Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 W.B. Mason Stadium Blessed Basil Moreau Dr North Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks football website W.B. Mason Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,400 The Sky’s The Limit   Many who follow college sports in New England were surprised when tiny Stonehill College, a school with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,500 students, announced in April 2022 that they were elevating their athletic programs to the Division One level and becoming a member of the Northeast Conference. The private Catholic school is located in North Easton, Massachusetts on the original estate of Frederick Lathrop Ames Jr. It was founded in 1948 by the Congregation of Holy Cross.   W.B Mason, a business supply company headquartered in neighboring Brockton purchased the naming rights for the facility. The company, led by CEO and Stonehill alumnus Leo Meehan, pitched in $1.5 million of the $4 million construction cost of the stadium. The playing field is dedicated in honor of Tim “Cogs” Coughlin, a class of 1980 alumnus and member of the Stonehill football team, who lost his life in the attacks on the World Trade Center. In addition to serving as home to the Skyhawks football team, W.B. Mason also serves as home to Stonehill’s field hockey, lacrosse and track and field teams.   Stonehill has sponsored football teams since 1988, using the nickname “Chieftains” until 2005. Stonehill football competed in Division Three until 1996, when they moved up to Division Two, staying there until 2021. The Skyhawks joined the Football Championship Subdivision’s Northeast Conference (NEC) in 2022. Since moving to Division One, the Skyhawks have compiled a record of 14-28. Approaching W.B. Mason Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 3   W.B. Mason Stadium lacks permanent concession facilities. A tent is set up for Skyhawk football games beyond the north end of the grandstand operated by Bon Appetit Dining Services. The menu here features stadium standards, with a few rotating specialty items (i.e. cheesesteaks and bratwurst) thrown in to expand the menu on a given day. Coca-Cola products are featured at Stonehill athletic events.   In addition, a beer garden operated by nearby Shovel Town Brewery is located just beyond the north end zone. They feature a selection of their excellent microbrews, including a special collaboration with Stonehill athletics, Hillhaus, an Oktoberfest Marzen.   Atmosphere 3   Fans who have been visiting Stonehill regularly since the program’s elevation to Division One in 2022 will have observed the evolution of the gameday presentation at W. B. Mason Stadium, including the development of some Stonehill traditions and the overall improvement of the gameday experience. The staff have incorporated some giveaways and fan involvement into the gameday, such as having younger fans in attendance challenge Ace the mascot to a dance contest, students kick field goals for a television, and more. The music and PA announcements are slick and professional, and while this is certainly a small-school experience, it’s a fun time.   There does not seem to be a dedicated student section at W.B. Mason Stadium, but there is an active tailgating scene and enthusiastic fanbase. If you arrive early to the stadium, the parade of fans heading to W.B. Mason from the parking lot at McPhadin Library right before kickoff is very amusing. The sound system is quite good, and as mentioned before, the music and PA announcer add a lot to the atmosphere. The cheerleading and dance squads perform throughout the game. The school has installed a brand-new scoreboard in the north end zone during the 2025 season. While it looks much nicer than the old one, it doesn't offer any new features.   Ace roams the stands at W.B. Mason Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 2   Stonehill College’s sprawling campus keeps it hidden away from the hustle and bustle happening just beyond the campus borders. Stonehill is located on the Brockton/Easton town line, and state routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both roads are pretty busy commercial routes, lined with businesses, strip malls and plenty of dining and lodging options for visiting fans. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal.   While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options close to campus should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott located just off Route 24.   More information about local accommodations, restaurants and attractions can be found here .   Fans 2   Even with W.B. Mason Stadium’s rather small capacity, the entire undergraduate enrollment could fit inside. So, it’s not surprising that there are not huge crowds at Skyhawk football games, but average attendance since the program’s elevation to Division One has hovered at around 2,000 fans per game. Crowds over the years have tended to start off big and decrease over the course of the season.   There’s a decent, if not overwhelming, turnout by the student body. The majority of the fans in attendance appear to be locals, many of whom have a connection to the players down on the field. With the NEC’s compact geographic footprint, you’ll be sure to see a good number of visiting fans in the stands.   An interesting characteristic of a Stonehill crowd is that they are late arriving. Tailgating is allowed in the parking lots near the stadium right up until kickoff, and it seems that a good percentage of the fans in attendance keep the party going until the last possible minute. It’s pretty interesting to see the foot traffic increase along Blessed Basil Moreau Drive as kickoff time approaches. Stonehill game action at W.B. Mason Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4   Stonehill College is located in suburban Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from W.B. Mason Stadium. The stadium is located on the western edge of campus, adjacent to some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including Lou Gorman Field  and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex.   Fans will find ample parking in the lot in front of the McPhaidin Library located a short walk from the stadium, as well as several other parking lots scattered around campus. All of the lots are just a short walk to the stadium. The entrance to W.B. Mason Stadium is located on the southeast corner of the facility, with the grandstand on the opposite west side of the stadium.   Seating consists of a single grandstand that runs the length of the field. The center sections contain individual molded plastic seats, with the rest of the seating consisting of metal bleachers without backs. This new grandstand is fully ADA compliant and easily accessible for all fans. Fans looking for an alternate viewpoint can take advantage of the standing room along the southern edge of the field.   Unfortunately, the presence of a track surrounding the football field pushes the seats a bit further from the action. This is a common feature of the multi-purpose fields that are found at smaller schools. Rest rooms are located in the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex, with additional port-a-johns available behind the grandstand.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Skyhawks games are sold as general admission, with tickets priced at $15. Seniors 65+ and students can purchase tickets for $10.   Parking is free in the lots near the stadium. With inexpensive concessions, an afternoon at a Stonehill football game is a very affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans.   Stonehill Athletics Hall of Fame in Sally Blair Ames Field House. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1   An extra point is awarded for the Stonehill Athletic Hall of Fame located adjacent to W.B. Mason Stadium in the Sally Blair Ames Field House. During games the team store is also set up here.   Final Thoughts   W.B. Mason Stadium is smaller facility which fits perfectly into the fabric of tiny Stonehill College. Now that the Skyhawks are a full-fledged member of Division One, they are no longer a program in transition, but the game day experience continues to evolve.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Merkert Gymnasium Chapel of Mary South Easton, MA 02356 Stonehill Skyhawks men’s basketball website Merkert Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 1,500 No Stone Unturned   On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division One level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division Two. Upon its elevation to Division One, Stonehill joined the Northeast Conference.   The home of Stonehill’s basketball and volleyball teams is Merkert Gymnasium. The gym is located in the center of the school’s campus. The building is named in honor of Stonehill student James A. Merkert, who passed away while enrolled in 1978. He was the son of long-time university benefactor Eugene Merkert. The basketball court is named the Paula Sullivan Court, in honor of the school’s longtime women’s basketball coach, who led the squad from 1971-1996.   Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2005 the school officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks. This name has no connection to a bird but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995.   While in Division II, the Skyhawks appeared in 15 NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Final Four twice (2006 and 2012). The women’s team appeared in 26 NCAA D-II Tournaments, advancing to the Elite Eight three times. On May 28, 2025, Stonehill College announced that due to a record $15-million donation from Tom (class of ’72) and Kathleen Bogan, planning has begun on a new basketball and hockey arena on campus. In recognition of their philanthropy, the arena will be named the Tom and Kathleen Bogan Arena. There is currently no timeline for construction of the arena. Merkert Gymnasium Exterior. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 1   There is a small snack bar in the Merkert Gymnasium lobby. This is the most basic of concession experiences you’ll ever find in a Division One facility. Popcorn, assorted candies and chips are sold here, along with bottles of Coca-Cola products. That’s it. If you’re coming to a Skyhawks game hungry, you’re going to be out of luck.   Atmosphere 3   When you consider that Merkert Gymnasium is basically a gym located in the basement of a classroom building, you wouldn’t expect this to be a fancy facility with a lot of modern bells and whistles available to the Stonehill game day staff. And you’d be absolutely correct. Still, a bandbox of a gym like this can be the type of place that provides a great home court advantage when it’s filled with rowdy students making noise. Unfortunately, that’s not likely to be your experience at Merkert.   The Skyhawk athletic department does the best they can with the tools at hand. The band, dance and cheer teams are in attendance doing their thing. The student section can be hit or miss. Stonehill’s overall enrollment is only 2,400 students, so even if a good percentage of the student body shows up, it’s not a lot of people. But again, in a small gym like Merkert, a little can go a long way. The school’s mascot, Ace, can be found roaming the stands interacting with fans, and the sound system is put to good use during play stoppages, filling this tiny gym with sound. The PA announcer does a good job filling the gym with energy and keeping the crowd involved while providing game information.   Perhaps the most interesting part of the game day experience at Stonehill is the scoreboard at the far side of the gym. And not because it is ultra-modern or because it features a giant, high-definition video board, because it has none of those features. It provides only basic game information (score, time, fouls, time outs, individual stats for players on the floor). What is interesting here is that the numbers change colors like a Christmas tree. Take the clock, for instance. When the clock is counting down, the numbers are green. When the clock is stopped, they are red. During the final minute, they are yellow. The score of the team that is ahead is green. Seriously, you need an instruction manual to read this thing. But it’s kind of fun at the same time. Merkert Gymnasium Scoreboard. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 3   Stonehill College’s sprawling campus keeps it hidden away from the hustle and bustle happening just beyond the campus borders. Stonehill is located on the Brockton/Easton town line, and state routes 123 and 138 intersect at the southwest corner of campus. Both roads are pretty busy commercial routes, lined with businesses, strip malls and plenty of dining and lodging options for visiting fans. Stadium Journey recommends checking out Stoneforge Grill or Brach’s Grill and Tap for your pre- or postgame meal.   While you may not find many attractions in the immediate vicinity of Stonehill, Boston is located just a half hour’s drive to the north. Visiting fans will find no shortage of things to do there. Fans looking for lodging options close to campus should check out the Residence Inn by Marriott located just off Route 24.   More information about local accommodations, restaurants and attractions can be found here .   Fans 3   The 2025-26 season is the fourth season in Division One for the Skyhawks, so trends are starting to emerge. Attendance has remained steady over the past couple of seasons, with Stonehill averaging just under 800 fans per game. This places them just under the average for their conference, the NEC. Stonehill seems to have filled a void in southeastern Massachusetts, where local fans previously had to venture into either Boston or Providence for their big-time college sports fix.   Generally, Stonehill fans are pretty reserved, but it’s easy to see how this bandbox of a gym would get really loud if the Skyhawks were competing for a conference title and the bleachers were packed with students and crazed fans. This would be a tough place to come play for sure. For now, it’s a place you can feel comfortable visiting and taking in some quality basketball up close. Stonehill Band Plays at Skyhawk Basketball. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 4    Stonehill College is located in suburban Easton, MA, directly to the west of the city of Brockton and 25 miles south of Boston. The campus is easily accessible by car, as both Interstates 495 and 93 lead to Route 24, which runs north-south just a mile from Merkert Gymnasium.   Merkert Gymnasium is located in the middle of campus, not far from some of Stonehill’s other athletic facilities, including W.B Mason Stadium , Lou Gorman Field and the Sally Blair Ames Athletic Complex.   Fans will find ample parking in the Chapel of Mary parking lot located about a tenth of a mile from the gym. Walkways from the parking lot to the gym are wide and well-manicured, although not as well-lit as you might expect.   Fans will enter Merkert Gymnasium into a small lobby adorned with murals from the school’s various athletic programs. The ticket table, snack bar and tiny rest rooms are all located here. Fans will take a flight of stairs down to the gym floor. There are molded purple bleachers on either side of the court. There is no seating on either end of this cozy gym.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Skyhawks basketball games are priced at $15 for adults and $10 for youths aged 5-17. Parking is free in any of the lots located just a short walk from Merkert Gymnasium. With inexpensive snacks available at the snack bar, a Skyhawks basketball game is an affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Game Action at Merkert Gymnasium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Extras 1   Banners hang on the walls of Merkert Gymnasium honoring championship programs from the men’s and women’s basketball teams and the volleyball team. Stonehill had quite the successful resume while playing in Division Two.   Final Thoughts   Now that Stonehill has had a few years to settle into their new surroundings in Division One, it’s clear to see that they’ve made some upgrades to the game day experience at Merkert Gymnasium. With a recent announcement that a new facility is on the way for the basketball and hockey teams, this is a program that is poised for a big jump in the near future.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Wrigley Field 1060 W Addison St. Chicago, IL 60613 Northwestern Wildcats website Wrigley Field website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 41,649 The Friendly Confines…of Football Northwestern University is located in Evanston, Illinois, about 20 miles north of downtown Chicago. The football team occasionally plays home games at Wrigley Field, normally home to the Chicago Cubs . Wrigley opened in 1914 and is known as the “Friendly Confines”.   Food & Beverage   5 There are plenty of food and beverage options available at Wrigley Field during Northwestern football games.  All the stands are open, and you can even canned beer from vendors who walk around the concourse, especially in the upper level. The best thing about the concessions here is you can buy a basic hot dog for about $9, but then add all the fresh toppings necessary to turn it into an authentic Chicago-style dog – tomato wedges, peppers, a pickle spear; you name it. In addition to the hot dogs you can also find chicken tenders, burgers, Italian beef (another Chicago classic), pizza, nachos, Bison hot dogs, and ice cream in a souvenir batting helmet, as well as pretzels, peanuts, popcorn, Cracker Jack, fries, and chips. For drinks you can choose from bottled Coke products; import, domestic, or craft beer on tap or in cans; Gold Peak tea; Gatorade; or Dasani bottled water. Prices are high as you might expect, this being a pro stadium – think $16 for a burger with fries, $8 for peanuts, and $19 for a large import draft beer.   Atmosphere   4 Wrigley Field has a great atmosphere during Northwestern football games – during my last visit the stadium was jam packed, although there were many more visiting fans than purple-clad fans, given the Wildcats are maybe having an off year on the field. There are tons of different seating options – the back half of the 200 and 400 levels are covered, which is a nice touch to keep out of the weather, especially for noon kickoffs. The 400 level may have some obstructed views, however, depending on where you sit. There are some pillars in the way, and also speakers hanging down, making it a little hard to see. The seats are also very tight, so even though they are chairbacks they are not very comfortable. Or if you want to sit really high up, check out the Wrigley Rooftops. The Wildcats bring some of their bells and whistles with them to Wrigley, including their mascot and cheerleaders, as well as purple smoke and flags for when the team comes onto the field, but not as many banners, nor as much Northwestern signage, as you would see at their real home field. There are several giant scoreboards, however, including one behind the south end zone attached to the front of the Gallagher building, making it easy to see replays.   Neighborhood   5 There is plenty to see and do in downtown Chicago, starting with an ice-skating rink and numerous restaurants literally right outside the stadium, as well as several stores for shopping, including the Cubs Store and a Motorola (cell phone) dealer. One great thing about Wrigley Field, at least during Northwestern football games, is they let you leave and re-enter the stadium, after scanning your ticket, so you can visit the Cubs Store, or get a bite to eat, during halftime. Restaurants within sight of the stadium include Swift Tavern, Steingold’s Bagels & Nosh (try a Babka, they are delicious), Budweiser Brickhouse (which has rooftop seating), and Smoke Daddy (BBQ), as well as several others. Budweiser Brickhouse is inside the Gallagher building, and would be an especially great place to hang out and watch other games before or after the Wildcats game, given its rooftop seating, not to mention the giant screen on the front of the building you can use for viewing. You could also just stand on the street, or in Wrigley Field’s courtyard, and watch from there. For attractions within a few miles of the stadium check out Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, or Navy Pier, which is near Harry Potter Shop Chicago. In terms of hotels there are plenty in downtown, although those tend to have higher prices. If you are flying in I would recommend staying in Schaumberg, about 10-15 minutes west of the airport, where you can find great hotels for less money – Country Inn & Suites is my current go-to. By the way, if you are looking for real Chicago-style deep dish pizza, go no further than Giordano's – their pizza is so good we went there twice while I was in town for the weekend. Also try their broken cannoli, basically a deconstructed cannoli with the cream piled in the center and broken shell pieces used for dipping; a lot easier to eat than the regular version, and great for sharing. I would not recommend Gino’s East. If you aren’t feeling like pizza, I would recommend Italian beef from Buona’s, although many other restaurants in the area offer it as well, including Giordano's.   Fans   3 Wrigley Field will likely be a sellout during Northwestern Wildcat football games, so there is plenty of atmosphere and fan noise. The trouble is that NU is not one of the better teams in the conference, at least not lately, so you might see many more visiting fans than home fans, making it seem more like an away game for the ‘Cats than a home one.   Access   3 Wrigley Field is a block away from the Addison train station (elevated, not subway); in fact you can see trains passing by the stadium during the game. Taking a train would be a great option if you don’t want to pay for parking, although traffic is not that bad on a Saturday. If you do want to drive, you can pay $70 or so to park in someone’s apartment building spot a block from Wrigley Field, or park further away for less money, and walk. There are plenty of public parking surface lots and garages, although I never recommend garages – it takes too long to get out of them afterward. Once you get inside the stadium moving around is not that easy, especially during halftime, when you will face long lines. It is better to hit the bathrooms or concessions before the game starts, or at the end of the first/third quarters. One other thing I didn’t like is that the stairs are very steep, almost overly so, making them a little tricky to walk up and down. You also cannot walk all the way around the stadium; there is no walkway on the west side, so depending on where you come in, you may have to walk all the way around. The nice thing is there are a lot of entrances, so getting in and out is not bad.     Return on Investment   3 Wrigley Field is a nice venue, and Chicago is a great city to visit. For a Northwestern football game, however, you might pay $100 or more for a ticket here, since the game will most likely be against a conference foe, and parking costs more for these games too. Alternatively, you can visit the facility, and the city, another time for a Cubs game and pay a lot less. So unless you are a stalwart Wildcats fan, that might be a better play. Concessions will cost the same either way.   Extras   3 There are baseball statues outside Wrigley Field which make for a great photo op, and great Christmas decorations already up during contests in November. Northwestern also has a special red-white-and-blue flag logo “N” painted at midfield, in celebration of military appreciation “month” centered around the Veteran’s Day holiday in November. I am not sure whether it is used in other months, as well.   Final Thoughts As mentioned, Wrigley Field is a nice venue, and Chicago is a great city to visit. If you are a football fan, I definitely recommend seeing a football game here at least once, as it is a unique experience to see gridiron action at a baseball stadium instead of a regular football field. That said, Wrigley does have some access issues, and costs will be higher for football here than for baseball. So, if you just want to see the venue, waiting until the baseball regular season may be preferred.

