Fort Wayne FC introduced a whole new look and identity on Thursday night. Gone are the colors of royal, light blue, and red in favor of black and autumn gold. The new crest is a monogram of Fort Wayne surrounded by a shield. The look harkens back to imagery of football clubs of the early 20th century. ​ This switch in branding comes as the team prepares to relocate to Fort Wayne FC Park and move up to USL League One next season. The 9,200-seat venue will feature 14 pitch-level suites, loge seating, a fan zone park, a fan shop, and a beer garden. It will also feature a 120 x 35-foot LED video board. ​ Further reinforcing the new visual identity, the colors of autumn gold represent “new beginnings, prosperity, success, and nurture,” while black stands for “strength, resilience, and control.” According to Mark Music, the majority owner of Fort Wayne FC, the logo modernizes our identity and pays homage to the city. ​ “We are, and will remain, passionate about our history – including the colors and logos we’ve worn – but our new, sleeker identity more accurately represents the city in which we play and will help pave the path to our exciting future in professional soccer.” ​ New York-based designer Christopher Payne created the new identity, including nods to Fort Wayne’s three rivers - the St. Mary’s, St. Joseph, and Maume and the city’s ties to nature and recreation, with more than 80 parks and over 150 miles of trails. ​ Fort Wayne Football Club was founded in 2019 and has played the past five seasons at the pre-professional level of USL League Two. They will be one of 21 clubs competing in the third-division USL League One in 2026. ---- 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 Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Fred Rust Arena 605 S College Ave Newark, DE 19716 Delaware Blue Hens website Fred Rust Arena website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 2,500 Blue Hen Pride The University of Delaware (UD) is the largest university in Delaware and is located in the city of Newark (that's new-ARK, not NEW-urk like the one in New Jersey.) The Delaware athletic teams are known as the Blue Hens, after the official state bird of Delaware, and compete at the Division I level. For many years, Delaware's men's and women's ice hockey teams competed at the club level, playing their home games in Fred Rust Arena, which opened in 1971. However, in 2025, the Blue Hens' football program made the jump from FCS to FBS, and to compensate for the additional men's scholarships, the university was required under Title IX to add an equivalent number of women's scholarships. As a result, the women's ice hockey program was upgraded from club to NCAA level, and now competes in Atlantic Hockey America, a hockey-only conference formed in 2023 by the merger of the men's-only Atlantic Hockey and the women's only College Hockey America. The men's ice hockey team still competes at a club level in the ACHA and plays their home games in Fred Rust Arena as well. Stadium Journey has a review of that experience although the information there is not as current as it is in this review. Food & Beverage 4 The concession experience was vastly improved at Fred Rust Arena this season, coinciding with the move to the NCAA level. There is now an alcove next to the rink that has both a concessions window and grab-and-go snacks, sandwiches, drinks, and other items which you can pay for either at the concessions window or at a self-checkout. However, if you are using cash, you must pay at the window. Grab-and-go snacks include cotton candy, chocolate covered pretzels, assorted candy, drinks, and protein bars, crackers, and other miscellaneous items, as well as a refrigerator with pre-made sandwiches and other light meal options. The concession window offers hot food such as hot dogs, pizza, nachos, popcorn, and soft pretzels. There is also a machine that dispenses hot chocolate, coffee, and tea. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than $5. Atmosphere 4 Walking into Fred Rust Arena will put you in a lobby filled with Blue Hens' logos, trophies, and memorabilia, decked out almost floor to ceiling in Delaware blue and gold. The ticketing table is straight ahead - either show them your ticket or buy one if you haven't yet. Then turn right and walk through the doors to the rink. There are two sets of bleachers, one on each side, which are plastic and do not have backs but do have molded seats that are somewhat more comfortable than the usual metal ones. Before the game, they will dim the lights and light up the rink in blue while the Zamboni surfaces the ice, then the lights will come on, only to be dimmed again as a spotlight shines for the player introductions. The Blue Hens have two mascots - YouDee and their child, Baby Blue, who roam the rink and the stands throughout the game, entertaining and interacting with fans. (the Delaware mascots do not have canonical genders - fans tend to use whatever pronouns they want to refer to them) Neighborhood 3 Newark is a typical East Coast college town. Your best option is to head downtown to Main Street, which offers numerous options including Grotto Pizza and the Deer Park Tavern. You can also head towards Christiana Mall or check out The Border Café, known for its Tex-Mex food and large “EAT” sign. Fans will also want to check out the UDairy Creamery, which makes ice cream right on campus and is conveniently located right next door to Fred Rust Arena. Although their ice cream is not sold at hockey games like it is at Delaware basketball games at the Bob Carpenter Center , it is incredibly easy to visit before or after a game, and you do not even need to move your car. Fans 3 Delaware draws a few hundred fans to a typical women's hockey game at Fred Rust Arena. The crowd is a good mix of friends and family and locals. This is the Blue Hens' first season as an NCAA program, but they have built up a following over the years at the club level. With the low ceilings, it can get quite loud in here at times, and as excitement grows in future years, the experience should only get better in this regard. Access 4 The University of Delaware campus is conveniently located right off Interstate 95. If coming from the north, take the last exit in Delaware and the campus will be only a few blocks away. If coming from the south, you are better off getting off at the last exit in Maryland and driving a couple miles on local roads to avoid the tolls - this will only add about a minute to the drive and will save you $5 each way. Once on campus, there is a large lot next to Fred Rust Arena, and you pay for parking through the Passport Parking app. it will cost between $5 and $12 or so, depending on how early you arrive and how long you stay. Just keep in mind a few spots are reserved for Creamery patrons. These are free to park in, but are short-term spaces, so unless you are just popping in to the game for a few minutes and leaving, you should not park there. Restrooms are located through a door just to the right of the entrance to the main rink area after you come in. They are more than spacious enough for the typical crowds, though there may be a short line at intermissions. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets are just $10 for adults and $5 for children 3-12. Concessions are also quite affordable. However, the cost to park, which is really unnecessary given the size of the lot relative to demand, brings this score down a notch. Extras 3 Check out the banners and memorabilia for the various UD hockey and ice skating teams teams. The teams have shown great success over the years, including winning the 2012 ACHA national championship. The UD figure skating team has also enjoyed much success with some athletes such as Tara Lipinski who have gone on to the Olympics. Also check out the marketing table by the entrance, with giveaways each game such as posters, as well as special promotional items like hockey socks at select contests. A third and final star for the fact that kids have a chance to skate on the ice after select home games. Final Thoughts Although Delaware women's ice hockey is only in its first year at the NCAA level, they call a great rink home and already have built a loyal following through their decades as a club team. If you're a hockey fan in Delaware, or in nearby Maryland or Pennsylvania, you will want to make the trip out here to check out a game.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Michigan Stadium 1201 S Main St Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Michigan Wolverines website Michigan Stadium website Year Opened: 1927 Capacity: 107,601 Welcome to The Big House  Ann Arbor is the quintessential college town, and this is most obvious on a sunny Saturday autumn afternoon when the Wolverines are home at Michigan Stadium, more commonly known as The Big House. This nickname is not an exaggeration, as the gridiron is the third-largest stadium in the world behind Narendra Modi Stadium in India (114,600) and Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in North Korea (113,281), which obviously makes it the largest in the United States, even with its capacity having been reduced to 107,601 a decade ago. Michigan Stadium was constructed in 1927 at the insistence of legendary Michigan coach Fielding Yost. It originally seated 72,000, but was quickly updated to hold over 85,000. Renovations over the years gradually boosted capacity until 2010, when it reached its pinnacle of 109,901, before some accessibility modifications in 2015 reduced that to the current number. Even then, attendance regularly exceeds capacity, likely due to students packing in their section; on September 7, 2013, the stadium hosted a record 115,109 in a night game against Notre Dame. Michigan is one of the most storied programs in the history of college football. Coaching legends such as Fielding Yost, Fritz Crisler, Lloyd Carr, and Bo Schembechler have walked the sidelines. Great players such as Tom Harmon, Desmond Howard, Tom Brady, and Charles Woodson have awed the massive crowds. The 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, wore number 48 for the maize and blue and was a star at center on teams that won back-to-back national championships in 1932 and 1933. The program has won more games than any other college football program in any division by a margin, making up several seasons' worth of games. As of this writing, they have 34 more wins than rival Ohio State. Meanwhile, “Hail to the Victors” is among the most recognizable fight songs in all of football, and the famous winged helmets are immediately recognizable to even the most casual sports fan. All of this is to say that the Big House and a Michigan football game should sit squarely on even the shortest list of must-see venues for any sports fan. The pageantry, history, and pure joy of a Saturday in Ann Arbor are a must for all avid stadium travelers. Food & Beverage 4 The quality of concessions at a Michigan Wolverines football game is better than what you may be used to at other stadiums, but you won’t be blown away by the variety of options. Given the size of the crowd, you might expect to wait in line for some time, but there are so many concession stands that queuing will not be a major hassle. The most common stand is Wolverine Classics, which offers hot dogs ($7.25) and stadium sausages ($8.25) that are provided by Dearborn Sausage Company, and they are very good. Vegetarians can opt for the Beyond Sausage at $8. Snacks include a soft pretzel for $7 (add $2 for the cheese cup) and popped maize ($6.5) instead of popcorn, a shoutout to the school colors of Maize and Gold. If you want something a little larger, Top Dog has a foot-long coney for $14 and a foot-long currywurst for $16. Big House Burgers has a smashburger for $16, while a Mitten Burger (named for the state's distinctive outline) is an olive burger that comes with cheddar cheese and olive spread for $18.Buddy's Pizza out of Detroit is the pizza provider, with a four-square pepperoni or cheese pizza going for $16.   Coca-Cola products are on offer in various sizes. A souvenir beverage mug is $12.25, a 32-ounce souvenir cup of soda is $9.50, and a 20-ounce bottle of pop is $6.50. Bottled water will cost $5.50, while hot chocolate or coffee is $5. Keep in mind that there are “hydration stations” located around the concourse where you can pick up a free cup of water or seven if you so desire. The Great Lakes Coffee Roasting Company is for those who might need a caffeine injection, with a good variety of both hot and cold brews for between $8-11. A souvenir mug here is $12 for 24 ounces of coffee, while there is a Maize and Blue donut from Washtenaw Dairy (Ann Arbor is in Washtenaw County) is $5. Alcohol is now available at the Big House, with sales beginning in 2024. A 16-oz. A can of beer ranges between $12.25 and $13.50, while a canned cocktail goes for $16.25. Another common option is Flock, where a chicken tender basket is $13; add just 75 cents for the Hot Honey variety. This is a mere selection of what's on offer. There are food maps posted along the concourse and several news articles that detail specialty offerings such as a Cherry Bomb Meatball (chicken meatballs with curried apple and cherry gastrique). Overall, although food and beverages are rather expensive, it is of higher quality than fare found in similar stadiums. If you’re staying in Ann Arbor, though, try to save your appetite for the large selection of excellent restaurants found downtown. Atmosphere 5 Perhaps the most important thing about attending a game at the Big House is to take your time. Make a day of it and soak it all in. If you love to tailgate, then this is a great place to do it. You can shoot for the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School parking lot, the University of Michigan golf course, or in numerous driveways, church parking lots, or public parks surrounding the stadium.  This is an important part of the game day experience and really adds to the visit. Be aware that bags of any kind are not allowed inside the stadium, so only bring essentials with you, and what you can comfortably fit into your pockets.  Gates open two hours before kickoff, and I would recommend entering the stadium at least one hour before the start of the game. If you wait too long, you can experience a bottleneck and may miss some of the action while getting to your seat. As well, the Michigan marching band performs about 20 minutes before kickoff, and that is something you won’t want to miss. This goes for halftime as well; try to avoid a trip to the restrooms or concessions during intermission if you can. Despite the massive size of Michigan Stadium in terms of capacity, it actually feels rather intimate due to its single bowl design. There is only minimal space between the stands and the playing field, and a view from the back row hardly feels like a negative to your viewing experience. That said, something has to give when you factor in the number of people in the stands and the relative proximity to the game. The bench seats are small and uncomfortable, with very little room between rows. If you’re in the student section, this is somewhat alleviated by the fact that the young men and women stand throughout the contest, but in other sections, where you mostly sit, it can be quite uncomfortable. In fact, a back row seat may be the best seat in the house if you would like some back support and avoid having someone’s knees pressed against you. Note that the sections are split down the middle, so seat 1 is not necessarily an aisle seat. Use SeatGeek's very detailed map to find out exactly where you will be sitting. SeatGeek is also the official reseller for Michigan sports and generally has more inventory than you will find elsewhere. Sections 44, 1, and 2 have seats painted to show the iconic Michigan M inside a box. The large structures above both sidelines are mostly suites, and you can sometimes find seats there on the secondary market, though at quite a premium. There are two large scoreboards with HD video screens behind all of the seats at each end of the stadium. They measure 4,000 square feet and provide announcements, stats, replays, and scores from around college football for fans throughout the stadium. The pre-game hype video is narrated by the late James Earl Jones, a Michigan alumnus, and it really is quite spectacular. Fun fact: Michigan Stadium was the first sports stadium in the United States to utilize electronic scoreboards, back in 1930. Michigan Stadium Interior, Photo by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 5 Downtown Ann Arbor is within walking distance, and Main Street is the primary thoroughfare. Here you will find a great variety of excellent restaurants, bars, shopping, and breweries.  Zingerman’s Delicatessen is a favorite spot and is featured on ESPN as the local place to go, and would be a perfect early morning stop if you want to get supplies for a gourmet tailgating party. Places like Ashley's and Arbor Brewing Company's Corner Brewery provide excellent full-service options as well. If you like Italian food, then Mani Osteria and Bar comes highly recommended, especially if you want something a little more upscale. Frita Batidos serves up tasty Cuban-inspired food. The Blue Nile serves up Ethiopian food, which is both unique and delicious. If you want to enjoy a cheaper option, the New York Pizza Depot offers some specials throughout the week. Kids will love the Ann Arbor Children’s Museum, while adults might prefer the university's Museum of Art. Both should be inspired by the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology or the Museum of Natural History. All are within walking distance of each other and the sports complex. Hotel accommodations can be found clustered near I-94 just to the south of the stadium, but expect to pay a hefty sum to stay here. If you’re flying in, the Detroit airport is about 20 miles east along I-94, and there are plenty of hotels there for a much better rate. Another alternative is to stay in the northeast corner of the city along Plymouth Road, where there are several hotels and a shuttle bus that will take you to and from the game.  Fans 5 Michigan fans love their team, and it shows on game day. The stands are decked out in maize and blue with only slight flecks of green or red, depending on the visiting teams’ colors. The crowd is appreciative of the program’s rich history and will explode when a former great visits the stadium or a video of a recent standout graces the big screen. This crowd loves to cheer, and the playing of Hail to the Victors, one of the absolute best pep songs in the history of mankind, will bring students, young and old, to a fevered pitch. Fans are also very friendly to visitors, welcoming them to the Big House with a smile and a handshake. This is the way college sports should be: friendly rivalries over a shared enjoyment of the game itself. Access 3 This is the one area that hurts the stadium's ranking, but it can be mitigated with some patience and planning. If you must drive, get there very early and park a few minutes away from the stadium, perhaps in a lot with tailgating, or in nearby neighborhoods.  For night games, you can find free parking downtown, where meters are not enforced after 6 p.m. For day games, you will have to be more creative. After the game, let traffic subside for the first hour, either by finding a tailgate to join or heading downtown for dinner and a drink.  Parking can be quite expensive, with premium spots in the Ann Arbor Pioneer High School parking lot starting at $80. There are cheaper options farther away, with the Brown Lot near the Varsity Tennis Center going for $30. The U of M golf course is $55, while entrepreneurial neighbors charge $40 to park on their lawn. Regardless, expect a long wait afterward as the stadium is quite far from I-94. Local transit provides a football shuttle from five locations and is an option if you want to avoid the hassles of driving and parking. At $1.50 each way, it is a bargain, but it too will be stuck in traffic after the game.  The seating bowl is quite compact, and it can be tough to get to your seat, but the concourses are more than enough for the crowd, particularly as the outer plaza provides plenty of room to walk around. Lines for restrooms and concessions can certainly form at halftime or immediately following the game. Given the length of TV timeouts, you might be able to sneak out just before a commercial break and get back without missing too much of the action. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices vary based on the opponent, and it can be tough to find seats at the box office, so make use of the secondary market. SeatGeek is the official supplier and hence has more options (as well as several discount codes), but check the other sites too. For the game I attended, tickets dropped from $100 two weeks prior to $30 on the morning of the game. Note that the students sit in sections 26-33. Overall, if you go all out and tailgate in one of the nearby lots, purchase good seats, and eat at the stadium, you can spend $200-$300 per person, but there are certainly ways to save money and cut that price drastically, especially if you’re willing to walk a bit from your chosen parking location or use the shuttle bus. This is one of those stadiums that will be found on many bucket lists, and well it should be. Make the trip and you’ll feel like it is money well spent. Extras 5 There are historic touches around the stadium honoring past stars outside Sections 1-5 and championship teams near Sections 20-26. Get there early to see them all. The Circle of Champions,  also known as the Varsity Colonnade, is a circular structure with eight Doric columns inscribed with Michigan's conference and national titles. Located just inside the southeast gate, the first words of 'Hail to the Victors, ' the school fight song, are etched into the crown that sits atop the columns. There are so many other things to award points for here that it’s almost pointless to count. Whether it’s tailgating on the UM Golf Course, rising in chorus to “Hail to the Victors,” the Michigan Marching Band, or watching the team emerge from the tunnel and jump to touch the “Go Blue” banner, there’s something spectacular around every corner. Final Thoughts There is no doubt that Michigan Stadium belongs in any list of the best stadium experiences in college football, the United States, North America, or worldwide. Come to Ann Arbor and see what the Big House is all about.

