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.   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.   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.   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.   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: 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.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium 2225 Oliver Jackson Blvd Abilene, TX 79601 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 12,000 Abilene Christian University Football Established as a hub of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1881, Abilene, Texas quickly became a regional economic centerpiece for the Big Country. Dubbed Key City, Abilene has maintained its importance to the west-central area of Texas for the nearly 150 years since. Allen Booker Barrett, educator and Church of Christ preacher from Tennessee, founded what would become Abilene Christian University in 1906 on five acres of land purchased from J. W. Childers. Originally named Childers Christian College in honor of J. W., the school was renamed Abilene Christian College in 1920. Though the school moved to a new, much larger location in 1929, its name remained until the school gained full university status in 1976. What began with 25 students on a 5-acre parcel of land near the railroad in west Abilene has grown into a university serving over 6,000 students, including 4,200 undergraduates representing all 50 states, 2 territories, and 56 foreign countries, all laid out in the northeast corner of town. ACU athletics competes at the NCAA Division I level, with its football team competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (the FCS, formerly 1-AA). The early days of the athletic program were spent as either independent teams or as members of the Texas Conference/Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association. In 1952, ACU joined the NAIA and competed as a member school for 20 years. In 1973, the Wildcats joined the NCAA Division II Lone Star Conference, where they remained until beginning the transition up to Division I in 2013. Today ACU offers 17 varsity sports, and the school has produced 40 Olympians and 43 NFL players.   Food & Beverage   3 Concession options at Anthony Field include standard ballgame fare with a few local specialty items. Cash, credit/debit cards, and ACU campus Bean Bucks are all accepted. Food options include the basics like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, Frito pie, chips, and candy. The specialty items offered are walking tacos (chili and cheese in a bag of Doritos, Fritos, or chips of your choice), smoked pork nachos, and the Wildcat Wrap (jalapeno and cheese sausage wrapped inside a warm tortilla). Chips cost $2, candy $3, while popcorn and hot dogs are $4. Other entrees begin at $6, with the pork nachos being the most expensive item at $9. Condiment tables with napkins and forks are located across the concourse from most concession stands. Beverages are served in plastic bottles or cans, with no souvenir cups available. Coca-Cola is the drink provider, which means Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Dr. Pepper, Dasani water, Gold Peak tea, Smartwater, and Powerade are among the offerings. They do sell Monster Energy Drinks and Monster Ultra Zero, but no alcohol is available, nor is it allowed on ACU’s campus. There is also a Bahama Buck’s concession stand on the visitor side of the stadium with shaved ice available. In the rare event that a West Texas fall Saturday is cold enough, hot chocolate will be available, but take advice from my years of experience – it will sell at a rate greater than sno cones in the summer. Most drinks cost $4, with hot cocoa costing $3 per cup and Monster and Smartwater requiring $5 each. There are more than enough concession stands on the home side of the stadium. In fact, during the first half not all the roll-up doors were up at the game I last attended, but the lines were still manageable. As halftime approached and lines began to get longer, all the windows opened and the lines were immediately shortened. With only 3 or 4 windows, and a single Bahama Buck’s stand on the visitor/student side of the stadium, there are naturally long lines here, so my suggestion for the quickest access to a concession stand, no matter where you are seated, is to go to the northwest corner of the stadium (home side nearest the scoreboard), where the shortest lines seemed to consistently be located.   Atmosphere   4 Abilene Christian has averaged well above 9000 fans per game since Anthony Field opened in 2017. This has created a home field advantage for the Wildcats, which has led to some exciting games and big upsets in the past few years. The on-field emcee leads games and activities during planned time outs in a smooth and entertaining manner, and the production level is professional and polished; the sound system is also clear and can be heard anywhere within the stadium. The HD scoreboard also provides clear pictures. There are televisions located at each concession stand, playing the in-house feed of the game so fans can keep up with the play on the field. In addition, the restrooms have a radio feed being played loud and clear, so fans don’t have to miss a moment of the action. Lastly, one often overlooked piece of sound equipment is the referee’s lapel microphone – at the game I most recently attended, the mic used by the ref was easy to hear, even into the last minute of the game. The clarity of communication from the striped shirts eliminates some confusion from the crowd, as the referee can explain clearly what the calls on the field are, especially on replays and in a close contest.   Neighborhood   4 Abilene Christian, located on the eastern edge of the University Hills neighborhood of Abilene, is surrounded by a mixture of mid-century single family homes, duplexes, and condos, which are popular with students, faculty, and as short term vacation rentals. Traditionally a safe and quiet area of town, this Rockwellian setting is slowly showing signs of modernization through business development north and east of the university, as well as urban renewal one home at a time. Paired with the school’s desire to compete academically and athletically with top tier schools across the US, Abilene Christian’s campus has grown into a beautiful gem on The Hill. Within a short drive of the stadium, visitors will find numerous dining and sleeping options. In addition to multiple AirBnB and Vrbo listings near campus, there are multiple hotels within a couple miles of the venue, including Courtyard by Marriott ,  Home2 Suites , Residence Inn , TownePlace Suites , Holiday Inn Express , and Comfort Suites , among others. Dining options within a short drive are varied, with choices ranging from drive-thru fast food to fine dining restaurants. Located cater corner from Anthony Field you will find Allen Ridge, a retail and dining center featuring lakeside dining options, as well as a playground and walking trail. Restaurants found in Allen Ridge include Twisted Root Burger Company, Cork and Pig Tavern, Phoenix Pho, and The Biscuit Bar. With ample parking across the street from both the stadium and restaurants, dining and walking to the game is a viable option. Multiple fast food options can quickly be found by traveling south on Judge Ely Boulevard, or east on Ambler Avenue. Among these quick options you will find McDonald’s, KFC, Braum’s, Rosa’s, Schlotzsky’s, Raising Cane’s, Taco Casa, Panda Express, and Jason’s Deli to name a few. Or, for casual sit-down experiences in the same direction you can find Cracker Barrel, Chili’s, Chipotle, Blu Barrel Bar and Grill, and Buffalo Wild Wings. Other local favorites within a reasonable drive include Galveston Seafood Company, Oscar’s Mexican Food, Rock and Rollerz Burgers, and Texas Flaming Grill. Lastly, another local favorite is a Texas top 50 barbecue joint, namely Jay’s BBQ Shack on South 11th Street. For fine dining, a few suggestions that require a bit longer of a drive include The Beehive, Taylor County Taphouse, and Perini’s Steakhouse, among many more. Perini’s is located in Buffalo Gap, approximately 30 minutes south of Abilene, where the owner, Tom Perini, is famous for serving presidents, governors, and celebrities – his meals provide some of the best bites of food you will ever eat.   Fans   4 Wildcat fans are known to be loyal. They are generally neither rude nor confrontational, but get loud, cheer success, and expect to be competitive in all athletic endeavors. As the university has grown, and their athletic programs have moved up in competition, the number of regional rivalries has diminished, yet there are a few that remain. The particular game I last attended was one such game, providing a sellout crowd that pitted two nationally ranked teams which are geographically less than 100 miles apart. Since opening in 2017, Anthony Field has seen its average per game attendance range between 9,200 and 10,000 annually. This typically ranks in the top 35 among FCS schools and in the top five among private schools, despite ACU playing in a conference with schools from as far west as Utah and as far east as Kentucky and Georgia.   