Photo by David Welch, Stadium Journey The United Football League (UFL) , which is getting ready to launch its third season this coming spring, recently announced a new initiative aimed at giving fans even more incentive to lock up their season tickets. Dubbed the “Season Ticket Member of the Game Experience,” the new program offers a limited-time opportunity to give one lucky fan from each of the UFL’s eight teams  an unforgettable experience at each home opener. Fans who purchase season ticket memberships by January 3, 2026, will be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance at the exclusive game experience. These experiences include: Locker room visit Watch team warm-ups from the field Honorary flag carrier, running out with the team On-field recognition during the game $500 UFL Shop gift card The upcoming UFL season kicks off on  Friday, March 27, when its eight teams – the Birmingham Stallions , Columbus Aviators, Dallas Renegades , DC Defenders , Houston Gamblers , Louisville Kings, Orlando Storm, and St. Louis Battlehawks – will compete in a 10-week regular season followed by a two-week postseason culminating with the UFL Championship Game. For more information on the sweepstakes or season ticket memberships, fans can visit here . ---- Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Amalie Arena 401 Channelside Dr Tampa, FL 33602 Tampa Bay Lightning website Amalie Arena website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,500 Title Town in Tampa Editor's Note: On August 13, 2025, it was announced that the facility's name was now Benchmark International Arena. Benchmark International is a Tampa-based mergers and acquisitions firm. This review, completed in the 2024-25 season, refers to the arena by its previous name, Amalie Arena. The idea of ice hockey in Florida has always been one that drew looks of confusion among skeptics. How could an NHL franchise succeed in Florida, a state that rarely sees freezing during its coldest months, let alone become more than just a short-term fad? While some have argued the Panthers fit the latter, the Tampa Bay Lightning have become one of the league’s must-see franchises. Consistently competing for playoff spots and winning a Stanley Cup three times (including back-to-back in 2020 and 2021) has catapulted the Tampa Bay franchise to greatness. Without a doubt, the Lightning are one of the best experiences in sports, and a visit to Amalie Arena makes it easy to see why. Food & Beverage 5 There are tons of food & beverage options at Amalie Arena. From locally-inspired seafood options throughout the concourse to the standard stadium fare, you can find whatever you want here. From full-sized salads or chicken tender baskets at $15.50 to chicken sandwiches at $13.50, the PDQ franchise booths located in the arena are a hit among fans. Sweet tooth seekers can be satisfied with massive options, including souvenir popcorn buckets at $13, Dippin’ Dots for $9.50, caramel corn for $7.50, ice cream for $7, and more. Sodas start at $6.75 with beer ranging from $9.25 to $16, and while prices may be high for some of these items, the quality and quantity cannot be ignored. Atmosphere 5 The Tampa Bay Lightning have made game day a full experience. From the pre-game festivities and fan zone outside the arena’s main entrance, in an area dubbed Thunder Alley, you can easily see why fans flock to the arena for outdoor watch parties during the playoffs. Here you can find giveaways and music performances throughout the hours before the puck is dropped. Once inside, the pristine arena is easy to navigate thanks to a bounty of signage, as well as the helpfulness of the staff at the arena, some of whom are there solely to answer your questions and help direct you around the facility. During player intros laser lights, smoke, and even lightning bolts from ceiling-mounted Tesla coils fill the arena with excitement, and once the puck drops the fans take over, making Amalie Arena one of the most intimidating road venues in the league. Simply put, this place gets loud! Finally, the arena was recently renovated with brand new lighting that offers a clearer look at the game action than ever before. Neighborhood 4 Amalie Arena is located literally blocks from Tampa’s downtown center, situated in the Channelside neighborhood. Nearby you can find countless restaurants and hotels, as well as shopping. However, in recent years, the area across the street from the arena has exploded with construction and a new feel. New high-rise apartments fill the skyline here, complete with restaurants and shopping on the lower levels. Even the local Publix Greenwise Market a block away sets up a table outside, advertising pizza and other food specials for fans arriving on game day. You’re also only a few miles from the Tampa airport and the nearby Tampa International Mall. There, your options for shopping and dining multiply exponentially. Once you get to Tampa there are countless tourist destinations within a short drive of the downtown area; Hard Rock Casino and Resort is just a few exits east on I-4, while Busch Gardens Tampa is also nearby. The pristine beaches of Clearwater and St. Pete lie just to the west on the other side of the bay, and nature lovers can easily venture towards Blue Springs State Park for kayaking and manatee spotting in the winter months. Fans 5 The fans in Tampa LOVE their Lightning; packed houses are expected night after night, with mostly Tampa Bay fans in attendance. Unlike other expansion teams where visits from popular teams garner massive traveling crowds, the Lightning fill up easily with home fans regardless of the opponent. This means the locals are about as loyal as they come in pro sports, a rarity in Florida. This also means Amalie Arena gets very loud during games; the fans also know their hockey well, and make their displeasure at bad ref calls, or their excitement over goals scored, known with fervor. Access 4 Amalie Arena is located off the Selmon Connector, a split off I-4. Located between I-4 and I-275, the downtown area has several exits that get you to the arena and parking areas nearby. There are plenty of garages and parking lots in the venue’s vicinity that make finding somewhere to park without spending a lot of money easy. There are also several public transport lines that take you to the arena, be they by bus or train. However, as with any major city in Florida, traffic can build up quickly and become a drag, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Tampa Bay Lightning games are relatively on par with the rest of pro sports and the NHL, starting around $20 for the upper levels to over $100 for the lower bowl. That said, the experience you have at Amalie Arena is unlike anything else in Florida, and easily on par with some of the best hockey experiences in the NHL. Fans flock to Tampa Bay Lightning games, and it is easy to see why. Visiting Tampa should include a trip to a Bolts game almost as an automatic add on for visitors. Extras 5 Amalie Arena features several statues of important players and members of the Lightning’s past outside in the Thunder Alley area. In addition, another neat aspect of the venue is the plentiful discounts around the facility on food and beverages for season ticket holders. The Tampa Bay Lightning also have a working Tesla coil mounted to the ceiling that shoots out bolts of lightning during pre-game intros, as well as whenever the Bolts score a goal. The upper end zone also features the Bolts’ organ player, adding a quintessential element to NHL games. A hidden gem of the Lightning experience is the Budweiser Biergarten – located off the main concourse down a small hallway, this outside patio overlooks Thunder Valley and features food and beverage options for fans who want to get some fresh air during their visit. In addition, the stadium features an impressive number of team stores around its concourses, from the upper level to the main store situated downstairs off the main concourse. Final Thoughts The Tampa Bay Lightning have broken all expectations for a Florida hockey franchise, and their game day experience has become one of the best in the league. From the spotless interior of the venue to the bounty of food options, there is plenty to love at Amalie Arena. Your dollar goes far thanks to the excitement on the ice, and there are no bad seats in the house. Thankfully fans also add to the fun, packing in the house all year long to watch the Lightning push for the playoffs year after year.

Photo courtesy of RotoGrinders.png Are you the kind of fan who knows  you can call plays better than the pros? Do you shout advice to your favorite team on your television screen from the comfort of your couch? Have you been known to pace around your living room like you are the coach on the sidelines? Well, RotoGrinders , one of the premier destinations for daily fantasy sports users, has the perfect job for you. They are scouring the country in search of the ultimate Armchair Coach. This one-time coaching job will pay the lucky winner $2,000. They will also get an official whistle, foam finger, and one gallon of Gatorade. The job description? Watch football and yell at your TV – that’s it. Pick any game and record your best reactions, post-game rants, or instant analysis and share them online. The deadline to apply for the contest is December 10, 2025, with the winner being announced by December 17. Contestants will be judged on their creativity, entertainment value, and overall delivery. Personality will be chosen over production value. To enter, record a quick video – no more than 2 minutes long – of you watching a football game and yelling at the TV, calling plays, celebrating touchdowns, or breaking down the action just like the pros. You can upload your video to YouTube, TikTok, or any other public social media platform, and drop the link in your entry form. Those interested in becoming RotoGrinders’ first-ever Armchair Quarterback can enter the contest here . ---- Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sea Gull Stadium 1301 Wayne St Salisbury, MD 21804 Salisbury Sea Gulls website Sea Gull Stadium website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 5,000 Gulls To The Shore Salisbury University is a public university located in the city of Salisbury, roughly 30 miles west of Ocean City, Maryland. Salisbury is a member of the University System of Maryland. The school opened in 1925 and has been known as the Maryland State Normal School, Maryland State Teachers College, Salisbury State College, and Salisbury State University before going to its current name. The Salisbury Sea Gulls compete in Division III athletics in the Capital Athletic Conference, while the football team competes in the New Jersey Athletic Conference. Salisbury is well known for the success of its athletic programs, amassing 19 national championships in team sports and 24 individual national championships in track and field and wrestling. Sea Gull Stadium's origins date back to 1980, but the modern iteration opened its doors in 2016 after a major redesign. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand offers a reasonably priced menu, featuring all the classic stadium staples you would expect. Main options include all-beef hot dogs ($4.50), cheeseburgers ($6.50), chicken tenders, and savory tender baskets ($8.50). One essential highlight of the menu is the French Fries ($3.50), a perfect salty complement to any main course, which is notably a favorite food of the Sea Gulls' beloved mascot, Sammy. Other popular snacks include soft pretzel bites, nachos, candy, and Fisher's™ Popcorn ($4). Drink options feature Pepsi products ($3), Gatorade, and bottled water ($2.50). For those needing a warm beverage during the cooler months of the football season, hot chocolate and coffee are also available. For adult fans, the stadium also offers beer and wine sales at a separate, dedicated stand, as indicated by signage pointing to the North End of the Stadium. Atmosphere 3 The 5,000-seat stadium was built to enhance the spectator experience. The modern, thoughtful design creates a sense of occasion for every contest. This design also retains a link to the stadium's past: the field's opposite side features the original main stands and press box, which have been repurposed to now serve as the visitor seating section. The installation of lighting in 2007 was a crucial step in elevating the environment, allowing for night games that always seem to draw a heightened energy from the Sea Gull faithful. There are cheerleaders and a Sammy mascot to help the atmosphere. The stadium also has a great videobaord for tracking the action. You can walk around all sides of the field with ease. Neighborhood 4 Sea Gull Stadium is situated close to residential areas and the commercial bustle of South Salisbury, making the journey to the stadium relatively easy for both local fans and visiting travelers. Salisbury is a mid-sized city, and the campus's location offers numerous off-campus options for pre- and post-game exploration. Just a short drive away, you can find cultural gems like the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art or enjoy a family-friendly outing at the Salisbury Zoological Park, one of the region's top small zoos. Admission to the Salisbury Zoo is free, making it an excellent, low-cost attraction. For a quick, classic, and affordable post-game meal, be sure to check out the regional chain, Cook Out, which is famous among college students for its extensive (and cheap) menu of burgers, shakes, and "trays." While not gourmet dining, it delivers a fun, quintessential "cookout" vibe that is perfect for celebrating a Sea Gulls victory. For the dedicated sports traveler, the proximity of Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, home to the Delmarva Shorebirds minor league baseball team, presents a perfect opportunity to schedule a multi-venue weekend trip. A major regional bonus is the proximity of Ocean City, Maryland, which is only about a 30-40 minute drive east from Salisbury. This world-famous resort town and its boardwalk offer an excellent diversion, regardless of the season. While the weather might not always be right for swimming, the boardwalk is an attraction in itself, lined with classic shops and amusements. A trip to the boardwalk is incomplete without indulging in two local institutions: the legendary Thrasher's French Fries (served with malt vinegar, not ketchup) and a cone or shake from Dumser's Dairyland. This mix of academic tranquility and surrounding commercial and recreational activity ensures that a trip to Sea Gull Stadium is about more than just the game; it is an inviting Eastern Shore destination. Fans 4 As a dominant force in Division III football, the Sea Gulls attract a loyal and knowledgeable base of supporters, including enthusiastic students, dedicated alumni, and community members who take genuine pride in the university's success. The energy emanating from the stands is a tangible reflection of the program’s consistent competitiveness, especially during critical conference matchups. Unlike larger Division I venues, the seating capacity of 5,000 creates a more intimate setting where every cheer and chant feels immediately impactful on the field. The crowd is particularly engaged during key plays. It is worth noting that while the crowd is typically strong, the game attended for this review was a rare Friday night contest late in the season, which is not the normal schedule. The attendance was smaller on this occasion, but should be considered an aberration from the typical large and spirited Sea Gull Nation turnout. The Sea Gull supporters are known for their spirited engagement and positive energy, creating a supportive yet formidable environment for opponents. Access 4 Navigating to and accessing the Sea Gull Stadium complex is easy. The stadium is easily located off the main thoroughfares in Salisbury. Ample parking options are provided, including plenty of street parking surrounding the campus and a very large parking garage directly across the street from the complex. Return on Investment 4 The return on investment for a trip to Sea Gull Stadium offers a good value, especially for high-quality NCAA Division III sports viewing. General admission tickets are priced at $10.00. Discounted tickets are available for non-Salisbury students, alumni, veterans, and seniors at $7.00, and for children aged 5-12 at $5.00. Salisbury University students, faculty, and staff with a valid ID continue to receive complimentary entry. The total expense for a fan to attend a game remains remarkably low. Considering the caliber of the athletic programs, which consistently compete for national championships, the opportunity to witness elite-level collegiate sport in such a modern, comfortable, and well-appointed setting presents an undeniable bargain for the dedicated sports traveler. Extras 3 The "Extras" at Sea Gull Stadium truly elevate the game-day experience beyond the confines of the field, centering around the unique personality and championship infrastructure of the campus. Chief among these is Sammy Sea Gull, the spirited and visible mascot who embodies the heart of Sea Gull Nation, providing energetic interaction, high-fives, and photo opportunities with fans throughout the stands. Sammy, who has been part of the Sea Gulls' identity since the 1970s, adds a crucial element of fun and tradition to every home game and can frequently be found rallying the crowd alongside the Sea Gull cheerleaders. Beyond the on-field excitement, the stadium's modern redesign includes features that enhance both athlete and spectator facilities. Final Thoughts Sea Gull Stadium provides a premier Division-III sports experience, blending championship-level athletic competition with top-tier, modern facilities in a location that exemplifies the pride of the Eastern Shore. This venue is a must-see for any sports enthusiast seeking an intimate, high-value, and deeply passionate college athletics destination.