Photo courtesy of Paris 24 The 2024 edition of the Summer Olympics  is right around the corner, with the games scheduled to start in Paris on July 26 and running through August 11. This year’s incarnation will mark the third time that the City of Lights has held the summer games, and marks 100 years since the last games were held there.   Hundreds of athletes from across the globe will gather in Paris to compete in dozens of competitions in the grandest display of sportsmanship and brotherhood that humanity is graced with every four years. The aim is to prove themselves against the best in the world for a chance at sports immortality – the best of the best also compete for one of the most illustrious prizes in all of sports, the Olympic medal.   “A symbol of excellence, a source of motivation, of surpassing oneself and of ultimate achievement, medals are much more than objects: they represent the apotheosis in the career of elite athletes,” said Tony Estanguet, President of Paris 2024 in a news release. “Their power to fascinate and inspire goes far beyond the circle of athletes. I see it when I take them with me on a trip, particularly in the eyes of children.”   Paris 2024, working in concert with the Paris 2024 Athletes Committee, has worked to ensure that this year’s medals are the most unique ever. In an effort to marry the strongest symbol of the Games with the figurative heart of Paris and of France, the groups collaborated with world-renowned jeweler House of Chaumet  to create something truly unique. To do so, they revamped the design to include real pieces of metal from the Eiffel Tower itself in each one.   “Thanks to Chaumet, the Paris 2024 medals have been designed like real pieces of jewelry: on both sides, they will show the most beautiful face of France” Estanguet said. “With their piece of the Eiffel Tower, they will be totally unique, creating a genuine link between the medal-winning athletes and our country.”   Real iron from the Eiffel Tower was salvaged from past renovation work and has been carefully preserved ever since. Erected in 1889 as part of the Universal Exhibition, the Eiffel Tower is an indelible symbol of Paris, and is one of the most recognized landmarks in the world.   “The Paris 2024 medals will represent the coming together of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said Estanguet. “We are delighted and proud to present the medals for the Games of Paris 2024!” Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Is there a better pilgrimage in sports than the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum? Quite possibly the best of all of the Halls of Fame, baseball's version is simply referred to as Cooperstown. Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave as they return to the Obstructed Views set to discuss an must-see spot for all baseball fans.! ⚾⚾

Danny Green has worked in journalism, with television’s Impractical Jokers, and he has co-created a short film, Thin Skinned , starring Richard Kind. Besides all that, he’s a rabid New York sports fan. He took a few moments to discuss.   STADIUM JOURNEY: You’re a self-described fan of all the “great” New York sports teams. Please rank them in order of importance and explain why each is important to you. DANNY GREEN: For the record, my teams, the Mets, Jets, Islanders, and Knicks have gone a combined 156 consecutive seasons without a championship. The 1986 Mets were the last ones. How crappy is that? It’s the record for teams from one city, beating Cleveland, which went 148 seasons without a championship from 1964 to 2016. The Islanders are my favorite because I was at the Nassau Coliseum for almost all of their greatest games, including the three times they won the Stanley Cup at home. The Mets are next, because winning the 1969 World Series was probably the most unlikely thing to ever happen in professional sports. My uncle Sheldon ripped out a patch of the Shea Stadium grass after they beat the Orioles, and I planted it in my backyard. In my life, I’ve only asked one celebrity to take a photo together, and that was Tommie Agee, the team’s centerfielder. The Jets could be the worst-run team in all of sports, and I despise Charles Dolan, the Knicks owner, so those two are at the bottom of my list. Danny with Tommy Agee and bro.   STADIUM JOURNEY:  Which venues do you get out to most? Which is your favorite? Why? DANNY GREEN:  MetLife is awful because of all the drunk people trying to quell their sorrow. And every time I’m at Madison Square Garden I’m reminded of being a kid and asking Robert Redford for an autograph at a Knicks game and his wife yelling at me. May he rest in peace. UBS Arena is fine; I actually enjoy the seven-mile stroll from the LIRR stop. I do like Citi Field a lot, although I feel bad for the dog who has to smoke the corncob pipe. And I’m always confused as to why the #7 Express train still makes all the local stops.   STADIUM JOURNEY: How do you pivot to comedy and get involved with Impractical Jokers? DANNY GREEN:  Court TV bought The Smoking Gun, a website I helped start. When Court TV rebranded as truTV, they asked me to work there, and it seemed like fun. Most of the truTV shows at the time were about tow-truck drivers and pawn shops. When I saw a rough cut of “Impractical Jokers,” I said, “This show is awesome. I want to be involved.” The Jokers are great guys, and we hit it off and so I was lucky enough to be involved from the first episode forward.   Danny with the Impractical Jokers STADIUM JOURNEY: What was your favorite practical joke growing up -  or even after you’ve grown up? DANNY GREEN: I have three kids, and that’s at least two more than I can handle. A few years after my third was born, my wife emerged from the bathroom to show me her positive pregnancy test. I was about to jump out the window and kill myself when she let me know she was kidding, that it was the test from an earlier pregnancy. She got me good. STADIUM JOURNEY: What’s your favorite Impractical Jokers episode? Why? DANNY GREEN: It may sound a little like I’m tooting my own horn, but my appearance as the character of Vanilla the Clown might be the most important moment in TV history. Danny Green is Vanilla the Clown STADIUM JOURNEY: You played lacrosse at Ithaca. What was that experience like? DANNY GREEN: I spent most of my time on the bench. Strangely, during my very last practice, something magical happened, and I went into a flow state and was able to see the ball and the other players move in slow motion. I had complete control of the field and the action; I was the best player out there, maybe the best player in the history of Ithaca College. Alas, that flow state never returned. I’m hoping maybe next week. STADIUM JOURNEY: What do you recall about the Ithaca-Cortland lacrosse games? DANNY GREEN: I always loved traveling to Cortland, as there was and still is an A&W drive-in restaurant on Route 13 that has some of the most delicious root beer I’ve ever tasted. And yes, addressing the quality of Cortland’s soft drinks is my way of disguising the fact that we rarely beat them in lacrosse. Danny Green in uniform for Great Neck North High School STADIUM JOURNEY: So you’ve done journalism. You’ve done comedy. Now, with the release of your short film, Thin Skinned , you’ve entered the horror-comedy arena. How does this pivot come about? DANNY GREEN: If I stayed in journalism, I was afraid I’d spend the rest of my life writing clickbait like, “Ten Things You Didn’t Know About ‘Gilligan’s Island.’” Mr. and Mrs. Green with Mr. and Mrs. Met.   STADIUM JOURNEY: Describe the process of making the film, from the germ of an idea to the finished product. How’d you manage to get actor Richard Kind involved? DANNY GREEN: My partner, Joe Imburgio, and I had written a horror movie that we thought Richard would be perfect for—he had never played a psychotic killer. Richard is, it turns out, a big fan of “Impractical Jokers,” and Joe met him at Paul Rudd’s charity bowling event at Chelsea Piers, where he pitched the idea. Richard said yes, without ever seeing the script. Apparently, he says yes to almost anything. Richard is great to work with, even though he kept all his wardrobe. But that’s a small price to pay for learning from such a big talent. Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Meg Minard , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sloan Park 2330 W Rio Salado Pkwy Mesa, AZ 85201 Map It Mesa Solar Sox website Sloan Park website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 15,000 Solar Sox at Sloan The Mesa Solar Sox of the Arizona Fall League (AFL) play their home games at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. The AFL is a developmental league designed to provide some of the top prospects of Major League Baseball with additional instruction and playing time. Games are held at various spring training complexes throughout the Greater Phoenix area, and the season runs from March to April, with a brief period in May. For the 2025 season, the Mesa Solar Sox roster features rookies from five MLB organizations: the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Tampa Bay Rays, Milwaukee Brewers, and New York Yankees. The franchise began in 1992  (the AFL’s inaugural year) as the Sun Cities Solar Sox, playing their first two seasons at Sun City Stadium . In 1994, they relocated to the newly opened Peoria Sports Complex, where they remained through 1996. From 1997 to 2013, the team played at HoHoKam Stadium, and in 1999, they adopted the name Mesa Solar Sox to reflect their home city. Since 2014, Sloan Park has served as their home field. Sloan Park is best known as the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs. Owned by the City of Mesa, the stadium is named after the Sloan Valve Company, an Illinois-based global leader in water-efficient technologies. The Solar Sox have claimed the AFL Championship title six times, most recently in 2021. Food & Beverage 3 During Arizona Fall League games at Sloan Park, one concession stand is typically open, offering a modest but satisfying selection of food and snacks at standard AFL prices. Hot items include chicken tender baskets (generous enough for two), hot dogs, cheeseburgers, fries, and nachos, ranging from $6 to $15. Snack options - priced between $4 and $9 - feature peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, chips, soft-serve ice cream pouches, and candy. Bottled beverages include Coca-Cola products at $6 and water priced between $5 and $6. The stand also offers a wide variety of canned beers, wine, cocktails, and seltzers, typically priced from $9 to $12. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks and bottled water into the stadium. Beer Selection at Sloan Park, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 3 Most seats at Sloan Park offer shade, which is especially welcome for 1:30 p.m. start times. Seating is general admission, so fans can choose their preferred spot - easy to do with crowds typically under 1,000 for Fall League games. The inner concourse is wide open, allowing fans to watch the action from anywhere. During lightly attended games, it’s common to see parents and kids tossing a ball along the walkway. Sloan Park - Playing Catch, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Protective netting of medium thickness extends to the foul poles, meaning no seating area offers a net-free view. Only the lower bowl is open for Fall League games; the upper level houses the press box, announcer booth, and suites. Seating consists of traditional green fold-down stadium chairs with comfortable width, decent legroom, and cup holders. Unfortunately, the cushioned fold-down chairs once placed along the top row are no longer available—a small letdown for returning fans. The grassy berms and outfield seating areas in left and right field are also closed during Solar Sox games. Music is minimal, played only before the game and between innings, making for a refreshingly quiet atmosphere. A Solar Sox game is ideal for fans who come to watch baseball and scout future talent, without the extraneous fanfare typical of MiLB or MLB events. The Arizona Fall League promotes a ‘Sunday Funday’ where kids get to run the bases after the game.  On occasion, Mesa’s mayor throws out the first pitch. Neighborhood 4 About a mile northeast of Sloan Park is the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center . This center contains several places to eat, a movie theater, and many stores, including a Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World. Restaurants include Cracker Barrel, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Henhouse Café (good for breakfast), Copper State Taphouse, and plenty more. A little over a mile west of Sloan Park (make a right on Rio Salado Parkway out of the ballpark) is the Tempe Marketplace , an even larger shopping area. This contains 26 restaurants/places to eat at, in cluding the Thirsty Lion and King's Fish House, a multitude of shops, and another movie theater. If shopping is your thing, this might be the place to go. For places to stay near the ballpark, the Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West and a Courtyard by Marriott are just beyond right field. The Hyatt Place Phoenix/Mesa is adjacent to the Mesa Riverview Shopping Center (about 1.2 miles from the ballpark). A Hilton Garden Inn and a Homewood Suites are a mile the other way (west) of the ballpark. Hotel rooms in the area are about 1/3 the price for Fall League games as compared to spring training games. Hotels Next to Sloan Park, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Adjacent to the ballpark is Riverview Park, which offers a fishing lake, playground, picnic area, and water fountains to enjoy pre- or post-game. For other sports in the area, visit the other two East Valley Fall League Stadiums: Scottsdale Stadium and Salt River Field . ASU (Arizona State University) football , basketball , or soccer games are about three miles from the ballpark. Or sports fans can go downtown Phoenix and see an early-season Suns game. Fans 3 Fans who attend AFL games are the fans who like baseball for the game, not ‘the event.’ Day games tend to draw retired fans, plenty of scouts, and a lot of autograph hounds with their binders, player cards, balls, and Sharpies.  During the weekday afternoon games, expect minimal children. A few more families are at the evening and weekend games. Since most fans have a common interest in baseball, expect to meet, share stories, and make friends with those who sit around you. The fans cheer for all the good plays regardless of the team or player. Access 4 If flying in for a Mesa Solar Sox AFL game, the closest airport (about seven miles from Sloan Park) is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Public transportation is somewhat available – from the airport, it’s a combination of using the Valley Metro  light rail, transferring to a bus, and taking a short walk. Since there are under 600 fans or so attending a game, traffic access is not the nightmare it is for a Cubs spring training game. Plenty of parking is available for no charge. Massive numbers of handicapped parking spaces are available. It is easy to get to the area by driving, as it is located near the corner of the Loop 202 Red Mountain and Loop 101 Pima Freeways. If drivin g to attend a night game, allow extra time due to rush hour on those freeways. Only the first base gate is open for Fall League games. Clea r sports bags (12” x 12” x 6”) or less are allowed.  Getting through security is easy:  walk through the metal detector ( no need to remove items from pockets).  Security personnel will stop you to check bags, if needed.  The security folks here are much more friendly than at other parks.  Restrooms (including family restrooms) on the first base side concourse are open for AFL games and are kept clean. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices have increased for the 2025 season: $14 for adults, $12 for kids 11 - 17 and seniors (60+), and children under 10 get in free. Parking is still free; food prices are not too bad for a sports venue (and you can bring in your own). Fans can sit anywhere they want. The AFL sells season ticket packages (single or double), worth the investment if you and/or a friend plan on attending more than 10 or 15 games. Extras 3 Sloan Park will host both the Home Run Derby and the Fall Stars Game during the 2025 Arizona Fall League season. If you're in town the weekend of November 8, it's well worth a visit. The merchandise stand (just upon entry to the stadium) provides printed copies of the starting line-up and team rosters.  It sells a collection of artfully designed merchandise.  The artists who design the t-shirts obviously don’t live in AZ and print everything in black or dark colors, not realizing how HOT it gets here.  Offering some shirts in white would be welcomed.  Not playing music while the PA announcer calls the starting lineups or player changes, and only playing between innings, makes the game more enjoyable. It gives fans the ability to have conversations with their neighbors. Final Thoughts Attending a Mesa Solar Sox game at Sloan Park is a much more relaxed, uncongested game day experience than seeing a Cubs spring training game. When coming to the area during the fall season, it is worth visiting some AFL games.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Scottsdale Stadium 7408 E Osborn Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85251 Map It Scottsdale Scorpions website Scottsdale Stadium website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 12,000 Fall Scorpions Located in Phoenix’s East Valley, Scottsdale Stadium opened in 1992 and has served as the home of the Arizona Fall League’s Scottsdale Scorpions every October and November - except in 2020. Designed by HOK, the current facility was built on the same site as the original Scottsdale Stadium, which first opened in 1956. Today, the City of Scottsdale owns, operates, and maintains the stadium. As part of ongoing efforts to improve fan comfort and safety, the city recently renovated the left-field berm, adding a shaded patio area, expanded grass seating, and enhanced landscaping. (Note: this section is closed during Scorpions games.) These upgrades complement the refreshed seating area completed in 2023. The Arizona Fall League is a six-week developmental league held in several of the spring training venues across Greater Phoenix. Major League Baseball teams send top prospects for additional instruction and game experience. In 2025, the Scottsdale Scorpions roster features players from the Tigers, Astros, Mets, Giants, and Nationals. The team last claimed the Fall League championship in 2015. S cottsdale Stadium has hosted Arizona Fall League Championship games in years past, and now, thanks to its recent renovations, also accommodates concerts and other special events. Each spring, the stadium transforms into the Cactus League home of the San Francisco Giants , welcoming fan s for MLB preseason action. Food & Beverage 3 One concession stand at the main entrance is open for Fall League games, and it s ells standard ballpark fare, offering hot dogs, bratwurst, and pizza.  Snacks include Bavarian pretzels, nac hos, popcorn, Cracker Jacks, candy, and chips. The concession area also sells packaged ice cream sandwiches and cones. For drinks, Coca-Cola brand sodas and bottled water are available. A variety of canned beers is also available at the concession stand, in bo th regular size and super-size ($11.29 - $14.99). Brands include Coors, Michelob, Lagunitas, Modelo, 805, and Truly. Wine and canned cocktails are als o for sale. A Family Value Meal (4 hot dogs, soda/water, popcorn) for $57.99 or a Kids Meal (hot dog, apple sauce, box of fruit juice) for $10.99 are also for sale. The selection is basic but enough for the crowd. We recommend just getting a snack, if needed, and heading to one of the many restaurants in nearby downtown Scottsdale before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 Scottsdale Stadium offers a calm and focused setting for Fall Ball, where game day operations prioritize the action on the field over loud music or distracting noise. The intimate seating layout places fans close to the diamond, immersing them in the sensory details of the game—the pitcher’s muttered frustration after a missed pitch, the crack of the bat, the pop of the ball in the catcher’s mitt, and the entertaining conversations of fellow baseball fans. Traditional green fold-down seats span two levels, separated by a central walkway. Though snug, the seats are clean, shiny, and equipped with cup holders. Seating beyond the baselines does not angle toward the infield—a design choice from an era just before that innovation became standard. Rows offer average legroom, and recent updates have refreshed the stadium’s look: repainted concourse floors and new aluminum railings have replaced the aging green fixtures. Protective netting tapers off at the end of each dugout, allowing fans seated farther down the foul lines to enjoy unobstructed views of the game. For Arizona Fall League matchups, seating is general admission and first-come, first-served. Sunlight pours down on the first and third base side seating areas during day games, while shaded areas are available behind home plate and on the second level—giving fans flexibility to choose or shift their vantage point throughout the game. The scoreboard presents the line score with balls, strikes, and outs stacked vertically rather than the traditional horizontal format. During player introductions or pitching changes, it displays a photo along with the player’s name, number, and position. An analog clock adds a nostalgic touch. Bullpens are tucked behind the outfield walls in left and right field. Printed lineups and rosters are available at the merchandise stand near the entrance, and fans can explore the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame along the first base inner concourse - an inspiring tribute to MLB stars who began their careers in this league. Neighborhood 5 The ballpark is adjacent to a thriving downtown neighborhood. Within just blocks (walking distance – up to but no longer than a mile) are many areas to eat, drink, shop, and sleep. It is a very safe neighborhood in which to stroll and visit. Recommended places to eat in downtown Scottsdale are Karsen’s Grill (an exceptional small bar/eatery), Los Olives Mexican Patio (Mexican and margaritas), and The Mission Old Town (modern Latin cuisine). Goldwater Brewery (an independent local brewery) is a half-mile walk from the stadium and sells a good variety of craft beers. Brat Haus is right next door to Goldwater Brewery and offers artisan sausages, Belgian fries, and 25 varieties of craft beer. There are many other restaurants and bars in the neighborhood; check here  for a directory to find others that might suit your tastes. For places to spend the night, Old Town Scottsdale has many hotels, many within walking distance of Scottsdale Stadium. The Courtyard Scottsdale Old Town, Holiday Inn Express, and Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Scottsdale Old Town are just a few within a mile of the stadium.  Prices during the Fall League are more affordable than during spring training. Besides strolling through the downtown area, other things to see and do within walking distance of the stadium are the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts and the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art. Other sports venues to visit when in town are the two other East Valley Fall League stadiums: Salt River Fields and Sloan Park . A little farther away, basketball fans can watch a Suns game at Mortgage Matchup Center in downtown Phoenix. Just five or so miles south of Scottsdale, fans can catch some ASU football , basketball , or soccer matches. Fans 3 Attendance generally runs between 300 – 500 fans a game, with more fans attending on weekends and as the season progresses. As with most AFL games, fans consist of baseball scouts, retired folks, and true devotees of the game of baseball. You’ll see parents or grandparents of the players in the stands as well. It is quite easy to strike up a conversation, as most fans have baseball in common.  You’ll notice several fans keeping score. Scorpion Fan Keeping Score, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Access 3 Scottsdale Stadium sits at the corner of Drinkwater Blvd and Osborn Rd in downtown Scottsdale. None of Phoenix’s major highways pass nearby, but Loop 101 (Pima Freeway) is the closest, located a few miles east of the stadium. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the nearest airport, just nine or ten miles away. For public transit, check Valley Metro for bus routes serving the area. The closest public parking is the Civic Center Library Garage, adjacent to the ballpark on Drinkwater Blvd. It’s about two blocks from the home plate entrance. Parking there is free and typically available for Scorpions games. Unfortunately, the stadium and city fall short when it comes to accessible parking. Only a few wheelchair-designated spots are visibly available in the lot directly in front of the stadium, and signage is minimal.   Security at Scottsdale Stadium, like many venues these days, feels more performative than practical.  The staff checking bags at Scottsdale Stadium, often older retirees, would be quite ineffective in the event of a real security threat. Their main concern is checking to make sure bottled water is sealed or opened ones are empty.    Clean, serviceable bathrooms are open along the concourse near the tunnels. Stadium operations automated them (touchless) during the pandemic. Return on Investment 4 Arizona Fall League games, especially in Scottsdale, are just about baseball, not all the other extra entertainment and commercialization happening during spring training games. Not a whole lot of music is played to ruin hearing the natural sounds of the game. Fans can talk baseball to just about anyone and strike up a friendship, if only for a few innings. A game is still affordable, but admission prices have increased:  $14 for adults, $12 for kids 11 - 17 and seniors (60+), and children under 10 get in free this 2025 season. Fans can sit anywhere they want. The AFL sells season ticket packages (single or double), worth the investment if you and/or a friend plan on attending more than 10 or 15 games. Extras 3 Set to debut in MLB in 2026, the Arizona Fall League continues its multi-year testing of the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) system. This season, MLB is also piloting a new check swing challenge system to assess whether a disputed swing crosses the 45° threshold. Like the ball/strike challenge, the swing motion is displayed on the scoreboard for real-time validation. Fans can enjoy unobstructed views of the action thanks to net-free seating—a rare treat for some fans and autograph seekers. Worth noting again, the Scorpions keep in-game music to a minimum, with none played between pitches or at-bats. This thoughtful approach allows fans to enjoy the game without distraction and engage in conversation without competing with loud audio - a welcome atmosphere for traditionalists. Final Thoughts For all the baseball purists, an Arizona Fall League game is just the ticket. Scottsdale Stadium and the Scorpions provide lots of baseball and sports history. If in town in October or November, stop by and take in nine innings.