Access   5 Abilene Christian University’s athletic complex is located mere blocks off Interstate 20 in Abilene, Texas via exit 288, at the corner of Ambler Avenue and Judge Ely Boulevard. With Abilene Regional Airport a mere 12 minutes’ drive away, the university is easily accessible whether you are flying or driving into town. If flying commercial you will be forced to utilize American Eagle, with connections at DFW airport; Abilene Regional allows private planes as well. There are multiple rental car agencies at the airport to choose from, in addition to rideshare services. Public transportation is not a reasonable option in Abilene. Parking near Wildcat Stadium is limited, but there are plenty of lots and street parking within a half mile of the field. Parking along the streets immediately to the west of campus is free and relatively open. The businesses and fields across Ambler Avenue immediately to the north of the stadium are pay-to-park and charge $20. The campus parking lots on the south side of campus, past the track and baseball facilities, are open to the public and free on a first-come, first-serve basis. The closest of these lots is approximately a quarter mile from the nearest gate into the stadium, which has entrances on both sides, as well one coming from the tailgate area on the south end. Once inside the stadium there is 360-degree access, with walkways that go around behind both end zones. The walking path behind the north end zone is elevated and provides a picturesque view looking back toward campus, and has turfed berm seating, while the path behind the south end zone is adjacent to the tented tailgate zone; standing viewing along the wall is permitted there.   Return on Investment   5 General admission tickets are $17, and reserved tickets can be purchased through the school’s athletic website, with varying prices, presumably based prices set by individual season ticket holders who are reselling their seats. With the ability to safely park for free and bring in a water bottle, it is possible to enjoy a top-level FCS football game, sitting close enough to the field to hear the sound of the pads crunching together, for less than a $20 bill. In addition you can get an entree and a drink for as little as $10, making ACU football border on bargain level entertainment for a Saturday afternoon or evening.   Extras   5 The ACU Big Purple Band has a longstanding tradition of producing quality musicians; their halftime marching performances are also modern and entertaining. The biographical Hall of Honor photographs lining the outside of the stadium, as well as along the concourse walls, create a museum feel. Even though the Wildcats have only participated at the NCAA’s Division I level since 2013, they have produced world class athletes for many decades. On field and scoreboard activities are conducted during scheduled timeouts to keep the crowd’s attention. The emcee on the field is also entertaining, and guides players through the games in a fun, engaging manner. The fans, not only the students but those on the alumni side as well, enjoy the first down callback for each new offensive first down. The PA announcer will call out “That’s another First Financial Bank…” and the entire crowd will respond in unison “FIRST DOWN!”. I noticed this interactive response only increased in volume as the game grew in intensity, prompting inexperienced fans to begin following the lead of the veterans. Any modern big game experience with free parking deserves special attention. In the ever-growing race to fund athletic programs and “keep up with the Joneses” in the world of NCAA sports, many schools turn to every revenue stream possible. But when a program chooses to ignore the well accepted area of paid parking in exchange for their fans’ benefit, public recognition, and extra credit, is well deserved. While not fancy in nature, concession stand prices are reasonable, thus deserving of an extra point. The Wildcat Wrap, a jalapeno cheese sausage inside a fresh tortilla, is a tasty treat and filling for $6.   Final Thoughts Anthony Field at Wildcat Stadium offers a wonderful setting for a football game. Fans are close to the action and concessions and restrooms are plentiful, assuring time wasted waiting in line is minimized. In addition, the cost comparison and ease of access increases the pleasure of your experience here.  I would suggest placing Wildcat Football on your short list for college football games to attend, as they are fun for the family and affordable. This author’s suggestion is, if time allows, to get some Jay’s BBQ for Friday's or Saturday’s lunch (they are open Wednesday through Saturday for lunch only), possibly taking your purchase to the tailgate before the game. Enjoy your food before going into the stadium to watch the game. Then for dinner or Sunday’s lunch, I would make reservations at Perini’s and enjoy a medium rare steak with succulent sides, before calling it a weekend and heading home.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gee-Gees Field 200 Lees Ave Ottawa, ON K1S 5S9 Ottawa Gee-Gees website Gee-Gees Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 3,352 Horses on the Gridiron At the University of Ottawa, they have been playing football since 1881.  Although they have the same lineage as Toronto, McGill and Queen’s, they do not seem to have the same history.  Ottawa looked east to join the initial Quebec Rugby Football Union in 1894.  Through the sixties, the Gee-Gees played in the OSLAA (Ottawa-St. Lawrence Athletic Association) and in the seventies moved to the OQFIC (Ontario-Quebec Football Intercollegiate Football Conference).  In 2001, Ottawa finally returned to the Ontario Conference and the current OUA.  The convoluted history of the Gee-Gees culminated with six OSLAA Championships, five Dunsmore Cups, four Yates Cups and a pair of Vanier Cups.  Ottawa also boasts six National Championships before the advent of the Vanier Cup in the sixties. For a number of years, Ottawa played at Lansdowne Park, home of the Ottawa Rough Riders.  When Lansdowne had structural issues and the south grandstand was condemned, the Gee-Gees needed to make some new plans.  The University of Ottawa built their own stadium on their Lees Campus in 2013, and Gee-Gees Field was born.  Food & Beverage 2 There is a small concession tent at the southwest corner of Gee-Gees Field with a very limited selection. Soda, hot dogs, chips and chocolate are the options. Alcoholic beverages are available at a separate tent. Both are available through the tailgate as well as when the gates open. Atmosphere 3 Entry to the stadium is at the southwest corner, where the pregame tailgate occurs.  The Lees Campus of the University of Ottawa, where Gee-Gees Field is located, was formerly the location of Algonquin College.  The building is still standing to the west of the field and is used for football as well as other things.  On the side of the building, above the tailgate area, are six banners representing Gee-Gees football championships.  One honours the six OSLAA Championships, one honours the five Dunsmore Cups, one honours the six pre-Vanier Cup National Championships, one honours the 1907, 1975, 1976 and 2006 Yates Cups and the final two honour the 1975 and 2000 Vanier Cups.  The tailgate area offers a DJ, tent selling alcohol, a number of games including cornhole and some picnic tables.  The Ottawa tailgate is unique in that fans are able to bring in their own alcohol with some limitations.  The tailgate is open two hours before kickoff. Entry into Gee-Gees Field proper happens an hour before kickoff.  Sitting at the top, around the 25-yard line of the west side may give fans a peak at the Canadian Parliament buildings off in the distance.  There are not too many spots to see this view, but they exist. Gee-Gees Field is a very simple structure. The field is oriented from west to east and is wedged between the Rideau River and Highway 417. The seating is on the south side of the field and consists of 20 rows of aluminum bleacher benches. The scoreboard is a simple football scoreboard and is found in the northwest corner. Chain link fencing surrounds the stands and field and is covered with banners with Gee-Gee markings. Gameday production at a Gee-Gees game is about what one would expect for an OUA football game.  A unique aspect is that uOttawa is fully bilingual and all of the announcements are made in both English and French.  Gameday staff hand out sticks and buckets to fans entering to make noise and a tent is there with materials to make signs.  Ottawa’s mascot, Gee-Gee takes part in the pregame announcements and walks the stands, interacting with fans throughout the game.  