Photo c ourtesy of the University of Arizona Athletics Department On Monday, November 17, the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, announced a new stadium naming rights deal with Casino Del Sol for Arizona Stadium . The stadium, which is the home venue for the Arizona Wildcats, will be renamed Casino Del Sol Stadium beginning with the 2026-27 season. According to Sports Business Journal , the deal is worth more than $60 million for 20 years, around $3 million each year. It is believed that the deal is the most significant naming rights agreement in the Big 12. Casino Del Sol is an enterprise of the native Pascua Yaqui Tribe and will be one of the largest corporate partnerships in Arizona Athletics. The agreement gives the tribe exclusive rights in casino, gaming, resort, and tribal nation designations. It also includes exterior and interior branding, field logos, and “expanded integration” on national broadcasts. “This is the largest partnership in the history of Arizona Athletics,” said Arizona Athletics Director Desireé Reed-Francois in a news release . “We are appreciative of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe and Casino Del Sol for their investment and are proud to join hands to create a platform that celebrates culture, drives impact, and showcases the very best of Southern Arizona. We're not just changing the name of a stadium; we're changing what it means to invest in college athletics in Arizona.” The deal was negotiated by Arizona Sports Enterprises, which is the in-house multimedia rights and partnerships arm of the university. “For many here in Southern Arizona and around the country, Arizona Athletics offers a first glimpse of the University of Arizona,” said University of Arizona President Suresh Garimella. “By naming one of our campus landmarks for Casino Del Sol, we are telling that audience how proud we are to partner with the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. I'm proud of our shared purpose to expand opportunity, strengthen belonging, and build a stronger future for our region, and I look forward to what we'll accomplish together.” ---- Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hart Center Arena at Luth Athletic Complex 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders volleyball website Hart Center Arena website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,600 Crusader Volleyball’s Second Home   The Reverend Francis J. Hart Recreation Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “Wustah” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John and Joanne Luth donated $32.5 million to the college in 2015 towards expanding and renovating the athletic department. Their donation largely funded the massive renovations to the complex in 2016. The Hart Recreation Center houses not only the Holy Cross basketball arena , but a 1,400-seat hockey rink , a six-lane swimming pool with a separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, a full-sized gymnasium for competition or practice, a sports medicine center, an auditorium, the college’s strength and conditioning facilities, an office, and meeting space. Behind the Hart Center is a full-size track, practice fields, a soccer field  and a lighted turf field   which serves numerous varsity sports and intramural programs. The Holy Cross volleyball team plays the majority of its matches in the Coach George Blaney ’61 Gymnasium, a 300-seat gym located right across the hall from the Hart Arena in the Luth Complex. The school moves marquee games that may feature larger crowds to the larger basketball arena. During the 2025 season, the Crusaders played seven matches in the Blaney Gym and five in the Hart Arena. Volleyball started at Holy Cross as a club sport in 1974, just two years after the college became co-ed. In 1976, the program became a varsity sport, going 3-10 at the Division Three level. In 1982, the Crusaders were elevated to Division One, competing initially in the MAAC conference and then the Colonial Conference, the predecessor to the Patriot League, where Holy Cross continues to compete today. The Crusaders have yet to qualify for the NCAA tournament.   Food & Beverage 1   A pair of concession stands is located in the main lobby. Unfortunately, these are usually not open for Crusader volleyball games. Even during Stadium Journey’s most recent visit, when a women’s hockey game was happening on the other side of the lobby, they remained shuttered.   Luckily, there are some vending machines located a bit past the concession stands in the main lobby. Bottles of Pepsi products and some snack foods are sold in these machines. Also, fans are allowed to bring in their own snacks to enjoy during the match.   Atmosphere 3   College volleyball is a sport that is growing in popularity in leaps and bounds. It’s fast-moving, filled with action, and even five-set matches don’t take a really long time. Holy Cross supports the action on the court with a solid, if unspectacular, game presentation. There are video boards on either end of the gym that display graphics, videos, and basic game information. The excellent sound system is put to good use with music during play stoppages, and the PA announcer provides game information while injecting a little energy into the proceedings. Unfortunately, with a large gym that is largely empty, it can be a bit hard to understand him at times.   While there is a decent crowd on hand at the Hart Center, the facility is just too large. While this allows fans to spread out, it does dampen any noise made by the fans in attendance. Volleyball fans do tend to be a boisterous bunch, as are the teams themselves. The antics of the players on the benches can be quite entertaining.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second-largest city in all of New England, but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   Holy Cross is located in southwestern Worcester, about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities.   Fans 2   Since the Blaney Gym only seats 300, games that may attract larger crowds are moved next door to the larger Hart Arena. For the 2025 season, the five games held in the larger gym averaged 189 fans, with a high of 341 present for the season finale and Senior Day. Compare that figure to the average of 146 fans who showed up for the seven matches played at Blaney Gym.   Volleyball crowds in the northeast generally fall into what we here at Stadium Journey call the “friends and family” category. The majority of the fans in the stands have some sort of connection to the players on the court, and as a result, are very knowledgeable about the team and very passionate in their support. Volleyball fans are very enthusiastic and vocal throughout a match, and Crusader fans are no different. While vocal, this is not a rowdy crowd. You’ll find fans of both teams coexisting peacefully in the stands here in Worcester.   Access 4     The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. Hart Recreation Center is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’ location gives it spectacular views of the city below.   2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby. All the center’s facilities share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands, restrooms, and the Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Long gone are the 70s-style carpeting, trophy cases, and stained-glass windows of the old Hart Center.   The Hart Center Arena is located to your left as you enter the building. Fans will enter the arena at floor level. Only the seats on the north side of the court are utilized for volleyball matches. Lower-level seats consist of molded plastic bleachers. There are three rows of individual plastic stadium seats at the top of the lower level, and metal bleachers make up the balcony seating. All seats at the Hart Center are painted purple and offer great views of the court.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a volleyball game at Holy Cross, even when marquee games are moved from the Blaney Gym to the Hart Arena. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the Luth Complex, and with no concessions on site, you won’t have to reach for your wallet even once when taking in a Crusader volleyball match.   Extras 1   Extra points are awarded for the sense of history here at the Hart Center. A bronze statue of the school’s most famous athletic alumnus, Bob Cousy, greets visitors, and the Holy Cross athletic Hall of Fame is filled with names of Crusader greats.   Even though all the banners in the Hart Center Arena honor the school’s basketball team, we’ll still award an extra point for all the sporting history that happened at this small school back in the day.   Final Thoughts   While the Hart Arena is not the primary home of Holy Cross volleyball, it’s a more than adequate place for the Crusaders to set up shop for their marquee games. If anything, it might be too big for their needs.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Bobcat Stadium at Sim Cooley Field 70 Stadium Circle Ellisville, MS 39437 Jones College Bobcats website Bobcat Stadium at Sim Cooley Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 5,500 Bobcat Football in the Free State of Jones Jones College was founded as Jones County Agricultural High School in Ellisville, Mississippi, in 1911. It became a junior college in 1927 and, after decades of growth and modernization, re-branded as Jones College in 2018 – though it remains legally recognized as Jones County Junior College. Today, the school serves an eight-county district in South Mississippi and enrolls roughly 4,000 students, competing as one of 14 programs in the Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC), one of the most competitive JUCO conferences in the country. Football began here in 1924, when the school was still operating as a high school and playing at a modest on-campus field. Six years later, in 1930, Busch-Young Field opened, becoming the long-time home of Bobcat football. The venue would witness generations of players, coaches, championships, and postseason triumphs – but it would also serve as the backdrop for one of the most important moments in Mississippi junior-college sports history. In 1955, Jones made national headlines when it traveled to Pasadena, California, to face Compton Junior College in the Junior Rose Bowl, becoming the first all-white Mississippi college football team, at any level, to play an integrated opponent during the segregation era. The Bobcats fell in the game, but the trip marked a breakthrough moment for Southern athletics and remains a defining chapter in the school’s legacy. The Bobcats rose to national prominence in the decades that followed, particularly under legendary head coach Sim Cooley, who led the program from 1961 to 1987. Cooley delivered five state championships, consistently fielded national-contender teams, and cemented his status as one of the winningest coaches in junior-college football history. The pinnacle came in 1968, when Jones completed an undefeated season and captured its first – and to date only – NJCAA National Championship. Over its storied football history, Jones College has amassed 13 state/MACCC championships and appeared in 11 JUCO bowl games, further solidifying its reputation as one of the nation's premier junior college programs. Busch-Young Field remained the heartbeat of Bobcat football for 72 years, until a fire in 2002 destroyed the historic stadium and football facilities. Coincidentally, the program was already planning a move to a larger, modern venue at the front of campus that would open the following year. In 2003, Bobcat Stadium opened its gates, ushering in a new era for Bobcat Football. The field was officially dedicated to Sim Cooley in 2006, and today Sim Cooley Field at Bobcat Stadium stands as one of the premier gameday environments in Mississippi JUCO football, continuing the tradition of excellence that has defined Jones College for over 100 years.   Food and Beverage   3 The food scene at Bobcat Stadium is simple but dependable, anchored by a single concession stand attached to the athletic offices in the north end zone. Fans will find all the basics here: burgers, hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and chips – nothing fancy, but everything you’d expect from a classic JUCO game day setup. Prices are reasonable, portions are solid, and bottled Coca-Cola products make up the drink options. Season ticket holders and booster club members can sometimes upgrade their experience by accessing the hospitality tent in the north end zone, where a full buffet-style spread is typically offered before kickoff.   Atmosphere   3 Bobcat Stadium at Sim Cooley Field may appear straightforward in design, but it offers an intense and uniquely southern JUCO football atmosphere. Tucked along the back side of campus near the school’s athletic complex, the venue follows a traditional high school and community college layout, with a north–south field layout and open end zones framing each side. Fans enter primarily through the south end zone, where the ticket office and athletic department offices are located. On select game days, this area transforms into a lively pre-game zone, with a tailgate tent reserved for season ticket holders, boosters, and alums. The setup also often features a full buffet-style spread and refreshments, creating one of the more impressive hospitality experiences you'll find at the junior college level. Seating stretches along both sidelines on uncovered metal bleachers. The visiting section occupies the west sideline with roughly 15 rows, while the home grandstand on the east sideline rises to around 30 rows, topped by a two-story press box. From the top rows, fans can enjoy excellent views of campus and the surrounding athletic facilities. The home side seating bowl is especially striking with alternating garnet and gold sections, as well as a matching garnet windscreen wrapping the field, both reinforcing the Bobcat identity. A trimmed hedge runs along the home sideline, giving the field a classic “between-the-hedges” feel, which is unique at this level. In addition, behind the north end zone sits a sizeable LED board displaying replays, highlights, and Jones College promos, adding to the modern presentation. Also adding to the atmosphere is one of the premier marching bands in junior college athletics, the Jones College Typhoon. Their booming brass, crisp percussion, and pre-kickoff entrance set the tone early, and the band fills breaks in the action with a steady soundtrack that makes the stadium feel alive from whistle to whistle.   Neighborhood   3 Jones College sits in the charming small town of Ellisville, with a population of just over 3,400. Ellisville is one of the state’s oldest towns, and its historic character gives it plenty of personality. Just a few blocks from campus, downtown Ellisville features a classic Southern courthouse square surrounded by brick buildings, which look much like they did a century ago. Just off campus in downtown you can find several restaurants, including Casadores Mexican Grill, offering everything from Mexican favorites to sizzling fajitas. Alternatively, Harp & Hound provides a cozy pub-style setting with draft beers and comfort food, and after dinner, you can stroll across the square to Bennie & Mae's – the local ice cream shop that’s a favorite stop. Antique hunters and vintage lovers should make time for the Carpenter Bros. Emporium of Wonderful Whatnots, a two-story treasure trove open on weekends only. Dig through vinyl records, collectibles, and quirky finds; this beloved shop has even earned national attention thanks to an appearance on HGTV’s Home Town, filmed just down the road in Laurel. In addition, history buffs and thrill-seekers alike won’t want to miss the Amos Deason House. Built in 1845, this home became famous after a Civil War skirmish took place there in 1863, resulting in the death of its owner. Today, the property is known as one of the South’s most haunted homes and has been featured on paranormal TV shows. Free tours are offered on Saturdays, and the dramatic events that unfolded here helped inspire the 2016 film Free State of Jones, starring Matthew McConaughey. For hotels, there are none in Ellisville, but a short 20 minutes either way will put you in either Hattiesburg or Laurel, where you can find plenty of lodging.   Fans   3 When you come out for a Bobcats home game, one of the first things you notice is the intimate, community-driven feel of the crowd. The Bobcats average about 4,000 fans per home game, as the visiting side often fills up as well – JUCO football is huge in Mississippi. The fan base here is made up of students, faculty, alumni, and residents from Ellisville and surrounding Jones County. On game night, you’ll see groups of high school friends, local families, and long-time supporters who’ve followed the Bobcats through good and bad seasons. In a town of about 3,400 people, that kind of turnout means the whole community shows up in spirit. You will also see a lot of visiting fans, as the Mississippi JUCOs travel well to away games.   Access   3 Ellisville sits in a sweet spot along I-59, almost perfectly halfway between Hattiesburg (population around 46,000) and Laurel (population roughly 18,000). If you’re coming in from either direction on the interstate, the easiest route to campus is Exit 85; take that exit and follow the winding road into campus. Then, after a short drive through the trees, the stadium appears on the back side of campus, tucked beside the school’s other athletic facilities. Parking is plentiful and free, with the largest cluster of spots located near the baseball stadium right next door. Additional campus lots are also usually open on game day, so finding a space is rarely an issue. Inside Bobcat Stadium, seating is general admission except for the chairback section at midfield on the home side. Fans are free to move around as they please, and you can easily walk between the home and visiting sides to get different sightlines, or to soak in the atmosphere from both fan bases.   Return on Investment   3 With $10 for general admission, tickets here are a steal for this level of football – you’re getting a front-row look at some of the most competitive JUCO schools in the country. In addition, concessions here won’t drain your wallet, parking is simple, and the stadium’s layout lets you roam freely from the home bleachers to the visiting side without any hassle, giving you multiple vantage points of the game. Also, with the sheer influx of talent into Mississippi JUCO football, you never really know who you’re watching. Just a few years ago, Stetson Bennett was slinging passes for the Bobcats in 2018 before becoming a back-to-back national championship quarterback at Georgia . That’s the kind of return on investment you get for ten bucks: future stars, big-time plays, and a game day experience that feels way bigger than the price tag.   Extras   4 The Bobcats have produced 17 NFL Draft picks in their history, including three first-rounders. Their most legendary alum is quarterback Jackie Parker, one of the greatest players in CFL history. A three-time Grey Cup champion, Parker is enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame for his Mississippi State career, as well as honored in the Jones College and NJCAA Halls of Fame for his brilliance in Ellisville. Jones has also sent major standouts to the NFL, such as former Packers Pro Bowl receiver Javon Walker and Super Bowl XXXIX MVP Deion Branch of the New England Patriots . Entering the 2025 season, two former Bobcats are active in the league: Stetson Bennett, a two-time national championship quarterback at Georgia , and Washington Commanders  defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw. Another extra for the key chapter in Jones College’s football history, which came in 1955, when the Bobcats traveled to California to play Compton Junior College in the Junior Rose Bowl. Compton’s roster was made up largely of Black players, making Jones the first Mississippi college football team at any level to compete against Black athletes. A historical marker commemorating that groundbreaking game now stands on campus in front of A.B. Howard Gymnasium , home of the Bobcat basketball program. Another extra for the program is the Jones College Typhoon Band, one of the most celebrated ensembles in all of junior college football; if Jackson State’s  Sonic Boom of the South is the gold standard at the Division I level, then the Typhoon Band holds that same stature in the JUCO ranks.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey On Sunday, November 23rd, in Durham, North Carolina, the Northwestern Wildcats Field Hockey Team brought down the Princeton Tigers 2-1 in a thrilling overtime finish. This was the ‘Cats second straight overtime victory in the tournament, coming on the heels of a 4-3 victory over the University of North Carolina two days earlier. Northwestern’s victory on Friday represented a revenge of sorts against the Tar Heels, who defeated the Wildcats in the Championship game in both 2022 and 2023. The ‘Cats won their first championship in 2021, a 2-0 victory over the Liberty Flames; that matchup was Northwestern’s first of five straight Championship game appearances. The Wildcats also took home the trophy in 2024, drubbing St. Joseph’s 5-0 in the final game. Ironically, the Wildcats only loss in 2025 was to the same Princeton Tigers, back on October 13th, when NU lost 2-3 at home. The Tigers were ranked # 8 at the time, and were seeded # 2 in the tournament, ahead of the ‘Cats even though Northwestern was ranked higher in the final Coach’s poll. Maddie Zimmer was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 Championship game, in part because of her assist on the game-winning goal, which was scored by Ilse Tromp on a penalty corner, the second corner of the game the ‘Cats scored on.