Engel Stadium, courtesy of Google images. One of the country’s oldest baseball cathedrals could soon be history. ​ The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga announced plans to raze Historic Engel Stadium in favor of a women’s athletic complex to be built on its site. The university plans to redevelop the complex for soccer, softball, and beach volleyball. There is no timeline, but work could start next summer. ​ Opened in 1930, Engel Stadium was long-time home to the Chattanooga Lookouts until their move to AT&T Field in 2000. Though once a top stadium in the south, it has deteriorated and has been used sparingly, notably for the film “42” in 2013 and for the Southern League Home Run Derby the next year. Future NL MVP and World Series champion Kris Bryant won the contest. ​The stadium was built for around $200,000 and named after the team president, Joe Engel, who came to town the year before to operate the Lookouts.  Engel, the tireless promoter, left his mark in the city, staging an elephant hunt, jackrabbit races, and hiring a female to pitch against Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game, and trading his shortstop for a 25-pound turkey. Joe Engel playfully forces manager Ki Ki Cuyer to sign his contract at the final game of the season in 1939. It was a modern steel and concrete “plant” that was a major upgrade over the team's former home, Andrews Field. Engel Stadium featured underground passages from the dugouts to the dressing rooms, clubrooms, executive offices, and every seat offering a clear view of the diamond. ​ A crowd of more than 16,000 packed the ballpark for the first game, with fans spilling onto the foul lines and even into the outfield to find a place to sit .  That was nothing compared to the 24,639 who witnessed a night game against the Memphis Chicks, where a lucky fan could win a house. The old stadium annually attracted large crowds compared to the big cities of Atlanta, Nashville, and Memphis. ​An overflowing crowd stretches onto the field on May 2, 1936, for a win-a-house promo. The old ballpark was also known for its massive outfield dimensions, especially the corner of straightaway centerfield that was 471 feet from home plate. Harmon Killebrew socked a homerun over the centerfield wall during his stint with the club in 1957. He was the only player to achieve the feat. Another unique feature was the left-field wall. Because Third Street gradually rose along that side of the park, a “terrace” or hill was built to bridge the grade difference between the field and the street. The word LOOKOUTS  was spelled out in large block letters across the slope. An aerial view of Engel Stadium, notice the condition of the roof and seating, courtesy of Google Images. Ironically, the Lookouts are moving to a new venue named Erlanger Park, located on the southside of town, next year. It will be built on the old US Pipe and Foundry site and incorporate pre-existing buildings in its design. AT&T Field will be redevelopment into a mixed-use neighborhood. Sadly, the stadium stands in squalid conditions. The roof is splintered, paint is peeling, weeds are covering the grandstand, there are gaps in the fence posts, and brown grass in the outfield. The Engel Foundation was formed in 2009 to preserve the ballpark, and a lease agreement was made with UTC in 2012 that saw $225,000 raised to repair the ballpark. However, the agreement ended in 2014. If an old ballpark ever needs a late-inning rally, it would be Engle Stadium. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

The Beaumont Oil Barons were introduced today as the newest member of the Mid America League. The organization revealed its new primary and secondary logos — a striking blend of modern design and classic Texas grit. The primary Oil Barons logo features a Great Dane with a bat on its shoulder dressed in a tuxedo set against the state of Texas. The dignified canine embodies the “Oil Barons” spirit—strong, intelligent, and refined—while symbolizing leadership and confidence both on and off the field. The team’s secondary logo features a towering metallic gold oil derrick and a stylized “Beaumont Oil Barons” wordmark accented in gold, black, and white, symbolizing the city’s enduring connection to energy and progress. “This is more than a baseball team — it’s a reflection of Beaumont’s story,” said General Manager Mike Marek. “The Oil Barons are here to celebrate our heritage, entertain our fans, and build something lasting for this community.” According to the team website, the name is “rich in swagger and tradition, This name conjures the larger-than-life personalities that defined an era of Texas oil wealth.” Beaumont is the site of the Spindletop gusher, discovered in 1901, and marked a major turning point for the U.S. oil industry. The area's economy is heavily focused on chemical and petroleum manufacturing. The name was chosen from five finalists after narrowing down hundreds of submissions entered by fans. The other entries that made the final round were Mudbugs, Bayou Cats, Black Gold, and Bay Hounds. However, it was a clear-cut choice with the Oil Barons moniker. “The oil industry names dominated the second round,” said General Manager Mike Marek. “The common thread was that it had to tie in with the city. The name checks it off and also builds community involvement through the voting process.”The Oil Barons will call Vincent-Beck Stadium on the campus of Lamar University home. The ballpark has a capacity of 3,500 and will feature a new indoor hitting facility that is currently under construction. It opened in 1969 and features synthetic turf. Beaumont is not the only new franchise in the league. There will be four expansion teams in Bryan and Nacogdoches, Texas, and Fort Scott, Kansas. The Fort Scott franchise announced it will be known as the Dragoons, while Bryan and Nacogdoches will announce names soon. It was an independent graphic designer who had worked on several logos in the league.  ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Frank Fear spent his formative years in Central and Western New York and worked for many years in East Lansing, Michigan. But his heart belongs to West Virginia football. Frank, the managing editor of The Sports Column, took a few moments to share his journey, discuss WVU football and some other fun stuff. STADIUM JOURNEY: How and when did your love affair with West Virginia football begin? FRANK FEAR: While it began formally when I enrolled as a graduate student at West Virginia University, the connection began long before — not with WV or WVU specifically, but with that part of the country. It is a long and emotional story, and the short version is that I was drawn there, best described by a colleague who once put it this way: "It (WVU) is a place we were meant to be." As an eight-year-old, I was with my father when he passed away suddenly, and my sense of place was disrupted because of his passing. We lived in Syracuse, New York, at the time, and I needed a new place to settle. Both of my parents grew up in the same town in Western Pennsylvania, Punxsutawney, and there was something about that place that felt comfortable. As I told a friend recently, U.S. 119 runs through Punxy, and part of my life has been a personal journey down U.S. 119 because Morgantown is on that route, too. Now that I look back, that migration was the beginning of the life I live now. It was not planned and never envisioned, but I now realize that it was meant to be. I recently told this story to a friend who was visiting. He looked at me and said, "My hometown is on U.S. 119!" After over 45 years of living and working elsewhere, I am back to the place where I lived and studied decades ago. WVU football was important then, and it is now. Back in the day, completely by luck, I got the chance to assist the head football coach, Bobby Bowden at the time, in talking to recruits about WVU's academic side. My spouse, who is also a WVU master's alum, and I went to all the games at Old Mountaineer Field when we were students there. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that about five decades later—especially after spending over 40 years of my life in university academic and administrative work hundreds of miles away—that I would meet many of those WVU players from back then and write a book about them and their teams,  Band of Brothers, Then and Now: The Inspiring Story of the 1966-70 WVU Football Mountaineers  (Palmetto Publishing, 2023)   One thing led to another after that, and today with colleagues, I co-host a weekly football podcast,  Mountaineer Locker Room, Then and Now . Each week, we chat with a former Mountaineer and discuss the current team, games, and seasons, including broadcasting pre- and post-game shows. I am also the show's executive producer. Today, I am finishing a second book about WVU athletics. This one is about a 1980s-era star whose journey from Washington, DC, to Morgantown is conceptually similar to my personal journey. It’s entitled True Prue: Darryl Prue, Unwavering  (Palmetto Publishing, 2026). Nobody could script what I have just described. It has taught me to trust emergence and take one step at a time. The road will take you to where you are meant to be.      STADIUM JOURNEY: What's unique about Milan Puskar Stadium? What can visitors expect?  FRANK FEAR: Milan Puskar Stadium reminds me a lot of Jack Trice Stadium at Iowa State University, where I did my doctoral work. There is a good reason, too: the Puskar design was based on the Trice design, which had been completed a few years earlier. Trice opened in 1975, and Puskar opened in 1980. The best thing about Puskar is the environment and fan engagement. What sets WVU football apart is the connection to John Denver's " Take Me Home Country Roads ," which he sang personally at the facility's opening in 1980.  Fans and players sing the song at game endings, and the rendition, along with the location, creates an emotional experience. That said, my student experiences were all with what is now called “Old” Mountaineer Field, which was located on the university's downtown campus across from the Monongahela River. Puskar is located on the old golf course land where I used to play, adjacent to WVU medical facilities on the Evanston campus. The old field sat only a bit over 30,000 fans, but it sounded like twice that many were there. My office overlooked the stadium, offering a breathtaking view from my window, especially at night or during the winter when the stadium was snow-covered. A photo of that scene hangs today in my home office. Unforgettable!   STADIUM JOURNEY: Very important. Must places to hit for a snack in Morgantown? Why? What is their specialty?    FRANK FEAR: I make pilgrimages to Morgantown about twice a year, and being a person of habit, I tend to return to the same places. First, the go-to sports bar-restaurant is Kegler's (735 Chestnut Ridge Road), which is located near the Evansdale campus. It is called "Kegler's" for a good reason; the bar and restaurant are connected to a bowling alley. WVU coaches' shows are held in a room called "The Clubhouse." We have done our podcasts there multiple times and had a ball each time with guests, former players who come back, and fans. Everything is good on the menu, and my favorite is named after a friend, a former WVU Mountaineer offensive lineman, Dale Wolfley. Called "The Wolfe Man," it is an 8-ounce burger smothered in cheese steak and covered with Kegler's "Gold and Blue" sauce. Kegler's did not exist when I went to school, and to reconnect with bygone days, the place I like best is Mario's Fishbowl, 704 Richwood Avenue, the original location. It is located near the downtown campus and not far from where we lived as grad students. The signature there is beer served in a large, frozen fish bowl mug, and any beer tastes better that way. The food is excellent, too. I recommend the Filet Tip Hoagie, Mario's Hot Dog, and the Breakfast Burger. Finally, I always like a good microbrew, and one of my recent haunts is Mountain State Brewing   at 3505 Monongahela Blvd, not far from the WVU basketball coliseum. With a standard and rotating array of beers, I always find things to my liking. There is easy parking, and the staff is excellent. For food, MSB has an extensive menu of starters, sandwiches, flatbread and pizzas. I always get either the Caprese sandwich or the "Shrummus" sandwich, which has c heesy garlic portabella mushrooms matched with red pepper hummus, smoked Gouda, and baby spinach on toasted Italian. It is out of this world .   STADIUM JOURNEY: You grew up in upstate New York. Which teams did you support growing up? Which sports venue did you attend? FRANK FEAR: Central and Western New York, where I lived as a kid, is a different environment compared to the places I have lived in since. First, college sports are not big there except for Syracuse University. Even then, I would consider the level of support modest, except for the surrounding Syracuse area. When I moved from Central to Western New York, SU fans seemed outnumbered by “subway alumni” who rooted for the Notre Dame Irish. The Bills are the big team these days, and hockey is also big. College basketball? Sadly, no. It was when I was growing up, but not now. Even then, few of my childhood friends were into college basketball or football, for that matter. So, it was mostly me and my radio back in those days. I absolutely loved Eastern football and followed the Orange closely, paying special attention to when SU played Pitt, Penn State, and West Virginia. I was lucky enough to attend one game at SU’s old Archbold Stadium when I was a kid, and that was a thrill. I also got to see St. Bonaventure play, the big basketball school in the area at the time. It was at the old Buffalo Aud in front of a packed house. I followed the Cincinnati Reds closely on clear-channel WLW, listening to Joe Nuxhall. From time to time, I would see them play the Pirates in Pittsburgh. Sports writing began in high school, where I wrote about my high school football and boys' basketball for the local paper. In college at St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York, I served as an assistant to the sports info director and as sports editor of the college paper. There, I got to know and work with Bob Wanzer, a former Seton Hall and NBA star (Rochester Royals), who was the head men’s basketball coach at the time. Great guy. The work was fun, and I thought I might have made a career in sports writing, but I did not. The call of academics was stronger. Now I am back where I was fifty years ago, closing the loop, I suppose.   STADIUM JOURNEY: You spent 35 years as an administrator at Michigan State. How does the game day experience at MSU compare to West Virginia? Did those teams ever play one another? FRANK FEAR : First, no, WVU and MSU have not played each other in decades. MSU is 2-1 in basketball, and the teams have not played since 1941. The MSU football team is 4-0, and the teams have not played since 1945. Big 10 sports are enormous, and so it was a scale-up from WVU and ISU. That said, the gameday experiences are very much the same—great, but also regrettable because of conference realignment, WVU, and expansion, MSU. The best days at WVU were playing rivals at home — Pitt, Penn State, Syracuse, Maryland, Boston College, and Virginia Tech. It is just not the same when K-State, Texas Tech, and Baylor come to town. Same for MSU. Yes, there is still Michigan and Ohio State, but we do not play Notre Dame regularly anymore. I never get excited about playing teams like Rutgers and prefer playing teams like Nebraska, UCLA, and USC, either as non conference foes or in a bowl game. When I got to East Lansing, football was king, but the allure faded for a bit because the Spartans went through years in the 1970s and 1980s without having consistently good teams. Basketball took a leap forward when Magic played for the Spartans, and football and basketball became more equivalent, just as they are at WVU. When I became a college administrator, we had our own football suite, which provided an entirely different game-watching experience. This was especially true when football got better during the Mark Dantonio era, with multiple Big Ten championships, Cotton Bowl and Rose Bowl wins, and a College Football Playoff appearance. What I liked best about Dantonio is how he and his staff recruited underestimated guys and developed them, for example Kirk Cousins, Le'Veon Bell. The highlight for me, in conjunction with MSU football, was serving as a mentor to the football team when Nick Saban was the head coach in the 1990s. I look back on it now and wonder, "How in the world did WVU part ways with Bowden and MSU with Saban?" Each went on to collegiate greatness.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So, tell us about The Sports Column  and how you got involved. FRANK FEAR: That is another “You cannot make this up” story. Not long after I retired from MSU, my back pain got to the point that I had to have spinal stenosis surgery. The discomfort and pain medicines made it difficult for me to read for any length of time or to write anything longer than short pieces. So, I started looking for things to occupy my time. I learned about The Sports Column , started writing short pieces, and submitted them to the editor, Brett Dickinson, who was also a sports radio producer with a weekend show out of Baltimore, MD, at the time. After writing and submitting a few articles, he asked me if I would like to become a columnist. I said yes and submitted more articles. Well, not long after, Brett got a staff position at an NFL-connected foundation, and he didn’t have the time to continue editing TSC. I volunteered, and I have been serving as managing editor since 2014. I volunteered because I emphatically endorse Brett’s vision of a site that enables fans to write full-length articles. They submit, we edit, format, and post. I have gone through that cycle about 5000 articles as managing editor. We do not have assignments, so folks decide what they want to write about and when. We have only a few rules, such as article length, so the blog is easy to manage. The first thing I do every day is check the portal, download articles, edit, format, and post—typically two to four articles a day. Brett moved up the system to lead the foundation, so he can’t devote time to TSC these days, and I continue handling all day-to-day tasks.   STADIUM JOURNEY: What are some of your favorite TSC pieces? FRANK FEAR: Ordinarily, that would be a good question, but I think it is secondary to TSC because we are a writer-centered blog. So, for me at least, it is about who writes, not necessarily what they write. Our writers range from teenagers to octogenarians, and they come from around the globe. I am most impressed with folks you would not expect to write as persistently and as well as they do. We have had several autistic writers, high school grads or less, and people from all walks of life. Some have used TSC to build a resume and then move on to other writing roles. Several have written books or will write books later, and we’ve been a place where former beat writers and columnists have settled. Let me add that I learn a lot from them because we have writers who focus on sports and sports issues, which I am less familiar with such as cricket and field hockey. Many have strong feelings about players, teams, and leagues, and want to tell their side of the story. We get game articles, critiques of players and teams, a fair bit of what I would call sports commentary, and articles about sports history, my love. My job is not to critique their writing except when they ask or are serving an internship. Not giving constant feedback is difficult for someone who has overseen over 50 theses and dissertations over the years. I am especially proud that we are a place where a bus driver or a UPS worker can write and get a byline, as well as accomplished authors. I am also proud that very few people have tried to take advantage of our open space to engage in behaviors we cannot support such as writing a personal vendetta against a coach or fellow player. An interesting side story is that TSC got me back to West Virginia. I had written an article about Jim Braxton, my all-time favorite football player there. One of his teammates read the article and passed it on to fellow players. One of those players not only read it, but he also contacted me. We talked, and one thing led to another, including writing the book I mentioned earlier. Without that contact, I can’t imagine writing that book.   STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for The Sports Column? FRANK FEAR: I answer that question in the  The Sports Column: Written By Fans, For Fans - The Sports Column | Sports Articles, Analysis, News and Media . I will quote it here: “ TSC will last as long as it’s meant to. Continuity depends on writers who write, readers who read, and staff who take the time to publish your work. Nevertheless, there is no tomorrow unless you do your thing. If you do, then we’ll do ours.” And we will. Jon Hart is @manversusball

As the 2025 season draws to a close, it's time to spotlight the ballparks that define Double-A minor league baseball across the Eastern, Texas, and Southern Leagues. Some stadiums are timeless classics, others are newly constructed or only a few years old, and several have recently undergone significant renovations. These rankings are based on Stadium Journey ’s patented FANFARE rating scale, which evaluates each venue across seven key categories: 🍔 Food & Beverage Options 🎉 Game Day Atmosphere 🏙️ Surrounding Neighborhood 🙌 Fan Support 🚗 Access (inside and outside the park) 💸 Return on Investment 🧩 Extras - Unique features that don’t fit neatly into the other categories When two or more ballparks earn the same score, the Stadium Journey Council of Elders  steps in to break the tie with their seasoned insight. To dive deeper into each stadium’s review, just click the link associated with the team’s name. Enjoy the rankings - and see where your favorite ballpark lands! 1) Riders Field, Frisco RoughRiders   (4.57) Terry McCutchen - Dr Pepper Ballpark offers one of the best minor league baseball experiences, with an intimate setting in a populated area. The Frisco area is becoming a sports fan’s destination paradise, and the area continues to grow. If you’re in the Dallas area, be sure to give Dr Pepper Ballpark, the Choctaw Lazy River, and the Frisco RoughRiders a visit – seeing this park is well worth it for the unique entertainment experience. 2) ONEOK Field, Tulsa Drillers  (4.57) Terry McCutchen - ONEOK Field sports and entertainment is very much geared towards families and children. In addition, it is still an enjoyable visit for those without youngsters. The downtown setting and current vibe create an ambiance for after the game. Tulsa, though not the ‘hotbed’ of tourist destinations, has plenty to see and visit.  3) Dunkin’ Park, Hartford Yard Goats   (4.43) Paul Baker - Fans have embraced the Yard Goats and have come out in solid numbers for the ball club. Dunkin’ Park has the feeling of a venue that has tried too hard to incorporate as many features as possible into one place. Baseball almost feels like an afterthought here. Time will tell if this ballpark will age gracefully, but for now, it appears to be a venue well worth the wait for Hartford baseball fans. 4) HODGETOWN, Amarillo Sod Poodles   (4.29) Sean MacDonald - HODGETOWN is a great new ballpark that seems to have something for everyone. The main entrance is one of the most alluring in all of the minors, and the unique stadium name shows creativity and a desire to be different. The Sod Poodles will be a mainstay in the area for years to come, and all minor league aficionados should schedule a visit at their earliest convenience. 5) Riverfront Stadium, Wichita Wind Surge (4.29) James Hilchen - In its first few seasons, Riverfront Stadium is already a great ballpark. With the plans that are in place, it will only get better in the coming seasons. Good food, great seats, and an aesthetically pleasing stadium allow for a fun time for fans. For baseball traveling fanatics, be sure to add this one to your list; it won’t disappoint. 6) FirstEnergy Stadium, Reading Fightin Phils   (4.29) Dave Cottenie - To describe the atmosphere at a Reading Fightin Phils game is somewhat difficult; it is a place that is best served with your own eyes, and I only hope I can do it justice in this review. There is no other minor league ballpark experience quite like FirstEnergy Stadium in Baseballtown, USA. 7) Hammonds Field, Springfield Cardinals (4.29) Meg Minard - It broadcasts baseball here. It’s about the game; a baseball purist's dream. At close to twenty years old, Hammons Field and the Springfield Cardinals continue to be a perfect place for baseball enthusiasts and other fans to spend their evenings. “This is the most wonderful place on earth right now.  I feel like I’m in heaven.”  8) Blue Wahoos Stadium, Pensacola Blue Wahoos   (4.14) Matt Colville - Before you even enter the stadium, you know you are in for a special experience, as it is surrounded by the beautiful Maritime Park, instead of a massive asphalt parking lot. If you arrive early enough, take a walk around the sidewalk outside the stadium to get some great views of the bay and check out the beautiful amphitheater just over the center field wall.  9) Hadlock Field, Portland Sea Dogs (4.14) David Welch - Portland Sea Dogs baseball is quietly one of the best minor league experiences in the country, whether you are a baseball purist or a family looking for a fun, affordable outing. The experience is refreshingly straightforward, focusing on the game without losing its sense of fun for fans of all ages. 10) Canal Park, Akron RubberDucks   (4.00) Eric Hasman - Canal Park is a comfortable, clean, and well-maintained ballpark and is definitely worth the trip based upon the food alone, but the people definitely make this park a must-see. It blends in beautifully with the surrounding buildings and neighborhood streets of Akron, Ohio.  11) People’s Natural Gas Field, Altoona Curve (4.00) Paul Baker - There are many fantastic ballparks scattered throughout the AA level of minor league baseball. People's Natural Gas Field in Altoona has to be considered among the best. It’s a fun place to catch a game, filled with energy, enthusiastic fans, and plenty of entertainment to distract you. Plus, it’s hard to beat the view. 12) Toyota Field, Rocket City Trash Pandas (4.00) David Welch - What has been created at Toyota Field and in the surrounding Town Madison development creates a minor league baseball experience that builds on the local support from the community, and gives visitors all they need to make a trip to see the Trash Pandas as convenient, affordable, and enjoyable as possible. 13) Dickey-Stephens Park, Arkansas Travelers (4.00) Dave Cottenie - A trip to Dickey-Stephens Park to see the Arkansas Travelers is a great way to spend a summer evening or weekend afternoon.  The Travs offer great value in a unique setting at a family-friendly price. A must for all baseball fans. 14) Regions Field, Birmingham Barons   (3.86) Lance Sutehall - Regions Field blends both the future and the past of modern minor league ballpark design and construction. It serves as a place not only for baseball but also for the community to enjoy themselves through the season. It has revived the local neighborhood and brought fans back to downtown Birmingham. 15) Covenant Health Park, Knoxville Smokies (3.86) David Welch - Baseball’s return to Knoxville has come with a great deal of excitement, and with good reason. The stadium experience in Kodak was enjoyable, but it pretty much started when you entered the gates and ended as soon as you left. Alternatively, what the Smokies have created in Knoxville is a minor league baseball team that seamlessly transitions from outside the stadium, in, and back out again once the ball game is over. 16) Riverwalk Stadium, Montgomery Biscuits (3.86) Lance Sutehall - Riverwalk Stadium is a beautiful ballpark to visit when stopping by Montgomery. It serves the Biscuits baseball team very well and is a fun place to spend a Summer evening or Saturday. Make sure you get a biscuit while you are watching the Biscuits! 17) Keesler Federal Park, Biloxi Shuckers   (3.71) Matt Colville - For ballpark travelers, a trip through Mississippi is natural, and a stop in Biloxi is a necessity.  However, Biloxi is a solid stop for average baseball fans who are looking for a bit of a different experience.  The Biloxi Shuckers offer a great baseball experience and an outstanding concession lineup.  A trip to MGM Park in Biloxi is definitely a Shuckin’ good time. 18) Whataburger Field, Corpus Christi Hooks (3.57) Eric Moreno - Whataburger Field shows its age a little, but it is still beautifully done and in a great location. Visiting Corpus Christi is also always a great respite, whether you’re taking in another game, visiting one of the many museums, or just heading to the beach and dining on first-class seafood; there is plenty for any visitor to do. 19) Delta Dental Stadium - New Hampshire Fisher Cats (3.57) Paul Baker - A Blue Jays farm team in the middle of Red Sox territory has to work harder to keep the fans coming, and the Fisher Cats staff does a great job filling Delta Dental Stadium year after year. While this may not be the most memorable ballpark out there, plenty is going on in Manchester to make a Stadium Journey to the Granite State worthwhile. 20) UPMC Park - Erie SeaWolves (3.57) Marc Viquez - UPMC Park was a fun night at the ballpark. The pre-game ceremonies, food options, merchandise variety, and vantage points place it in a category all of its own in the Eastern League. When you add the city of Erie to your travels, you have a pleasant weekend to spend along the lake with friends and family. 