The uOttawa cheerleaders perform stunts and lead cheers from the sideline also.  The Gee-Gees make use of the horse sound effect often, especially announcing Ottawa first downs. Neighbourhood 5 Gee-Gees Field is located on the Lees Campus of the University of Ottawa in the Old Ottawa East neighbourhood of the city.  It is approximately 2 km from Parliament Hill and offers a number of places nearby for pre or postgame food and drink.  Some options include Fathers & Sons, In’s Kitchen, No Forks Given and Elgin Street Diner.  There are plenty of other sporting options in Ottawa for fans to take in.  The University of Ottawa fields a number of Gee-Gee teams including basketball and hockey .  Carleton University also fields Ravens basketball , football  and hockey teams.  The annual Panda Game between Carleton and Ottawa is a local event worth checking out.  The Colonel By Classic and Capital City Hoops are also rivalry games played at TD Arena between Ottawa and Carleton.  Canadian Tire Centre in Kanata is home to the Ottawa Senators  and Ottawa Black Bears.  Other sporting options include the Ottawa 67’s , Ottawa RedBlacks , Ottawa Blackjacks, Ottawa Charge and Ottawa Titans .  Ottawa also has a plethora of other tourist options including skating on the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, the Canadian war Museum and Museum of Nature to name a few.  For fans wishing to stay near campus, the Embassy Suites is a good option. Fans 3 Assessing Ottawa Gee-Gee fans can be a bit of a challenge.  For the 2025 season, Ottawa did not publish any attendance figures.  During the previous season, the Gee-Gees averaged over 1,600 fans per game.  This ranks them near the bottom of the OUA at 9th.  The 2024 attendance figures were an improvement from the previous season where they ranked 10th and had over 500 fewer fans per game.  The Panda Game draws huge crowds every year, but the regular home games at Gee-Gees Field do not draw anywhere near capacity.  The fans in attendance make a decent amount of noise and make use of the provided buckets.   Access 4 Gee-Gees Field is located on the Lees Campus of the University of Ottawa in the Old Ottawa East neighbourhood of Ottawa.  It is east of Lees Drive, between Highway 417 and the Rideau River.  The proximity to Highway 417 means getting to the stadium should not be too difficult.  However, fans should keep in mind that traffic in Ottawa can be an issue and there are plenty of twists and turns in the city.  There was plenty of slow traffic on Highway 417 for the duration of the game which was reviewed.  There is very limited parking at Gee-Gees Field and uOttawa suggests parking at the Minto Sports Complex, where there is a large parking garage where fans can purchase parking.  A shuttle is provided to the stadium, however it is only a twenty minute walk along a trail by the railway tracks. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops on Mann and King Edward and the light rail Lees station is right there.  Fans should consult the Ottawa-Carleton Transpo  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around the stadium is not difficult, however, getting to the stadium from Lees Avenue will require fans to go around the existing buildings.  The path is well marked with signs.  Washroom facilities are good and in the building to the west.  They are not right by the door and will require fans to again follow the signs while traversing the halls. Return on Investment 4 Ottawa Gee-Gees football tickets are $22 for adults with discounts for students and youth.  Tickets are available online and will cost an extra $3 at the door.  Concession prices are good and parking is not very expensive.  The product on the field is solid and the Gee-Gees are consistently a competitive team.  The location is unique and offers a very “Ottawa” feel to the sporting experience.  A good use of the sporting dollar. Extras 3 An extra mark for the annual Panda Game.  The rivalry game between Ottawa and Carleton at TD Place Stadium is the premier USports football game.  It routinely outsells the Vanier Cup and no other USports football game comes close to the attendance.  If there is one USports football experience to put on the bucket list, this is it. An extra mark for Paul Padon, Rick Zmich, Phil Cote and Brad Sinopoli, the four Ottawa Gee-Gees who have won the Hec Crighton Award as the Most Valuable USports player in the country. An extra mark for the unique tailgate party offered by uOttawa.  Although not heavily populated, the opportunity to bring one’s own alcohol is definitely unique in this league. Final Thoughts Taking in an Ottawa Gee-Gees football game is a great way to spend a fall afternoon and Gee-Gees Field, although not fancy, does offer a uniquely “Ottawa” experience.  The location right on the Rideau River is very unique and the Parliament Building can even be seen from a few spots.  It is definitely worth the trip. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lehigh Arena @ Wellington & District Community Centre 111 Belleville St Wellington, ON K0K 1G0 Wellington Dukes website Lehigh Arena website Year Opened : 2010 Capacity: 1,225 The Dukes of Prince Edward County One of the hidden gems of Ontario is Prince Edward County.  The quiet area on the shores of Lake Ontario, just south of Belleville, offers a number of small communities and provincial parks.  One of the villages of Prince Edward County is Wellington, home of the Dukes of the Junior A level Ontario Junior Hockey League.  Wellington offers a population of nearly 2,000 of the 25,000 residents of Prince Edward County and is one of the smallest centres in the league.  The Dukes, named after Arthur Wellesley, First Duke of Wellington, a British Military leader, were established originally as a Junior C team.  In 1989, the Dukes merged with the Belleville Bobcats and advanced to the Junior B level.  Just two years later, the team moved up to Junior A, in what would be currently known as the OJHL.  In their tenure, they have been one of the most successful franchises, earning the Buckland Cup as OJHL champions three times. Home for the Dukes is Lehigh Arena, located in the Wellington & District Community Centre.  Built in 2010, it is a community hub featuring an NHL-sized ice surface and a community hall.  Lehigh Arena was originally named Essroc Arena after the cement company; however, it was renamed in 2019 after the Lehigh Cement Group purchased Essroc. Food & Beverage 4 Lehigh Arena has one of the top concession spreads in the entire OJHL powered by Rico’s Food and Restaurant.  A wide variety of options are available, including burgers, hot dogs, chicken, sausage, pogos, nachos, fries, poutine, onion rings, mac and cheese, pasta, fish, quesadillas, and pizza.  Other snack items like popcorn, candy, and pretzels are also available.  Beverages include coffee, tea, hot chocolate, energy drinks, and soda.  There is also a full-service Blueline Club in the Taskforce Lounge at the east end of the arena that serves alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 4 Lehigh Arena is an attractive, modern-looking facility from the outside with light brick and large windows at the entrance.  Fans are greeted by a temporary ticket table upon entry and pass into the main lobby, which has a warm viewing area that acts as the east end glass.  The ice surface is east-west oriented with seating on both the north and south sides.  A pair of centre ice logos is best viewed from the east or west ends.  The seating consists of eight rows of plastic arena seats, which begin at an elevated first row.  Standing room with drink rails is available behind the seating area. A running track encircles the ice surface behind the standing room.  A simple, hockey score clock hangs above centre ice, and protective netting runs from blueline to blueline with the centre ice area open.  The benches at Lehigh Arena are across from each other, which is not normally found in modern arenas. Inside the arena, there are some interesting items to keep a fan's attention for those who enjoy exploring.  The Prince Edward County Sports Hall of Fame is found behind the Taskforce Lounge.  At the opposite end of the arena are the championship banners earned by the Dukes, including the 2003, 2011, and 2018 Buckland Cups.  They are flanked by a number of Division and Conference Championship banners. Minor hockey banners hang on the south wall along with displays showing the history of the Duke of Wellington and the Village of Wellington.  The north side features several trophy cases displaying artifacts from various levels of hockey, including the Dukes, and a mini-stick arena is in the upper southwest corner, to keep the younger, more rambunctious fans safe and engaged.  Wellington’s favourite hockey son, former professional hockey player and AHL Hall of Fame member, Bryan Helmer, has his number 44 retired and hanging in the southeast corner.  