer an average game day experience, including t-shirt tosses, games for the kids during breaks in the action (such as kids racing against the costumed mascot, Ramses), fun music played over the loudspeakers, cheerleaders, and a dance team. The Rams band is very small, and doesn’t play very much during the game (you can spot them in the stands easily thanks to their maroon and white striped shirts). I also didn’t see the band perform at halftime; only the dance team did. At halftime they also had kids from a local flag football league play a game on the field. Jack Coffey Field is unique in that the school’s baseball stadium, Houlihan Park , is right next to the football field, such that the turf field serves as the outfield during baseball games. Thankfully the two seasons do not overlap, as there is no way both games could be played at the same time.   Neighborhood    4 There are plenty of restaurants and shopping in The Bronx, as you might expect, and much more in the wider area that is New York City. The closest major attractions are the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens, less than two miles from Fordham University’s campus – further away attractions include Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and many more. The state of New Jersey is right across the Hudson River from The Bronx. Fordham University is a closed campus, much like a gated community, meaning you will have to pass through a guard gate to get onto campus; you will have to show your ticket to the guard, in order to be let onto campus for the football game. One thing to be sure and try when in town is New York style pizza, or Sicilian pizza, which are two different things (Sicilian is closer to deep dish, but not as moist – the crust is fluffy, more like focaccia). Take it from me; real New York style pizza tastes better than copycat pizzas claiming to be New York style, and Sicilian is even better. Another interesting feature local to the area are black squirrels, which you may not have ever seen if you are from the south or western United States.   Fans   2 The stands will likely be pretty empty during the average Fordham football home game, especially in years when the team is not doing so well on the field. Also since there is only one grandstand, any visiting fans will be on the same side as home fans.   Access   3 I mentioned above that Fordham is a closed campus, and you probably already know that New York City has a LOT of traffic. Depending on where you are coming from, it is possible to get to campus via public transportation, but that means a train first and then a bus, since there is no train station close to this area. You may be able to get a taxi to the game, again depending on where you are staying, but you will probably have to rely on an Uber getting back, since there aren’t many cabs in the area. The traffic will also probably be worse after the game (late in the day) than before the game (early in the day). Note that since Fordham is a closed campus, a rideshare or taxi can only get you close, meaning a little bit of a walk to get to the stadium. Unless you are affiliated with the university, you won’t be able to bring your car on campus.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to Fordham football games cost about $13; you can also buy season tickets for around $100 if you want to attend all the games. The experience is perfectly fine for this level, although I was disappointed that the concessions and team gear stand both closed at the end of the third quarter.   Extras   2 Jack Coffey Field has plenty of signage for the team, and the maroon color scheme really pops. There are also banners/posters along the wall surrounding the field, showcasing current players (at least there was on Senior Day, which is the game I most recently attended here). The staff also recognized former football players and cheerleaders during that game.   Final Thoughts Attending a Fordham Rams football game at Jack Coffey Field is a pleasant experience, and the prices are pretty reasonable considering you are in New York City. You shouldn’t expect anything over the top, but on the plus side you can get really close to the action, and enjoy an intimate setting where football is the focus, and you won’t have to fight large crowds and long lines while at the game.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium 5101 Broadway New York, NY 10034 Columbia Lions football website Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 17,000 Manhattan’s Lions Columbia University has the third-oldest college football program in the country, behind Rutgers and Princeton – the Lions began play in 1870. Columbia participated in the first interstate college football game ever played, versus Rutgers, on November 12, 1870. That game was the fourth college football game ever held. The Lions compete in the Ivy League of the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), and currently play their home games at Robert K. Kraft Field at Lawrence A. Wien Stadium, about 5 or 6 miles north of Columbia’s campus in Manhattan. The facility opened in 1923 and currently seats 17,000, down from 32,000 when it originally opened.   Food & Beverage   2 Wien Stadium offers very basic concessions – there is not a lot of variety, but it will get you through a few hours. Being in New York City the prices are also on the high side. The menu consists of hot dogs, nachos with cheese sauce, pretzels, popcorn, packaged candy, and chips, ranging in price from $4 to $8. You can also get bottled water, bottled soda, coffee, and hot cocoa – drinks are all $5.   Atmosphere   2 Wien Stadium has grandstands on both sides, as well as a videoboard behind one end zone. They have a band, cheerleaders, and a costumed Lion mascot named Roar-ee, although I didn’t notice the mascot at the most recent game I attended. The concourse is quite spacious, and the venue boasts a two-story press box, with the President’s box taking up the lower level. There is a running track around the football field.   Neighborhood    4 There are plenty of restaurants and shopping in Manhattan, as you might expect, and much more in the wider area that is New York City. The closest major attractions to the stadium, which is on the very north end of the Isle of Manhattan, are the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Gardens, only a couple of miles from Wien Stadium – further away attractions include Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and many more. The state of New Jersey is right across the Hudson River from Manhattan. Brown Sugar is a great restaurant only a few blocks from the facility, which offers happy hour specials between 4 and 8 pm. One of the most interesting and tasty selections Brown Sugar has is shrimp stuffed plantains, which is a savory pastry crust filled with the two items. Another item to be sure and try when in town is New York style pizza, or Sicilian pizza, which are two different things (Sicilian is closer to deep dish, but not as moist – the crust is fluffy, more like focaccia). Take it from me; real New York style pizza tastes better than copycat pizzas claiming to be New York style, and Sicilian is even better. Another interesting feature local to the area are black squirrels, which you may not have ever seen if you are from the south or western United States.   Fans   2 Hardly any fans attend Columbia Lions games, except for students, who sit around the 50-yard line close to the field. Given that the stadium is 5 or 6 miles from campus, it is not surprising the students don’t have a bigger showing, although I was impressed by the number which were there. The visiting fan base is practically non-existent; there are large banners covering several of the seating sections on that side, in fact, due to the small crowd size.   Access   5 You probably already know that New York City has a LOT of traffic, but the great thing about Wien Stadium is that it is only a couple of blocks from the 215th Street subway station (which is actually above ground – I learned recently only the ones closer to city center are underground). The 215th Street Station is on Line 1, which is one of three “red” lines; the 1 will take you to Columbia University at 116th Street, and past that to midtown/Times Square. If you don’t want to take the subway, you should be able to get a taxi to the game depending on where you are staying, or you can try a rideshare like Uber. The train is nice because it only costs $3 one way, and is probably faster than taking a cab or Uber, since you don’t have to stop at traffic lights on the city streets. Most people in NYC don’t drive.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets to Lions football games start at $18, or you can spend up to $32 for the nicer chairbacks. Spending the extra money is probably not worthwhile, however, since the stadium won’t be full, so you can probably sit in those better seats anyway. The cost is average for this level, and is fine if you really enjoy college football. Just don’t expect too much in the way of amenities, here.   Extras   2 Wien Stadium mostly uses a pleasant light blue in its color scheme, and there is lots of greenery in the background that hides the fact you are in the city. There is a team gear stand on the concourse, or you can visit the much larger team gear store on campus, which of course has a larger selections.   Final Thoughts Columbia football does not offer an over-the-top experience at present, and the team is also not doing so well on the field of late, which is surprising considering they won the Ivy League just last season. The prices are pretty reasonable considering you are in New York City, however, and on the plus side you can get really close to the action, and enjoy an intimate setting where football is the focus. You also won’t have to fight large crowds and wait in long lines during the game.