21) Synovus Park - Columbus Clingstones (3.57) David Welch - Renovating a historic stadium comes with the risk of it losing its original charm, but Synovus Park succeeds in both honoring its past and offering a comfortable, modern fan experience. While not flashy, its authenticity, character, and thoughtful updates create a great atmosphere for minor league baseball. 22) FNB Field - Harrisburg Senators (3.57) Dave Cottenie - Taking a trip to City Island for some Harrisburg Senators baseball is a great plan for some summer entertainment. FNB Field is truly a unique facility, and the team puts together a good experience. Sensylvania is the place to be. 23) Momentum Bank Ballpark - Midland Rockhounds (3.57) Midland Rockhound Baseball is the only professional baseball option within 250 miles. As such, the leadership and game presentation could easily become stale, with the staff here counting solely on their monopoly to sell tickets and bring in crowds. Instead, they have chosen to offer an experience that is fun for all ages and different levels of baseball acuity. 24) Prince George’s Stadium - Chesapeake Bay Sox (3.57) Richard Smith - Prince George's Stadium is showing some age in its 30-year frame, but it is still a quality minor league stadium that is presenting a nice level of baseball talent. A fresh new logo and branding, and a commitment to the fanbase will keep many coming back to games season after season. 25) TD Bank Ballpark - Somerset Patriots (3.57) Andrew Kulyk - The Somerset Patriots have been a fan favorite for more than 25 years. Conveniently located just off the highway and surrounded by shops and neighborhoods, the ballpark offers an ideal setting for affordable, family-friendly entertainment in New Jersey. Strong marketing and community engagement have long been hallmarks of the franchise, and the team’s transition from independent ball to an MLB affiliate only strengthened its already solid reputation. 26) AT&T Field - Chattanooga Lookouts (3.43) Lance Sutehall - AT&T Field provides a beautiful view of the Chattanooga hills. Its days are unfortunately numbered, but the memories that the ballpark provided will live on through those who witnessed a baseball game there. Coming next year is Erlanger Park, which will span over 140 acres in the heart of the South Broad District, just south of Downtown Chattanooga. We will make the trip to The Scenic City next year. 27) Mirabito Stadium - Binghamton Rumble Ponies (3.43) Dave Cottenie - A trip to Upstate New York and the Binghamton Rumble Ponies is a great way to take in some Minor League Baseball.  Mirabito Stadium offers a solid facility for baseball that was highlighted by a league championship for the Baby Mets. There is plenty of fun in Rumbletown. 28) Arvest Ballpark - Northwest Arkansas Naturals (3.29) Dave Cottenie - Taking in a baseball game at Arvest Ballpark in Springdale is a great idea for the whole family, and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals provide a great experience. It’s only natural for fans to want to make return trips. 29) Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium - San Antonio Missions (3.14) Eric Moreno - I currently do and probably always will have a warm place in my heart, and in my memories, for Nelson W. Wolff Municipal Stadium. I’ve seen a lot of baseball here over the years, and for whichever reason comes first, I will miss it if/when it’s gone. With that being said, I have to admit it’s not a stadium that needs to be on anyone’s bucket list.  30) The Diamond - Richmond Flying Squirrels (2.86) Joseph Oakes - This was the final season for the Squirrels at The Diamond, a 40-year-old ballpark that was well past its prime. It was beloved by many, but the next year, the team will open CarMax Park in 2026 in the Diamond District development, bringing a new era of minor league baseball to Richmond, Virginia. We will surely see it make the list next year.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium 81 Seagram Drive Waterloo, ON N2L 3B7 Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks football website Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: ~3,000 Seagram Revival In the post-COVID era, the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks found themselves relatively homeless.  The grandstands at their home, University Stadium, had been condemned, and immediate planning for the future was required.  The Seagram Project  was born, reimagining the home for the USports football team.  University Stadium was originally known as Seagram Stadium when it was built in 1958 and named after the once local distillery.  The broader Seagram Project would see the replacement of the turf, installation of a new videoboard, rebuilding of the grandstand, including a set of stands on the south side, infrastructure for a winter dome over the field, and rebuilding of the gymnasium.  As of this writing in 2025, the north side grandstand has been completed along with the turf and videoboard, and the dome is expected to be in place for the winter of 2025-26.  From the 2021 season to 2025, the Golden Hawks have played at University Stadium in various configurations, a couple of years with temporary stands.  The Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks began as Waterloo College before becoming Waterloo Lutheran University in 1960.  With the provincial funding of only secular post-secondary institutions, the name Wilfrid Laurier University was adopted in 1973.  The football team has been playing since 1924 and enjoyed a modicum of success for a small school, culminating in Vanier Cup victories as National Champions in 1991 and 2005.  University Stadium has been home to the Golden Hawks since 1958. Originally called Seagram Stadium and owned by the University of Waterloo, University Stadium was purchased by Wilfrid Laurier University from the City of Waterloo in 1992.  In 2007, the field was renamed Knight-Newbrough Field after Laurier coaching legends Dave “Tuffy” Knight and Rich Newbrough. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at University Stadium are pretty good for an OUA football facility. The main concession stand under the grandstand offers regular stadium fare, including popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, chips, and Domino’s Pizza.  Coffee and Coca-Cola beverages are also available.  In the west endzone, there is normally a BBQ going on that offers sausage, hot dogs, and burgers.  Also, for those of age, alcoholic beverages are available in the east endzone from Sleeman Brewing. Atmosphere 3 The face of University Stadium has changed significantly in the 2025 season.  The exterior of the stadium is attractive enough from the north side, which includes a gymnasium used for various school recreation activities, as well as a nice ticketing office. The field is west-east oriented, with the main grandstand found on the north side.  The old, wooden grandstand was removed in 2023, and the 2025 season began with temporary bleachers on the south side, with north side bleachers having been used in the previous season.  The first game of the season saw no north side bleachers.  In preparation for Homecoming, the third home game of the season, the Golden Hawks played a home game at neighbouring Warrior Field on the campus of the University of Waterloo.  The unveiling of the new north side stands happened at Homecoming.  The new grandstand is quite a bit different from the old one.  Now made of aluminum, the grandstand stretches from goal line to goal line, longer than the previous one.  It also has around 12 rows of seating, far fewer than the previous grandstand.  Molded plastic purple or yellow stadium seats now make up the bulk of the seating, with bleacher benches at both ends of the north side seating.  The Homecoming game had temporary bleachers on the southside, but for the final home game of the season, the bleachers had been moved, and it was clear that permanent, southside bleachers were coming soon.  Temporary bleachers have been set up in the east and west endzones this season as well. The main structure, north of the grandstand, houses the gymnasium, ticketing office, concessions, washrooms, and locker rooms.  There are a few posters on the walls, and east of the concession is a pop-up swag shop.  The brand-new scoreboard with videoboard is found at the west end.  Underneath the scoreboard, there is a sign with the name of the field and a notation of the 1991 and 2005 National Championships. However, there are no banners or signs at the moment signifying the 9 Yates Cup Championships as Conference Champions.  Hopefully, after the infrastructure has been completed, there will be the opportunity for Laurier to display and honour the accomplishments of many of the teams over the years and significant player achievements, including the two Hec Crighton Trophy winners.  Traditionally, there has been more space beyond the endzones for a beer garden and kids club.  It remains to be seen if this is part of the plans once the infrastructure has been completed. The gameday atmosphere is about what one would expect from an OUA event.  The requisite promotions are part of the fun, and the host finds fans in the stands to take part in short competitions or to be Wilf's Fan of the Game.  The cheerleading team leads the fans in standard football cheers and performs many gymnastic stunts.  The Laurier mascot, Midas, can be found around the stadium interacting with fans and posing for pictures.  Midas starts the game entering on a motorized cart and firing up the fans with a siren reel.  The Laurier anthem, “Country Roads,” can still be heard at each game.  The 2024 and 2025 seasons have seen the introduction of the Hawkline, a drumline that has been a welcome addition to the Laurier family. Neighbourhood 4 Wilfrid Laurier is an urban university located just up the street from another urban university.  As a result there are a ton of great options for pre- and post-game meals. University and King streets are where one would find most of the options.  There are a ton of great spots to get something to eat before or after the game.  Some places one might consider checking out include Crabby Joe’s, Smoke’s Poutinerie, and Ethel’s Lounge. The on-campus pub is Wilf’s and offers a great atmosphere and food while being student-run and managed.  The place you probably should settle on, however, is Morty’s Pub.  Home of arguably the best chicken wings in the city, Morty’s always satisfies your post-game craving.  Their chicken wings are legendary in the city. As far as entertainment goes, there are a few options in the Kitchener-Waterloo area. Fans planning on catching a Laurier game around Canadian Thanksgiving could be able to catch Oktoberfest.  This is the signature festival of Kitchener-Waterloo and the largest Bavarian festival outside of Germany.  There are a number of great events that take place over the 10-day festival at a variety of locations, including the numerous Fest Halls. Heading south on King Street toward Uptown Waterloo, fans will find a great spot for some evening entertainment in the Huether Hotel Jazz Room.  One of the top jazz venues in the province, The Jazz Room offers weekend performances at a great price.  There are also a number of pubs in Uptown Waterloo that feature live music. If fans are interested in enhancing their sporting weekend, then there are also a few other options.  Wilfrid Laurier also fields other athletic teams, specifically basketball at the WLU Athletic Complex  and hockey at the Sun Life Financial Arena .  Just up the road, the University of Waterloo also fields USports athletic programs. Fans will find football at Warrior Field , basketball at the Physical Activities Complex  , and hockey at the Columbia IceField .  If willing to drive across town, then fans can catch the phenomenal experience of the Kitchener Rangers  at the legendary Aud. For fans who are planning on staying the night, the Delta is just a short drive from the Laurier campus and is a pretty decent place to stay. Fans 3 Fan support for Golden Hawks football is a bit of a roller coaster affair.  Weather, time of year, and number of students on campus are all major factors for football attendance. The post-pandemic era, combined with stadium issues, has not made University Stadium the most popular place.  However, improvements to the facility, along with a 2024 run to the Vanier Cup and a strong 2025 season, have seen the attendance steadily increase. Annually, the Homecoming game previously packed well over 8,000 fans into University Stadium. Capacity for the last two Homecoming Games has been capped at 5,000 fans.  A late-season game against a weak opponent can bring in less than 1,000. As with most USports programs, Laurier needs to continue efforts to engage students and get them out to the games, regardless of the date. There is no true student section at USports football games like there are at their American counterparts. Building a better relationship with current students and finding a way to make Laurier football part of their lives after graduation will go a long way to improving fan attendance overall.   Access 4 Getting to University Stadium and around is not very difficult.  University Stadium is located on Seagram Drive, which runs between University and Albert Streets.  Fans who are coming from out of town will have a decent drive through the city, as the university campus is a fair trek southwest of Highway 85. Traffic on University Ave moves fairly quickly, so getting to the stadium should not be too much of an issue. There are a number of bus routes that travel along King St and University Ave. The Ion Light Rail also has a stop at Waterloo Park, a few steps from the stadium.  Check the Grand River Transit  website for fares, maps, and schedules. Parking can be for sale in the stadium lot, however, most spaces are reserved for season ticket holders and media.  There is some parking available west of the stadium in the Granite Club parking lot, but be mindful of the signs, as ticketing often happens for violators. Parking can also be found on campus or in some of the University of Waterloo lots that are close to Seagram Drive. The ticketing office is located in the permanent building under the grandstand. Other than that, there is no specific, grand entry gate.  Security is present at 2 or 3 gates for entry, which is more than ample for this facility, and entry into the stadium is very quick. Moving around University Stadium for the 2025 season has changed from game to game.  In the final regular-season home game, the south side was completely closed, which was better than the first game, where the north side was closed.  Permanent washrooms are decent; however, a large crowd necessitates the use of portable toilets, which are also on site. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for the Golden Hawks have come down in recent years.  Regular adult tickets are $12 if purchased in advance.  Staff, alumni, students, and seniors are all $9.50, and Laurier students are $5, while kids are $6.  Each ticket category is more expensive when walking up.  The concession prices are decent and parking can be found for free. The product on the field is significantly under-rated, and fans will no doubt enjoy their afternoon. Extras 4 An extra mark for the continued nod back to West Virginia. The heart of the Laurier athletics program came north from West Virginia. Over the years, the Hawks have embraced John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” as their anthem. When the Hawks won the Vanier Cup in 2005, it was John Denver who blasted over the PA.  The Laurier anthem has found a home during each game, an improvement from previous seasons when it was only played at Homecoming. An extra mark for Laurier announcer Chris Povey, who has done a fantastic job as the public address announcer for Laurier football and hockey for many years. Chris brings energy and enthusiasm to the game every time and does his best to entertain and inform the crowd, even if the game is not so interesting. An extra mark for the interesting history of the Golden Hawks mascot . An extra mark for the program that Tuffy Knight and Rich Newbrough put together, and the honor of having the field named after these Laurier Legends. Final Thoughts Knight-Newbrough Field @ University Stadium continues to be a work in progress.  Significant improvements have been made to the facility.  It looks like Laurier Golden Hawk fans will be rewarded with a great facility after enduring the growing pains of a number of years of construction.  It remains to be seen just how good the final product will be when the dust is cleared and the Seagram Project is finally complete. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  , and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kansas Speedway 400 Speedway Boulevard Kansas City, KS 66111 Kansas Speedway website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 48,000 Speedin’ in Kansas Kansas Speedway broke ground in 1999 and officially opened on June 2, 2001, with an ARCA race won by Jason Jarrett. Since its beginnings, Kansas Speedway has grown and hosts 2 NASCAR Cup Series races annually, including a playoff race. With an initial cost of $287 million, the speedway is a 1.5-mile tri-oval track. While NASCAR is the primary tenant currently, the track has hosted both IMSA and IndyCar Series races in the past. The track once had a capacity of 82,000 at its peak, but the current setup is for 48,000. Hollywood Casino is located adjacent to the track and sponsors the playoff race in September. Food & Beverage 4 The Speedway certainly has a fan-friendly food and drink policy. Each attendee can bring one bag and a cooler (14x14x14 or smaller) in with them. The coolers can have drinks and prepackaged food in them. The only drinks you cannot bring in, understandably, are anything in a glass. If you do not bring in anything, the speedway has you covered. There is a solid selection of choices from the typical burgers and hot dogs to Philly cheesesteak, pizza, and some BBQ options. Another choice comes from Iowa. Chuckie’s famous Iowa pork tenderloin has a trailer and is highly recommended. Other typical sports fare, such as popcorn, candy, etc., is also available. The lines are generally reasonable, although ice cream does yield some wait since it is one item that is difficult to bring in. A unique soda choice limits your options to RC, 7 Up, and A&W Root Beer. There are plenty of adult beverages available, from numerous types of beer to wine to mixed drinks. All prices are in line with what you would pay at most sporting events. Atmosphere 4 The speedway experience begins before you even enter it. Prior to entering the gates are all the merchandise trucks where you can buy all sorts of items to represent your favorite team or driver. Once inside, the gates you will find all the concession areas and restrooms, which run under the seating area. There is a smattering of vendors that have displays, and NASCAR also has an area with some cars and trophies on display and hosts some Q&A sessions with drivers. Entering the seating area opens you up to seeing the entire track. There really are not any bad seats, although I would recommend sitting higher up, as it is easier to see the far side of the track, as well as having a better angle when the cars come by, as the wall does block some view of the cars as they pass, especially in the lowest seats. I’ve been to the playoff race five years in a row now. Despite being at roughly the same time of year (I attend the playoff race in September), the weather seems different every year. If you prefer shade, your best option is to purchase tickets up near the suites and press box area, as you will be in the shade most, if not all the race. Neighborhood 4 The racetrack is located just off I-70 and I-435. The area has some cool stuff above and beyond the track if you are a sports fan. Located right next to the track is Children’s Mercy Park , home of Sporting KC of Major League Soccer. Next to the soccer stadium is Legends Field , home of the Kansas City Monarchs of the American Association. Plenty of retail stores dot the area around the track. The one thing missing from the area is places to eat or drink within walking distance. There is a Famous Dave’s BBQ, and Hollywood Casino is also quite close if you are a gambler. A few blocks north, there are numerous other eating options. There are plenty of lodging options in the area. The Hampton Inn is across State Ave and a good spot for the cost. A Best Western, along with the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park, is also in the same area. Fans 4 NASCAR fans are typically a passionate bunch, and the fans here are no different. They make it well known what drivers they do (or do not) like. A good percentage of fans are wearing some sort of NASCAR gear that represents their favorite team or driver. The fans are largely engaged from start to finish, save a couple of breaks between the stages for a quick run to the restroom or to grab some food or drinks. Access 4 The track is located just off I-435 near I-70. Getting into the parking lot generally yields a very small wait, although it obviously gets busier closer to race time. Once inside the track, getting around is easy. Getting food and using the restroom have their ebbs and flows. I would not recommend waiting to use the restroom until the ends of stages 1 and 2, as everyone else is doing the same. If you head to the concession area while the race is going on, the wait time is generally minimal. Like any large sporting event, getting out after the race will be clunky and have a wait time. Return on Investment 4 The Speedway offers a great value. You can get into the spring race for $79 and up to around $150. The fall (playoff) race runs from around $100 up to $180. With the policy of bringing in your own food and drinks, coupled with the fact that parking is free (you can pay $35 if you want to park up close, and I would recommend this option as it can be a long haul back to your vehicle), the track gives you a great bang for your buck. Extras 4 The Hollywood Casino sits right next to the track, and you can eat in an area overlooking the track. A very unique experience for sure. You can purchase a pre-race ticket and go down on the track. You can walk up to pit road for an up-close view of the cars, sign the start/finish line, and be up close for the driver introductions. It’s not something I’d recommend doing every time, but it is fun to experience at least once. The playoff race weekend in the fall has numerous races, so there is a lot crammed into a few days. Combine the races with other activities for fans of all ages over the weekend, and you have a jam-packed weekend of fun. An extra point for the ability to bring in free food and drinks. Wish this was done more often at other sporting venues. Final Thoughts NASCAR fans in the Midwest do not have many options. There’s Michigan Speedway, Iowa Speedway, and Kansas (Chicagoland will return in 2026). Kansas has a lot to offer racing fans. Most importantly, you can take in a great day or days of racing at a nice venue for a great price. -- Follow all of James' stadium journeys on X @ stadiumjwriter .  Email: james.hilchen@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr New Orleans, LA 70112 New Orleans Saints website Caesars Superdome website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 74,295 Who Dat Nation at Home in the Dome New Orleans is a city built on music, food, and centuries of culture, yet one building towers above them all – the golden crown of the Crescent City skyline. Since 1975, Caesars Superdome has stood as a global icon, hosting eight Super Bowls, five college football national championships, and six NCAA Final Fours. Approaching New Orleans, its distinctive gold silhouette glimmers in the Louisiana sun, a shimmering landmark visible for miles. More than just a stadium, the Dome has etched its place in American sports and pop culture, welcoming millions of fans, athletes, and entertainers to moments that have defined generations. From presidents to the Pope, from WrestleMania to The Rolling Stones, the Superdome’s stage has hosted the world’s most powerful figures and unforgettable performances. Michael Jordan and Tom Brady celebrated their first championships beneath its roof, while Muhammad Ali captured his final title in its ring. For a time, it was even home to ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich and the New Orleans Jazz, solidifying its legacy as a basketball cathedral. Now at 50 years old, Caesars Superdome stands as more than just a stadium – it is a symbol, a storyteller, and the beating heart of a city. The Superdome stands as the largest fixed-dome structure in the world and a rare survivor of the 1970s and ‘80s dome-building boom. The building just celebrated its 50th birthday, and has aged gracefully over the years, even after withstanding the brutal test of Hurricane Katrina. In fact, Katrina may have ultimately saved the Dome’s future; before the storm, there was talk of replacing it entirely, and the Saints temporary relocation to San Antonio and Baton Rouge seemed to spell the end of football under its massive roof. But New Orleans’ bond with its team proved too strong to break – in the years since Katrina, the Superdome has undergone extensive renovations, transforming it into a world-class sports and entertainment venue that rivals any modern arena. Nearly two decades later, it stands not only as a testament to architectural resilience but as a symbol of a city and a resilient fanbase that refused to give up and let their football team leave.   Food and Beverage   4 When you are in a building the size of Caesars Superdome, you can expect a massive lineup of food and beverage options. After all, this is New Orleans, the culinary capital of the South, where food is as much a part of the experience as the game itself. Inside the Dome, there are over 200 concession points spread over six concourse levels, ensuring fans can find just about anything to eat or drink. As of now, Legends Hospitality holds exclusive concession rights – every stand is either Legends-run or subcontracted.  Cash is also no longer accepted; everything is credit or debit only. For the most authentic taste of Louisiana, the Crescent City Cuisine stand is always a fan favorite. Its menu highlights New Orleans classics, from alligator sausage and fresh Gulf shrimp to jambalaya and Ponchatoula strawberries. Another local favorite is Bayou Kitchen and Market, where you can find fried gator po’ boys and alligator jambalaya, or grab something from the custom nacho stand, which serves up seafood and Cajun-style creations.  The 504 Eats stand also features a few local items, where you’ll find menu items ranging from alligator sausage po’ boys, burnt ends nachos, and pulled pork nachos, to Ultimate Braised Beef and Chicken Tinga nachos, plus more. Bayou Kitchen & Market is another go-to, offering fried shrimp plates, crawfish pie, redfish sandwiches, and alligator sausage po’ boys. Across various levels, you’ll also find Beau Coup BBQ with cochon de lait and brisket sandwiches, Little Caesars Pizza stands, Geaux Nuts, and classic stadium fare from King’s Table and Parish Grill. On top of that, the Provisions Markets scattered around the building allow you to shop like you're in a small grocery; grab deli items, sandwiches, or wood-fired pan pizza, and check out quickly. And with the $8 souvenir cup, you get free refills at drink stations all over the concourse levels. Inside the Superdome, the Crown Royal Tchoupitoulas Bar on Concourse 114 stands out as a full-service bar, part of the Dome’s new 40-yard bar concept stretching across each sideline – it’s the place for premium spirits and cocktails, offering more than the standard beer and seltzers. Or for local flavor, Abita Bar highlights Louisiana’s own craft brews, with fan favorites like Amber, Purple Haze, and seasonal pours. Beyond these marquee spots, beer, seltzers, and ready-to-drink cocktails are available at most concession stands, while fans can also grab a $7 souvenir cup with free refills throughout the concourse levels. Together, the Dome’s drink options mix big-stadium variety with New Orleans’ signature local flair.   