The gameday atmosphere at a Dukes game is not unlike the others in the league.  Promotions include a 50/50 draw and chuck a puck.  Wellington’s mascot, Duke, can be found roaming the stands and interacting with fans. Neighbourhood 3 Lehigh Arena is located at the northeast end of Wellington, in Prince Edward County.  Although a small community, Wellington has a surprising number of bars and restaurants available.  Fans should head south to Main Street, where some options are found, including Drake Devonshire, Rock ‘n Rogers Pizzeria, Pounder’s Waterfront Pub & Patio, The Lakeside, and Midtown Brewing.  The Dukes are really the only game in town; however, the neighbouring town of Picton has the Junior C, Picton Pirates. The Trenton Golden Hawks  of the OJHL are not far, as are the AHL’s Belleville Senators .  As for other tourist options, fans should consider the Wellington Heritage Museum, Wellington Beach, or one of the wineries in Prince Edward County.  For those staying in the area, there are a few independent inns in Wellington, including The Lakeside and Drake Devonshire.  For those wanting a larger, chain hotel, heading north to Belleville is the best idea. Fans 4 The Wellington Dukes enjoy some of the strongest support in the OJHL.  At the time of writing, early in the 2025-26 season, the Dukes were averaging 390 fans per game, which ranked them 6th in the OJHL at the time.  The game that was reviewed welcomed nearly 350 fans.  The previous season, the Dukes ranked 4th in the OJHL, averaging nearly 530 fans per game.  This puts them just under the top echelon of teams in the league.  Fans in Wellington are knowledgeable and supportive and generally pretty reserved, not unlike most other Ontario fans.    Access 3 Lehigh Arena is located at the northeast end of Wellington, in Prince Edward County.  It is found on Belleville Street, which leads south to the lakeshore and Main Street.  It is 36 km south of Highway 401, the main artery of Ontario.  Belleville Street is also Prince Edward County Road 2 and is the main entry from the north.  Traffic will not be an issue, and the drive will be pleasant; however, it is a two-lane highway once off of Highway 401, and possibly not a terrific drive during the winter through rural areas.  There is plenty of free parking on site.  Unfortunately, there is no public transit available.  Getting around Lehigh Arena is not an issue, and the washroom facilities are adequate for the venue. Return on Investment 5 The Wellington Dukes offer a terrific return on investment for fans.  Tickets for adults are $17 and can be purchased online or at the door.  Seating is General Admission.  There are discounts available for seniors, students, and children.  Parking is free, and concession prices are good.  The OJHL offers a solid hockey product, and the Dukes are almost always a competitive team.  This all adds up to a terrific value for the sporting dollar. Extras 2 An extra mark for Wellington’s rivalry with the Trenton Golden Hawks, which produces the best crowds at Lehigh Arena each season. An extra mark for the Wellington & District Community Centre as a community hub. Final Thoughts Heading to Prince Edward County is a great plan, especially in the autumn.  While in Prince Edward County, taking in a Wellington Dukes game at Lehigh Arena is a fantastic idea and will leave fans satisfied in one of the most picturesque areas of Ontario. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium 350 N Razorback Rd Fayetteville, AR 72701 Arkansas Razorbacks website Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium website Year Opened: 1938 Capacity: 76,212 Donald W Reynolds Razorback Stadium Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on the campus of the University of Arkansas. The stadium is on the west side of campus and has been home to the Arkansas Razorbacks football team since 1938. In that timespan the Hogs have played 300 games here, and have won more than 65 percent of those contests. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium originally opened as University Stadium on September 24, 1938, with room for 13,500 spectators; the first game ever played here was against Oklahoma A&M (now known as Oklahoma State University ). The stadium moniker was almost immediately changed to Bailey Stadium (after then sitting Arkansas Governor Carl Bailey), but in 1941 received the proper name of Razorback Stadium. Then in 2001, in honor of the late Donald W. Reynolds, the stadium was given its current name, while the playing field was named in honor of former athletic director and winningest head football coach in Arkansas history, Frank Broyles. During the 2016-17 offseason the Broyles Athletic Center was demolished as part of a $160 million renovation and expansion of the stadium. The expansion added 4,800 seats and new premium seating in the north end zone. This expansion boosted the capacity of the stadium to 76,212 – the actual increase in capacity is fewer than 4,800 seats because some club seating on the east side was eliminated to add additional suites, but the current total capacity is close to the all-time single game attendance record of 76,808, which was set on September 25, 2010, versus the Alabama Crimson Tide .   Food & Beverage   3 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium features a variety of concessions options, with several types of food and an assortment of Coca-Cola products. The main stands offer all your basic fare, such as hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos. These food items range from $5 to $12, while beverages range from $5 to $10. There are also locations for craft beer, at prices ranging from $12 to 15 depending on your selection. The rest of the stadium menu is from local or national restaurants ranging from Pizza Hut, Gusano’s Pizza, Slim Chickens, and Yarnell’s Ice Cream, along with my favorite, Wright’s BBQ, whose menu is small – a BBQ pork sandwich from Wright’s is $15, while the brisket sandwich is $18. There are also numerous carts and kiosks throughout the stadium, with Philly cheesesteaks, meatball subs, or Italian sausage. In addition, there is a spacious food court near the team’s main apparel store where you can sit and eat. However, although there is certainly enough variety at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, there is no substitute for better deals and better food than eating in the local neighborhood eateries near the venue.   Atmosphere   5 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium’s setting is one of the more picturesque places in the SEC. The stadium’s upper deck view of the vistas and surrounding Boston Mountains on the south side shows off the beauty of The Natural State. The festive game day atmosphere begins several hours before kickoff with tailgating around campus. While almost all the tailgating spaces must be rented, there are areas reserved for free tailgating; if interested, you can visit the Arkansas Razorbacks’ game day information website. Besides tailgating, there is so much to do and see before the game here, as Razorback Athletics provides a free pregame atmosphere in Hog Town. This includes inflatables for kids, live music, TVs, and food and drink vendors. Also at Hog Town, two hours before kickoff you can witness the Hog Walk, when the football team walks into the stadium while the pep band and spirit squad welcome them. In addition, on the north side of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium near the Pit (a colony of white tents) is Frank Broyles Athletic Center. Inside, fans are welcome to walk through the history of Arkansas football, from the early beginnings through the changing of conferences from Southwest to Southeastern, including numerous artifacts and trophies, especially the ones from the 1964 National Championship. Also, fans can visit the Razorbacks apparel shop for an updated selection of Razorbacks gear. As game time approaches, Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium becomes a sea of red, with the Razorback Marching Band setting the stage by forming a huge ‘A’. This formation becomes a reality when the announcer introduces the marching band; the band then marches the length of the field while playing “Arkansas Fight”. When they finish there is an ‘A’ symbol that stretches from the Razorback locker room all the way to midfield. The band then plays “Arkansas Fight” again while the crowd roars, as the Razorback football team enters the field from the north side of the stadium, through a tunnel attached to Broyles Athletic Center. Above the athletic center is a massive scoreboard, the biggest in the SEC and fourth largest in college football; it measures out to a little less than 6,300 square feet. Every time the Hogs score fireworks are launched off the center’s roof, while during the game, the spirit squads and the three Razorback mascots – Big Red, Pork Chop, and Boss Hog – signal the crowd for certain cheers. Throughout the game the fans stand and are very vocal, cheering and of course Calling the Hogs; Calling the Hogs is the ritual where Arkansas fans raise their arms while moving their fingers in unison, while unleashing a high-pitched yell of the words “Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie! Razorbacks!” – it is unique and interesting to hear 70K fans in unison Calling the Hogs.   