Decatur, Illinois, will have a summer collegiate baseball team in the Prospect League next season. The team will be owned by Golden Rule Entertainment, owners of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes and the Quincy Doggy Paddlers in the Prospect League The yet-to-be-named franchise will call Workman Family Baseball Field  home on the campus of Millikin University. The ballpark was completed in 2019 and features a synthetic turf field, a grandstand seating 450, bleacher seating on both sides, and an elevated berm along the third base line. “You’ve come to the right city. Decatur is a baseball town,” said Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe in a press release . “This brings family-friendly entertainment, it’s affordable, and it brings people right to our own backyard. It’s also a huge win for Millikin, bringing more visitors to campus and showcasing what the University has to offer.” Decatur had been home to minor league baseball since 1888, and from 1900 to 1974, played in various leagues, most notably, the Three-Eye and Midwest League. The team was known in 1915 for its free promotion strategy that went awry. The club won four championships in 1928, 1952, 1953, and 1957. The team was called the Commodores for most of that time, after city founder Stephen Decatur, who served in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. The team was nicknamed the “Commies” before it became associated with the Soviet Union and Communism.  The Commodores moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, after the 1974 season when their home ballpark, Fans Field, was condemned. Interestingly, the team played at Staley Field from 1922 to 1926, the Chicago Bears first home. The original Commies franchise is still active today as the Kane County Cougars  in the American Association. Decatur is the 20th franchise in the Prospect League, joining the Kokomo Creek Chubs next season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey, and Pima Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 West Campus Aztec Field 2202 W Anklam Road Tucson, AZ 85709 West Campus Aztec Field website Pima Aztecs website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 500 A Desert Gem Pima Community College, established in 1966 when the citizens of Pima County, Arizona, approved the formation of a junior college district, has grown into a vital multi-campus institution in the greater Tucson area. The West Campus, where its athletics are centered, officially opened to students in the fall of 1971. The college’s athletic teams, known as the Aztecs, compete in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference (ACCAC) as part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA). The Aztecs have a strong tradition across various sports, consistently fielding competitive programs that are frequently ranked nationally, including both the men’s and women’s soccer teams. The West Campus Aztec Field, located within the Chapman Automotive Sports Complex, is a testament to the college's commitment to its student-athletes. The West Campus itself is architecturally significant, having been built between 1968 and 1970 with a bold, exposed reinforced cast-in-place concrete design. It is nationally recognized for its innovative, Brutalist-inspired aesthetic, which interacts beautifully with the desert topography. The mascot of Pima Community College is the Aztec, which is a powerful and respected symbol across the campus, though the mascot's in-person appearance for fan interaction at smaller regular-season matches is not guaranteed. This is a review of the women’s soccer experience, but the setup for the men’s team is identical. Food & Beverage 0 There is no permanent stand at the field, although some small snacks may be sold for certain games, but you should plan on bringing your own. Atmosphere 3 The crowd is a mix of family, fellow students, and local soccer aficionados with a typical attendance of around 100 or so fans. The soccer field is well-maintained, offering a great sightline to the action, and the desert backdrop of the Tucson Mountains provides a serene and beautiful setting, especially as the sun sets. Neighborhood 4 Tucson, Arizona, is the second-largest city in Arizona as well as the county seat of Pima County. In the metro area, over one million people live. The West Campus Aztec Field is located on the north part of the Pima Community College West Campus, placing it on the western edge of Tucson, close to the stunning Tucson Mountains. This location offers a compelling contrast: top-tier junior college sports set against a backdrop of natural Sonoran Desert beauty. The area surrounding the campus is a mix of residential zones and desert landscape, which contributes to the tranquil feeling. For those looking for local flavor, the immediate area has a variety of quick dining options. A short drive will bring you to local staples like Filiberto's Mexican Food, which is a popular regional chain for quick, satisfying Mexican fare, a must-try for travelers looking for authentic Southwestern flavors. The entire Tucson area is rich in history and culture, offering unique attractions like the Mission San Xavier del Bac, a historic Spanish Catholic mission just a short drive from the college. This proximity to both urban amenities and untouched nature means the venue serves as a great launchpad for exploring the unique character of Tucson before or after the game. Fans 3 The crowd is predominantly composed of players’ family members, friends, and other Pima students who are genuinely invested in the success of the Aztecs. Access 3 Reaching the West Campus Aztec Field is straightforward and stress-free for the average visitor. The facility is easily accessible, located on the northern part of the sprawling West Campus. One of the most significant fan advantages is the plenty of parking nearby, which means the typical sports travel headache of searching for an expensive, faraway spot is eliminated. Being located on a college campus means the infrastructure is designed to handle student and staff traffic, and this translates into an easy arrival for event attendees. You simply navigate to the West Campus and follow the signage or campus map to the Chapman Automotive Sports Complex. The entrance to the complex is immediately visible once in the vicinity of the athletic facilities. Given the venue's location near major Tucson roadways, getting to and from the site, even from downtown or other parts of the city, is a relatively simple drive. The ease of access and ample, free parking are a tremendous convenience that greatly improves the overall game-day journey. Return on Investment 3 Costs are a bit high with general admission at $10. You need to pay with cash or Zelle, which is a unique mix of options. . Extras 3 Pima women’s soccer program has a history of national success, having made multiple appearances in the NJCAA Division II National Championship tournament, a remarkable feat for a community college program. This level of consistent excellence means you are watching a truly elite program. Another unique fact is the prominent presence of the surrounding Brutalist-style architecture of the main West Campus buildings, which were designed by renowned architects and have been featured in national architectural journals. This architectural detail makes a trip to the Pima campus a unique cultural experience in addition to a sporting one. Aztec Field is part of the larger Chapman Automotive Sports Complex, a modern, cohesive hub for the college's outdoor athletic activities, underscoring the institutional commitment to its sports teams. Final Thoughts Pima Community College soccer provides an outstanding, high-value opportunity to see nationally-ranked junior college athletics in a beautiful, accessible setting. The experience is intimate, authentic, and focused on the pure love of the game, making it a highly recommended stop for any true sports enthusiast traveling through Tucson.

Photo courtesy of Puffin Drinkwear Football fans know, the game for fans is often won at the tailgate. Specializing in accessories designed to keep beverages cold and hands warm, Puffin Drinkwear  recently launched a new line of its innovative beverage sleeves, which are sure to level up any fan’s game at their local tailgate this football season. First up, the Gridiron , with its sturdy, non-slip base, comes in a variety of colors that mimic your favorite pro football team’s jerseys. Whether lounging on your couch at home or out in the lots, this is sure to be a favorite game day accessory for everyone. And for college fans, they can take their pick from Puffin Drinkwear’s NCAA Collection  line. Last up, the Sweater  is a line that mimics the ugly sweater trend, but for your drink! Tu rn heads at the tailgate, make a statement, and keep your hands warm while keeping your drink cold with this line. All of Puffin’s beverage sleeves are available to order online and are also available at select retail outlets. ---- Follow me on Twitter: @EricMoreno6477 Visit my Writer's Portfolio: EricMoreno.Contently.com

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium 2500 E Ajo Way Tucson, AZ 85713 Map It Tucson Saguaros website Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 11,000 Summer Baseball at Kino The Tucson Saguaros are members of the Independent Pecos League (baseball). They joined the League in 2016 and immediately won the Pecos League Championship in their first season. The team has been successful, winning the championship again in 2020 and 2021, reaching the finals in 2022 and 2023, and having winning seasons in most of their years in the league.  This 2025 season sees them playing in the postseason for the seventh straight year! They have not been as successful in finding a permanent home. They’ve bounced around, playing their seasons at a variety of different venues throughout the years.  The team began this tenancy at Kino Sports Complex, specifically Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium, in 2023.  I hope they stay here, as it’s one of the nicest facilities in the Pecos League. Kino Sports Complex is a multi-use sports and cultural event center, the largest in southern Arizona. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium was used for the 2025 World Baseball Classic Qualifiers.  The City of Tucson did an excellent job preparing the venue for this tournament.  The maintenance crew tore up and relaid the field, and painted the support columns, dugouts, and bullpens with the WBC colors.  The city also installed a new scoreboard prior to the WBC Qualifiers. Fortunately, Saguaros fans and players benefit from all the upgrades and refurbishment.  The sports complex also hosts the USL2 FC Tucson  soccer team, though not on the same field as the baseball games.  A Mexican Pacific League baseball team is expected to play at Kino in the fall of 2025. Food & Beverage 2 The game day staff operates one concession stand for Saguaros games. That stand offers the basics at reasonable prices: hot dogs and burgers run $4 - $6. Snacks of chips, candy, chocolates, and popsicles cost $2 - $3. Water and Coke brand soda (including Dr Pepper and Coke Zero) cost $2 - $3. Beer choices include Busch Light, Estrella, Michelob Ultra, and Barrios Citrazona IPA ($4 - $6).  Thursday home games are ‘Thirsty Thursday,’ when a select brand of beer is $2 a can. The choices are enough to get you by for a game and more than what a fan would normally expect at a Pecos League game. We recommend bringing a bottle   of water as it gets H-O-T during these games in June and July. Atmosphere 3 The Saguaros and the Sports Complex do a good job of providing comfortable, safe, entertaining baseball.  Keep in mind, this is Arizona. Temperatures easily reach the triple digits, even for a 7pm game in late June and July. Bring sunscreen and water.   Fans enter the stadium onto the concourse and then proceed down to the seating area. Wheelchair and handicapped seating run along the top of the seating bowl on the concourse. The seats are faded green stadium fold-down seats with no cupholders, but an excellent amount of legroom. They are much more comfortable than they look. The outer concourses are closed off for Tucson Saguaros games.  Shade covers the seating area in time for the opening pitch. The stadium’s scoreboard sits beyond the left field wall. It provides the line score and the at-bat player’s number. I find reading the inning number information on the new scoreboard difficult, as those numbers are too small.  Fans get a lovely view of the Catalina Mountains and beautiful colors as daylight transitions to dusk. Sit on the first base side to get the best view. Music is played between innings and is not intrusive. The speakers line the overhang above the top row and the handicapped seats. The announcer does a decent job of calling the starting lineups.  Nets extend down the baselines. The stadium does not offer net-free seating for Pecos League games. Activities include a 50/50 raffle and kids running the bases after the third inning with Sticky, the mascot.  The team has a ‘pass the hat’ for fans to drop in a few bucks after a player hits a home run or steals three or more bases.  The players play for the joy of the game.  The funds from the ‘passing of the hat’ go to the player to help with expenses.   Neighborhood 3 The stadium’s immediate neighbor is a hospital. The stadium is on the southern end of Tucson, with several places to dine or drink within a mile and many more a little farther. Fast food places like In-N-Out Burger, Raising Cane’s Chicken, and Rudy’s BBQ are nearby . For a local independent brewery a mile from Kino Stadium, try the Harbottle Brewing Company.  Tucson has plenty of breweries and restaurants, so head downtown (about 4 – 5 miles) for other choices. The Pima Air and Space Museum is six miles south and worth a visit. Four miles in the opposite direction are the Reid Park Zoo and the Randolph Dell Urich Golf Course (an 18-hole public golf course). Although not really close, the Saguaro National Park is worth visiting for its impressive views and scenery. Value hotels like Motel 6, Days Inn, etc., line the I-10 exits north and south of the stadium exit. For more upscale lodging, head closer to downtown. I stayed at the Hotel McCoy , an eclectic, artsy, welcoming, restored 1960s motel about 5 miles from the stadium, and I recommend it. Other spectator sports in Tucson during baseball season include the Tucson Sugar Skulls  (indoor football) and FC Tucson  (soccer). Fans 3 While not a whole lot show up for games, the fans cheer well when the Saguaros make an impressive play defensively or at bat. Most fans throw out their own garbage vs. leaving it behind under the seats. Quite a few fans keep score, which is always a pleasure to see. The Saguaro mascot, Sticky, is one of the biggest fans of all.  Plenty of fans sport the good-looking baseball cap and Tucson Saguaros shirts. Good-Looking Tucson Saguaros Ballcap, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to and from Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium is easy via automobile, as it is right off Interstate 10. The stadium provides plenty of free covered parking in front of the venue’s Gate B entrance, the only open entrance for Saguaros games. The gate opens only 30 minutes before game time, which isn’t a lot of time for stadium journeyers, but enough for a Pecos League game. Tucson Airport is five miles south of the venue. The city of Tucson has public transportation. Check SunTran  for fares and schedules. Remember to check return schedules, as the bus system may shut down before the end of the game. The ticket office is through the glass doors to the right of the ‘traditional’ box office, in front of the inflatable flapping saguaro.   Fans can purchase team apparel there as well. Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium - Get Tickets By the Flapping Saguaro, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The stadium posts all kinds of rules on sandwich boards in front of Gate B, but getting through the security check is quite painless. Just bring your items in a 12” x 6” x 12” clear sports bag, and you’ll pass right through security. Since attendance is not high, congestion isn’t an issue when walking around the concourse. Clean restrooms are open on both the first and third base concourses, as well as additional family restrooms. The accessible stalls are near the entrance. The ladies’ room has a changing table (not sure about the men’s room). Return on Investment 4 Tickets are only $10 general admission ($8 for seniors). Fans can sit wherever they choose, roam around, and switch seats as desired. Parking is free. The food is inexpensive for stadium fare. Even the t-shirts are only $20. Baseball fans get an enjoyable, albeit warm, evening out. The team hosts several theme nights throughout the season, like Summerween (Halloween in Summer), Harry Potter Night, Disney Night, Community Heroes Night, Christmas in July, etc.  Fans should follow social media sites like Facebook to get theme night information, as it’s not posted on the team website. Extras 3 Visitors still get a decorative ticket with the green and gold Saguaro logo. Colorful Tucson Saguaro Ticket Stub, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The sprucing up of the facility and the city’s continued effort to do so deserve a mention.  The Kino Sports Complex turf will undergo ‘fall overseeding’ to ensure optimal field conditions for all players and visitors, especially as the Mexican Pacific League team starts using the field. The players and the team try to get involved in the community by participating in events like story times at a local library. Final Thoughts If you’re a resident of or a visitor to the Tucson area in June and July, be sure to check if the Saguaros are playing at home. Watching a game is an enjoyable, affordable way to spend an evening out.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Joe Baumann Stadium 900 Block E Poe Roswell, NM 88201 Roswell Invaders website Joe Bauman Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Renovated: 2005 Capacity: 410 Alien Baseball The cleverly named Roswell Invaders baseball team plays their home game at Joe Bauman Stadium in Roswell, NM. The Invaders are charter members of the independent Pecos League of Professional Baseball. Both the team and the league were founded in 2011. The Invaders have been successful, winning the Pecos League Championships in 2011, 2013, and 2015. Joe Bauman Stadium Coca Cola Field (locals refer to it as Coca Cola Field – no dash). The stadium is named after Joe Bauman, who set a professional record with 72 home runs in 1954 while playing for the Roswell Rockets of the Class-C Longhorn League. It is adjacent to the Eastern New Mexico State Fairgrounds about 2 ½ miles south of downtown Roswell. Originally built in 1939, the city renovated the stadium’s grandstand in 2005. Though seating capacity is somewhat smaller than other Pecos League ballparks, the stadium fits well in Roswell and for the Invaders. The field is shared with the Roswell High School baseball team. Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand sits beneath the announcer and official team office directly behind the home plate grandstand. It offers basic snacks like burritos, nachos, hot dogs, Frito pie, and pizza ($4 – $5). Other goodies sold are chips, ice pops, seeds, and candy for $2. Bottled water and beverages are $2 or $3. Adult beverages include 7K IPA (Santa Fe Brewing), Big Luau Cider (Black Cock Brewery), Cerveza Lager, and Electric Igloo Lemonade all $6 for 16 oz. The stand closes early; so get your food at least before the 5th inning. Fans can bring in their own sodas and snacks. Atmosphere 3 An Invaders game provides a low-key, local, welcoming impression where the focus is still more on the game than other extra activities. For seating, be sure to bring a cushion to sit on as all seats are bleachers. Three sets of bleachers line the infield. These were rebuilt in 2005. The section behind the home plate has backs, handrails, and wheelchair spots. The two on each side of the infield diamond are just benches. Some fans bring their own portable chairs for a more comfortable seat. Thick nets cover all three seating areas. The sun sets behind the grandstand so is not really a factor when deciding where to sit. Game day staff plays music, sometimes (but not all the time) deafening load. So your ear drums don’t get ruptured, sit on either of the side bleacher sections as those are farther from the speakers. Theme songs from the X Files and other extraterrestrial TV shows and movies are aptly disbursed throughout the innings. Walk-up songs are played for the Invaders. Thankfully, the person in charge of music does not play noise or music between pitches; just between innings. And, for the most part, music isn’t played when the announcer is speaking. The PA announcer’s voice is clear. He calls the starting lineup slowly – slow enough for fans to keep up writing out their own scorecard. Nice job. Roster sheets are not available to the general public. The field causes lots of skips and hops of the ball in the infield. Dust rises off gloves and at plates during plays. The scoreboard rests behind the center-right field wall. It shows the basic line score, runs, hits, and errors. Activities involving fans are offered between innings but not the game of this review. Note: Some Pecos League games can be long. The game Stadium Journey attended lasted 4 ½ hours for nine innings of play. It was so long, the sprinkler system automatically came on and individuals had to run and find the shut off valve. Actually, that was pretty funny. Neighborhood 3 Roswell got its name on the map because of an alleged 1947 UFO crash on a ranch outside the town and the follow up conspiracy. Therefore, much of the downtown businesses focus on UFOs and space aliens. A UFO Festival generally takes place around July 4 in Roswell, so fans can check out the festival and see a game if the schedule allows. The most popular destination is the UFO Museum and Research Center. Next is a short, fun, black light walk-through of alien art work; a spacewalk of sorts called Roswell UFO Spacewalk. Visit the McDonalds, shaped like a spaceship with a space-themed interior. Take a few minutes to visit the Visitors Center in town. It’s a worthy resource center on things to see and do. Peppers Grill and Bar is a recommended place for food and drinks and is just a block from the Visitors Center. Los Cerritos Mexican Kitchen comes highly recommended and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Plenty of hotels of various brands line Main St. I stayed at the Baymont Suites and though not walking distance, it is cheap, clean and safe. All of the activities and ‘things to do’ are less than five miles driving distance to/from the ballpark. Fans 3 The Roswell Invaders fans are welcoming and friendly. Families, children, host families, retirees, parents, and more make up the crowd. There is not a lot of them. A few fans ring cowbells when the team makes a good play. Many attendees seem to know each other. Most wear Invaders gear and clothing. They throw out their own trash, not often seen at ballparks. Access 3 Once in town, getting to the ballpark is not difficult. Use Roe Rd off S Main St. The ballpark and a hard-dirt parking lot are on the right. Parking is free. After parking, enter the grounds through an open fence; a small ticket booth is on the right. A paved path leads to the stands and a wide promenade is between the bleachers and the infield wall making it easy to move around. Cement block restrooms are serviceable but I wouldn’t call them nice, though they are clean. Roswell has a small airport (Roswell Air Center) with a limited number of flights in and out of Dallas/Ft Worth and Phoenix. A local bus service is available but it looks like transit times are not conducive to the baseball schedule. Return on Investment 3 A single game ticket is $7.50. Group events offer lower priced tickets. Parking is free and the concession prices are quite reasonable. Extras 3 Several other items are worth noting: A hard copy ticket with the Roswell Invaders logo on it is still given out. The team uses lime green bases for first, second, and third. Pretty cool in keeping with the alien theme. The players interact well with the crowd and in the community. Two members greet fans as they enter the stadium. They walk the stands chatting with visitors and selling raffle tickets for an autographed bat (per se). The players participate in events like a car wash where proceeds are split with the Special Olympics. Final Thoughts If in Roswell, NM visiting UFO and alien-related items during June and July, make an effort to head to Joe Bauman Stadium to catch a relaxed, entertaining baseball game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey, and OUAZ Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Faith Arena 14470 W Tierra Buena Ln Surprise, AZ 85374 Faith Arena website OUAZ Spirit website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 1,000 A Surprise Spirit Faith Arena is the home of Ottawa University Arizona (OUAZ) Spirit Women's Volleyball. A visit here is a fantastic dive into the energetic heart of NAIA competition in the West Valley of Phoenix. The university is a private Baptist university that was founded in 1865 and is affiliated with the Ottawa Tribe of Oklahoma and the American Baptist Churches USA. Ottawa University was founded in 1865 in Ottawa, Kansas, and carries a long, rich history, though the Arizona residential campus in Surprise, Arizona, is a much newer venture, opening its doors in 2017. OUAZ's athletic program is affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC), fielding an impressive number of varsity teams, from football to golf. Faith Arena opened in November 2019. Food & Beverage 3 The venue features a dedicated, nice concession stand situated in the fairly large entrance and concourse area. Prices are decent. Atmosphere 4 The design incorporates a beautiful custom paint scheme on the hardwood maple surface that subtly references the nearby White Tank Mountains, giving the court a distinct local flavor. The atmosphere inside Faith Arena during a women's volleyball match is nothing short of electric, punching well above its weight class for a relatively new and smaller NAIA venue. The compact nature of the arena design naturally amplifies the sound and energy, creating a boisterous and intensely loud environment. A state-of-the-art video board adds a layer of professionalism often reserved for larger schools, displaying customizable scores, statistics, and live video that enhances the overall event presentation. On a night like Senior Night, the energy is particularly palpable, with the venue packed full of players' families and dedicated students, resulting in a feeling that the Spirit is truly playing in a major college facility. Neighborhood 4 The Ottawa University Arizona campus is located in Surprise, a rapidly expanding city in the West Valley region of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The campus is notably situated near the Surprise Civic Center and Recreation Campus, putting it in a hub of community and entertainment. One of the most unique aspects of the location is its proximity to Spring Training facilities, as Surprise Stadium, home to OUAZ Baseball, is also the Cactus League home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. In terms of local food, the surrounding Surprise area has numerous options, from fast-casual chains to local eateries that cater to the community. Fans 4 The Spirit faithful are remarkably supportive and contribute immensely to the venue's boisterous reputation. They are loud, present, and actively engaged with the women's volleyball team, demonstrating a palpable pride in the young, growing athletic program. This fan base is characterized by a strong mix of students, local community members, and highly invested family members, especially evident on occasions like Senior Night when the stands are overflowing with enthusiastic, supportive families. What is particularly noteworthy is how many fans are willing to travel just a few miles for the match; the attendance of many opposing fans from a rival school located nearby speaks to a burgeoning, healthy local rivalry. This mix of dedicated home support and a strong contingent of visiting supporters adds a layer of competitive intensity, forcing the OUAZ fans to be even louder to defend their home court. Their energy is a critical component of the arena’s intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams. Access 4 Access to Faith Arena is straightforward, benefiting greatly from its location in the relatively newer, well-planned city of Surprise. Situated just off major arterial roads in the West Valley, finding the facility is a simple task. Being adjacent to the Surprise Civic Center and Recreation Campus ensures the area is easy to navigate, with organized parking usually available nearby, which is a major convenience compared to the congested lots of older, inner-city campuses. The main entrance, leading into the spacious lobby that also houses the ticket booths and concession stand, provides a clean and orderly flow for entering and exiting the venue. The venue itself is physically accessible, featuring a lobby that is generous in size, multiple restrooms, and seating that accommodates all fans. For those traveling from outside the Phoenix metro area, the proximity to various lodging options in the West Valley is a clear advantage for the sports traveler. Return on Investment 4 The convenience of the clean, accessible facility, ample parking, and the generally simple cost structure of NAIA events means the out-of-pocket expenses are kept low. When you factor in the chance to see high-level collegiate volleyball in a truly electric and intimate environment, the value proposition for a sports traveler is exceptionally high, providing the excitement of a big-time game without the big-time price tag. . Extras 2 The hardwood maple surface of the arena court features a custom paint scheme that incorporates the nearby White Tank Mountains, visually tying the facility to its unique Arizona desert environment and providing a beautiful, distinct backdrop to the game. Faith Arena's design allows it to convert into four full 94-foot basketball courts or up to nine total volleyball courts, highlighting its impressive and flexible functionality as a multi-sport training and competition hub for the Spirit's extensive athletic program. Final Thoughts Faith Arena is a hidden gem for the college sports traveler, offering an incredibly loud and passionate NAIA volleyball experience in a modern, well-designed facility. It delivers a big-time atmosphere and excellent value, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the future of collegiate sports in the Southwest.

Photos by Jack Quinn, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Faurot Field 600 E Stadium Blvd Columbia, MO 65203 Missouri Tigers website Faurot Field website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 62,621 SEC Football in the Midwest Faurot Field is nestled on the south end of the University of Missouri’s campus. The stadium is named after the legendary coach Don Faurot, who helped lay the sod at the original field back in 1926. Faurot Field is famous for its horseshoe shape, with a grass section highlighted by a white “M” behind the north end zone. This area, which is currently under construction, will have a very similar look and feel to before upon completion.   Food & Beverage   4 Faurot Field offers the classic college stadium food and beverages, with plenty of options spread evenly throughout the concourse. Outside of the usual suspects, Faurot is also equipped with a Dickey’s BBQ Pit stand, as well as an Andy’s Frozen Custard stand. In addition, fans of the typical stadium menu will find a plethora of burgers, dogs, and nacho options. Stations for beer are littered throughout, with Bud Light being the title sponsor of the stadium. Feel like submerging yourself into the MU culture as much as possible? Go find a signature cocktail called “The Drink”, a name derived from current head coach Eli Drinkwitz. Or for non-alcoholic options, fans can enjoy all the usual Coca-Cola products.   Atmosphere   3 The environment created at Faurot Field is vibrant, loud, and full of passion. Unfortunately, however, Missouri plays in the SEC, and when it comes to the rest of the conference, this stadium isn’t quite up there among the elites of the sport. Nevertheless, attendance in recent years has been very good, with consistent sellouts every Saturday. The construction on the north end creates a gap in the overall environment, but you can tell the fans here are determined to make up for that small loss in seats. The student section is strategically located behind the visiting bench, and even from across the stadium, their presence is surely felt. The hit song “Welcome to the Jungle” ushers the home team onto the field before kickoff, a fitting intro for the Tigers and their faithful fans. In addition, it is common to hear one side of the stadium yell “M-I-Z” and the other side respond “Z-O-U” after a first down. The Missouri Waltz is also a great tradition, led by the wonderful band, urging the fans to “wave the wheat” slowly in each direction to the beat of the music (this song may or may not contain an obscene remark towards rival school Kansas ). While a night game is always ideal, if you are attending during the day, the southeast side will get most of the sun. Lastly, the university does a great job promoting other sporting events going on at Missouri, with announcements occurring at multiple points during the games, in case visiting fans wanted to attend another event.   Neighborhood   4 Faurot Field is situated on campus in an area with a few other sports buildings, with the academic quad not too far away. The parking lots that surround the stadium are commonly used for tailgates by alumni and students. Some of the hot spots in terms of food nearby in Columbia include Shakespeare’s Pizza, Gumby’s Pizza, and Heidelberg. In addition, East Broadway Blvd contains everything a visitor needs in terms of restaurants, bars, and other entertainment. The main hotel here, outside of the typical chains, is the Tiger Hotel, though it may be fun to snag an Airbnb somewhere outside of town instead, as the neighborhoods that line campus appear very put-together.   Fans   4 These days, with the Tigers on the rise, Faurot Field is at capacity for almost every game day. The crowd is certainly engaged at the beginning and can create a very loud and intimidating environment for any team. The Tiger faithful will stay in their seats even when they are losing, with the singing of “Mr. Brightside” at the beginning of the 4th quarter potentially contributing to that. In general, the fans are very nice here, and a family environment can be found if so desired; I am not sure the same can be said across the rest of the conference.   Access   5 With Faurot Field situated on the edge of campus, Uber is the most recommended form of transportation to the stadium; there are a few parking garages in the area, but they fill up quickly. There may not be an easier entry system into a football stadium in the entire SEC than can be found here. Ticketing and gate entry are a breeze, and with so many entry opportunities, you only need to allow for 5 minutes or less to get to your seat. The same can be said about moving around the stadium, with the wide concourses and double lane ramps.   Return on Investment   3 The Missouri game day cost is exactly what you would expect from a non-top-tier SEC school. Ticket prices for average seats can range anywhere from $70 to $170, depending on how good either team is playing that given week. The overpriced stadium food and drinks certainly show at Faurot Field, as they do in most places across the country, but the walkability of the campus/town may save you some money on transportation and parking.   Extras   3 The renovations to the stadium will be done in 2026, which coincides with the 100th anniversary of the facility. At 62,621, Faurot Field is 13th in the SEC in capacity. The signature “M” that is set to return to the north end zone in 2026 is made of large white stones. Final Thoughts Faurot Field is a less talked-about stadium in the SEC, and most assume it doesn’t have the real southeastern aspects that the other schools do. But, there’s no doubt about how much SEC pride Tiger fans have, and if you pay close enough attention, the hints of a Saturday-down-south culture can certainly be found.

Photos by Jack Quinn, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium 920 Paul W Bryant Dr Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 Alabama Crimson Tide website Bryant-Denny Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 100,077 It’s All About Bama When you take the exit towards Tuscaloosa, you’ll come upon a quaint southern town that merely sits in the shadow of a cathedral that is Bryant-Denny Stadium. The massive bowl carries countless stories of success at the highest level of college football. The Alabama Crimson Tide has ruled the SEC and college football in general for many years, recently hosting opponents in their 100,000+ seat stadium, which is always buzzing on gamedays since it was expanded in 2010. Bryant-Denny is a full bowl-shaped stadium with a lower bowl and an upper deck that is disconnected into four large parts, one on each side of the field.   Food & Beverage   5 Bryant-Denny Stadium has no shortage of places to buy food and drinks during the game. Outside of the regular stadium food offerings, the venue has a World of Beer stand with extra items such as the “Denny Dog” and a German pretzel. In addition, the Poppin’ Sisters Popcorn stand offers fans the opportunity to buy gourmet popcorn in many different flavors. For drinks, fans can enjoy Coca-Cola products of their choice alongside domestic beer options that have prices around $12 to 15 per can. If you want an ice-cold water while you watch the Tide roll, make sure to grab it early, as concessions will run out of bottles fairly quickly, especially in the upper sections. Overall, you can’t go wrong with a Denny Dog and a drink of your choosing to keep your stomach satisfied during four quarters of thrilling football.   Atmosphere   5 Be prepared to chant “Roll Tide” after every Alabama first down and see those patented red and white pom poms waving all around you. And if you’re not a country music fan, you soon will be, as the stadium tunes certainly are the songs of the Southland. The layout of the stadium is an upper and a lower deck, with the students and the Alabama band situated on the south end. You’ll be faced with bench seating and generally experience a sellout crowd, at least for the first few quarters of the game. Despite the large capacity of the structure as a whole, the view from the upper sections is not a bad one at all. The videoboard situation is a unique one with four medium-sized boards, one at each corner of the stadium in between the lower and upper bowls; this is different than the typical two boards above either end zone, or one big one on one side only. The promotions during the game typically highlight other Alabama athletic teams, as well as student highlights such as the homecoming court. The band does a fantastic job of spelling out the letters B-A-M-A by sprinting to predetermined spots all at once, and they perform the alma mater song beautifully. Other entertainment factors include the LED light show that can be seen during night games, particularly during the singing of “Dixieland Delight” when the lights go red and the fans sing along to the words (and add a few questionable phrases of their own). Other sing-along hits include Sweet Home Alabama and Friends in Low Places. As far as seating is concerned, if you want to avoid the sun as much as possible, sit on the north to northeast side of the stadium. Or if seeing the logo right side up is important to you, then look for seating on the east side. There really isn’t a bad seat in the house, regardless of how big the stadium feels.   Neighborhood   5 Bryant-Denny Stadium is located on the southwest side of the University of Alabama’s campus and is surrounded by various apartment buildings, fraternity houses, and academic facilities. The main strip is a short 5-minute walk away, as are stores to get groceries and gas. Tuscaloosa is a fabulous college town highlighted by the main strip of University Boulevard, containing bars, restaurants, and shopping. After the game ends, the police do a great job of controlling the crowd and the cars, making the boulevard safe to roam about on. There are plenty of great places nearby to get a bite to eat, just a few of which are Avenue Pub, Dreamland BBQ, and Urban Bar & Kitchen. There’s also a wide variety of fast food options littered throughout the strip. For game night entertainment, check out The Houndstooth for a vibrant outdoor/indoor experience, Galletes for a more nightclub situation, or Lookout for a nicer rooftop environment. Don’t let the long lines scare you away from a fun night out in Tuscaloosa, ideally after an Alabama victory! For lodging, there are numerous hotel chains in Tuscaloosa to book a room at, as well as tons of Airbnb opportunities outside of downtown. If you’re flying to the game, you’re most likely headed through Birmingham, which is not a bad option for lodging as well, being about an hour’s drive away from Tuscaloosa.   Fans   4 The Alabama fanbase is one of the most passionate there is…but also one that expects victory every single Saturday. Don’t take the rating here the wrong way; 100,000+ fans screaming at the opposing team during a 3rd-and-long is quite the scene. However, contrary to some other SEC environments, the Tide fans lean more toward sitting down for most of the game rather than getting active and into every play. Nevertheless, when Bama fans want to make life miserable for the opposing team, they certainly can do so. And with the stadium at full capacity nearly every single Saturday, the one critique that could be placed on the shoulders of these fans is their energy on all the non-game-altering plays. With that being said, one of the best traditions in college football is hearing the roar of Dixieland Delight echo across the bowl during a timeout in the 4th quarter of a tight game.   Access   4 Access into Bryant-Denny Stadium itself has its ups and downs, as you might expect with a place that holds as many fans as it does. Going through the gates can be congested, and it’s recommended that you head toward your seat well before kickoff. One of the best features of Bryant-Denny, though, is the spiral ramps at each corner of the stadium; these thick passageways are perfect for a sea of people to walk up to get to their seats. Transit into the stadium is hit or miss as well. If Ubering into the area, you may not get as close as you want to, so preparing to walk around 5 to 10 minutes is encouraged. If attending a game during homecoming weekend or another university event, road closures may play a role in transportation into town, as well. While Ubering as close as you can get to the facility is recommended, you can park near Bryant-Denny as well, if you get there early enough to snag one of the few open spots. There will typically be makeshift signs detailing the price to park on someone’s lawn or outside of their residence, and street parking is also available, again with early arrival recommended.   Return on Investment   5 You come to Alabama to see where legends are made, and the fan experience certainly gives you a taste of that firsthand. The sheer size of the venue where the Crimson Tide takes on its opponents is enough to get an audible “wow” out of anyone who sets foot inside. With prestige comes price, of course, and tickets to a conference game, for example, can reach up to $150 for the upper bowl and $300 for the lower. However, if you are smart with parking, lodging, and food, you should be able to make your trip well worth it.   Extras   5 The stadium opened with a 55-0 win over Mississippi College in 1929. Bryant-Denny is 5th in the SEC in stadium capacity behind Texas A&M , LSU , Tennessee , and Texas . When full, the stadium would qualify as the fifth-largest city in Alabama.   