Atmosphere   5 New Orleans is the ultimate party city, and Saints game days are no exception – the celebration starts long before kickoff. Outside the Dome, Champions Square comes alive as fans pour in, transforming the south side of the Dome into a sea of black and gold. Live jazz, zydeco, and swamp funk bands set the soundtrack, while costumed Saints devotees dance and revel in the pregame buzz. The Square is lined with bars, pop-up shops, and food trucks serving local favorites, all framed by sweeping views of the New Orleans skyline and massive murals commemorating iconic moments in Saints history. Don’t miss Club XLVI, a premium indoor club now open to the public, where fans can soak in the atmosphere in style before heading into the Dome. The first thing you’ll notice walking up to the Dome is just how massive the building is; resembling a UFO, there is no other building in the world like it. Its round, sloping walls rise like a gold spaceship, dwarfing streets, cars, and the crowds streaming toward it. From one angle, it looks like a spaceship, from another a giant mushroom cap, but always larger than you expect. Caesars Superdome just completed a 5-year $500 million renovation, which was completed in 2024 to coincide with the Dome hosting Super Bowl LIX, the building’s record 8th time hosting the Super Bowl. The facility features eight entrances, with the primary entry point at Champions Square through Gate C, where fans step directly into the lively plaza on the 200 level. In years past each entrance offered unique exhibits that celebrated Louisiana’s football culture: a Hurricane Katrina tribute at Gate A, the Saints Hall of Fame at Gate B, a Louisiana high school football helmet display at Gate E, and a Sugar Bowl showcase at Gate G. These exhibits were removed during recent renovations, but many fans hope to see them return in the future. The Dome has also added new touches to enhance the fan experience, including a massive pro shop that opened in 2023 near Gate A on the north side. At Gate B, WWL 870 AM – the official radio home of the Saints – hosts its live pregame show, with former quarterback Bobby Hebert often at the mic, as well as franchise legend Deuce McAllister occasionally joining in, giving fans an up-close look at the pregame show. For a venue that just turned 50 years old, Caesars Superdome feels remarkably modern. Its concourses are wide, bright, and meticulously maintained, offering an easy flow for the more than 70,000 fans who pass through its gates on game day. The Dome spans six levels, with public seating on the 100, 200, 500, and 600 levels, while the 300 and 400 levels house suites and premium clubs. The new renovations dramatically transformed the concourse, adding sleek new bars, premium club seating, and the eye-catching 40-Yard Bar stretching across the east side plaza. A towering escalator now whisks fans from the 200 level up to the 600 level in under a minute, giving those heading to the upper deck a thrill before they even reach their seats. At the very top, a standing-room-only party deck in each end zone offers a unique bird’s-eye view of the action. Inside the seating bowl, the scale of the Superdome is breathtaking. With 74,295 seats and 165 luxury suites spread across six levels, it remains one of the NFL’s most impressive venues. Three premium clubs anchor the ground level: Caesars Legacy Club on the east side, Crown Royal Signature Club on the west, and Mercedes-Benz End Zone Club in the north end zone, which features suites right on the field. Adding to the spectacle, two massive LED videoboards, installed in 2016, stretch 330 feet across each end zone, delivering crystal-clear replays and dynamic graphics to fans throughout the stadium.   Neighborhood   4 There’s truly no place in the world like New Orleans; while Bourbon Street and its year-round Mardi Gras beads might grab the headlines, the Crescent City’s heartbeat is far deeper than its party reputation. Visitors quickly discover a city steeped in history and alive with culture, where music spills into the streets, Creole and Cajun flavors tempt you at every corner, and attractions cater to all ages and interests. Caesars Superdome sits tucked among the gleaming skyscrapers of the Central Business District (CBD), a neighborhood dominated by mostly high-rises and government buildings.  But there are a few attractions in the CBD worth checking out, for example, just a mile south, the acclaimed National World War II Museum offers the nation’s most extensive collection of WWII artifacts in the country – a must-see for any visitor to the city. Also nearby, Caesars Casino brings gaming to the heart of downtown, historic Saenger Theatre and Southern Contemporary Arts Center showcase the city’s artistic flair, and the iconic Roosevelt Hotel dazzles visitors each holiday season with a breathtaking holiday light display. Compared to many major cities, New Orleans isn’t spread out; most major attractions are within just 5 to 8 miles of wherever you are. The legendary French Quarter, only a ten-minute walk from Caesars Superdome, is a must-see for any visitor. While Bourbon Street’s neon glow and rowdy nightlife often define the neighborhood’s reputation, the Quarter’s charm runs far deeper. Stroll through historic Jackson Square, explore art galleries along Royal Street, browse the bustling French Market, and step into the breathtaking St. Louis Cathedral. Shoppers can also head to the three-story Riverwalk Marketplace or the upscale Shoppes at Canal Place, while Magazine Street offers a local, boutique-filled experience that stretches for miles. In addition, a ride on the city’s iconic streetcars is the perfect way to explore. Head Uptown to admire the Garden District’s stately mansions and stop at Magazine Street’s bars and restaurants. For live music, Uptown boasts two iconic venues, Tipitina’s and Maple Leaf Bar, both institutions of the New Orleans sound. Or for an even more authentic music experience, make your way to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, where more than 50 music clubs and bars line the block. Here you’ll find a vibrant, less touristy alternative to Bourbon Street, with jazz, funk, and jam bands spilling out into the streets late into the night. Dining in the French Quarter is also an adventure all its own.  There are too many restaurants to name, but Café du Monde is a must for powdered-sugar beignets, while Pat O’Brien’s is famous for its Hurricane cocktails. Personally, however, my favorite restaurants are the hole-in-the-wall spots, or simply grabbing a po’ boy from most gas station delis – the grungier and older the place looks, the better the food. But if you want a game day spot close to the Dome, Walk-On’s, a sports bar co-owned by Saints legend Drew Brees, is just a block from the Dome, and Dave & Buster’s across the street provides another lively hangout. New Orleans also offers plenty for families. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas sits along the Mississippi River at the Quarter’s edge, while Audubon Zoo is just a streetcar or riverboat ride away. The Garden District invites visitors to tour historic homes and maybe spot a film set or celebrity. Lastly, City Park, with its lush gardens, walking trails, and sculpture garden, is a perfect spot for a scenic day outdoors. Whether you’re here for sports, culture, music, or food, New Orleans is a city that delivers a world-class experience in a small, walkable package.   Fans   5 Saints fans are widely regarded as one of the most passionate fan bases in the NFL. A 2020 Forbes article ranked Who Dat Nation as the third most passionate fanbase in all of sports, and even more impressively, the Saints earned the highest overall score for game day experience in that same report. Part of what fuels this devotion is geography: the Saints are the only NFL franchise in the entire region, making them the team of choice for fans across the Gulf Coast. From Lake Charles to the Florida Panhandle and north to Jackson, Mississippi, and Montgomery, Alabama, the Saints’ footprint is massive; an incredible three out of four Louisiana residents proudly call themselves Saints fans. Saints fans have endured more than their share of heartbreak over the years. From the infamous “Aints” era, when frustrated fans wore paper bags over their heads, to the darkest chapter in the city’s history, when 30,000 people sheltered inside the Superdome during Hurricane Katrina, this fanbase has stood by its team through countless losing seasons and unimaginable adversity. Yet through it all, Who Dat Nation has remained unwaveringly loyal, packing the Dome to full capacity every single home game since 2006. Inside Caesars Superdome, that loyalty transforms into pure electricity. When the Saints score, Mardi Gras tunes and “When the Saints Go Marching In” blast through the speakers as fans erupt into celebration. The Ying Yang Twins’ “Stand Up and Get Crunk!” – adopted as the team’s unofficial anthem after their Super Bowl victory – keeps the energy at a fever pitch, and the duo even performed live at halftime during the most recent game I attended. After a Saints victory, the celebration doesn’t stop at the final whistle; it spills into the streets of New Orleans, where second-line parades and brass bands often lead impromptu marches through the city. Few franchises can boast a fanbase as deeply devoted as Who Dat Nation. In addition, inside Caesars Superdome, every home game feels like Halloween, with fans decked out in elaborate costumes, dressed as iconic characters who have become part of the game day tradition. There’s Darth Saint, a black-and-gold–clad Darth Vader; Santa Saint; Elvis Saint; and Moses the Saint, complete with robes and staff. The Bless You Boys, three superfans dressed as popes and bishops, roam the stands, while the legendary Whistle Monsta – known for his oversized whistle hat and relentless shrill blasts – provides a soundtrack all his own. Access   3 Getting to Caesars Superdome is easy, no matter where you are coming from, as the Dome is one of the first things you’ll see when you get into the city, no matter which direction you come from. Interstate 10 is the main way you come into town – if coming from the west, use exit 234A onto Clairborne Street, while if coming from the east, use the Canal Street exit at 235B. Navigating the one-way streets and aggressive drivers to get to the Dome once in the city may pose some issues; however, New Orleans isn't exactly known for its nice streets, as many of the streets are congested and need lots of upkeep. There are several parking garages on site, but expect to pay around $50 to park if you want to park in the garage or at any of the public lots scattered around the Dome. There are tons of public lots and garages scattered throughout the Central Business District, though, with much cheaper parking than that closer to the Dome. NOPD has upped patrols in this area due to recent crimes and snatch-and-grabs, so you should have no problem in the daylight hours, as there are tens of thousands of people walking in the streets; just make sure you lock your car. Also, when walking up Poydras Street to the Dome on gameday, expect to see multiple jazz bands playing on street corners, and people celebrating in the street like it is Mardi Gras. Once inside the Superdome, you should have no problem getting around on the wide concourses, as the only backup occurs during halftime; I tested it out, and it only took 17 minutes for me to do a complete walkthrough from one side of the Caesars Superdome to the other.   Return on Investment   4 The Saints have been in rebuild mode since the Drew Brees/Sean Payton era ended a few years ago, which resulted in less-than-stellar gameplay on the field, as two new head coaches and multiple quarterbacks have rotated in and out. The good news is that even with dynamic flex ticket pricing, prices here remain fairly cheap and easy to come by compared to NFL standards, and the atmosphere inside and outside Caesars Superdome on game day is on par with some of the best in the NFL. Saints fans are very passionate, and Who Dat Nation will show up in full force regardless of whether the team is winning, though some fans may be wearing bags on their heads. The Saints also do an excellent job at capturing the spirit and culture of New Orleans, from the brass and funk bands playing in Champions Square to the brass bands and second line parades that roam the concourse. Coming to a Saints game is something I highly recommend for people visiting New Orleans. You can still find tickets on secondary sites, though; if the Saints are winning, expect to pay a decent price, between $50 and $70, to sit in the upper decks, while to sit in the 100 or 200 levels, expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars at least. During the most recent game I attended, the Saints weren't doing too hot, so you could find tickets in the upper deck for less than $20, which I consider a great return on investment. There are no other fans in the NFL like Saints fans, and the Superdome is one of the most iconic buildings in the NFL. Plus, you get to visit a city like no other in the world when you come to New Orleans.   Extras   5 One extra for the Superdome sitting next door to the Smoothie King Center, home of the NBA's Pelicans .  Though the Saints and Pelicans never play on the same day, there are instances where they play at home on the same weekend, so you may be able to catch an NBA and NFL game back-to-back. Another extra for all the events and historic moments this iconic building has hosted over the last 48 years. The Dome just hosted its record 8th Super Bowl, and besides the aforementioned events, the Dome is also the home of the annual Bayou Classic between Grambling State  and Southern . It also hosts the Sugar Bowl and New Orleans Bowl every year, as well as the Louisiana high school football State Championships; the Caesars Superdome was also home to Tulane football until 2014, as well as home to two arena football teams and the NBA's New Orleans Jazz. It's hosted MLB and college baseball games, as well as hosted a minor league baseball team in 1977, and in 1976, soccer star Pelé played an exhibition match here, as the New York Cosmos took on the Dallas Tornados. Multiple wrestling events have been held here as well, including WrestleMania 30 and 34, plus multiple WCW events. Caesars Superdome has also welcomed several big-time concerts over the years – basically any major music star from Garth Brooks to Taylor Swift has played under its roof. Another extra for Champions Square and the tailgate area outside the Superdome – Champions Square captures the spirit and culture of New Orleans, and shows just how much the city supports the Saints. The backdrop for the square consists of large banners of signature moments in Saints and Superdome history, including banners of ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich (a folk hero in Louisiana), Drew Brees holding up the Saints Super Bowl trophy, Muhammad Ali knocking out Leon Spinks, and a banner of the late great Saints owner Tom Benson. There is also a large statue of Tom Benson holding up the Vince Lombardi Trophy located in Champions Square, which makes for a great photo op. At Saints games, they also check your tickets at Champions Square, so you are free to walk in and out of the Superdome as many times as you want, as long as you stay on the grounds. And of course, you can't talk about the Saints without mentioning the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina and the rebirth of the Saints after the storm. When coming to a game here, it's hard to imagine what this place looked like in the days after the storm – with a few people even dying inside the Superdome, it's hard to believe this place didn't get condemned. Nevertheless, one of the most dramatic moments in sports history occurred here on September 25, 2006, the night of the Superdome's re-opening, when Saints safety Steve Gleason blocked a punt in the first quarter of a rivalry win against the Falcons . This would kickstart an improbable run for the team and the Drew Brees/Sean Payton era, culminating four years later in this team winning its first Super Bowl. That symbolic moment of hope and resilience is captured in a bronze statue of Steve Gleason blocking that punt, located on the southeast side outside Caesars Superdome – the large statue is titled "Rebirth". Before Katrina, the Saints had only been to the playoffs five times in 38 years, with only one playoff win, but since Katrina, the Saints have been to the playoffs nine times.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Paul E. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell 300 Martin Luther King Way Lowell, MA 01852 UMass Lowell Hockey website Tsongas Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 6,500 Your Tsongas   The University of Massachusetts Lowell got its start in the 1890s as two separate institutions, the Lowell Normal School (later renamed Lowell State College) and the Lowell Textile School (later renamed Lowell Textile Institute). These two schools merged in 1975 to become the University of Lowell. In 1991, UL joined the University of Massachusetts system. Today, UMass Lowell is the second largest campus in Massachusetts, with an enrollment of over 18,000 students in almost 200 Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs. Total enrollment has increased 50 percent since 2007.   The Paul E. Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell, named for the Lowell native and United States Senator, is located on the southeastern edge of the UMass Lowell campus on the banks of the Merrimack River. Senator Tsongas, who was instrumental in securing funding for the facility, died in 1997 just before the opening of the arena. Originally owned by the city of Lowell, the school purchased the building and assumed oversight of all operations in 2010.   In addition to serving as home to the Riverhawk hockey team (UMass Lowell does not sponsor varsity women’s hockey), the Tsongas Center formerly hosted a pair of American Hockey League teams, the Lock Monsters (1998-2006) and Devils (2006-2010). It also serves as the primary home of the PWHL’s Boston Fleet.   The University of Massachusetts-Lowell has sponsored hockey since 1965. Formerly known as the Terriers and the Chiefs, the team played at several local rinks, including playing outdoors at Cushing Field on campus. The team originally competed in Division II, where they won three national championships between 1979 and 1982. In 1983, UMass Lowell moved up to Division One. They have qualified for nine NCAA tournaments and made it to one Frozen Four in 2013. 24 River Hawk alumni have played in the National Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 5   The concession experience at Tsongas Center continues to evolve and improve year after year, to the point where this is no longer a weak point in the game day experience in Lowell. In fact, the opposite is now true. The majority of food is served from a pair of food courts on either side of the arena. Each stand has a slightly different menu, so you may want to explore a bit before making your final decision.   Along with traditional arena fare, fans can select BBQ items from the stand on the east side of the arena. Brisket and pulled pork can be ordered in sandwiches or placed on your fries or nachos. If you’re feeling particularly frisky, order the Power Play Dog, a foot-long hot dog loaded with brisket and pulled pork, and topped with nacho cheese and jalapeno peppers. ,A stand on the west side of the arena features chicken tenders with assorted dipping sauces. The Sal’s Pizza stand sells oversized cheese, sausage and pepperoni slices. A small stand at the north end of the arena, christened the Penalty Box, features walking tacos. Many items can be paired with chips and a drink to save a few dollars.   Pepsi products are featured at the Tsongas Center. The beer selection is strong, with a wide variety sold at all concession stands. Featured among the many excellent local craft brews is a UMass Lowell-branded beer from nearby Epicenter Brewing, Rowdy’s House Lager. UMass Lowell jersey display at Tsongas Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Atmosphere 5   Here at Stadium Journey, we often say that the student section is the engine that drives the atmosphere at any college sporting event. Hockey is the premier sport at UMass Lowell, and the student section turns out in good numbers to support their team. The school’s excellent pep band performs throughout the game, keeping the energy up and the building full of noise. Also present here are the cheerleaders and Rowdy the River Hawk, who roam the arena, interacting with fans and posing for pictures.   The game day staff at the Tsongas Center put on a good show for visiting fans. There’s a video board at center ice, which is put to good use with crowd shots, replays, and promos. Local youth hockey teams take the ice during intermission, and there are giveaways, 50/50 raffles, and more to keep the casual fan engaged, not that there are many casual fans in this section of the Merrimack Valley.   Neighborhood 3     The University of Massachusetts Lowell is located in the north-central part of the city of Lowell, right near the Dracut city line. The campus straddles the Merrimack River along the rapids, which made this area a magnet for industry back in the day.   Lowell is a working-class city. The Tsongas Center is located on the edge of downtown, with not a lot in the immediate vicinity to attract out-of-town fans. Visitors to the city may be interested in exploring the Lowell National Historic Park, which has preserved several old textile mills to tell the story of the Industrial Revolution. On the grounds of the park is a memorial to native son Jack Kerouac, who was one of the icons of the “Beat Generation.”   Most out-of-towners will likely make their way to nearby Boston, 25 miles to the southeast, but for those looking to stay in town, most lodging options are located out by Interstate 495. There isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of the Tsongas Center, but Cobblestone’s, located a couple of blocks away, is a Lowell institution. Also nearby is the Worthen House Café, which was supposedly frequented by Edgar Allen Poe while he was writing “The Raven.” Rowdy the River Hawk Poses with fans. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Fans 5   UMass Lowell ranks in the top 15 nationwide in terms of attendance every year, which is no small feat when you consider how crowded the Greater Boston hockey market is. The River Hawks draw between 4,500-5,000 fans per game, a figure that remains remarkably consistent every year.   There’s a good turnout by the UMass Lowell student body, who, along with the pep band, fill the arena with noise throughout the game and make the stands a sea of red, white,, and blue. Local fans, families, and youth hockey groups turn out in large numbers, proud to have a team to call their own in an area often overshadowed by the teams from Boston. Fans here know their hockey and make the Tsongas Center a fun place to watch a game.   Access 4     The Tsongas Center is located on the south bank of the Merrimack River a few blocks from the school’s baseball stadium, LeLacheur Park . The school’s other athletic facilities, including the Costello Athletic Center  and Cushing Field, are located on the other side of the river. Interstate 495 travels a few miles south of Lowell, meaning that to reach the UMass-Lowell campus, one has to drive through the city. Between the adjacent Ayotte Garage, several surface lots, and some on-street spaces, there is plenty of parking nearby.   Fans will pass through a security checkpoint into a large lobby, which houses ticket booths and the team store. A pair of staircases brings fans up to the concourse, which runs along the top of the seating bowl. It is not possible to completely circle the rink due to the presence of the Align Pavilion, and luxury boxes block views of the ice at some points. All seats at the Tsongas Center consist of plastic folding stadium seats and offer excellent views of the action.   Access around the facility is excellent, with only the typical lines forming during intermission. Restrooms at the Tsongas Center are numerous, clean, and large enough for a typical River Hawk crowd. Handicapped seating areas are plentiful. Fans should be aware that the stairs leading from the concourse to the seating bowl are not of uniform size. If one is not paying attention, there exists the very real possibility of tripping or worse, spilling your beverage. National Championship Display at Tsongas Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Return on Investment 3   Tickets to a River Hawk game are reasonably priced, at $25 for sideline seats and $18 for end zone seats. Parking will cost you either $15 or $20 in nearby surface lots or in the George Ayotte Garage next door. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, but are comparable to other venues in the area.   Extras 3   A pair of extra points is awarded for the displays of UMass Lowell athletic history that fill this arena. Fans can check out displays featuring Lowell’s various championship trophies, Lowell players to moved on to the NHL and Olympics, and photos of top moments in UML history, along with the River Hawk Athletic Hall of Fame. Banners along both ends of the arena commemorate the team’s success in both Division I and Division II. Fans can even view a display honoring the accomplishments of Paul Tsongas in the lobby.   If you visit Lowell on a day where the weather cooperates, do yourself a favor and take a walk behind the Tsongas Center and explore the Riverwalk. A stroll along the river to view the rapids and the historic mill buildings is highly recommended.   Final Thoughts   It’s easy to be overshadowed in the crowded Boston hockey scene, but the Tsongas Center is still one of the better hockey rinks in the area, even if it’s often overlooked by its more famous brethren in the area.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI. One of Lowell's famous canals runs beside Tsongas Center. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mortgage Matchup Center 201 E Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85004 Map It Phoenix Mercury website Mortgage Matchup Center website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 18,422 Valley Together Editor's Note: On October 2, 2025, the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury announced that they were entering into a ten-year arena naming rights deal with United Wholesale Mortgage which also establishes the company as the official mortgage partner of the Suns, Mercury and Valley Suns. The Phoenix Mercury is a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, AZ, playing in the Western Conference of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team is one of the eight original franchises of the 28-year-old league. The Mercury is a successful team with three WNBA Championships (2007, 2009, 2014). Attending a Mercury game is a refreshing sports experience; it is still about the sport played on the court and not the other extraneous activities at many other major league sports events. The team’s name, Mercury, parallels its brethren NBA team, the Phoenix Suns. The NBA team gets its name from the hot Arizona sun, while the WNBA team gets it from the planet nearest the sun. The same businessperson owns both teams. The Mercury play their home games at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. The venue also hosts the NBA Suns  and other entertainment choices like concerts, WWE, boxing, the Commissioner’s Cup, and more. The arena opened in 1992 as America West Arena and previously hosted the NHL Phoenix Coyotes  and ECHL Phoenix RoadRunners hockey, indoor football IFL Arizona Rattlers , and professional indoor soccer. It has had several other names and underwent renovations in 2003 and, most recently, in 2020. In July 2021, the teams’ organization partnered with Footprint, a plant-based fiber technology company based in Gilbert, AZ, whose mission is creating a healthier planet by reducing dependency on single and short-term-use plastics. Food & Beverage 4 Footprint Center provides abundant food choices at higher-than-average prices; the selection is much better than standard stadium food. Some of the food choices include: larder + the delta  (yes – small letters – a local farm-to-table restaurant) offers mouth-watering entrees (various chicken offerings, po’boy sandwiches $13 - $15 and snacks such as cauliflower, low country hurricane popcorn or fries ($8 – $13). Benihana  sells yummy hibachi and poke bowls ($18.50) or sushi rolls ($13.50). 480 Grill,   623 Grill, and 602 Grill (traditional stadium food) are named after AZ’s area codes. They sell nachos, chicken tenders, hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, ice cream, and the like ($8 – $14.50). Spinatos Pizzeria  offers pizza, garlic bread, Caesar salad, etc. $9 – $15. Wetzel’s Pretzels  is a favorite and often has a long line. Big Chicken  sells its original sandwich and an Uncle Jerome’s Nashville Hot sandwich ($13.50 - $14.50) The concourse has several Grab &Go  stations if you just want an overpriced can of beer or soda. The concessions sell Coca-Cola sodas ($7.50 - $10) and an uninspiring choice of beers at extremely high prices ($16 - $17.50).   A bottle of water costs an outrageous $7.50.  The main entrance lobby has a hydration station, so bring an empty bottle and fill up there. If you plan on eating your dinner at Footprint Center, we recommend getting a bowl from Benihana or a tasty bite from larder + the delta. Atmosphere 4 The Phoenix Mercury provides a fan-friendly environment with excellent sportsmanship on the court. Fans can view the seating bowl from the entry area behind a huge lobby bar. The open concourse has two corner bar areas with drink rails and stools overlooking the court. Unfortunately, black drapes close off one of the corner bars for members of the Founder’s Club. The arena has two levels of seating with suites and a club level in between.  Most lower-level sections go up to row 28, with visitors entering on about row 19 and going up or down to their seat row. All seats have decent views, with sections 114 and 115 at center court, facing the logo. All four ribbon board corners display two lines of closed captioning, but there is none on the side or center-hung video boards. Footprint Center Closed Captioning, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey A high-quality video scoreboard is hung high above center court. Being so high is convenient for those on the first level as it allows the fans to watch the game, not the scoreboard. Other video scoreboards are above the baskets AND the sidelines, so there are plenty of places to look for the score, quarter, time, etc.  The team posts player stats on the side video boards throughout the game. The Mercury offers some in-game promotions. A pep squad / dance team, known as the Hip Hop Squad, cheers on the sidelines and performs on the court during some breaks.  The game day entertainment crew provides several t-shirt tosses, but mainly, the camera crew displays fans dancing and cheering on the video board.  The music volume is loud. The temperature is cool and comfortable (a good thing for hot Arizona summers). Bring a long-sleeved shirt or sweater if air conditioning generally gets too cold for you. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Phoenix has a plethora of places to eat, drink, visit, and sleep. Two relatively new dining restaurants nearby are Blanco Cocina + Cantina (Mexican) and The Ainsworth (upscale American restaurant and lounge). Old favorites like Majerle’s Sports Grill, The Arrogant Butcher, Crown Public House, and The Kettle Black Kitchen & Pub are still excellent selections. If you just want a beer pre or post-game, visit the Whining Pig. Craft beers in cans, bottles, or on draft, mead, wine, and cider are much more affordable here than in the arena. Other things to visit near the arena are the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Police Museum, Heritage & Science Park/Historic Heritage Square.  The Phoenix Convention Center is just two blocks from the Footprint Center. The MLB Arizona D-backs is another sports team to visit in downtown Phoenix during the WNBA season. Occasionally, you can attend a D-backs and Mercury doubleheader. Recommended places to stay within walking distance of the stadium include the Hyatt Regency Phoenix, Renaissance Phoenix Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Phoenix Downtown, or Home2 Suites by Hilton Phoenix Downtown.  The Hampton Inn and Suites is about five blocks away and may be more affordable than the others. Fans 4 The Phoenix Mercury attendance generally ranks above the WNBA average with 8K – 10K fans per game this past decade. This number ranks them 1st – 5th in WNBA attendance over the last ten years. This 2024 season saw a surge in fan attendance and followers across all WNBA teams, with the Mercury reaching close to an 11K average per game.  Fans are approachable, friendly, and polite and cheer their team on well. Access 5 Getting to and in and around Footprint Center is relatively easy. The best way to arrive is to take the Valley Metro Light Rail (your Mercury ticket includes the light rail ride). Get off at Washington and 3rd if heading west; Jefferson and 3rd if heading east. The light rail also has a stop right at Sky Harbor Airport. If driving is more your preference, the venue is close to both I-10 and I-17 (less than two miles off either interstate). Plenty of parking garages are nearby; the closest to the Center charge $20. The Jefferson Street Garage is next door, at 3rd Street & Jefferson, and costs $15. Plenty of places are available to sit and wait for friends outside the arena's main entrance. More sports venues should do this. When entering the arena, expect x-ray machines like in the airport and metal detectors.  Security is pleasant but thorough.  The venue has the standard NBA bag size requirements of 14” x 14” x 6”. The concourse was wisely widened as part of the 2020 upgrade and is comfortable to stroll. The restrooms are ample and kept clean throughout the game. Return on Investment 3 Single-game tickets run from $23 and go up from there.  A $23 ticket will end up being over $40 with the Ticketmaster fees.  Use the Phoenix Mercury App to access mobile tickets; the team does not offer printed tickets. Included in the price is a ride on the light rail. The prices are a little higher than other WNBA teams, but you don’t have to pay for parking if you ride the light rail. Otherwise, parking runs from $15 – $20. The Mercury and sponsors offer ticket deals during the season, such as all-you-can-eat seats, student discounts, and military and first responder discounts. Fry’s (grocery store) usually offers free tickets for select games if you purchase over $50 in groceries on a specific day. Be sure to check the Mercury website for these deals. Concession prices are higher than other WNBA venues. Extras 3 Ease of access with light rail and partnering with Valley Metro deserves an extra mention. Three WNBA championship banners hang from the rafters (2007, 2009, 2014), always a sign of a prosperous team.  Four retired Mercury numbers hang from the rafters: 7 – Michele Timms, 13 – Penny Taylor, 22 – Jennifer Gillom, 32 – Bridge Pettis. Footprint Center - Mercury Banners from Rafters Final Thoughts Attending a Mercury basketball game is an enjoyable afternoon/evening out. If you haven’t been to the arena in a while, come check out some summer hoops at Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mortgage Matchup Center 201 E Jefferson St Phoenix, AZ 85004 Phoenix Suns website Mortgage Matchup Center website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 18,422 House Of The Rising Suns   Editor's Note: On October 2, 2025, the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury announced that they were entering into a ten-year arena naming rights deal with United Wholesale Mortgage which also establishes the company as the official mortgage partner of the Suns, Mercury and Valley Suns. The Phoenix Suns and the Footprint Center recently celebrated their 30th Anniversary as the outpost for NBA basketball in the Southwest. The facility opened in 1992 as the America West Arena and has gone through numerous name changes over the years. It became the Footprint Center in 2022. The arena holds 17,071 in its basketball setting. The Footprint Center hosts a wide variety of events in addition to the Sun's games. It serves as the host facility for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA and the Arizona Rattlers of the Indoor Football League (IFL). It has also hosted boxing matches, rodeo competitions, UFC events, WWE events, and music concerts, featuring such stars as Rod Stewart, Billy Joel, and Elton John. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage program at the Footprint Center also benefitted from the recent renovations. Many have relocated to the Eatery food court area of the arena. The Footprint Center also has diversified the food selection available at Suns games. Grab and Go – Standard stadium favorites including hamburgers, hot dogs ($7.99) chicken tenders ($13.49), a popcorn bucket ($15.99), and sodas ($9.99) Gorilla Grill – Gorilla Burger w/fries ($17.49), Footprint Burger w/fries ($12.49), Suns Hot Chicken ($14.99) and Chicken Tenders w fries ($13.49). The Gorilla Grill was by far the most popular concession stand during our visit. It is in The Eatery food court at the arena. Tostitos Cantina - Doritos Nachos walking taco ($15.99), Frito scoops Walking Taco ($15.99). Cold Beer and Cheeseburgers – Full Court Hot Dog ($13.49), All Beef Suns Dog ($7.99), Beer Brats ($10.49) and a Popcorn Bucket ($15.99). Dos Equis Beer Garden - Craft beers ($14.99), draft beers ($14.99). The Beer Garden is located on an outdoor patio that can only be accessed from inside the arena. Beverages sold at the Footprint Center include Coca-Cola brand sodas including souvenir cup sodas ($9.99), fountain sodas ($7.49), lemonade ($7.49), and bottled water ($7.49). Adult beverages include Souvenir Cup drafts ($17.49), Premium drafts ($14.99), Domestic cans ($14.49), Premium cans ($15.99), and seltzers ($15.49). Atmosphere 4 The Footprint Center underwent a $245 million renovation in 2019-2020, which has greatly enhanced the atmosphere at Suns games. These upgrades touched nearly aspect of the fan experience. The lobby added new space to allow fans a more roomy experience when they arrived at games, and concourses were widened and made open to the court so that fans did not encounter any bottlenecks or miss any of the game while standing in a line at the concession stand. An 8,500-square-foot LED board was added to the lobby, and it provides fans with game statistics and information on upcoming events. The concourse features wall displays outlining the career highlights of Suns elite players Kevin Johnson, Paul Westphal, and Dan Majerle. The electronics package inside the seating bowl was enhanced with new ribbon boards and a larger video board ( six times larger than its predecessor) over the court. Theater-style lighting is used once the game gets underway. All seats within the seating bowl were updated to enhance fan comfort. Neighborhood 5 The Footprint Center is in the Legends Entertainment District in downtown Phoenix. The district includes the major sports and entertainment venues for the city, including the Footprint Center (Suns, Mercury, Rattlers), Chase Field (Diamondbacks), Cityscape, the Collier Center, Symphony Hall, the Children’s Museum of Phoenix and the Phoenix Convention Center. The District is also known for its great selection of restaurants, including Majerle’s, which is owned by a former Sun, Dan Majerle. The closest hotel to the Footprint Center is the Residence Inn Phoenix Downtown. Fans 4 In a city with multiple major league sports teams, the Suns have by far the most loyal and vocal fan base. The arena seating bowl is filled with fans wearing the purple and orange colors of the Suns. They arrive early and even cheer nice shots by the Suns during the warmups. Once the game starts, the fans act as the “sixth man”, creating as much noise as possible when the Suns are on defense or the visitors are at the foul line. They also coordinate their activity with the Sun's Gorilla, who has an array of signs that he displays, leading the fans in a variety of cheers. The Suns have been in the playoffs on a regular basis in recent seasons. Even though the Suns may not have the “star” power courtside of their neighbors in Los Angles, the locals provide the “Sun Power” to guide their team to victory. Access 4 The Footprint Center is easily reached by car or public transportation. It is located close to many of the main highways in the Phoenix area. It has a 700-car garage on South Fourth Street. There is also a garage on South Fourth Street. The rideshare area for pickup and delivery is located at the Footprint Center Plaza (corner of First Street and Jefferson Street.) Valley Metro , the Phoenix area transit provider, provides a very attractive and cost-efficient alternative for fans going to the Footprint Center. Your game ticket serves as your free ride passes on the light rail system (must be used on the day of the game). Take the train to either the Third Street/Washington or the Third Street/Jefferson Station. The Footprint Center doors open 90 minutes prior to tipoff, leaving you plenty of time to get to your seats. Both the lobby and the concourses are easy to navigate due to recent renovations. Return on Investment 3 Going to a Suns game can be a very expensive proposition for a family of four. Seats are available at several price points. The cheapest tickets are $27 (behind the basket in the upper level of the seating bowl). Tickets along the sides of the court are $32 on the upper level or $133 on the lower level. Center court seats on the upper level are $40, while lower-level midcourt seats are $299. These are standard ticket prices… not resale prices. The concession stand prices are also high, even by NBA standards. Parking is $25 prepaid at the garage on Fourth Street or $20 prepaid for the parking lot on Third Street. Extras 4 The Footprint Center hosted the NBA Finals in 1993, as well as the NBA All-Star game in 1995 and 2009. The Footprint Center and the resident teams are committed to making the facility as “green” as possible. Steps have included eliminating plastic wherever possible in its concession stands. This has been achieved through the use of paper where possible, and bamboo or fiber cutlery is now in use. The venue also encourages fans to use public transportation or bicycle to get to games. The Phoenix Suns Gorilla is a legend within the world of sports mascots. He was the first mascot inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame, and he has entertained Suns fans since 1980. He is especially known for his dunking ability. The rafters are filled with banners denoting championship seasons for the Suns, as well as the Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) and the Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football League). Final Thoughts A trip to the newly renovated Footprint Center provides a much-improved fan experience for the Suns faithful. They can relax in the new seats that have been installed while keeping up with the game stats via the new video board and end zone displays. The one thing that remains the same is the antics of the Sun's Gorilla, one of the NBA’s top mascots.

With the MLB World Series just around the corner, it’s time for us at Stadium Journey to once again rank the game-day experience of the 30 Major League Ballparks in use for the 2025 season. Our correspondents visited 23 of the 30 MLB parks in 2025, including the 2 temporary homes of the Rays and Athletics. We ranked the game day experience according to our patented FANFARE rating system, which takes into account a ballpark's food and beverage, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. When two or more facilities were tied, a Stadium Journey council of elders was consulted to break those ties. It's a different way of looking at a ballpark. This list will undoubtedly spark a great deal of debate and rage, and we welcome your input on our Facebook , X (Formerly Twitter) , and Bluesky  pages. We can also be found on Instagram  and YouTube .  How does your MLB Stadium ranking compare to ours? Let the discussions and debates begin. 30. Steinbrenner Field - Tampa Bay Rays 2.57   Richard Smith - Due to catastrophic damage from Hurricane Milton, the Tampa Bay Rays have relocated to Steinbrenner Field for the 2025 MLB season. This temporary move has created a unique atmosphere, with the team playing in an open-air, spring training-focused venue. For many fans, the game-day experience feels more like a logistical workaround than a celebration of the team, reinforcing the temporary and transitional nature of the Rays' situation as they await the completion of their new permanent stadium. 29. Sutter Health Park - Athletics 3.14 Sean MacDonald - The saga of the Athletics under owner John Fisher has reached its nadir as the team is playing in a minor league park. Overall, Sutter Health Park is ideal for AAA ball, but far too small to host a Major League Team.  It’s embarrassing for Fisher, and MLB should be ashamed for letting it happen. 28. loanDepot Park - Miami Marlins 3.57   Richard Smith - When the stadium opened, a large art installation in center field was certainly discussed by many people.  It included all sorts of elements that are suggestive of South Florida. The art installation has now been relocated to the exterior of the ballpark. loanDepot Park has a different look and feel from pretty much any other MLB stadium. It feels like a Miami stadium. and doesn't follow the trends of others. Some may not like that, but we find it sort of refreshing. 27. Nationals Park - Washington Nationals 3.71 Gregory Koch - Crowds have seemed to shrink significantly since the Nats championship in 2019, as the team has fallen on hard times – there will usually be many empty seats, and if they are playing an NL East rival, visiting fans will make up a significant portion of the crowd. This is disappointing to see, given how large the crowds were during the World Series run just a few years ago. That being said, Nationals Park is still a nice stadium for fans to take in a Major League Baseball game. 26. Globe Life Field - Texas Rangers 3.71   Michael Davis - Globe Life Field is a solid retractable roof stadium. Although the venue is an eyesore to some looking in from the outside, the constant 72 degrees indoors keeps fans and players from enduring the Texas summer heat. There is also no better moment leading up to the first pitch than when long-time public-address announcer Chuck Morgan makes his standard announcement, as the umpires and managers wrap up their pre-game meeting – “Ladies and Gentlemen, it is Baseball Time in Texas!” 25. Kauffman Stadium - Kansas City Royals 3.71 Marc Viquez - The K is 50-plus years old and regarded as one of the finest examples of a modern baseball stadium; that tradition continues with the 37,903-seat facility offering beautiful views of the outfield. There's a reason Kauffman Stadium is regarded as one of the class jewels of Major League Baseball for well over 45 years. It is a baseball facility that offers tantalizing views of waterfalls and great menu items for everyone who visits. 24. Angel Stadium - Los Angeles Angels 3.86   Andrei Ojeda - Opened for service in 1966, Angel Stadium is the 4th-oldest active yard. Though showing its age, Angel Stadium is still quite serviceable. While Angel Stadium lacks most of the present-day amenities beyond the on-field action, its size ensures that you’re never too far from the action. An outing at an Angel game will almost certainly be much more budget-friendly for your wallet than that of that other Anaheim attraction down the street. 23. Rate Field - Chicago White Sox 3.86   Marc Viquez - Often considered one of the least favorite venues in the major leagues, team management has worked their hearts off to ensure that fans will have an enjoyable experience through various renovations. The White Sox continue to provide great value and entertainment at Rate Field. The ball club's recent struggles on the field have hindered a few, but there is plenty to do when attending a Sox game on the Southside. 22. Rogers Centre - Toronto Blue Jays 3.86   Dave Cottenie - Opened in 1989, the SkyDome was an innovative marvel with the first ever retractable roof and the first large video screen dubbed the JumboTron. With increased checks in the win column in 2025, there have been plenty more fans going through the turnstiles at Rogers Centre. Jays fans are relatively quiet, as are most southern Ontario fans, but they can definitely get loud when the time is right.  With the colder months requiring the roof to be closed, the noise can get off the charts, with the noise staying in the building.   21. Wrigley Field - Chicago Cubs 3.86   Lloyd Brown - Very few major league ballparks can be described as “classic.” Wrigley Field certainly does fill that description. Attending a game at Wrigley Field is partially going to a sports event and partially visiting a history museum. While the Cubs do everything possible to keep Wrigley’s charm and historic elements, they have made some needed updates in recent years. One last tradition that is still present in the ballpark is the ivy-covered walls in the outfield. They were installed in 1937 to give a more parklike feel to the ballpark by Bill Veeck. 20. Citizens Bank Park - Philadelphia Phillies 4.00 Dave Cottenie - Philly fans have a reputation for being some of the toughest and rowdiest in sports.  It is debatable whether that reputation has been earned or not; however, it may be safe to say that, of the four major sports, baseball fans are among the most welcoming and friendly. With a deep history as one of the oldest teams in Major League Baseball, the Philadelphia Phillies offer an excellent experience that all baseball fans should put on a must-do list. 19. Busch Stadium - St. Louis Cardinals 4.00   Marc Viquez - Whatever Busch Stadium lacks in design and aesthetics, it makes up for it in atmosphere. You might not find a more dedicated fanbase than in St Louis. The attendance ranks at the top of the major leagues and is well above the average for the past 20 seasons. The fans wear the “two birds on the bat logo” with pride on both shirts and jerseys. They support their team through both winning and lean years. Luckily for them, there have been a lot more winning seasons this century. 18. T-Mobile Park - Seattle Mariners 4.00   James Hilchen - The fans at T-Mobile celebrate their team. This is evident through all the Mariners gear they wear, the support they give the team, and the good-natured grief they give the other team. You can see some great views of the city and of Puget Sound. The best spots here are the Trident Deck and the Rooftop Boardwalk. Between the great views, fabulous food, and a great ballpark, every baseball fan should make the trip to Seattle and T-Mobile Park. 17. Chase Field - Arizona Diamondbacks 4.14   Meg Minard - The Diamondbacks provide an excellent gameday experience where, for the most part, the actual game still seems like the focus of attention. The stadium is a bit dark inside when the roof and panels are closed. It’s much brighter and cheerier when it’s open. That said, it is a relief to have a roof and air conditioning during the sweltering hot months of the summer. 16. Yankee Stadium - New York Yankees 4.14   David Welch - While the aura and mystique that came with the previous Yankee Stadium can never be duplicated, the current version does well to give fans a bit of a taste of the old, while providing modern comforts its predecessor could not. Yankee Stadium is also one of the few Major League Baseball experiences that allows the game to remain the focus of the day, with a minimum of distractions that have become the norm across baseball today. 15. Daikin Park - Houston Astros 4.14 Eric Moreno - The Astros and Daiken Park, formerly named Minute Maid Park, continue to find ways to make game days feel like big-time events each season. A lot of this is due to the massive amount of success the ball club has experienced in the last decade-plus. From the moment you walk up to the Juice Box, everything becomes a celebration of baseball and the Astros. 14. Dodger Stadium - Los Angeles Dodgers 4.14   Andrei Ojeda - Dodger Stadium is the third-oldest yard behind only  Fenway Park and Wrigley Field. Dodger Stadium, affectionately referred to by blue-clad locals as Blue Heaven On Earth,  is hardly referred to as a classic. Dodger Stadium maintains a truly unique identity as marked by its signature pastel-colored seating palette. Dodger Blue runs deep throughout many Angelenos’ hearts and throughout Southern California, as they are a loud and passionate bunch. 13. Truist Park - Atlanta Braves 4.14   David Welch - Truist Park and the surrounding Battery are a great pairing that offer fans convenience just steps from the stadium gates. Unlike Boston’s iconic Green Monster, Chicago’s ivy-covered walls, or Pittsburgh’s stunning skyline framed by its bridges, Truist Park does not have that signature element that leaves a lasting impression. Nevertheless, The Battery brings energy and convenience that help elevate the overall game day experience, even if the ballpark itself falls short of iconic status. 12. Oriole Park at Camden Yards - Baltimore Orioles 4.14 Richard Smith - Orioles games draw a very knowledgeable fan base. Booing is rare, though anything can happen when the Yankees are in town. Oriole Park at Camden Yards remains one of Major League Baseball's most beautiful and beloved stadiums. Its timeless design, which was revolutionary in 1992, has aged gracefully and continues to be a benchmark for modern ballparks. The stadium's architecture seamlessly blends classic baseball aesthetics with a contemporary, fan-friendly layout. 11. PNC Park - Pittsburgh Pirates 4.14   Lloyd Brown - The park is nestled along the banks of the Allegheny River, with picture postcard views of the Pittsburgh skyline and the many bridges that link the North Shore with the downtown area over the center and left field walls. The Pirates have not been deep into the playoffs in several years, and attendance drops quite a bit after Labor Day. The smaller crowds do not affect the enthusiasm level, as Pirate fans are quite loyal and always look forward to “next year.” 10. Great American Ballpark - Cincinnati Reds 4.29 Dave Cottenie - The Cincinnati Reds have grasped a hold of their history and celebrated it better and stronger than any other team in Major League Baseball.  Great American Ball Park captures that feeling and offers a fantastic baseball experience.  If the Reds are doing well, it is that much better and must be considered among the elite of MLB.  A Reds victory at GABP will have fans joining Reds legend Marty Brennaman proclaiming, “And This One Belongs to the Reds.” 9. American Family Field - Milwaukee Brewers 4.29   Marc Viquez - American Family Field is one of those major league ballparks that might not stand out to most, but after a visit, you might want to reconsider. It is known for its tailgating, loyal fans, great food, and racing sausages. Also, ticket prices are among the least expensive in the league, making it affordable for anyone looking to enjoy a game at a major league ballpark during the season. 8. Comerica Park - Detroit Tigers 4.29   James Hilchen - Attending a Tigers game at Comerica Park is an event. The combination of a great atmosphere, a ton of food options, and a nice neighborhood makes taking in a game here a must for the true baseball fan. Want to ride a carousel? Head to the Big Cat Court near Section 119. If you are looking for something a little bigger, head over to section 131, where you can ride a Ferris wheel. 7. Progressive Field - Cleveland Guardians 4.29   Lloyd Brown - Progressive Field has done a terrific job of uniting the ballpark with its hometown. Sections of the ballpark are known as “districts,” with an Infield District, Left Field District, and Right Field District. Even though Progressive Field is more than 30 years old, it has been updated to keep up with the new trends in ballparks. It has gone through renovations in 2014, 2016, and is wrapping up a $200 million renovation during the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The entire stadium will have new seats installed by the end of the 2026 season. 6. Coors Field - Colorado Rockies 4.29   Jack Quinn - Coors Field is one of the more aesthetic ballparks in MLB due to the Rocky Mountain weather, scenery, and feel. You’ll be watching the highest level of baseball in the world at a unique ballpark that is designed for comfort, aesthetics, and scenery. Rockies fans get excited when their team does well, but opposing fans can sometimes overpower the home crowd when the visiting team has a large following. Despite not having a historically successful franchise, Rockies fans still show up to games and are eager to see their squad succeed. 5. Target Field - Minnesota Twins 4.29   Gregory Koch - Target Field is a modern stadium that was built to create a unique atmosphere for fans. There are many unique visual aspects scattered throughout the stadium. There is a neon sign in right-centerfield featuring twins Minnie and Paul, in honor of the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. The sign lights up at night and flashes when the Twins make a big play. While the Twins previously played in one of the worst stadiums in Major League Baseball, they now play at one of the best. 4. Fenway Park - Boston Red Sox 4.29   Paul Baker - The Boston Red Sox bill Fenway Park as “America’s Most Beloved Ball Park.” Fenway Park’s mix of historical touches, quirky features, and modern comforts is unmatched anywhere. While other cities are building billion-dollar complexes to replace ballparks that are only 20 years old, in Boston, they are simply finding new ways to put modern touches on this classic diamond. Simply put, Fenway Park is the standard against which all other ballparks are measured. 3. Citi Field - New York Mets 4.43   Richard Smith - This is a Major League Baseball stadium in a Major League kind of town. The team displays its history throughout the facility in cool ways. The concourses and all the cool extras, such as the Shea Bridge, make for a great atmosphere for fans. Outside the stadium is the original Big Apple from Shea Stadium. That makes a great pre-game meeting spot. Entering behind home plate by way of the Jackie Robinson Rotunda sets a great tone for the stadium. 2. Oracle Park - San Francisco Giants 4.57   Andrei Ojeda - From the views beyond the bay to the nightly breeze, Oracle Park, with its gorgeous surroundings anchored by the bay, has done more than its share to bring baseball fans to its gem. As you walk along the concourse, you will not only be offered beautiful views of the Bay Bridge, but you will be a stone’s throw away from McCovey Cove, where you will see kayakers awaiting a Splash Hit. One visit to this beauty and you will see why Oracle Park consistently ranks among the top ballpark experiences among baseball fans. 1. Petco Park - San Diego Padres 4.86   Andrei Ojeda - The historic Western Metal Supply Co. building, Petco Park’s signature feature, is nicely incorporated into the yard, located by the left field corner, with rooftop viewing available. With a vibrant neighborhood and enthusiastic fans coming in droves, along with one of the more picturesque parks among the 30, it’s no wonder Petco Park continually  ranks high among ballpark experts   in America’s Finest City.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Matthews Arena 238 St. Botolph St Boston, MA 02115 Northeastern Huskies men's hockey website Matthews Arena website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 4,666 Last Call at the Doghouse   How many sporting venues can claim to be the original home of not one, not two, but three current major league franchises? Matthews Arena in Boston can. The arena was the original home of both the Boston Bruins in 1924 and the New England Whalers in 1972, as well as the site of the first home game for the Boston Celtics in 1946. Virtually every college hockey team in the area, including all four Beanpot schools, have called this arena home.   Originally named Boston Arena, Matthews Arena was renamed for George and Martha Matthews in 1982. Mr. Matthews, class of 1956, served as the Chairman of the Northeastern Board of Trustees for ten years.  He passed away on January 11, 2024 at the age of 93.   Muhammed Ali trained here, and many of boxing’s biggest names, such as Gene Tunney, Joe Louis, Marvin Hagler and Jack Dempsey fought here. The Frozen Four was held at Matthews Arena in 1960, as was the original Beanpot hockey tournament. More recently, the World Junior Hockey Championships were held here in 1995.   Matthews Arena has always been more than just a sporting venue. Every president from Theodore Roosevelt to John Kennedy visited the venue, as did Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart hosted events here. Concerts by artists as diverse as The Doors, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marvin Gaye, Ludacris, Bob Dylan, The Roots, Chuck Berry and Phish were held at Matthews Arena.   