Neighborhood   4 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is on the west side of the University of Arkansas’ campus in Fayetteville. Fayetteville’s population of around 80K is just slightly more than the capacity of its football stadium, making it the third largest city in Arkansas. The city is on the outskirts of the Boston Mountains within the scenic Ozarks, and while the area seems to be safe for walking, the terrain is very hilly, especially throughout the campus. Fayetteville is a model college town. The University of Arkansas is just a short walk from Dickson Street, the city’s main artery; Dickson Street has a long list of bars, restaurants, and other entertainment options for visitors. There is a long list of places to choose from on Dickson Street such as Hammontree’s Grilled Cheese or Pickleman’s Gourmet Café. There is plenty of live music as well, so be sure to check out George’s Majestic Lounge. If you want to avoid the college bar scene on Dickson Street, then Foghorn’s has two locations around Fayetteville, serving up beer and wings, with its closest location right across the street from the school’s baseball venue, Baum-Walker Stadium . My favorite eatery to visit while in Fayetteville, Catfish Hole, is just up the road – if you are a catfish person, this place will be high on your list. The lodging around campus can be scarce, as on football game days the city of Fayetteville almost doubles in population. However, there are a few choices in the area; in downtown Fayetteville the Chancellor Hotel is a great choice, or there is a Staybridge Suites near Baum-Walker Stadium . There are also chain hotels, such as Candlewood Suites and Hampton Inn off I-49 at the MLK exit, and if you can’t secure lodging in Fayetteville, then check out historic Fort Smith – Fort Smith is about 45 minutes south of Fayetteville, off I-40.   Fans   4 There are plenty of serious Razorback fans, one of the most recognized being Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones, a member of the 1964 National Championship team. Mr. Jones, along with his wife, have put a stamp on the Razorbacks program with the building of the Jerry and Gene Jones Family Student-Athlete Success Building. Razorback fans also have a common purpose when attending a Razorbacks game, and that is Calling the Hogs. No matter the size of the crowd, the fans stand for much of the game and are well engaged in everything from the band performance to the spirit squad cheers, as well as in the action on the field. Overall, the fans are certainly knowledgeable and passionate when it comes to rooting for their Hogs.   Access   3 Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium is nestled in the hills of Fayetteville, Arkansas. The location of Fayetteville itself can make access difficult for visiting fans, as the campus is amid a large collection of hills in the Boston Mountains. Once you arrive in Fayetteville, the parking is just like other major football programs, with close parking only for donors or season ticket holders. However, general parking is available for $25 at Harmon Avenue Parking Garage located north of Center Street, or you can park for free at Baum-Walker Stadium , which is about a mile from the football field. Parking spaces are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, and there is shuttle service provided to and from Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium beginning four hours prior to game time. Arkansas athletic events enforce the clear bag policy – bags must be clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC, and must not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”, or they can be one-gallon clear plastic freezer bags (Ziploc or similar). Individuals may also carry a small clutch purse, no larger than 4.5” x 6.5”, with or without a handle or strap. There are plenty of entrances into Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium, and going in brings an old time feel, as the entrances are small. However, the stadium concourses are wide enough for an easy transition around the stadium, although the signage can be very confusing for first-time fans; once you see a map or have walked around the stadium a little the transition becomes easier. The best way to reach the upper decks is by using the ramps, as the elevators can have a long and frustrating wait. Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium also has seating areas for ADA / handicapped guests to watch the game; if needed check with the ticket office to make sure you can be accommodated. Easier access to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium can be achieved by getting to Fayetteville early and getting some decent parking, leaving more time to enjoy the pregame atmosphere of Razorbacks football. However, leaving after the game is a little more time consuming – although the entry and exit routes are well-planned and will get you to your destination, the tight area around the stadium is packed. As a result, some fans just hang out and maybe have a postgame tailgate until the traffic whittles itself out.   Return on Investment   4 The prices for Razorbacks games range between $30 and $270, which is very reasonable for teams in the SEC. Just plan well in advance because Arkansas uses flex pricing, with tickets to the Alabama  game starting at $168 in the upper section for example. There is free parking if you choose to seek it out, and the walking distance from that garage isn’t that much different than the walk to the general paid parking. Concessions prices are a little high for most items, though, so if you are looking to get the best monetary return on your trip, then eating before or after the game would be your best option. Overall, the return on investment here is above average to excellent, for a wonderful football atmosphere in what some will argue is the best football conference in the country.   Extras   5 The setting is great, with the stadium’s south side upper deck view showing the Boston Mountains. The atmosphere is also festive during tailgating, and seeing the live mascot Tusk VI paraded around the stadium is unique, with the cheerleaders standing above the cage – after it circles around, Tusk VI’s cage sits in the corner of the stadium for fans to see throughout the game. Besides the above, there is also the tradition of the Razorback players running through the ‘A,’ along with all the years of history of Razorback football on display throughout the stadium, both of which provide special extras for fans visiting Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The official game programs are also complimentary for all fans.   Final Thoughts A trip to Fayetteville, Arkansas anytime is a wonderful adventure, as you travel into one of the most scenic college campus towns in the country – the Natural State motto is truly appropriate for this campus nestled in the Boston Mountains. There are plenty of reasons to visit Fayetteville for any college football fan; the fans are pleasant and the atmosphere unique, but the tradition of Calling the Hogs makes the trip a must. WPS – Wooooooooooooo, Pig! Sooie!