Final Thoughts When the Tide is rolling, you can feel it. There’s a reason the SEC runs through Tuscaloosa each year, and you can feed off that energy, excitement, and success. Alabama is a bucket list college football experience not just for Bryant-Denny Stadium, but also for Tuscaloosa as a town, and the pageantry involved with one of the most successful programs in college football history.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Tucson Arena 260 S Church Ave Tucson, AZ 85701 Map It Tucson Roadrunners website Tucson Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 6,521 Beep! Beep! The Tucson Roadrunners are enjoying their eighth season (2023-2024) in the AHL (American Hockey League) as an affiliate of the NHL (National Hockey League) Arizona Coyotes.   The team originated as the Springfield (MA) Falcons AHL team and relocated to Tucson, AZ, before the 2016 – 2017 season.  They play their games at the 52-year-old Tucson Arena. Built in 1971, Tucson Arena is part of the Tucson Convention Center (TCC), which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.   It received a $22 million renovation in 2014, which included new bathrooms, lighting, seats, a revamped sound system, a new kitchen, and a video scoreboard.    The Roadrunners share Tucson Arena with the Arizona Wildcats hockey team (University of Arizona) and the Tucson Sugar Skulls (IFL – Indoor Football League).   The Tucson Arena hosts other entertainment events, such as Monster Jam and Cirque de Soliel.  One of the biggest draws to the Tucson Convention Center is the Mineral and Gem Show, usually the first two weeks in February . Food & Beverage 4 Tucson Arena provides a tempting offering of food choices during Roadrunners games.   Two permanent concession stands are to the left and right after entering the rink.  Several stand-alone food carts line the upper rim of the concourse.   Permanent concessions offer chicken BLTA (bacon, lettuce, tomato, and avocado) w rap, jumbo double cheeseburger, macho nacho, mouth-watering birria quesadilla, Sonoran dog, and turkey panini ($9 - $14).   Traditional stadium food and snacks like hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy, soft pretzels, and the like are for sale ($7).  First Friday Specials include a $5 domestic draft beer and a $5 hot dog. Stand-alone food carts along the concourse include DJ’s Filling Station (Tucson’s famous Sonoran hot dogs, hamburgers, brats - $8 - $9), Tucson Tamales ($6 - $12), the Pretzel and Churro Cart, and  Mini donuts with four different toppings ($6/cash only).  Chick-fil-A sells their famous chicken sandwiches, other wraps, and salads at select games.  A Maui Wowi cart provides smoothies. Pepsi products are the soda of choice ($5/$6/$8), and beer and alcoholic beverages are offered ($10 - $18).  Barrio Brewing Co. and Dragoon Brewing (local Tucson breweries) have beer carts on each side of the concourse that sell several of their own brews on tap. A   cart offering beer and cocktails sits between the two entry doors.   It’s quite a nice selection with several local Tucson dishes.   We recommend the birria quesadilla (which fans can order vegan style) and a local brew. Atmosphere 3 Seating is U-shaped with rows of seats on three sides; the concourse is above the seating area, and the game is in view the entire time when walking the concourse.   The best seats are on the sidelines. I recommend the second level for a better view of the entire ice surface.   The seats are tight, have cupholders on the sides of the seats, and there’s enough legroom.   Sections are clearly marked , and helpful ushers are at the top of each seating area.     Within the last few years, the city installed seating along the top of the U next to the announcer’s stage, added comfy-looking loge hospitality boxes at the top of multiple sections (only $40 a person/$160 total), and added a new party deck above the south goal.   The arena does not have a center-hung scoreboard.  Instead, a video scoreboard is on the top end of the U, while a standard stat board is on the wall above the bottom of the U.   Tucson Arena - Tucson Roadrunner Scoreboard, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey   Short ribbon boards (one to each side of the video scoreboard) show sponsors . Vid eo boards were installed on the back of the camera wells which run a loop of upcoming events at the TCC.       The temperature is okay; bring an extra jacket or sweatshirt, gloves, and hat if you tend to get chilly.   The person in charge of music plays it between every stoppage in play (quite common in hockey) . The music  is uncomfortably loud.   Bring earplugs if you are sensitive to loud music.   Game day promotions include chuck-a-puck, a 50/50 raffle, fan contests like musical chairs, pee wee hockey, and t-shirt tosses.   The Roadrunners have a variety of events throughout the season, including many giveaways and evenings like Comedy Night, Anime Night, $10 College Night, Kids are Free Nights, Harry Potter, Teddy Bear Toss, and more.    Grab a roster sheet at the customer service table in front of section 214 on the inner concourse.  It also shows the AHL standings.  A surprising deli ght is that the lights are kept on between periods, though they are lowered a tad pregame. Two Zambonis groom the ice; one looks like a mouse (sponsored by a critter control business). Tucson Roadrunner Zamboni Cleaning the Ice, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 4 Visiting Tucson is a treat.  It is not as commercialized as the Phoenix area, and i t maintains much of its natural beauty by not building and destroying its land and natural settings and landscape. The arena is downtown near El Presidio Park, the old county courthouse, and the Pima County courthouse.  Several museums are within walking distance, including the Children’s Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art.  Or, if it’s a pleasant fall day, walk the Turquoise Trail, a historical walking tour of downtown Tucson.  A good place for a pregame dinner within walking distance (1/2 mile) of the arena is the El Charro Café .  Other places include The HUB (ice cream, food, and drinks), Miss Saigon Downtown (Vietnamese), or Empire Pizza & Pub (New York-style pizza). Tucson offers several breweries near the arena.  Barrio Brewing, Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, and Iron John’s are  worth a visit if craft breweries are your thing. N ot within w alking distance but worth visiting when in the Tucson area are the Mission San Xavier del Bac (founded in 1692), the Saguaro National Park (home to the nation’s largest and most abundant cacti), and taking a drive up to the top of A Mountain (Sentinel Peak) for a beautiful view.   The biggest event in Tucson is the Gem and Mineral show at the end of Jan / beginning of February each year. One hotel, Double Tree by Hilton Tucson Downtown Convention Center, is right next to the hot el, but it’s pricey.  We recommend Hotel McCoy about 2.5 miles from the arena.  It is a reasonably priced hotel and has all sorts of nifty items. Other sports to see during hockey season include the Arizona Wildcats (University of Arizona) football , hockey , basketball , and baseball teams.  Fans 3 Visitors see lots of Tucson and Coyotes jerseys.   Quite a few fans bring their cowbells and ring them at appropriate times (though they don’t rival the AHL Colorado Eagles bell-ringers).   The Roadrunners have a strong base of diehard fans, and it helps when the parent club is just 130 miles northwest. The Roadrunners have averaged 3,500 – 3,750 per game since the pandemic, placing them toward the bottom of the AHL attendance numbers. Access 4 Currently, quite a bit of construction is in process around the area. Parking is available right next to the arena for $10. Other lots and garages a little further away run $3 – $5. Street parking is available a few blocks away for free. Click here for a parking map. Tucson has a Sun Link streetcar service (a light rail) that drops fans off just a few blocks from the arena which is an alternative option to get to Tucson Arena for a game. The nearest airport is Tucson International Airport, about 8 miles south of the arena.  And Tucson is about a two-hour drive from Phoenix.    Upon entering the arena, fans must go through a metal detector and security check. Backpacks and large bags are not allowed. A standard sports clear bag (14” x 16”) is allowed. Doors open 60 minutes before puck drop.     Fan s first enter a wide outer concourse which contains the merchandise table. Then, they enter the inner concourse through additional glass doors. A visitor enters at the top of the concourse and heads down to the seating area. The seating areas provide handrails in the middle of the steps. Sufficient wheelchair-accessible seating is on the top of the seating bowl with good views of the action on the ice. Once inside, walking the concourse can get crowded between periods.   Well-kept and clean bathrooms are at each end of the U, and downstairs on the bottom end of the U.  Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets range from $17 – $79.   $39 will get you more or less at center ice, on the second level, and provides the best value for the game.   The Roadrunners charge an extra few dollars wh en tickets are purchased on game day.   Check for sections 20 3 and 205 (faces the penalty box) or sections 221 and 2 23 (faces the player benches).   Do not get seats in rows A or B. Specials include plenty of group, flex plan, and 12-game ticket packages allowing a reduced far e.  Remember to l ook for 'kids are free' nights throughout the season. Fans can find free parking downtown and concession prices are pretty reasonable compared to other AHL venues. Though prices have increased since their first year in the AHL, it is still an altogether good investment of a fan’s sports entertainment dollar. Extras 4 The merchandise area on the outer concourse is worth another mention.   There’s plenty of room to walk around and shop.  Spin the wheel at the promotions table and win tchotchkes like stickers, sunglasses, keychains, etc.   Tucson Roadrunner Promotions Table, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The TCC Plaza outside the arena was recently refurbished with new fountains, trees, flowers, and a garden.   A unique feature not that common in hockey rinks is that the players' benches are not long enough to fit the backup goalie.   They sit on a stool behind the glass where the players enter the rink. Extra applause goes to the city of Tucson for continuing to maintain and update the Tucson Convention Center and the Tucson Arena. Final Thoughts Visiting Tucson, AZ and watching an AHL Roadrunners game is an enjoyable experience and one worth checking out.   It’s quite a nice facility in which to watch a hockey game.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Scotiabank Saddledome 555 Saddledome Rise SE Calgary, AB T2G 2W1 Map It Calgary Flames Website Scotiabank Saddledome Website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 19,289 Flaming Saddles The Olympic Saddledome opened in 1983, constructed in anticipation of the 1988 Winter Olympics, and has been the home of the Calgary Flames ever since. Over the years, the Saddledome has seen a few renovations, increased seating capacity, and a couple of name changes; it is now known as the Scotiabank Saddledome.  At over 40 years of age, the Saddledome is now the third-oldest NHL arena and is looking dated, especially in comparison to Rogers Place , the new home of the Edmonton Oilers.   However, a new arena is now under construction just north of the Saddledome. It is slated to open in 2027, so the clock is officially ticking on when the Saddledome will close its doors, with Scotia Place taking over as the home of the Flames, as well as the WHL’s Hitmen , the NLL’s Roughnecks , and the AHL's Wranglers. Construction Site of Scotia Place with Saddledome in Distance, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Food & Beverage 4 There is a good variety of choices around the Scotiabank Saddledome for Flames games.   The main concession stands, each named for the section in front of which they are situated, have all the garden variety options we expect at an arena. Hot dogs ($7.50), nachos ($11.50), and pop ($6.50) can all be found in these locations. You’ll also typically be able to buy Original 16 on tap ($11.75); at many spots there are a couple more specialty beer choices as well.   There are also numerous specialty stands throughout the concourse. The Dog House serves, you guessed it, gourmet hot dogs. Madame Tiger has some interesting Indian options, including Vegan dishes.   For a special treat, head to the mezzanine level and go to Shorty’s for a Shorty’s Sandwich, which is a mountain of braised beef short rib on a ciabatta bun, smothered in French fries, onions, chimichurri, and red wine demi-glace. At $35, it’s not cheap, but it’s probably big enough for two people and absolutely delicious.   Many specialty stops for adult beverages are located around the concourse as well, so if beer isn’t your thing, you still have plenty of places to find something else.   If you’re looking for something healthy, Jugo Juice is the place to go on the east side of the concourse. You’ll also find Pizza 73 among the other franchise locations.   Beyond all that, there are several bars and restaurants around the Saddledome. The Ultra Club Lounge, Molson Hockey House, the Saddledome Restaurant, the Sportsnet Platinum Club, the Alumni Lounge, and the Telus Club Restaurant are all situated within the building, providing fans with a number of different dining options and experiences. Atmosphere 3 The Calgary Flames have been inconsistent for much of the 21st Century. As a result, the sellout crowds the Flames used to consistently get have been shrinking (according to The Hockey Fanatic , they only managed 91.53 percent attendance in the 2024-2025 season, the sixth-worst in the NHL), so the energy that used to be in the stands has come down from years past, although this is showing signs of improvement. Calgary sports fans are traditionally pretty docile, but they’ve become more comfortable with cheering and booing where appropriate over the years, so the place generally has a pretty fun, exciting feel to it on most nights, even during nights when the hometown squad is struggling. Still, with the smaller crowds, it’s just not quite the same as previous years.   The single worst thing about the atmosphere in the ‘Dome is the crush of people in the concourse. Before the game, during intermissions, and after the game, the crowds are thick, making it difficult to get anywhere. The new arena will, no doubt, address this issue. Saddledome Crowds, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 The annual Calgary Stampede has been going on for more than a century now. It is held on a large plot of land just southeast of Calgary’s downtown core. The Scotiabank Saddledome is located on the northeast corner of the Stampede Grounds.   The immediate vicinity to the north, known as Victoria Park, doesn’t have the best reputation in town. However, there has been a substantial amount of gentrification in the area in the last few years and things are starting to perk up, with huge condo complexes being built to the immediate north of the Stampede Grounds. The same thing has also been happening to the west of the grounds. And some of those complexes have a restaurant or bar on the ground floor.   If the community continues to gentrify at its current rate, the neighborhood score could improve in pretty short order.   On the north west corner of the Stampede Grounds, you’ll find Cowboys Casino, which contains several restaurants, including Melrose Café, Centre Bar, and Hitman’s Bar. The pre-game festivities at the Cowboys come highly recommended.   Next door to Cowboys Casino is Cardinale , an upscale Italian restaurant, if you’re looking for some fine dining before a game.   Heading west from the Stampede Grounds along 17th Ave, you’ll find many good options. For example, Model Milk , at 308 17th Ave, is another upscale restaurant sourcing their ingredients locally, as much as possible. Or you can try PinBar , at 501 17th Ave, for a place that is open late, serves all manner of burgers and other pub grub, and also has a selection of pinball machines.   Heading east into the Inglewood area, you can check out The Hose and Hound Pub , located in an old fire station, or the Nash , located at 925 11 St. SE, in the historic National Hotel. Fans 4 Calgary Flames fans have historically been a dedicated bunch who show up and cheer their team whether they’re winning or not. But empty seats have become more commonplace during recent seasons. Maybe the excitement of a new arena will bring some of them back.   The fans who are there are clearly engaged and having fun, but there are now empty seats between them.   As with a few NHL venues, there typically are several fans of the opposing team (whoever that might be on any given night) proudly showing up in their team’s colours and cheering their faces off. But most of the people in the arena are dressed in Flames gear. Overall, that makes for a fair bit of engagement in the game and good fan noise.   Access 3 Calgary has some of the most expensive parking rates in North America. Parking on the grounds will cost you $18 and, depending on what other events are going on around the area, might fill up quickly. The new arena is being built on what used to be part of that parking space, so that makes things that much tighter.   There are some choices off-site for slightly less expensive parking. A few residents rent out yard space for parking, and there is some metered street parking in the vicinity for people willing to do a little walking.   The good news is that being centrally located means the Saddledome is fairly easy to get to from all directions. The bad news is that getting away after the game can be frustratingly slow at times, although the city has done a better job of moving traffic away from the ‘Dome in recent years.   Another option is taking Calgary’s Light Rail Transit system to the game. The “C-Train” has two stops on the west side of the Stampede Grounds, one to the south and one on the north end, which is basically a straight walk east from the station to the Saddledome.   The LRT tracks cover a significant amount of the city, running north and south, and the West Leg has made traveling east-to-west much better as well. So it can be a more convenient option for fans not wanting the hassle of driving downtown, although the trains can get very crowded after events.   An adult fare for Calgary Transit is $3.80, a youth fare $2.55.   Once inside the Scotiabank Saddledome, you’ll find yourself dealing with what is typically the single biggest complaint about the building: the concourse is very small by modern standards, making getting around a challenge, to put it mildly. Between periods and after the game, the halls are jam-packed with people, particularly at the ends of the rink.   Lineups for the washrooms can be insanely long, backing way out into the concourse and making a bad situation worse. If you can avoid it, stay away from the men’s room near section 209. For some reason, this one seems to consistently have lineups out the door all game long.   The women’s washrooms aren’t much better. Fingers crossed, this is an issue the new building will address. Return on Investment 4 The average price for a Flames ticket is in the $90 range, depending on how far away from the ice you’re willing to sit—seats in the Press Level at the very top of the building are as little as $42.48 each. To their credit, the Flames have actually lowered overall prices significantly over the last few seasons, making this is much more affordable option for regular folks than in other locations, such as Edmonton.   This is a hockey-first market where fans eat, sleep, and breathe the Flames and will fork out big bucks to pay for the privilege of attending a game. But compared to the rest of the NHL, this is actually not an outrageous price to pay. Extras 4 There are several added extras when you come to see the Scotiabank Saddledome.   The walls of the building are lined with memorabilia, photos, and trophies commemorating great teams and events from years past in the Calgary area. Wherever there is a space that doesn’t have a concession stand in it, you can find a display, assuming you can get to them through the crowds.   Among those displays is an exhibit remembering the 1988 Winter Olympics, a wall dedicated to Calgary’s hockey heritage, plaques for the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame, and so forth.   You’ll also find several locations of Flames Fan Attic for all your souvenir needs. The main location is just outside the main entrance on the west side, with a similarly sized location in the building on the east concourse and several smaller kiosks set up all around the building.  Harvey the Hound keeps the kids amused in the stands during the game with his antics.   Looking up into the south rafters, you’ll see the large row of banners earned by the Flames in their time in the NHL. If you’re seated in the upper bowl on the south end, you get a great, up-close look at those banners. Calgary Flames Banners in the Saddledome, Photo by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey   The music played during stoppages in the action on the ice is a nice combination of current hits, classic rock, some country, and some good ol’ fashioned stadium organ music, which adds some nice flavour to the ‘Dome’s atmosphere.   All the usual giveaways and contests that you might expect at a pro hockey game are mixed into the program during stoppages in the action.   One other nice touch, which is always good to see, is that there are recycling bins located throughout the concourse so environmentally conscious fans can ensure their garbage doesn’t just wind up in a landfill. Final Thoughts Action at the Scotiabank Saddledome has created some fantastic memories over the years. Whether it was seeing the Flames pull off the dramatic overtime win against the Vancouver Canucks in Game Seven of the first round of the 1989 playoffs or the run to the Stanley Cup finals in 2004, tens of thousands of fans have had amazing experiences in this location. Although this arena’s days are numbered, going to the Saddledome to take in a Flames game is still always a good time.