Today, Matthews Arena serves as home to Northeastern men’s and women’s hockey teams, as well as the men’s basketball team. Several area high-school teams also call this old barn home.   The Northeastern men’s hockey team is the least decorated of the four “Beanpot” schools located within Boston city limits. Northeastern has won the prestigious Boston hockey tournament nine times, least among the four participating schools. The team has qualified for the NCAA tournament eight times, reaching the Frozen Four in 1982. 35 former Huskies have played in the National Hockey League.   Northeastern began sponsoring women’s hockey in 1980. The women’s team has qualified for six NCAA Tournaments, reaching the Frozen Four on three occasions. 29 Husky Alumni have played professionally in the CWHL, NWHL/PHF and the PWHL. Northeastern has won 20 Women’s Beanpot championships.   In May 2024 Northeastern filed a letter of intent  to the Boston Planning and Development Agency to construct a new multi-purpose athletics venue, which included plans for the demolition of Matthews Arena. These plans came as concerns surrounding the structural integrity of the facility increased: scaffolding had been erected to support the east end of the arena earlier in 2024, parts of the arena had been closed off, and the foundation, which was built on reclaimed land that was once part of a wharf, was found to be sinking. The Doghouse taunts the opposition at Matthews Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 3    There are a pair of concession stands in the lobby. A larger stand offers a full menu while a second, smaller stand in the back of the lobby serves only snacks. Hungry Husky fans can choose from hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken fingers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Sides, including french fries, nachos, pretzels and popcorn are also available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Matthews Arena.   While the menu at Matthews Arena is not extensive, the prices are affordable, and the quality of food served is decent.   Atmosphere 5   We at Stadium Journey like to say the game day experience at any college hockey rink is driven by the student section and pep band. Northeastern does not disappoint in either of these areas. The student section, known as “The Doghouse,” dominates the atmosphere at Matthews Arena. Students fill the balcony sections at the west end of the arena, hanging over the ice and filling the old barn with noise throughout the action. Armed with a repertoire of chants, traditions and routines, the students are as much as part of the action as the players on the ice. They are supported by an excellent pep band, who perform during most play stoppages. Not content with letting the band play alone, the students will sing along, not stopping even as play continues.   Conspicuous by its overwhelming presence is the giant video board installed at Matthews Arena in 2019. Measuring 50 feet long by 13.5 feet high, the scoreboard is put to good use throughout the game with replays, game stats, promotions and social media shout outs. Fans with old-school sensibilities may not enjoy the intrusion of modern technology in the old barn, but Northeastern staff have done a nice job integrating modern technology in this historic location. The Northeastern Band plays Stacy's Mom. Video by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Neighborhood 4   Northeastern University is located on the edge of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, one of the city’s most popular tourist and shopping destinations. The Fens neighborhood and South End are also within walking distance of the University. Many of Boston’s major attractions are located close to Matthews Arena.   While there are many dining and lodging options near Matthews Arena, most of them will involve a short walk or drive from the facility, which may not be what you want to do on a chilly winter night in Boston. Fans visiting from out of town will want to check out the Prudential Center and Copley Place, located just a few blocks from Matthews Arena. Symphony Hall is just around the corner, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is a short walk away. In addition, most of Boston’s attractions are easily accessed by a short subway ride. Both the Green and Orange lines have stops less than a block from Matthews Arena.   Fans 4   Husky fans can be a fickle lot, avoiding less glamourous matchups while packing the old barn for marquee games. Average attendance in recent seasons numbers about 3,300 fans per game, placing Northeastern right in the middle of all Division One hockey schools in the country. Of course, as the days dwindle for Matthews Arena, this will become one of the tougher tickets in town.   Northeastern’s membership in Hockey East guarantees that many of the school’s local rivals will visit Matthews Arena every year. These games are well attended, with the proximity of the teams in the conference guaranteeing a solid turnout by visiting fans. When Matthews Arena is full, there is an incredible atmosphere in the old barn.   Hockey is the marquee sport at Northeastern, and a solid turnout from the student body can be expected on most nights. Led by the antics of the Doghouse, there’s a ton of energy and noise in the building. The Dog Pound Celebrates a Goal. Video by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Access 3   Matthews Arena is located on the eastern edge of Northeastern’s urban campus, near the intersection of Massachusetts and Huntington Avenues. Despite the fact that Matthews Arena is easy to find, that doesn’t make it easy to get to. The ever-present Boston traffic, never-ending construction projects and streets that date back to colonial days make Boston a tough city to drive in. If you must drive, it is best to bring a local along who is familiar with the city landscape. Directions to Matthews Arena can be found here .   Many local fans will choose to take public transportation to Matthews Arena. The MBTA, known locally as the “T”, drops fans off just a couple of blocks from the arena. The E-train of the Green Line has a station at Symphony Hall, and the Orange Line has a stop on Massachusetts Avenue. At just $2.75 for a fare, the T is an affordable alternative for visiting Husky fans.   Fans visiting Matthews Arena will pass under an ornate entry arch into the main lobby. The ticket office, concession stands, and restrooms are all located here. The arena will be located to your right, accessible by a pair of walkways. Seats at Matthews Arena are separated into loge and balcony sections. All seats have excellent views of the action, although some lower-level seats will have an obstructed view of the scoreboard and banners due to the overhang of the balcony.   Fans will have no problem navigating Matthews Arena during a typical game. Expect some long lines when accessing concessions or rest rooms during intermissions.   Return on Investment 2   Northeastern is capitalizing on the nostalgia of the closing of Matthews Arena and the demand for tickets by rising prices for the final dozen games. Tickets are priced at $40 for sideline seats and $30 for end zone seats.   Parking can be had for no charge (yes, you read that right, free parking in Boston) at the Columbus Street Lot located about a half mile away on the other side of the train tracks from the Arena. As you can imagine, this lot fills quickly. Prices in the lots adjacent to Matthews Arena cost $35 for gameday parking.   Many fans will opt to skip the congestion and cost of driving in Boston, and simply take the T to Matthews Arena. Both the Orange and Green Lines pass within a few blocks of Matthews Arena, and a one-way fare is just $2.75. The Number One bus also has a stop at the arena. Matthews Arena entrance, then and now.   Extras 5   They just don’t build them like this anymore, and that alone is worth an extra point. The exposed brick, the steel tresses, the entry arch that has greeted Boston sports fans for over a century all harken to an earlier time.   The history of Matthews Arena is worth another point. It bears repeating that this is the oldest indoor rink still in used anywhere in the world. The Boston Bruins started here. The Carolina Hurricanes played their first games here (as the New England Whalers of the WHA). The Boston Celtics played here frequently. Presidents, dignitaries, as well as athletes and musicians have visited this site. There is a history here that just can’t be duplicated elsewhere.   Some of this history is on display at Matthews Arena. In addition to banners honoring the success achieved by Northeastern’s basketball and hockey teams, there are banners reminding fans of where the Celtics and Bruins got their starts. Pictures of every varsity hockey team to represent the school are displayed in the lobby. There is also a banner honoring Reggie Lewis, the local basketball star who studied at Northeastern and went on to become an All-Star and captain with the Celtics before passing away of a heart condition while still playing for the team. His funeral was held at Matthews Arena.   A final extra point is awarded to the Doghouse, one of the most active and entertaining student sections in the country. While the Doghouse may not be completely filled every night, the students here never fail to deliver. They may be worth the price of admission all by themselves.   Final Thoughts   Northeastern has been very quiet about what the future holds for the Matthews Arena site, which has led to rumors that red tape has held up the project, or that a renovation is being considered rather than a total replacement. A visit to the Northeastern hockey websites only display the schedules through December, when Matthews is due to close. No matter what is happening next at Northeastern, hockey fans are running out of time to take one last look at this historic rink.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Warrior Ice Arena 90 Guest St. Boston, MA 02135 Stonehill Skyhawks men's hockey website Warrior Ice Arena website Year Opened : 2016 Capacity: 700 A Temporary Nest   Stonehill began playing varsity hockey in 1978, joining ECAC 3, the lowest division in college hockey at the time. Over their first 22 seasons, Stonehill had exactly 4 winning seasons and zero postseason appearances. The team joined Division Two in 1999, winning three conference championships at that level. Since joining Division One in 2022, the Skyhawks have competed as an independent, as their conference, the NEC, does not support hockey. In their three seasons at college hockey’s top level, Stonehill has gone 31-62-2.   For their first three seasons, the Skyhawks men’s team played their home games at the off-campus Bridgewater Ice Arena . This facility, located nine miles from campus, was the smallest D-I facility in the country. In need of an upgraded facility in order to attract recruits, Stonehill moved a portion of their schedule to Warrior Ice Arena in Boston. In 2025-2026 the Skyhawks will play 13 of their 14 home games at Warrior. In addition, the women’s team will play four of their home games at Warrior.   Warrior Ice Arena, located in the Brighton neighborhood of Boston, is primarily the practice rink for the Boston Bruins. It was also the home of the Premier Hockey Federation’s Boston Pride  for seven seasons from 2016-2023. This busy community rink is named for its sponsor, Warrior Ice, which is the hockey brand of New Balance.   Stonehill, which used the nickname Chieftains for decades, changed its mascot to the Skyhawks in 2005 to honor the type of planes used by the Navy at the airfield located on the campus until 1955.   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 hockey and basketball 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.   Food & Beverage 3   The one concession stand at Warrior Ice Arena sells a basic menu, highlighted by grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders and pizza slices. In keeping with Warrior’s status as a busy community rink open throughout the day, breakfast sandwiches are also sold here. There’s an impressive array of snacks sold at the stand, featuring arena standards such as nachos, pretzels and popcorn along with some healthier snacks you won’t usually find at a hockey arena.   Fans looking for a beverage will be interested to learn that the cola wars have skipped Warrior Ice Arena entirely. Instead of soda, a selection of water, juices, seltzers and energy drinks are sold. Hot drinks including coffee, tea and hot chocolate are popular choices in this chilly rink. No alcohol is sold at Warrior Ice Arena. Warrior Ice Arena Concession Stand. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 2   Fans who visit Warrior Arena expecting the busy, loud and zany game day atmosphere from the days of the Pride are sure to be disappointed with the very basic presentation put on by the Stonehill staff. Perhaps this is due to the distance from campus, perhaps it’s because Stadium Journey happened to visit very early in the season, but there’s not a ton going on here besides the game on the ice. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.   Music is played at a very reasonable volume, and the playlist is heavy on classic rock, both positive points in this writer’s opinion. The PA announcer goes about his duties in a very unobtrusive manner, and there are no shenanigans, t-shirt tosses, giveaways or the like to be found during play stoppages or intermissions. Simple scoreboards on either end of the rink display time and score. It’s all very old school here at Warrior for a Skyhawk game.   Neighborhood 4   Warrior Ice Arena is part of Boston Landing , a mixed-use development located in an area that once housed the city’s largest stockyard. Besides Warrior Arena, the Auerbach Center (the Boston Celtics’ practice facility), and the headquarters of New Balance are located here. Several local television and radio stations have their studios near Boston Landing.   Visiting fans will find some excellent dining choices near Warrior Ice Arena. The Stockyard is one of Boston’s oldest steak houses. The Railstop, adjacent to the arena, offers craft beer and upscale pub dining. Flatbread Pizza offers specials to Pride fans and a variety of, you guessed it, pizzas. Mainely Burgers offers a variety of gourmet burgers and pub food.   Downtown Boston is just a few miles from Boston Landing, and easily accessed by the MBTA’s Commuter Rail. While the nearby Allston neighborhood is not known as a destination location in a city full of them, there are many excellent restaurants, pubs and lodging options throughout the area. National Anthem at Warrior Ice Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Fans 2   It might be a bit early to accurately gauge the attendance at Stonehill hockey games, as Stadium Journey visited Warrior Arena for the second game of the 2025-2026 season. The first two games of the season, attracted announced crowds of 300 and 215 fans. These crowds are comparable to the announced attendance for the 2024-25 season of 220 fans per game.   The crowd at Warrior Ice Arena for Skyhawks hockey can accurately be described as a “friends and family” crowd, with the emphasis on family. Everyone in the stands appeared to be connected to someone on the ice. They were reserved and respectful while taking in the action. This was not a rowdy or loud crowd by any means. With Warrior Arena located 34 miles from the Stonehill campus on the far side of Boston, it’s likely that you won’t see much of a turnout from the student body here in Brighton.   Access 4     Boston traffic notwithstanding, Warrior Arena is fairly simple to get to from most points in and around Boston. Located right off of the Mass Pike, the Boston Landing neighborhood offers both on-street and garage parking. A complete map of parking and transportation options in the area can be found here .   As is the case with many Boston locations, public transportation is the recommended method to arrive at Boston Landing. The Framingham/Worcester branch of the Commuter Rail has a stop a block from the Arena. This line continues on to downtown Boston. In addition, several bus lines serve the area, including the #86 route, which provides access to the Red and Green MBTA lines. With shuttles available to Harvard and Kenmore and a Blue Bike rental station nearby, visiting fans have many options for getting to Warrior Ice Arena.   Fans entering the Arena will find themselves in a small lobby, where you may bump into some of the players warming up before the game. The ice surface, locker rooms and skate rental are located on level 2, with the spectator area on level 3. Stairs and elevators access all levels.   Warrior Ice Arena is a modern, attractive facility. Fans will enter the arena (fair warning: it’s cold here, so dress appropriately) at the top of the seating area, which lines one side of the rink. Standing room, the snack bar and event room are located along the concourse that runs the length of the rink. Fans will walk down to their seats, which consist entirely of bright yellow folding stadium seats. Faceoff at Warrior Ice Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Skyhawk hockey games are sold as general admission seating. Seats are priced at $18 for men’s games and $15 for women’s games. Stadium Journey recommends the standing room spots which line the top of the seating area, including the decks on either end of the ice. Be warned that space is limited, so get here early.   Parking for Skyhawk games in the garage at Warrior Arena will cost you an additional twenty dollars. There is ample on-street parking in the area, which is free of charge on weekends when the Skyhawks play.   Extras 2                                                                                                 Since Warrior Ice Arena is owned and operated by the Boston Bruins, it’s expected that you will find the facility heavy on Bruins touches. Banners honoring the team’s Stanley Cup championships and retired numbers hang over the ice surface, and the 17.5-foot Bruins logo that overlooks the Mass Pike is the arena’s defining feature.   Additional Bruins touches that are worth a look are the giant bear in the lobby that is made out of old Bruins equipment (and if you look closely, you’ll see a microphone autographed by TD Garden anthemist Todd Angily in the bear’s mouth). There are life-sized paintings of Bruins legends Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron as well as Pride legend Jillian Dempsey in the lobby. And the old rod hockey Bruins vs. Canadians game on the concourse deserves a shout. Rod Hockey Game at Warrior Ice Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Final Thoughts   After playing three seasons in the Bridgewater Ice Arena near campus, it was obvious that something needed to be done in order for Stonehill to compete for recruits in hockey-mad New England. While playing in an arena 30 miles from campus is far from ideal, having Warrior Ice Arena as a home nest has allowed Stonehill to schedule nationally ranked opponents while they await their shiny new on-campus home.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Beirne Stadium 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917 Bryant Bulldogs football website Beirne Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 4,400 Feel the Beirne   Built in 1999 as Bulldog Stadium to coincide with the debut of the school’s football team, the David M. ’85 and Terry Beirne Stadium was dedicated in 2016 to honor the Bryant University trustee and his wife, who are among the largest benefactors of the University.  The facility serves as home to Bryant’s football and lacrosse teams. In 2024, Beirne Stadium served as home to Rhode Island FC of the USL Championship league as they awaited completion of their new home, Centreville Bank Stadium in Pawtucket.   Football has been played at Bryant University since 1999. The school originally competed in Division II, making appearances in the D-II tournament in 2006 and 2007 before moving up to the FCS level of Division One for the 2008 season. Bryant has been nomadic during their time in D-1, playing in four conferences during their short stint in the FCS. They are currently members of CAA Football, the league operated by the Colonial Athletic Association. The Bulldogs have yet to qualify for the FCS postseason tournament. Three Bryant alumni, Tom Kennedy, Kenny Dyson, and Joe Andreessen, have played in the National Football League.   Over the years, Bryant has built up their football facilities on what was once a large empty field used by the New England Patriots as their training camp site. New for the 2025 season is the Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse, built on the west side of Beirne Stadium opposite the main grandstand. The Fieldhouse offers enhanced locker rooms, an innovative media strategy room, and facilities for training, recovery and wellness. It also includes improved fan amenities, including the Black and Gold Club Lounge and 1,000 new seats to replace the old bleachers, as well as a new professional-level press box. Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse at Beirne Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Food & Beverage 3   There are a pair of concession stands on the second level of the new Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse. A basic menu is served at these stands, featuring hot dogs and burgers, nachos and pretzels. For an extra charge, you can add chili and/or cheese to just about anything on the menu. A selection of snacks and candy rounds out the menu.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Beirne Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage can head to the Phantom Farms beer garden in the north end zone, where a selection of their excellent craft brews is sold.   Atmosphere 3   The folks at Bryant put on a pretty good show for such a little place. The parking lots open up four hours before kickoff, and Bulldog fans start showing up early. The tailgating scene is quite impressive, especially for a stadium that doesn’t even seat 5,000 fans.   Once inside Beirne Stadium you’ll experience your typical small-school football game day. The pep band plays, the cheerleaders and dance squad perform, and the fans do their thing, cheering on the home team. The PA announcer adds some energy to the proceedings, and the video board in the north end zone provides game info, graphics, and the occasional highlight. Tupper, the Bulldog mascot, roams the grounds interacting with fans. There’s a bouncy house in the north end zone if you’re visiting with some younger fans who need to burn some excess energy.   This is a laid-back, friendly place to take in some quality football. Visiting fans and those with children can feel comfortable here. There’s a good turnout by the student body, but there’s no rowdy student section to create a lot of noise.   The Bryant Band Performs outside Beirne Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3   Suburban Smithfield is a very nice place to live, but it’s certainly not a destination location. However, the area around campus does have some solid dining and lodging options.   If you are looking for a place to eat before or after a Bulldogs game, Blackies and Laura’s Bar and Grill are a couple of the more popular options. Stadium Journey recommends J’s Deli for their impressive variety of grinders (that’s what we call sub sandwiches here in Rhode Island). Several national chain restaurants and shopping options are located about a 10-minute drive away on Route 44. Fans visiting from out of town may opt to take the 20-minute drive to Providence, which has no shortage of top-notch restaurants and lodging options.   If you are planning to stay near Bryant, you’ll find similar slim pickings in the immediate area. There is a Holiday Inn Express, a Hampton Inn and Suites, and a Home2Suites by Hilton near campus, but visitors may opt to stay in nearby Providence or even Boston, only an hour’s drive to the north. Twin Rivers Casino is in nearby Lincoln, just a few minutes from campus. If spending time in a casino is on your agenda, the twin resorts of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located an hour away, just over the Connecticut state line.   Fans 3   Beirne Stadium is a smaller facility, but it feels like it’s the right size for this program. The team generally draws between 2,000-3,000 fans for most games. The exception every season appears to be the annual Parents Weekend game. If you’re visiting Smithfield that weekend, plan to get here early, as that game draws 5,000 fans or more every year. You may find yourself parking in a distant overflow lot if you arrive late.   There is a good turnout by the student section for Bulldog football games. Unfortunately, many of them do not stick around for the entire game, and there is no organized student section to speak of.   The crowd at Beirne Stadium is a good mix of students, locals, diehard football fanatics, and families. It’s also not usual to see several four-legged fans present at a Bulldog game. Overall, the crowd here is laid-back, enjoying a nice fall afternoon at the game rather than making spectacles of themselves. Bryant Bulldog football game action at Bierne Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker.   Access 4   Bryant University is located in suburban Smithfield, Rhode Island, 13 miles from Providence. The campus is most easily accessed by car. Visitors to Bryant will simply take exit 15B off Interstate 295. The campus is just over a mile away from I-295 on Route 7. Fans using public transportation will find a Rhode Island Public Transportation (RIPTA) bus station on the Bryant campus, offering service every 40 minutes to downtown Providence.   For much of its early history, Bryant was a commuter school, so there is ample parking all around campus. Bulldog fans will arrive early to tailgate just steps from the stadium and enjoy a beautiful Rhode Island fall Saturday. Even though these lots are large, they can fill quickly, forcing latecomers to park in the more distant lots, which can be a good walk from the Stadium. The days of arriving 15 minutes before kickoff and getting a spot just steps from the front gate are long gone.   An interesting effect of the new fieldhouse is that the field has been flipped 180 degrees, so that it now faces west. The larger grandstand on the east side of the field is now the visitors' side, while the smaller, but fancier, fieldhouse side houses the home fans. Most seats at Beirne Stadium consist of metal bleachers, with bucket seats around the 50-yard line on both sides of the field.   There is plenty of standing room all around the facility, and fans are able to completely circumnavigate the field. Restrooms and concession stands are located in the new fieldhouse and the old grandstand. Be aware that lines do form at halftime, so plan your trips wisely. Bryant University practices a clear bag policy, which is posted on their website here .   Return on Investment 3   Seating in the main grandstand at Beirne Stadium is sold as general admission for $16.45. Should you wish to splurge for seats in the new Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse, Bleacher Seating here will cost you $32.20, and Club Seating $42.70. Parking in the lots adjacent to Beirne Stadium costs an additional $20. Concessions are comparably priced with other venues in the area.   A bulldog statue guards the entrance to Beirne Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 2                                                                                                 New construction at Beirne Stadium means new bulldog statues at the new entrances!!!   Another extra point for the many improvements being made to the facility, both obvious and subtle. From the construction of the Beirne training complex and the Navigant Credit Union Fieldhouse to the installation of permanent lighting, Beirne Stadium now looks like a complete football stadium and less like a set of bleachers plopped into an open space where the Patriots used to hold their training camp.   Final Thoughts   Bryant football is a small school with big ambitions when it comes to intercollegiate sports. They continue to grow and improve the game day experience for visiting fans, to the point where Beirne Stadium may now be the premier football experience in all of Rhode Island.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 TD Garden 100 Legends Way Boston, MA 02114 Boston Bruins website TD Garden website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 17,850 The Gahden   Going to a game in an Original Six city is a sacred pilgrimage for hockey fans, and the buildings these teams once called home were true shrines of the game. While the Boston Garden, Montreal Forum, Olympia, Joe Louis Arena, Maple Leafs Garden and Chicago Stadium have faded into history, Original Six teams continue to hold a special place in NHL lore.   The Boston Bruins are the third-oldest team in the NHL and were the first team based in the United States to join the league. 60 individuals associated with the team have been enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame. The Bruins have won six Stanley Cups in their history, most recently in 2011.   The TD Garden is only the third venue that the Bruins have called home in over a century of competition, after the Boston Arena (now called Matthews Arena ) and the Boston Garden. Built just nine inches from its predecessor, it is named for its sponsor, TD Bank. In addition to serving as home to the Bruins and the NBA’s Boston Celtics , the Garden annually serves as host to the Beanpot Tournament  and Hockey East Tournament.   Food & Beverage 4   The concession experience at TD Garden has never been at the forefront of the Bruins game day routine. Over the years, the concessions have improved here in both variety and quality. But be warned that concession prices here are among the highest in the NHL.     