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Memorial Stadium 1606 TX-24 Commerce, TX 75428 East Texas A&M Lions website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 11,582 East Texas A&M Lions – Memorial Stadium The now East Texas A&M Lions  began their football journey back in 1915. Over the years they have steadily made their climb up the college football ladder to their now home in the Southland Conference, competing at the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) level. Since the Lions first took the field,, they have sent scores of players to the NFL, including Super Bowl champions such as Harvey Martin, Dwight White, and Wade Wilson, and most recently starting quarterback Luis Perez. East Texas A&M also lays claim to two National Championships, once in 1975 as members of the NAIA and again in 2017 at the Division II level. The bulk of the team’s success has come since they began calling venerable Memorial Stadium their home. Built in honor of the 78 East Texas A&M alums and students who fought and died during World War II, the stadium opened with much fanfare in 1950; the opening was attended by former U.S. Speaker of the House and East Texas A&M alum Sam Rayburn. It has been renovated numerous times over the years, most recently with the addition of a new home team locker room, lounge and video boards. Read on to learn more about what makes Memorial Stadium unique in the college football landscape.   Food & Beverage   3 Like most small school venues, the concession stands at Memorial Stadium offer up your basic game day fare for fans. Hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels are the main items, along with candy, bottled soft drinks, sports drinks, water, and beer. The highest-priced options run no more than $7. While there isn’t much in terms of variety, it will get the job done. Also, while the stadium has two stands on the home team side and one on the visitor side, only two of them were open during my most recent visit. If you’re looking for more, the stadium boasts food trucks in a grassy area near the main concourse. The trucks there during my last visit offered up tacos and Italian ice, which bumps the score up just a bit, in my opinion.   Atmosphere   3 This section (as well as the “Fans” section) almost got an incomplete grade based on my most recent visit, due to the weather that popped up. A lightning delay moved the kickoff back an hour, and it unfortunately dispersed a lot of the crowd that had been tailgating before the game (especially the students). However, once inside, the history of the stadium shines through, and that’s its selling point. Outside the stadium, there is signage touting the Lions many successes, like their national titles and the many players they have sent to the pros. Inside, you’ll find more of the same, such as the walls being painted with the years of conference titles and player records. The press box and walls of the upper level of the stadium are adorned with the names of great Lions of the past. The other main attraction is the team store located on the home team side, which sells all manner of East Texas A&M paraphernalia.   Neighborhood   3 For those unfamiliar with Texas geography, there are these isolated ecosystems that are far removed from the major metropolitan areas. These areas aren’t near a big city, yet thrive out there on their own, and that’s what Commerce is like, the place where East Texas A&M is located. The campus is roughly an hour and a half from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, an hour from the Oklahoma border, two hours from Arkansas, and nearly three hours from Louisiana. Commerce itself is a fairly contained college town. However, there are plenty of things to do for visitors. Museums in the area include the Northeast Children’s Museum , which offers visitors of all age's tons of hands-on learning experiences. Also, the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum  has the twin mission of honoring World War II’s most-decorated American soldier, as well as showing the importance that cotton growing played in the history of this region. For dining options, there are plenty of local spots within walking distance of the campus. These include Luigi’s Italian Cafe , an award-winning scratch-made Italian kitchen that’s a favorite hangout before and after Lions games. Also, there is Lone Star Eatery Bar & Grill , which offers up wings, burgers, pizza, and steaks, just to name a few of their items. In terms of lodging, spots near Memorial Stadium include Magnuson Hotel Commerce and the Lion's Den Extended Stay Commerce. The nearby towns of Sulphur Springs and Greenville also offer multiple options, and are only 15-20 minutes from the East Texas A&M campus.   Fans   4 My earlier comment about the weather impacting the fan turnout might have been a little misleading. While the hour-long delay and continuous rain during the first quarter surely impacted the overall number of fans in the stands, the ones who did stay and brave the elements are surely more indicative of the week-to-week turnout at Memorial Stadium. The fans at the stadium were loud – including a large contingent clanging cowbells throughout the game – and they rooted for their Lions the entire game. Most were decked out in East Texas A&M gear. Last season, the Lions averaged over 8,700 fans per game, which is not too far from capacity. I can only imagine how much larger the crowd would have been without the rain.   Access   2 As mentioned, Commerce is almost a world unto itself. For fans coming in to see a game at Memorial Stadium, your best bet is to arrive via Dallas. Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Love Field are each just under an hour and a half away from the facility. Once you get to Commerce, the campus is easily the most visible attraction in the city. There is plenty of signage directing you to the stadium – just follow the throng and you can’t miss it. Parking is plentiful in unmarked spots around the campus, as well.   Return on Investment   3 General admission seating for East Texas A&M Lions games starts at just $20 per person. Reserved seating is just $30. These are incredible bargains for a Division I program. The Southland Conference is home to multiple FCS playoff teams each year, and many of them make a pilgrimage to Commerce to play the Lions. Parking is also a pretty decent bargain at just $20 in select spots. Combining this with the low cost for concessions, fans are in for an affordable treat at Memorial Stadium.   Extras   3 East Texas A&M boasts all the traditional fanfare that’s found at most other colleges in the country. The Pride Marching Band  performs from the stands and at halftime and is a great source of pride – no pun intended – for the university. The Lion Dance Team  and Cheer Squad can also be found performing at home games. Lastly, Lucky the Lion is the school’s costumed mascot. He is a fan favorite and patrols the sidelines and stands at Memorial Stadium, to the delight of his fans.   Final Thoughts Despite the weather, I had a great time during my most recent visit to Commerce and East Texas A&M. Memorial Stadium feels like something from another time, in a good way. I love old school stadiums like this; they are true connections to the history of the great sport of college football. If you’re a fan of the sport of football, I would highly recommend making a visit to Commerce, to East Texas A&M, and to Memorial Stadium. I think you’ll come away as impressed as I was. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Gregory Koch, Richard Smith, and Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N Pima Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Salt River Rafters website Salt River Fields at Talking Stick website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 11,000 Rafting the Arizona Fall League Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is the spring training complex for the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. It also hosts the Salt River Rafters, a baseball team in the Arizona Fall League (AFL). The Arizona Fall League is a developmental instructional baseball league played in various spring training complexes in the Greater Phoenix area. The season lasts a little over a month, during October and November. Major league teams send some of their most highly touted prospects to play in the league for additional practice in the hopes that it will allow them to advance to the next level sooner. This is even true for the umpires, who are Double-A or Triple-A umps getting their first experience in a four-person crew to prepare them for advancement to the next level. Each Fall League team is affiliated with five major league clubs who send their prospects there, including whatever teams play their Spring Training at that facility. The alignment varies by year, but in 2025, the Rafters drew players from the Rockies, Diamondbacks, Angels, Pirates, and Red Sox. The Rafters were Arizona Fall League champions in 2011, 2014, 2019, and 2024. Salt River Fields is located on the land of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian community and is the first spring training facility built on Native American land. As of 2025, most Fall League games start at either 1:30 or 6:30 PM. Food & Beverage 3 Although there are many different concession stands at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, the vast majority of them are not open for Fall League games, where the crowds are far smaller than they are for Spring Training. As you come in through the home plate gate, there is one concession stand located to your left and a cart selling alcohol straight ahead. Everything else is closed for Rafters games. The concession stand that is open has a decent enough selection. Hot dogs, chicken tenders, cheese and pepperoni pizza, and nachos are available, as are snacks such as popcorn and peanuts. Fountain soda and bottled water are available as well. A decent selection of beer is available at the alcohol cart for those of age. Atmosphere 3 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is a gorgeous stadium, with desert landscaping in the batters eye and a gorgeous view of the mountains beyond the outfield fence. There is a 360 degree