Photos Courtesy of the Chattanooga Lookouts The Chattanooga Lookouts will move into a new ballpark next season. After spending 25 years at AT&T Field, the Southern League club will make Erlanger Park its new home. The stadium is designed with fan comfort and modern amenities in mind, featuring an aesthetic that complements the charm of “The Scenic City.” ​ The venue will feature two restored historic buildings that will be incorporated into the ballpark’s design. The Pattern Shop, built in 1936, will be transformed into a large indoor event venue, with its second floor featuring 17,000 square feet of space and a 7,500-square-foot deck overlooking the field. The ground floor will house a food hall, the team offices, and a conference room. ​ The Powerhouse is the oldest building on the site, dating back to 1882. It sits along the Tennessee River Walk and will serve as the entrance to Erlanger Park. The building will also feature a two-level, indoor and outdoor event space. ​ Photos Courtesy of the Chattanooga Lookouts The stadium’s main concourse will serve as an extension of the River Walk and a public space on non-event days. Fans will also be greeted by views of Lookout Mountain and a variety of seating options. The Lookouts have announced that the entry price to games at Erlanger Park will be lower than what fans paid at AT&T Field last year. ​ "Erlanger Park will blend Chattanooga’s proud industrial legacy with state-of-the-art amenities to become the region’s prime meeting place,” said Jim Coleman Jr., president and CEO of Erlanger. The Home Plate Club is a private, air-conditioned area that is enclosed in glass on all sides. The club will provide access for all patrons to a full-service bar, high-top tables, and chairs. Other group areas include field boxes and half-rounds that entertain smaller groups of fans with full wait service and mobile ordering. ​ The stadium will feature cabanas in right-center field; it is a lively bar area that provides a fun and upscale social atmosphere. These are private areas that will be sold on a nightly basis and come with twelve tickets. ​ Photos Courtesy of the Chattanooga Lookouts The berm will be the family-friendly area of the ballpark atop the left field wall. The ticket prices for the berm are the most affordable option, allowing families to lay out a blanket, providing kids a green space to run around, and allowing access to the kids' play area in the left field corner. ​ The 40,000 square foot venue will be more than just a baseball stadium, but a climate-controlled venue that can host weddings, concerts, and banquets. Erlanger Park will be the entertainment venue in The Scenic City. Opening day is scheduled for April 14, 2026. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo courtesy of Kiko Gaspar Communications On Wednesday, February 7 the NFL announced that the Philadelphia Eagles would play as the designated team for the league’s historic first regular season game that will be played in Brazil, during the 2024-2025 season as part of the NFL International Series . Their opponent will be announced with the unveiling of the 2024 schedule sometime in the spring.   The first game in the International Series was held on October 2, 2005 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Mexico in a contest between the Arizona Cardinals  and the San Francisco 49ers .   This year’s game is historic for several reasons – first is that this is the first NFL game to be played in Brazil, and second, the game set for September 6, 2024 will be the first time the NFL has scheduled a regular season game on a Friday night since the 1970 season opener, with the then St. Louis Cardinals taking on the Los Angeles Rams .   “Hosting the first NFL game in Brazil and South America is both a significant challenge and a tremendous honor – monumental occasion for our country, highlighting our importance on the global stage," said Gustavo Pires, a prominent figure in São Paulo's events and tourism sector in a news release. “Hosting the iconic Philadelphia Eagles in our city is [also] a true honor”.   São Paulo is the host city for this year’s contest which will be held at Corinthians Stadium, the home stadium of the SC Corinthians; the venue served as an official site for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and also was used during the 2016 Summer Olympics. This game is also significant for Brazil, as it will be held on the eve of the country’s Independence Day.   The Brazil game is a landmark for the NFL’s international efforts, especially its ongoing expansion into South America. Opening Week 1 of the regular season on foreign soil is a unique way the league is highlighting its international growth and global ambitions – as Brazil is home to 38 million residents, the opportunities for the NFL are obvious. Photo courtesy of Kiko Gaspar Communications   “With projections of over $60 million injected into our local economy, this event underscores São Paulo's potential to host major international sporting events,” Pires said. “As a city renowned for its vibrant culture and passionate sports fans, São Paulo eagerly anticipates the opportunity to showcase our warm hospitality to the world”.

The “Fastest Short Track on the Planet” is finally set to be on the big stage. On Tuesday, it was announced that the Iowa Speedway will host a NASCAR Cup Series race for the very first time. The NASCAR-owned track is located in Newton, Iowa, about 35 miles east of Des Moines. The announcement, made by Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds, NASCAR Hall of Famer and track designer of the Iowa Speedway, Rusty Wallace, NASCAR driver Brad Keselowski, and many other luminaries was the culmination of a long wait by NASCAR fans in Iowa who had heard rumors of a Cup race since the speedway’s opening. The 7/8-mile Iowa Speedway opened in 2006 and has hosted numerous races over the years. Currently, the track is home to an ARCA Menards race (Calypso Lemonade 150) in June, and a two-race IndyCar weekend in July. The speedway had previously hosted NASCAR Xfinity Series races from 2009-2019, but the 2020 race was canceled due to Covid and the race league hasn’t returned since. The Cup race, expected to bring in about $100 million to the surrounding community, will be part of a three-day race weekend in June, 2024. The event will begin with an ARCA Menards race on Friday, June 14, followed by an Xfinity race on Saturday, June 15, and the Cup race on Sunday, June 16. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram : @stadiumjwriter

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey If you ever attend a sporting event at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia, you can walk down the street and find another piece of sports history in town, namely a tribute to one of the greatest racehorses of all time, Secretariat. To celebrate the birthday of the horse known as Big Red, March 30, 2024 was proclaimed as Secretariat Day, and a plaza honoring the Triple Crown-winning equine was dedicated. The ‘Racing into History’ monument, created by Jocelyn Russell, includes a statue of Secretariat racing at full speed, as well as brick facades on two sides showcasing the horse’s successes. The monument is located at the corner of Railroad Avenue and England Street in downtown Ashland, about 10 miles from Meadow Stable, where Secretariat was born in 1970. Penny Chenery, Secretariat’s owner and manager of his racing career, operated Meadow Stable at the time, and with the help of her father, Chris, bred the horse through a match between the 1957 Horse of the Year Bold Ruler, and the 1973 Kentucky Broodmare of the Year Somethingroyal. Chris Chenery grew up in Ashland, attended Randolph-Macon College, and later founded Meadow Stable. The operation was sold in 1973 after Chris passed away, but visitors are still welcome to tour the historic barns and pastures – the site is now known as Meadow Event Park, and also hosts the annual State Fair of Virginia. Secretariat won 16 races out of 21 starts in his career, including most famously all three races in the 1973 Triple Crown – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont. Secretariat was the first horse ever to run the Derby in under 2 minutes, a feat that has only been accomplished once since. More impressively, however, his records in all 3 races still stand today, over 50 years later – Secretariat’s largest margin of victory was winning the Belmont by 31 lengths. Secretariat was retired to stud at the end of his three-year old year, and his name now appears in the pedigrees of many modern champions, and he has also sired many leading broodmares. The great horse passed away in 1989 from laminitis, but thanks to the efforts of his fans, Secretariat’s memory can now live on forever in Ashland.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 ACU Soccer Field 1 W Firestorn Way Phoenix, AZ 85306 ACU Soccer Field website Arizona Christian Firestorm website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 500 A Desert Gem The ACU Soccer Field is the home pitch for the Arizona Christian University Firestorm soccer programs, nestled in the heart of Glendale, Arizona. The university was founded in 1960 as Southwestern Conservative Baptist Bible College before ultimately becoming Arizona Christian University in 2011. The university moved to its Glendale campus, which holds the unique historical distinction of being the former Thunderbird Field, a World War II pilot training base. This move allowed for the development of quality athletic facilities. The Firestorm are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and primarily compete within the Great Southwest Athletic Conference (GSAC). The ACU Soccer Field itself is a relatively new addition, built as part of the new campus's athletic complex construction, which took place in the years following the campus's move. Food & Beverage 2 There are no concessions at the venue, but there are many campus dining options literally a few paces away, so we will give them some credit there. Atmosphere 2 There is one small grandstand next to the playing field and a very simple scoreboard, so the atmosphere is fairly basic. It is a purist's soccer experience. Neighborhood 4 For travelers looking to dine outside of the campus's quick-service options, the surrounding area offers several appealing choices, with a strong recommendation going to the nearby Someburros restaurant for its popular Mexican food offerings. Beyond dining, the city of Peoria is close by, providing plenty of additional activities and entertainment to explore before or after a game. Fans 3 The typical attendance, comprising mainly family, friends, and a solid base of local students, creates a close-knit and supportive environment. It is basic, but the fan support is decent. Access 3 Getting to the ACU Soccer Field is straightforward, as the venue is conveniently located on the Arizona Christian University campus in Glendale. The school’s position offers relatively easy access from major roadways in the area, which is a significant plus in the expansive Phoenix metropolitan area. Parking is generally available on the campus itself, making the arrival process painless and quick, a luxury not always afforded to travelers visiting larger venues. Since the stadium is part of the overall campus facility, navigating to the field is simple, often aided by campus signage and the clear layout of the athletic complex. For those relying on public transport, options may be more limited, but for the typical driving sports traveler, the access is good. The simplicity of getting in and out of the game, paired with the proximity of the small grandstands to the field, makes for a stress-free experience from the moment of arrival until departure, allowing you to focus completely on the match. Return on Investment 3 While the games sometimes feature a small charge for entry, this cost remains negligible, and I've also found some games where entry is simply complimentary, which is fantastic. For a few dollars, or even for free, you get to witness authentic collegiate competition, making this an ideal, high-value stop. . Extras 2 The overall school spirit is embodied by the official mascot: The Firestorm, a mythical phoenix bird. The most compelling 'extra' is the sheer historical significance of the campus itself. The land was formerly Thunderbird Field, a World War II pilot training base, which adds a profound layer of history to every match played here. Final Thoughts The ACU Soccer Field is a perfect stop for the sports traveler seeking an authentic, intimate, and budget-friendly collegiate soccer experience.

On July 3, 1974, Ralph Legeman passed away, a day after his 70th birthday. The Evansville-based architect had designed general buildings since 1922, but would later innovate a new direction of building basketball gymnasiums throughout Indiana and Illinois. His contributions to the high school basketball game go unnoticed, but the facilities thankfully do not. If you ever attended a high school basketball game at New Castle, Boonville, Connersville, Indiana, or Jacksonville, Murphysboro, Herrin, Illinois, you are sitting in one of the 37 Legeman gymnasiums. A design that was implemented in many small-town high schools that were revolutionary at the time of their construction. We call them the sunken gym design today; back then, they were called 'underground bowl gyms' or, as a few school officials referred, "wing-dings". However, after initial hesitation by school officials, Legeman was able to convince schools that his innovative basketball gym would be the way to go in basketball-starved towns of Indiana and Illinois. Three-fourths of a century later, it's not hard to find them. I never met Legeman, nor have there been an array of articles honoring his dedication to the game of basketball, but when you sit in one of his designed structures, it's easy to see why they became popular. They were inexpensive, provided unobstructed views, the main concourse allowed additional seating and a running track during school hours, plus multiple exits through the various doors after the game. His concept was used first in Herrin, Illinois, where school officials were looking for a cost-effective gym to hold a high capacity of fans to replace its aging gymnasium. In 1946, Legeman woke up in the middle of the night during a thunderstorm and copied down his thoughts on a piece of paper. The next day, staff at his architectural firm came up with the blueprint that would soon be tested at the high school. His design would allow fans to enter at street level, not interrupt the action on the court below, and players would enter through a tunnel at courtside from an adjoining building, not to run into people. In case of an emergency, fans walk up the aisle through copious exit doors - much more efficiently than hurrying down aisles to the exits. A 6,000-seat building could be emptied within 7 minutes. The president of the Herrin school board was a civil engineer, saw the possibilities that the gym could have for his school, and agreed to have the radical new gym built. The gymnasium opened in November 1949 with 10 rows of bleacher seating in an octagon pattern; soon, other school officials began asking Legeman to consult and design a similar venue. By next year, four more would be constructed in Owensville, Indiana; Norris City and Murphysboro, Illinois; and an additional gym for Herrin Junior High School. "It's something that we're really proud of," said Herrin basketball coach Sayler Shurtz on a podcast for Clubhouse Athletics. "When they built the new school, the gym was so important that they built the school around it." The Owensboro Bowl was the first in Indiana, with a capacity for 2,000 people. The venue helped the school wrangle the sectionals away from other schools and attracted 12,228 fans for five games in 1951. The gym would be the host site for the tournament for five seasons before the games moved to Princeton in 1955. Huntington Memorial Fieldhouse still houses the Southridge Raiders. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. His second gym in Indiana would be the Huntingburg Memorial Fieldhouse, dedicated in November 1951. It is the largest of its kind, with a capacity of 6,002 and 17 rows of seating. The cost was between $250,000 $350,000 to build. In comparison, the Kokomo Memorial Gymnasium cost $680,000 in 1949. “Without a doubt, this new Memorial Gymnasium is the latest thing in modern design and is the most outstanding building in this area. It must be seen to be fully appreciated,” a local sports writer stated at the time. “Without a doubt, this new Memorial Gymnasium is the latest thing in modern design and is the most outstanding building in this area. It must be seen to be fully appreciated,” a local sports writer stated at the time. The in-the-ground design allowed the bleacher seating to be built directly onto the sloping dirt side of the excavation, saving money on building stands for the bleachers and making them impossible to collapse because they rest on the ground.  The new gyms were also a source of pride within their community. Many high schools were moving away from the “cracker box” style of gyms that would overflow with people during the basketball season. New Castle moved from the tiny Church Street Gym that held 1,800, built in 1924, to the New Castle Fieldhouse that sat 9,352 people, making it the largest high school basketball gym in the world. Orleans High School was proud of its new building that opened on Valentine's Day in 1958. A description of the gym is as follows from that year’s yearbook.  “Comfortable bleachers provided seats for 2,000 persons in the 130 by 154 room. Above them, temporary bleachers can be set on the broad concrete walkway. Vision obstructed by a post is a thing of the past as the view of the floor is completely unobstructed. A good P.A. system, tiled dressing room, attractive public restrooms, concession booths, and the tunnel ramp, which ends the need for players or officials to mingle with spectators--all these and much more-- add up a gym that should be adequate for years to come.” Legeman patented his stadium construction design in 1956, and by the end of the decade, 28 gymnasiums would be constructed using his blueprint. The majority of the designs were from schools in Southern Illinois from east to west in Indianapolis and south in Indiana.  A new court for the JHS Bowl, Photo Courtesy of Jacksonville High School The JHS Bowl in Jacksonville, Illinois, continues to be used with pride for the Jacksonville Crimson. It was funded through $188,00 in public funds and opened in November 1952. It is considered one of the most prominent buildings and one of the most distinguished in the Midwest.  It has hosted a myriad of events, from professional wrestling and boxing matches to MMA fights, and is home to the Class 1A Super-Sectional tournament. “Our guys love playing at The Bowl,” said former head coach J.R. Dugan. “The history of the teams that have played here and all the different events that have gone on here has always made the place exciting. I feel like we have one of the best gyms in the state, not a bad seat.”  Legeman’s last gym in Illinois was the Duff-Kingston Gym in Eldorado. The 4,850-capacity facility opened on February 15, 1958, and was later renamed in honor of basketball standouts Mike Duff and Kevin Kingston. They were members of the Evansville basketball team tragically killed in a plane crash on December 13, 1977. The annual Eldorado Holiday Tournament has taken place since 1964. The influx of people is an economic boom to the town that, in three days, becomes the center of basketball in southeastern Illinois. A total of 26 games are held during the tournament, featuring 16 teams with crowds of up to 4,000 for the championship tilt. “Duff-Kingston Gymnasium is a proud focal point of our town,” stated school AD Greg Goodley, who added that the tournament is a must to attend every year. “It is one of a kind in high school sports, with the ability to allow 5,000 people to view a game and for everyone to have a great seat or even have a great view standing round the top of the gym.” Warm-ups at the Duff-Kingston Gymnasium, Photo Courtesy of Eldorado High School Booneville Stadium in Indiana has become a mainstay in the community since its construction in 1958. The 5,650-seat gym pried away sectional games from Lynnville High School, which had its sunken gym constructed in February 1952. Booneville attracted 8,255 people to sectional games in 1959, while Lynville attracted 6,822 to the same amount of games the year before.  