concourse, although many of the features of the concourse that would be open for Spring Training games, such as concession stands and the Rockies and Diamondbacks team stores, are closed during the Fall League. The first base side will be in the shade for day games, and the shade line moves towards home plate and then third base. All seats are general admission for Fall League games, so you can sit wherever you want and will have a great view of the action from anywhere int he ballpark. There are grassy hills in left and right field that some fans like to bring blankets and sit on, but the view is better from the main seating area and you should have no problem getting a seat there in the AFL. While the hills would be packed for Spring Training games, they are nearly empty in the AFL. Some kids like to use it as a play area and will run around or roll up and down the slope throughout the game. Music is played over the PA system between batters, and sometimes between pitches. However, like other Fall League stadiums, there are not a lot of bells and whistles here. There is a t-shirt toss at select home games (usually on Thursdays) and a raffle where a randomly selected fan wins a prize, but that's about it other than the game. The Fall League is for baseball purists and baseball in its pure form is exactly what you will get here. Salt River Fields Behind Home, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick is located on the land of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, with other tourist facilities in the surrounding area. A Great Wolf Lodge is basically right next door to the stadium complex, and many other resorts are nearby as well. The Pavilions at Talking Stick Shopping Center is down the street and offers everything from wings to beer to seafood to burgers and more at its various restaurants, plus entertainment options such as indoor skydiving and movie theatres. Talking Stick Resort and Casino is less than a three mile drive away. The two other Fall League venues in the East Valley, Sloan Park and Scottsdale Stadium are a short drive away, and one can easily attend a 1:30 game at one ballpark and a 6:30 game at the other. Even the West Valley venues are within a 40 minute drive or so, although it may be longer with traffic. Fans 3 The Salt River Rafters draw more fans than any other team in the Fall League, the vast majority of whom are baseball purists deeply knowledgeable about the game. The crowds are small enough and quiet enough that you can hear a lot of the banter and discussion between other fans, which gives you a feeling for just how much they know and care about the game. The Rafters typically draw about 400 fans to a weekday game and more on weekends. Many of them are retirees who moved to the area (in some cases specifically to be closer to the Spring Training and Fall League facilities) and for evening games, you will get some families as well. The paid attendance figures cited above do not include scouts (who don't need to pay for their tickets) and you will see many of them sitting behind home plate as well, although they are there to work, not to cheer. Access 4 Salt River Fields is located just west of the Loop 101 Pima Fwy at the Indian Bend Rd exit. Park in the lot behind home plate off Pima Rd as that is closest to the main entranceway. You will likely hit more traffic for 6:30 games than those at 1:30, so plan accordingly. The lot is huge, so you should have no trouble parking, although many of the closest spots are reserved handicap spots. There are several other lots throughout the complex, although you will likely have no problem parking in the main one. Were you to come here for a Spring Training game, the lots would be packed with fans and you would have difficulty getting close, but for the Fall League, it is not an issue. The concourses here are very wide, as they were designed for the much larger Spring Training crowds and you should have no problem moving around. There are restrooms open down each baseline, as well as a set in the outfield for those fans sitting on the hill. Again, this is more than enough for the Fall League games due to the size of the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices have increased several times in recent years but are still a great deal. General admission seats are just $14 for adults, with seniors 60+ and kids 11-17 getting in for just $12. Kids 10 and under get in for free when accompanied by an adult. Concession prices are on the high end since this is a major league Spring Training facility, but parking is free. If you were to attend a Spring Training game here, the airfare and hotels would cost about three times what they do the rest of the year, but if traveling from out of town for the Fall League, you will encounter no such inflation, making it a much more affordable way to experience Spring Training venues. Extras 4 Look for the signage on the concourse honoring the Salt River Braves, a local community team that played games across the southwest in the 50s, 60s, and 70s. A second star for the gorgeous landscaping and scenery in and around the stadium. As you walk in, you will cross a pedestrian bridge over a stream that leads to a pond used to irrigate the fields. There is a small but gorgeous man-made waterfall that will be on your left as you approach the stadium. A trail will take you to the pond itself. There are also gorgeous views of the desert mountains beyond the outfield fence, and for evening games, the sunsets can be spectacular. There is a merchandise store selling Rafters and Fall League merchandise at an Information booth on the concourse, on the first base side of home plate. You can also sign up for the raffle here and they will announce the winner near the end of the game. Also be sure to check out the USS Arizona Memorial Garden across the parking lot for the stadium, in memory of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the battleship that was lost. Final Thoughts A Salt River Rafters game at Talking Stick is a laid back, fan-friendly experience where you can watch baseball in its purest form with other knowledgeable, passionate fans. Many of baseball's best players have made stops in the Fall League, and an AFL game here or at any of the other venues is a chance to see future stars in an intimate atmosphere at an affordable price. This is also a Major League Spring Training facility, and while not all the amenities are open for Fall League games, it is still a great place to watch a game.

Photos by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 SHI Stadium 1 Scarlet Knight Way Piscataway, NJ 08854 Rutgers Scarlet Knights website SHI Stadium website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 52,454 The Birthplace of College Football SHI Stadium is home to the Rutgers Scarlets Knights in Piscataway, New Jersey. Piscataway, New Jersey is considered the birthplace of college football, as the first intercollegiate football game was played here on November 6,1869. Rutgers College beat Princeton 6-4 on that day. SHI stadium is located on Rutgers’ Busch campus.  The stadium sits on the banks of the Raritan River in Piscataway, New Jersey.    SHI stadium has been the home of Rutgers football since 1994 with a seating capacity of over 52,000, while also serving both the men’s and women’s lacrosse teams. The facility has had multiple stadium names over the years. Originally named Rutgers Stadium, the corporate names started in 2011 with High Point Solutions Stadium, followed by HighPoint.com Stadium and finally SHI Stadium.   The stadium offers fans a wonderful atmosphere filled with the roar of the Scarlet faithful. Whether under the bright lights of a primetime matchup in the BIg Ten Conference on a beautiful fall day, the stadium offers a great college football experience and shows the true spirit of Rutgers University. The Scarlet Knights Take the Field. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 4   SHI stadium delivers a flavorful amount of options for food and beverage around the concourse of the field. There are plenty of options for fans to choose from self-served stands, as well as concession stands. The standout option is the barbecue stand that offers brisket, pulled pork and BBQ chicken sandwiches.  For those who are not in the mood for barbecue food there are also plenty of concession stands scattered around the stadium serving chicken tenders, tacos and nachos. There is also a Jersey Mike’s sandwich stand that sits just inside of gate C, at Section 118. The prices for concessions are fair and compare to most around the country with food around 12-13 dollars and soda being 8 dollars. For the fans that enjoy having a cold beer while you watch a game, there are plenty of beet gardens scattered around the concourse and will cost you between 15 to 16 dollars depending on the type of beer.   Atmosphere 4   The atmosphere at SHI Stadium captures the pride of Rutgers University and Scarlet Knight football perfectly. The Gameday experience starts way before you enter the stadium on Rutgers Boardwalk with a great tailgating experience. The boardwalk starts its gameday fun four hours before kickoff with many different pregame activities for those of all ages. The boardwalk is also lined with local food trucks for those who are looking to grab a bite or beverage before entering the stadium. The Rutgers Scarlet Knight marching band and cheer squad march their way down the Boardwalk signaling that kickoff is near. Once in the stadium the band, cheer squad and student section keep the energy high showing a loyal fan base to the Rutgers Football Team, with the famous “R!U!” Chant echoing throughout the stadium.   Rutgers Scarlet Knights Mascot. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey. Fans 3   The Rutgers Football program has seen their share of struggles in recent years, but that has not stopped the loyalty of fans of the Scarlet Knights. In the 2024 season SHI stadium saw an average attendance of 48,341 fans, and in the  2025 season the team has seen two sellout crowds and a largest crpwd of 52,142. What makes Rutgers fans special is their resilience and pride no matter what the outcome is on the field. The fans will proudly wear their scarlet and black to cheer on their hometown team. The roar of the crowd will echo through the stadium with their “Let’s Go Knights” chants on third down leaving you to join in with the Rutgers faithful on your visit to SHI stadium.   Neighborhood 3   The neighborhood surrounding SHI stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey offers a great blend of college town and  suburban comfort. The area around Piscataway and New Brunswick combine the charm of a campus and urban neighborhood with plenty of food options and hotels. Some of the more convenient lodging options for those who will need a hotel on gameday near the stadium are Hyatt Regency and the Heldrich Hotel & Conference Center.   Some of the top restaurants in the area are RU Hungry, which is the home of the original fat Sandwich. RU Hungry has been featured on many TV shows, including Man vs. Food. If you are not in the mood for sandwiches there are plenty of other options that are within walking distance of the downtown area that people can take advantage of. If you just want a quick pregame slice, you can find them at Daniel’s Pizzeria or Biggies Slice House. If you are looking for a good pub to have a pregame or postgame meal there is Tavern on George or the Scarlet Pub. Rutgers Super Bowl Champion Alumni. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   Getting to SHI stadium can be confusing for those who are not from the area. The Stadium sits just off of Interstate 95 and the New Jersey Turnpike about 30 miles south of Newark. Rutgers University currently has a total of three separate campuses in the local area with SHI stadium being on the Busch campus. The parking directly around the stadium is for season permits only while everyone else who is looking to attend a game will be directed to Jersey Mike’s Arena, home of the Men's and Women’s Basketball program, for general parking. General parking will cost you 32 dollars and you will be shuttled to the stadium. Once at the stadium the concourse is small but not terribly hard to get around.   Return on Investment 4   The pricing of Rutgers football tickets is similar to the college football landscape, as prices truly depend on who they are playing that weekend. Non-conference tickets will usually cost you around $55 per game, while The Big Ten Conference tickets will be around $100. There is always the secondary market, this could lower prices on the less desirable games. As stated before, the concessions are around average of other stadiums that you will attend so for those who are looking to save a little while going to a game, eating before heading into the stadium may be your best option.   Extras 4   Anytime you are at a Rutgers football game you will always be reminded that you are at the birthplace of college football, even to go as far as it being written on one of the walls behind the field goal post.   The stadium also has a wall in the main concourse commemorating all the Rutgers football players who have won Super Bowl championships after their time at Rutgers.   If you miss the other extras, you won’t miss the Revolutionary War-era cannon, fired by a group of reenactors after every Rutgers score, at halftime, and at the end of a home game win. The Cannon at SHI Stadium. Photo by Justin Cayea, Stadium Journey.   Final thoughts   Rutgers football being part of a power conference in The Big Ten offers top-tier college football to the Tri-State area. The decent price and great atmosphere makes SHI stadium a wonderful place to catch a game and is often  overlooked by many people.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium 550 Taylor Ave Annapolis, MD 21401 Navy Midshipmen website Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 34,000 Light Football In the Navy What is Sprint Football? Sprint football is a varsity, full-contact, intercollegiate sport played in the United States that operates under standard American football rules but with a strict player weight limit of 178 pounds or less, which must be met at official weigh-ins before each game. The sport, which originated in the 1930s as "lightweight football," emphasizes speed, agility, and fundamental execution over size and strength, providing an opportunity for smaller, skilled student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level. The game is primarily governed by the Collegiate Sprint Football League (CSFL) and the Midwest Sprint Football League (MSFL), featuring teams from a mix of institutions, including military academies and Ivy League schools. Navy is a member of the CSFL along with Army West Point, Cornell University, University of Pennsylvania (Penn), Caldwell University, Chestnut Hill College, Mansfield University, Molloy University, St. Thomas Aquinas College, and D'Youville University. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single concession stand offering the very basics—hot dogs and such — with drinks, and that is all the food you are going to get at a spring football game. We would suggest eating ahead of the game. Atmosphere 3 There is not much to the game except for a very enthusiastic PA announcer and the impressive scoreboards. You can pretty much sit anywhere you want in the stadium due to the non-existent crowd, although we are assuming the upper deck is off-limits. We should have tried going up there to see for ourselves, but we did not. The stadium itself is what saves a bit of a score here. If this were played before such a small crowd and at many other stadiums, there would be almost no atmosphere at all. The stadium, with all its signage, statues, and tributes to the Navy's past, is worth a visit if you have other reasons to be there. Neighborhood 5 Annapolis, the state’s capital, is a beautiful town located on the shores of the Severn River’s exit into the Chesapeake Bay. It is located almost equidistant from both Baltimore and Washington, D.C., providing easy access to two major metropolitan cities full of shopping, dining, and major airports. The area around the stadium is quaint and features many historic sites, including the Maryland State House. Shopping and dining are plentiful downtown near the Annapolis waterfront area as well, and fans can find plenty to entertain themselves there. Fans 2 Friends and family made up the bulk of the "crowd". We even heard a fun conversation between some fans who thought they were coming to a flag football game. We guess we are not the only ones new to sprint football. Access 4 To get to Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, you need to drive on US 50 from the DC area, or on I-97 to US 50 from the Baltimore Area; both routes will drop you steps from the stadium. Once you’re there, parking is plentiful and costs $10. The lots are used daily by Annapolis visitors and state employees, so you will not get away with free parking at any time. Return on Investment 4 Parking is paid, but you can get into the game at no cost. Extras 4 The northwest end zone features the Navy goat statue and a memorial garden for the military, showcasing plaques and memorial statues from the Navy’s past. Also of interest is the Blue Angels' F/A-18 Hornet on display outside the stadium, a popular photo spot for fans. The field itself also pays homage to former star players, with yellow player numbers painted near their corresponding yard lines, and the stadium’s ring of honor features historic and notable Navy battles rather than former player names, as at other facilities. Final Thoughts Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium is worth a visit, especially when watching one of the most unique variations of college football around.