High School Athletic Director Kevin Davis said the building is a community icon. It has hosted the Harlem Globetrotters, and President Bill Clinton; it is a great place for shooting baskets. However, its sunken court design does lead to some fine tutelage when it comes to the maintenance of the gym, like screwing in a light bulb. “We can't easily get a lift or equipment down on the floor to fix lights or redo the floor. The gym is shut down for a couple of days if we want to do any bulb replacement or fix a light fixture. People do not realize how much manpower and work it is to fix a bulb.” Sadly, Loogootee, now known as the Jack Butcher Sports Arena, would be the final facility designed after Legeman's vision in 1968. A new kind of gym would become the rage heading into the 1970s called the “box gym” that would feature two levels of seating with roll-out bleachers and stair-cases allowing fans to move to the upper level from an exterior concourse. Many of these gyms still hold a lot of passion for people years after they stopped operating. The old North High School Gym in Evansville was dedicated in 1957 and would be home to the Huskies until the new school opened 9 miles north in 2012. The move also included a new gymnasium with a capacity of 3,457. The Academy for Innovation Studies Diamond Branch would move into the old campus and use the gym for storage.  The former Owensville Bowl is now a museum of sorts, Photo Courtesy of the REH Center The Owensville Bowl would host basketball until 1974 after the school merged with three others to form Southern Gibson. The building was saved from the wrecking ball in 1992 and turned into the REH Center a year later. It is the oldest of its kind in Indiana and is busy from November 1 to the end of March hosting church basketball leagues, pick-up games, senior walkers, sale auctions, town meetings, volleyball, and parties. The gym is also a museum, and its walls are plastered with a collection of memories from the old high school. It includes old varsity jackets hanging on the walls, photographs, game day programs, yearbooks, newspaper clippers, and trophies. For a gym that is no longer in use, it still provides a service to its community.  The West Gym at Center Grove High School is almost 70-years-old and was replaced by the Vandermeer Gym in January 1996. The gym was constructed along with a new school in 1956 and held 4,000 people in a community, which at the time had a population of 5,000. The West Gym was saved as an auxiliary gym and is used for volleyball and freshman basketball games. Occasionally, it returns as the home of the varsity team when scheduling conflicts or during county tournament games. The annual. throwback game draws a big crowd to the West Gym at Center Grove, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. The gyms sold themselves due to low cost and it allowed many small communities the opportunity to afford them for civic pride, to attract more players to basketball, and to host sectional and regional tournaments. Many of the gymnasiums were larger than the communities they were built in according to L.V. Phillips, Indiana High School Athletic Director in 1956. "Indiana basketball didn't need a shot in the arm, but these fine new gyms in communities that have been able to afford them have done it anyway. Basketball all over the state already feels like a stimuating effect. We thought that nothing new could be added, but it has been." Many are still in use, and only two have been razed: Roberts Stadium, the former home of the University of Evansville basketball program, and Ridgway, Illinois. The gym in Lynnville, Indiana appears to have been turned into apartments or storage as of this writing. The Racer Arena on the campus of Murray State has been the home to its volleyball team and the second-largest of its kind in college sports. He must have been proud of his design since in 1965 he similarly designed his home in Evansville. The house is still standing and has the trademark trusses on the exterior of the structure. An image exists through Google . Ralph Legeman passed away almost 50 years ago, and he is somewhat of an unknown man, but his buildings are not. It is hard to tell the story of high school basketball in both states without mentioning his sunken gym courts. How many folks know that they are a result of one man's dream? They are his legacy for many basketball communities in the two states. His first innovative gym design will celebrate 75 years of celebration next November, and even if you don’t remember his name, you won’t forget his basketball gyms. Not bad for his 'wing-dings'. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel.   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

A trip to the Penske Racing Museum in Phoenix, Arizona, isn't just a detour; it's an immersion into a dynasty. Tucked away discreetly, this gleaming shrine to speed immediately establishes the weight of its contents. Walking through the glass doors, the atmosphere shifts from the dry Arizona heat to the cool, precise, and highly polished world of Roger Penske's legendary organization. More than just a collection of old cars, this museum chronicles a staggering half-century of dominance, housing the tangible evidence of over 600 major race wins, crowned by a record 20 victories at the Indianapolis 500. The layout encourages a reflective walk through history, where every trophy case and perfectly preserved tire tells a story of meticulous preparation and unparalleled competitive spirit. It is the hallowed ground for anyone who appreciates the business, engineering, and passion behind high-octane motor sports. The heart of the journey lies in the magnificent car collection, which vividly illustrates the breadth and versatility of Team Penske’s success across multiple disciplines. From the roaring muscle of NASCAR to the sleek, open-wheel mastery of IndyCar, the exhibits trace a remarkable arc of racing innovation. Center stage are legendary machines, including Joey Logano’s 2015 Daytona 500-winning Ford Fusion, a testament to the team’s versatility, and the iconic 1979 Penske PC 6, the machine that delivered Rick Mears his first of four Indy 500 triumphs. Viewing the cars up close, one can appreciate the technical details that defined each era. The sheer number of championship banners and memorabilia surrounding the vehicles makes it feel less like a museum and more like a high-speed hall of fame, perfectly preserving the legacy of "The Captain." Whether you’re a lifelong motorsports fan or simply seeking a compelling sports pilgrimage in the American Southwest, the Penske Racing Museum offers an inspiring and educational experience, made all the better by the fact that admission is FREE. It is easily accessible in North Phoenix, making it a perfect mid-day stop. The physical address you'll need is 7191 East Chauncey Lane, Phoenix, AZ 85054. You can generally find the doors open for visitors Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and on Sundays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. If you are looking for a quick bite, note that the associated café operates on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM, but is closed on weekends.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Climate Pledge Arena 334 1st Avenue North Seattle, WA 98109 Seattle Kraken website Climate Pledge Arena website Year Opened: 1962 / 2021 Capacity: 17,151 Seattle’s Sustainable Green Jewel The Space Needle might be the most visited attraction in Seattle, but Climate Pledge Arena is quickly becoming a must-see venue for sports fans and concert devotees. The arena, now in its fourth year of operation, is the newest National Hockey League building, and this month will become the home to an expansion women’s hockey team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). The Seattle Torrent will host its first home game on November 28. The goal of the arena is to be the most progressive, responsible, and sustainable in the world. It was named after The Climate Pledge, founded by Amazon and Global Optimism in 2019. The building is powered 100% by on and off-site renewable energy from both the Alaska Airlines Atrium roof and above the 1st Ave N. Garage. 1,300 on-site solar panels are generating 440,000 kWh annually. Climate Pledge is novel for many reasons, and yet it's a rebrand of an older facility. The arena located north of downtown Seattle sits in a 74-acre entertainment complex known as the Seattle Center. It was the site of the 1962 World's Fair, and from 2018 to 2021, the arena underwent a $1.15 billion redevelopment (with no city funds allocated) that preserved the original exterior and roof of the Key Arena. The venue was declared a Seattle Landmark in 2017 and listed on the Washington Heritage Register as well as the National Register of Historic Places in 2018. The new building has a capacity of 17,151 for ice hockey and 18,300 for basketball (home to the 4-time WNBA champion Seattle Storm ). Throw in some concerts and other events and Climate Pledge is busy as it hosts about 200 dates per year. The City of Seattle and OVG (Oak View Group) have signed a 39-year lease with two, eight-year renewable options for a potential lease of 55 years. Food & Beverage 5 Climate Pledge offers a wide array of food and beverage choices with an emphasis on seafood.  The food choices include: 1st Avenue Nachos, Ballard Pizza, Bavarian Meats, Big Chicken ($14.75 for the original sandwich with pickles), Bristol Bay Chowder, Casa Escobar, Dumpling House, For the Grazers, Mercer Street Mac & BBQ, Molly D Burgers, Prohosky Prohosky, Sound Pizza, Hempler’s (chicken tenders and fries is $17.25) and Poke Bop. Stadium Journey recommends the Salmon Sandwich on a brioche bun ($16.99) from Bristol Bay. Beverages include Starbucks (of course), Emerald City Smoothie ($14.99 for fruit supreme or berry berry), 2 Towns Ciderhouse, Bar Northwest, and Coors Light Center Ice, Kraken Rum Bar, Jack Daniel’s Bar, Modelo Bar, and PNW Craft Beer Wall. CPA also features a few vending machines for soft drinks featuring Pepsi products. A 16-oz Aquafina is $7.49. The best deals for beer are a 16-oz Coors Banquet Can for $8.99, and Aslan Tidebreaker West Coast IPA is $9.99. Four food and beverage stores are equipped with Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology with Amazon One to make the in-arena shopping experience more efficient and cut wait times.  The combination of this concept and many different food courts does make the wait for food and beverages bearable in between periods.  The bathroom lines are another story. The goal is to have 75% of food ingredients come from within a 300-mile radius. House wines and craft beer are sourced from Washington or Oregon. If you choose soft ice cream, Mister Softee is the provider. A souvenir ice cream mask is $13.49, a regular cup is $10.99, and a kids cone is $7.99. Unlike many arenas, Climate Pledge typically offered most food choices on both the first and second levels. Atmosphere 4 The crowd gets hyped by a DJ who pumps some electrifying tunes during the pre-game warmup. The arena has an organ, but it does not get a tremendous amount of use. The Kraken fits right in with the lore of a city with a long maritime heritage. This month, the team unveiled a third jersey with the logo crafted in tonal black-on-black stitching, making it nearly invisible, like a predator lying in wait. The Kraken is a mythical giant octopus that lives in Puget Sound and has magic powers. The team has incorporated the octopus into a distinctive ice blue S logo with a single red eye. Keeping with the local theme, the goal horn is the defunct MV Hyak ferry's whistle, and the goal song is a modified version of the song Lithium from local legend Nirvana, with Let’s Go Kraken added. The arena has two six-sided scoreboards, one over each zone and not over the center ice area. The boards, which are higher than most NHL jumbotrons, were designed not to stress the architectural design of the original roof and not to interfere with sightlines. The dual scoreboards are clear and allow most seating areas to see the screens. The only negative is that the boards do not display which players are on ice during play. Neighborhood 5 CPA is located within the Seattle Center, home of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair. Its neighbors include the iconic Space Needle, which has a revolving rooftop restaurant, as well as the Chihuly Garden and Glass and the Museum of Pop Culture. The monorail system comes through the museum on its way to its final stop at the Space Needle. As fans approach the arena on foot, it resembles more of a suburban neighborhood with some greenery in the area. The building looks small from the outside since about half of the seating area is buried underground. The glass windows let in plenty of natural light, and spectators can see some of the seating area and the scoreboard from certain locations outside the building. There are many places to stay within walking distance of the Climate Pledge Arena, including Hyatt House, Hampton Inn and Suites, Four Points Sheraton, and The Maxwell Hotel. A few places to pregame include The Uptown Hophouse, Agave Cocina & Tequila, and the Queen Anne Beerhall. Fans 5 The building has been sold out for every home game for the past three seasons. The Krakheads are an enthusiastic bunch, but on this visit, they did seem to lose a bit of steam in the third period. The ice is illuminated first in sea blue and then changes to bright red as the PA announcer blares “This is Kraken Hockey” and follows it up with “Welcome to the Deep,” and the crowd roars as the Kraken take the ice. During the anthem sung by Tommie Burton, the fans enthusiastically yell “SEE for SEA” and “RED GLARE” . A celebrity, loyal fan or sports personality leads the surge as fans yell “Let’s Go Kraken” leading into the opening faceoff. Then the Seattle Kraken mascot, a sea troll named Buoy, takes over and starts banging his drum to lead the fans in the Let’s Go Kraken chant throughout the game. Buoy is inspired by the Freemont Troll sculpture. The Kraken have a group of cheerleaders better known as the Sea Squad who entertain and urge the fans on before the start of each period and during breaks in the action. The Kraken have only made the playoffs in one of their first four seasons, but that has not dampened enthusiasm. The Lair is the Team Store, which is only open on game days, and was packed on this visit. New coach Lane Lambert will attempt to lead them back to the postseason. Jessica Campbell enters her second season with the Kraken as an assistant coach after becoming the first full-time female assistant coach in NHL history to work behind the bench during the regular season. The building does not enforce the puck-in-play policy that some NHL venues enforce, not allowing fans to return to seats until there is a stoppage in play. That rule can be good or bad depending upon the beholder, as hockey is conducive to continuous action and often has few whistles. into a new NHL franchise, they also wholeheartedly buy into what the Climate Pledge Arena is trying to do. Access 4 Climate Pledge is one of the only venues in the country to offer free public transportation to games and other ticketed events. The goal is to have at least 25% of attendees use public transportation. Fans can also ride bikes and scooters to the facility. There are many protected bike lanes surrounding the arena. Bike Link Bicycle lockers are available in the 1st Ave N Garage on a first-come, first-served basis. Scooters can be parked in one of the designated sidewalk zones. The Seattle Center Monorail is a 90-second ride between downtown and Seattle Center. From the Seattle Center station, it is just a short walk to Climate Pledge Arena. Parking downtown and taking the Monorail is the fastest option to get to and from the event. Sound Transit offers an excellent light rail service that runs from the SeaTac Airport to the University of Washington campus. Riders going to a Kraken game would simply exit at the Seattle Center Station and cross the street to the monorail system. The monorail runs directly to the Seattle Center (90-second ride), where it is a leisurely walk over to CPA. For drivers, there are three main parking garages nearby. They are located on 5th Avenue, Mercer Street, and First Avenue North. Each garage has electric vehicle charging stations. Parking ranges from $25-45, depending upon the lot and location. The arena has seven access points (one is for press only and one for patrons needing an accessible entry), and the process was easy. ​​Entry 1 is the most used public entry located on the southwest corner of the arena off of the Alaska Airlines Atrium, facing 1st Ave N. Gates open 90 minutes before the starting time. Reusable (non-glass) water bottles are permitted and must be no larger than 32oz and empty upon entry. Upon entering the arena, fans are in the 100 level, which is really the mid-level or upper concourse. Walking down leads to the lower level sections 1-26 (lower concourse), and the 200 level is up above. Most of the lower-level seats are subterranean, while the concourse and main south entrance at the Alaska Airlines Atrium are at ground level. The only negative is that the scoreboards cannot be seen from the upper rows of both the upper and lower bowls. Return on Investment 3 Seattle is an expensive city, and the same can be said for prices at Climate Pledge. The arena ranked as the 7th most expensive according to the Fan Cost Index in 2024. The cost to take a family of four was $528.35 for four tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas, and parking. Without a doubt, tickets and food are costly. On the secondary ticket market, the prices for a Kraken game can go for less than $100 in the upper level and about $125 and up, but that is for weeknight games. Seattle’s emphasis on farm-to-table food is great, but it does elevate prices. Kraken owner Samantha Holloway did listen to fans and lowered season ticket prices for many seats coming into this season. The team also offers a 25% reduction on food and drinks for full and half-season ticket holders. Extras 4 Seattle won a Stanley Cup before the inception of the Kraken. In 1917, the Seattle Metropolitans defeated the Montreal Canadians to win the Stanley Cup, and a banner hangs from the rafters to commemorate that Cup. Ironically, Seattle was competing for a second Stanley Cup in 1919, when the series was canceled due to the breakout of the Spanish Flu pandemic. CPA features wider concourses and the Living Wall, a visual of 25-30 different species of plants native to the Pacific Northwest, which stretches 200 feet long and 14 feet tall. The wall is located next to the Club entrances. Going green is befitting of the Emerald City, and it seems to be working. From the bathrooms, no fossil fuels to renewable energy, to reducing waste, and is impressive. The arena features Sue Bird and Lenny Wilkins statues outside the main entrance. Wilkens, who coached Seattle to an NBA title in 1979, was the first person inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame three times: Player (1989), Coach (1998), and Olympian (2010). Wilkins recently passed away at age 88. Bird played her entire career with the Seattle Storm and led the team to four WNBA titles. Bird is a five-time Olympic gold medalist. Final Thoughts The Climate Pledge Arena features excellent sightlines, a solid sound system, and the combination of new and old works well to make it one of the more unique buildings in the National Hockey League.  Its ability to make it sustainable is another huge plus, and it is definitely worthy of a stadium journey. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter @VenutoGreg and Facebook .

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