Stands at the TD Garden are organized by their menus, so hungry fans may have to do some searching to find what they want. Vegetarian, vegan, kosher, and gluten-free items are available throughout TD Garden. Some of the most popular items are the oversized pizza slices from Sal’s Pizza. For some of the more unique items on the menu, head to the Test Kitchen on Level 4. A more in-depth description of the menu, including a map of all concessions, can be  found here.  Coca-Cola products are featured at TD Garden.   Fans looking for an adult beverage will have no problem finding what they want at TD Garden. Brews from local favorites Sam Adams and Harpoon Brewery are featured among the national brands. For a great selection of local brews, head to the Sam Adams Brewzone on Level 4 or the Craft Beer Garden on Level 7.   Sam Adams Brewzone at TD Garden. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Atmosphere 5   There just seems to be something special about seeing a game in the home of one of the Original Six teams. The Boston area features some of the most rabid fans in the league, and when the black and gold get on a roll, this is one of the loudest venues in the entire National Hockey League.   An evening at a Bruins game will feel very familiar to veteran NHL travelers, as the staff here in Boston doesn’t really break any new ground in terms of gameday presentation. But what they do, they do well. The giant “Hub Vision” video board is the centerpiece of the game day experience, and its high-resolution screen is used consistently with graphics, fan cams, replays, and games during play stoppages. The PA announcer and in-game emcee do a great job keeping things moving and energy up. The Bruins anthem singer, Todd Angily, has picked up the baton from the legendary Rene Rancourt and has become a Boston legend in his own right. There’s no downtime here at the Garden. The Bruins make nice use of AI-generated bear graphics to pump up the crowd throughout the game.   There’s not a lot of spare room in this tiny arena, and recent renovations have added some much-needed space to the place. Concourses were widened, and restrooms have been added. New social areas, such as the Rafters Club on Level 9 and the Back Row Bar at the top of the Balcony seating area, have become favorite spots to mingle with fans and grab a drink while watching the game.   Neighborhood 5   The TD Garden is located adjacent to Boston’s historic North End, the city’s version of “Little Italy.” While visiting, hockey fans flock to Bruin legend Ray Bourque’s restaurant, Tresca. Be sure to grab a couple of cannoli from Mike’s Pastry while here, or head to Regina’s Pizzeria, one of the top places to get a slice of pizza in the country. Many visiting fans enjoy walking down Hanover Street, taking in the sights and smells.     While many legendary restaurants around TD Garden have closed their doors in recent years, there are still plenty of dining and lodging options just steps from the venue. The Harp, Hurricane’s at the Garden, and of course, Halftime King of Pizza are just a few of the many options from which to choose. Fans looking for convenient lodging will find a Courtyard by Marriott, citizenM Downtown, and Onyx Boston all in the immediate vicinity.   Walk a few blocks further south, and you will arrive at Faneuil Hall, a collection of restaurants, shops, and clubs that is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Be sure to check out the Union Oyster House, Boston’s oldest restaurant and home of the city’s best clam chowder. Statues of Celtics legends Red Auerbach and Bill Russell and be found here among all the historic sites.   Fans looking to explore Boston’s rich history can follow the Freedom Trail, which passes a few blocks from the Garden. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long brick-lined route that connects several of Boston’s most significant historic sites.  This walking tour winds throughout the city and is one of the best ways to explore Boston. TD Garden Entrance. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey.   Fans 5   There is an adage in American hockey circles that the most knowledgeable, passionate fans in the United States live in the three “M’s” (Massachusetts, Minnesota,, and Michigan). Greater Boston is one of the most hockey-crazed areas you will find anywhere, with a dedicated fan base that can rival anything found in Canada. Even though the Bruins are going through a rebuilding period, you can expect the Garden to be packed and loud on game night.   The Garden becomes a sea of black and gold for every Bruins home game. Even the most casual Bruins’ fan seems to be louder than your typical fan. The Garden is filled with noise, particularly when the Bruins get on a roll.  It provides the team with a significant home-ice advantage and makes the Garden an intimidating arena for visitors. Visiting fans and families can still feel comfortable visiting Boston, though.   Access 3   Boston can be a difficult city to drive in, especially for a visitor who doesn’t know their way around. The best way to get to TD Garden is to take public transportation, known in Boston as the “T.” The arena is located directly on top of the North Station MBTA commuter rail station, bringing in fans from all parts of suburban Boston. For fans taking the subway, both the green and orange lines stop at North Station, right across the street from TD Garden. The $2.40 one-way fare makes the “T” Stadium Journey’s recommendation for avoiding the hassle of driving.   Although there are many options for parking in the area around the Garden it can be quite expensive to park here. The 5-level garage located directly underneath the Garden charges $65 for event parking. Several surface lots and garages in the immediate area charge $30-$50 on game night. Despite the Garden’s downtown location, there is little on-street parking around.   Over the years, the TD Garden has undergone a great deal of renovation designed to improve flow into and around the venue, as well as the creation of several new social gathering areas throughout the Garden. Some of these areas, such as the Rafters on Level 9, are among the most coveted tickets in the building.   All tickets for Boston Bruins games are now electronic. The arena’s bag policy prohibits all bags larger than 6” x 4” x 1.5”. The facility is cash-free and provides cash-to-card options for those without plastic. Complete details can be found here .   AI-Generated Bear Goal Graphic on the TD Garden Scoreboard. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 2   Going to a game at TD Garden is one of the most expensive in the National Hockey League. Even though the Bruins are going through a rebuilding period, tickets continue to be in high demand. So far this season, the least expensive tickets continue to be priced far north of $100 on the secondary market.   Adding to the high cost of attending a Bruins game is the cost of parking, which starts at $30 and has above-average concession prices. For example, purchasing a slice of pizza and a large soda will cost you close to twenty-five dollars.   Stadium Journey’s recommendation for significantly cutting the cost of attending a Bruins game: take the T and eat at one of the fine restaurants nearby before or after the game.   Extras 5                                                                                                 Statues  – A statue commemorating what is perhaps hockey’s most iconic photograph, Bobby Orr’s 1970 Stanley Cup-winning goal, stands at the entrance to TD Garden. The team also commissioned a giant roaring bear statue for their 100 th  season, which stands in a small park adjacent to the arena. Statues of Celtics legends Red Auerbach and Bill Russell are nearby in Faneuil Hall and City Hall Plaza, respectively.   Banners  – Banners honoring the Bruins Stanley Cup championships and other achievements hang from the Garden’s rafters. Twelve Bruins have had their numbers retired, with Zdeno Chara’s number 33 to join them in January. Also, there are banners commemorating the Beanpot Tournament and the Hockey East Tournament, both held here annually. Plus, there are also all those Celtics championship banners hanging around.   Museums  – Perhaps the greatest hidden sports gem in Boston is the Sports Museum. Located on levels 5 and 6 of the Garden, The Sports Museum features items celebrating the city of Boston’s long and storied sports history. Heritage Hall was opened to celebrate the Bruins’ 100 th anniversary, honoring the team’s history with memorabilia, technology, and interactive activities.   History  – As you may expect from one of the NHL’s Original Six teams, many sporting events of great importance have occurred here. Oversized murals depict iconic moments in the arena’s history on both concourses.   Bruins Centennial Legacy Monument next to TD Garden. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Final Thoughts   TD Garden is never mentioned among the elite venues of the National Hockey League. But a visit to Boston has to be considered on any hockey fan’s short list. The fans, the neighborhood, and the Garden will not disappoint any Stadium Journeyer. ------   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

The Senator John Heinz History Center is Pennsylvania’s largest history museum. It is in the Strip District of downtown Pittsburgh. The History Center is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. Two floors of the History Center are devoted to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum . The western region of the Keystone State has a rich legacy of sports at the amateur, collegiate, and professional levels. The sports museum features in-depth exhibits on the Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates, while also covering many Western Pennsylvania athletes who have made their mark on the sports world. The football section of the museum celebrates the Immaculate Reception by Franco Harris at its entrance. It also features salutes to Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, and Terry Bradshaw. The region has also produced several of football’s top professional quarterbacks, as they include Johnny Unitas, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, and Dan Marino, who are also recognized in the exhibit. At the college level, the museum salutes the achievements of the University of Pittsburgh’s Tony Dorsett, as well as the success of the Nittany Lions at Penn State. Ice hockey has also played a major role in the sports legacy of the western portion of the state. The Pittsburgh Penguins have won five Stanley Cups. This section of the museum celebrates the exploits of Mario Lemieux, Sidney Crosby, and Marc-Andre Fleury. The hockey section also pays homage to the Pittsburgh Pennies, who played in the Mid-Atlantic Women’s Hockey League. Pittsburgh’s ties to baseball go back to the 1870s. There is a two-story mural depicting Forbes Field, the Pirates’ home field from 1909-1970. You’ll see an extensive display on Bill Mazeroski’s dramatic walk-off home run to win the 1960 World Series, along with salutes to Pirate superstars Honus Wagner, Roberto Clemente, and Willie Stargell. Longtime Pirate broadcaster Bob Prince is also recognized in the exhibit. Pittsburgh played a dominant role in the Negro League era of baseball, as it was home to both the Homestead Grays and the Pittsburgh Crawfords. You’ll see Satchel Paige’s glove, as well as a video visit of Greenlee Field, the first black-built and black-owned baseball field in the U.S. The City of Champions exhibit pays homage pays tribute to some of the region’s lesser-known sports history. One section is devoted to Olympians from the area, while another is devoted to the 1968 Pittsburgh Pipers basketball team, which brought an ABA championship to the Steel City. Golf has a long legacy in the region, going back to the 1880s. The region’s Oakmont Country Club has been around since 1903 and has hosted many championship tournaments. Latrobe’s Arnold Palmer is truly one of golf’s legends. The other floors of the Heinz History Center are well worth a visit, as they are included in the admission fee. These floors feature exhibits about the region’s steel industry, the Heinz legacy in the food industry, and a salute to the children’s television pioneer Fred Rogers, or Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood fame. Rogers was from the Pittsburgh area. The Heinz History Center and the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum are open from 10 am-5 pm daily. Senator John Heinz History Center/ Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum 1212 Smallman Street Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15222 https://www.heinzhistorycenter.org/visit/sports-museum/

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way Frisco, TX 75034 FC Dallas website Toyota Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 20,500 A work in progress rises in Frisco The FC Dallas franchise was already a trendsetter back in the early 2000s, when they designed and built one of the first soccer-specific stadiums in Major League Soccer. The size, configuration, and intimate game day experience became an instant hit. The template has since been emulated across the entire swath of the league, with a building boom continuing in existing and expansion cities. FC Dallas took it one step further, adding the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which opened in 2018. This is a resplendent museum and interactive series of exhibits, adding a unique dimension to this complex and making it a true destination even on non-game days. Come 2025, and it will be an entire remake and reimagination of Toyota Stadium. Just about the entire stadium is being demolished and remodeled, side by side, and come 2028, a completely new venue will entertain fans and athletes alike, offering new comforts, amenities, and a canopied roof to shelter patrons from the summer sun and much, much more. Food and Beverage 5 The entire array of concession fare at Toyota Stadium does not disappoint. There is a broad selection of food items, with something for everyone. Concession stands ring the entire main concourse of the stadium. Some examples: The Takis, offering their signature Striker Burrito stuffed with the usual ingredients and tater tots ($18). Their Italian sausage sub is topped with giardiniera ($12). The usual stuff: hot dogs ($6), pretzels/popcorn ($6), souvenir soda ($9), available at most stands. The best bargain these days is a Wild Hero draft beer for only $5. Their Philly cheesesteak and a specialty item called Meatza Pizza Fries ($18). A Coca-Cola BBQ bacon burger goes for $14. Yeah, they do offer Buffalo Wings ($12). There is a local chain selling their feature Corny Dogs, but they're listed on the menu as “CornDog With No Name”. There’s got to be a story behind that flap! Atmosphere 4 There is an actual tailgate scene here at Toyota Stadium. In the parking lots off the west side of the stadium, fans participate in several pregame rituals. The supporters section? Meh. Tucked into one corner on the southwest side of the venue, we can assume the craziness has been muted for one major reason. In 2025, the entire east stand was closed off for reconstruction, and this construction phase renovation has somewhat dulled what would normally be a roaring stadium in a cozy setting. All this should change once the new stadium is completed. Nonetheless, these fans are serious about their sport, support the team in droves, and offers a pretty energetic game day atmosphere, even with the interim stadium configuration. Capacity Crowd at Toyota Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 5 First-time visitors would normally come here with low expectations. How much joy can one expect from a stadium tucked away in the suburbs, far from the Dallas urban core, and most likely surrounded by acres of parking, soul-crushing suburban plazas, and wide roads of vehicles? Big mistake! The City of Frisco is an upscale bedroom community with plenty to offer. There are plenty of restaurants within easy walking distance, residential condominiums, and lofts in abundance. Frisco is also the home of an AA baseball team, as well as the practice facility for the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. The streetscapes are attractive, the neighborhood is safe, and there is an actual vibe to the district. This really is a must-visit spot with plenty of other attractions and activities. Fans 3 The Dallas faithful do not break attendance records, but one has to say this: these people show up in some oppressive heat and support their team in a venue that currently has just scant comfort for the elements. There are flags everywhere, the supporters tailgate, chant, and cheer. It is probably not the premier MLS venue when it comes to fan energy and support, but a solid one nonetheless. Scarf Display at Toyota Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Access 4 The Dallas North Tollway gets you here from pretty much anyplace in the Dallas Metroplex, and the network of highways handles stadium traffic with ease. There is a public transportation option via DART bus 308, which runs from downtown Dallas to just outside Toyota Stadium. Check online for schedules. Return on Investment 4 Parking used to be free, but now non-season ticket holders are charged $20 to park in the general Corolla Red, Highlander Green, Sienna Blue, and RAV4 White Lots. Be aware that there are parking ramps in the commercial district south of the stadium offering parking at better price points, and even free spaces on the street if you arrive early enough. As for ticket prices, the numbers vary widely, but use a baseline of $49 to get an average price seat at an average game. Secondary websites offer tickets as low as $13, and it pays to shop. The team also offer a pricier ticket with an “all you can eat” option. National Soccer Hall of Fame Entrance at Toyota Stadium. Photo by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey. Extras 5 We have to give a massive score bump for this for one reason - the National Soccer Hall of Fame. This museum really should be visited without the distraction of an actual game in the stadium, as the facility is a superb look into the Beautiful Game and all the great history of the sport here in the United States. The façade and entry plaza on the south side of the venue are inviting, the exhibits are immersive, and display state of the art. Dallas can claim this attraction as its very own, and that alone propels it to the list of elite venues in MLS. Final Thoughts The “New Toyota Stadium” project is well underway, with construction disruptions and service/comfort compromises sure to affect the fan experience for the next two years. Once complete, the Dallas FC experience promises to be one of the superior ones in the United States. Make a trip here, plan to stay, and take in all that the City of Frisco has to offer.

Photo courtesy of the United Football League The United Football League (UFL)  announced the next evolution in its growth with the announcement of three new teams – which replaced the recently announced as departed San Antonio Brahmas, Memphis Showboats, and Michigan Panthers – to the league. The new/replacement teams are the Columbus Aviators, Louisville Kings, and Orlando Storm. The new Columbus team will play at Historic Crew Stadium , home of the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer (MLS). The Louisville team will play at Lynn Family Stadium , home of Louisville City FC of the United Soccer League (USL). Lastly, the new Orlando team will play home games at Inter&Co Stadium , home of Orlando City SC of the MLS and the Orlando Pride of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). “Today marks an important step forward for the United Football League,” said Mike Repole, co-owner of the UFL, in a news release. “Columbus, Louisville, and Orlando are true football cities with deep sports roots. We’re proud to bring professional football to these communities – in energetic, fan-driven stadiums built to create an authentic gameday experience and strengthen the foundation of this league for years to come.” In addition to the new/replacement teams, the UFL also announced updated team names and new venues for two of its legacy teams. The Arlington Renegades will now be the Dallas Renegades and play their home games at Toyota Stadium , home of FC Dallas of the MLS. The Houston Roughnecks, meanwhile, will be renamed the Houston Gamblers and move their home games to Shell Energy Stadium , home of the Houston Dynamo FC of the MLS and the Houston Dash of the NWSL. Repole joined the UFL ownership group in July 2025, becoming co-owner of the spring league along with FOX, RedBird Capital Partners, ESPN, and Dany Garcia and Dwayne Johnson. The goal in Repole’s joining was to oversee business strategy, brand development, and long-term growth. “We’re heading into this season with new teams, new markets, new venues, and a renewed energy that reflects the momentum building around this league,” said Repole, who leads league business operations through his private equity firm, Impact Capital. The goal in choosing the new teams and new venues was to try and mirror the fan attendance and engagement that has been found with two of the UFL’s most prominent existing teams, the St. Louis Battlehawks and the DC Defenders . ---- Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Wells Fargo Center 3601 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia 76ers website Wells Fargo Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,318 Trust The Process Editor's Note: On September 1, 2025, the home of the Flyers and 76ers was rebranded as the Xfinity Mobile Arena in an agreement lasting through the 2030-2031 season to coincide with the rebranding of Comcast Spectator to reflect the growth in their mobile business. Wells Fargo Center was built in 1996 and is part of the Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District that consists of Wells Fargo Center home of the 76ers NBA & Flyers NHL, Lincoln Financial Field home of the Eagles NFL & Temple Owls NCAA, Citizens Bank Park home of the Phillies MLB and Xfinity Live! (A mega hang-out spot for before, during, and after any game). Wells Fargo Center is the current home of the Philadelphia 76ers and houses the legacy of three past won NBA championships, nine past won Eastern Conference titles, five past won Atlantic Division titles, and the potential of future glory from trusting in a process. Wells Fargo Center is not the first home of the 76ers. Although the 76ers played in a few different arenas from 1964 -1967 the majority of their games were played in the Philadelphia Arena and the Civic Center-Convention Hall. Civic Center-Convention Hall is credited as being the first home of the 76ers in Philadelphia 1964 – 1967 and was the site of an NBA All-Star game in 1960. The 76er's next home was the Spectrum 1967 from 1996. The Spectrum concerning the NBA was distinguished with being the 1970 and 1976 NBA All-Star games host. The next home for the 76ers was their current arena in 1996. The arena held the name of Spectrum 2 in 1996 and changed its name due to naming rights four more times through the years. CoreStates Center from 1996 to 1998, First Union Center from 1998 to 2003, Wachovia Center from 2003 to 2010, and finally its current name Wells Fargo Center from 2010 to the present. The 76ers started their NBA journey known as the Syracuse Nationals in 1946 and didn’t take on the name of Philadelphia 76ers until an ownership change, a franchise move to Philadelphia, and a contest to name the team in 1964. Walter Stalberg basketball fan and contestant in naming the 76ers won the name the team contest for his submission of the Philadelphia 76ers. The name Philadelphia 76ers is a nod to the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 in Philadelphia. The 76ers have a history of cultivating some of the NBA’s most talented and/or exciting players and have many well-known NBA stars as 76er alumni. In no particular order – Darryl Dawkins, Andre Iguodala, Charles Barkley, Moses Malone, Allen Iverson, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, and last but not least the new talent Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. The 76ers haven’t won an NBA Championship title in over thirty-five years. In recent history, the 76ers organization refocused itself and pushed a strategy to obtain as many high draft picks as possible to find young NBA stars and have assets to trade for high-quality established players. The strategy became known as “Trust The Process”. From 2013 – 2017 the 76er organization lost games purposely to get higher draft picks, traded for quality players, and promised future draft picks to build a winning team. In the 2016/2017 NBA season, the 76ers had a team with two rising stars Joel Embiid (aka The Process), and Ben Simmons, and a roster of talented role players that put the 76ers in a position to win it all. Trusting the Process just might work. Food & Beverage 4 The food quality at Wells Fargo Center is standard NBA arena excellence. The venue is clean, the staff is friendly and hardworking and the arena accepts cash, credit, and debit cards. Wells Fargo Center offers all your favorite arena foods like hot dogs, burgers, chicken fingers, popcorn, and all the other usual arena foods at reasonable arena pricing . Wells Fargo Center has a member’s only high-end chop-house-styled menu restaurant called Cadillac Grille. If you want it there’s a good chance that Wells Fargo Center has it. From The Coca-Cola products fountain sodas to a bevy of adult beverages. Souvenir cups will run you $8.75 while a 24oz can of domestic Beer will run you $13. It is recommended to try a giant slice of pizza from Lorenzo and Sons Pizza for $9 and a cup of fries from Chickie’s & Pete’s for $10. You won’t be sorry, as both foods are delicious. Atmosphere 4 Wells Fargo Center has a massive outside footprint with lots of parking surrounding the arena but the interior while very nice is a little underwhelming and not what you expect after viewing the exterior. Wells Fargo Center is more of a general arena than a bucket list venue. Wells Fargo Center provides comfortable padded seats with cup holders attached to the seat in front of you. The seat legroom and spacing are average for an NBA arena. The location of the lower Club Boxes gives those who can afford them a premium view being located within all the action but still private. The lower Club Boxes are located at the top of the lower sections. Many NBA arenas have Club Boxes located just under the highest level giving the Club Box viewers privacy but giving the viewers the same view as the first few rows of the cheapest seats, this is not the case at Wells Fargo Center. The scoreboard is the world’s first Kinetic 4K scoreboard. In layman’s terms, Kinetic 4K means that the scoreboard is big, bright, and detailed. The arena music was played loud (not overly loud) and frequently. The 76ers organization keeps the fans engaged throughout the NBA experience. Some of the latest pop music is played by a DJ on the Wells Fargo Center's incredible sound system. Franklin, the team mascot, can be found throughout the arena, taking pictures and playing with the fans. The Sixers Dancers, now integrated with male dancers, keep the spirits of the fans high with dance routines during time outs, and the Sixers Dunk Squad excites the fans with their acrobatic dunking. Most important to most fans, the members of the fan interaction team (mascot, cheerleaders, and dunk squad) all participate in the T-Shirt / Ball toss that occurs frequently at a 76ers game. The modern, spacious arena offers fabulous views from the seating bowl and access to various points of interest along the main concourse. It is spacious, offering great sightline views of the game from the seating bowl. There are a few open views of the court from the main concourse where the cannon and pre-game show. Some of the best seating is located in lower premium sections 112,113,114,102,101,124. The lower premium sections give you a wonderful center-court view. Sitting in section 124 will put you directly behind the visiting team’s bench and section 102 will put you directly behind the 76ers bench. Sitting right behind your favorite NBA stars is fun and you might end up on TV but be warned that T-Shirt and Balls will very rarely be tossed over the player benches. Sections 112,113,114 face the floor logo and are the absolute best sections to sit in for a view of the game and entertainment as well as the T-shirt / Ball tosses. Neighborhood 5 Philadelphia is a historic city with a few bucket list places to visit. Wells Fargo Center is not located within reasonable walking distance to any entertainment other than its fellow members of the Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District. The Philadelphia Sports Complex Special Services District consists of Wells Fargo Center (76ers NBA & Flyers NHL), Lincoln Financial Field (Eagles NFL & Temple Owls NCAA), Citizens Bank Park (Phillies MLB), and Xfinity Live! (A mega hang-out spot for before, during, and after any game). I suggest staying in or close to the city center where food and fun are close at hand and using rideshares to get to and from the sports venues. If the team scheduling aligns just right and you find yourself in Philadelphia a three-day weekend of fun could look like this: Get into town on Friday afternoon and see a 76ers game at Wells Fargo Center, get up early on Saturday morning, and get a Go Philadelphia Pass or a Big Bus Pass and tour some of the historic sites that Philadelphia has to offer until later that evening when you could go back to the Wells Fargo Center and take in a Flyers game, get up Sunday morning and tailgate before heading into Lincoln Financial Field for a Eagles game. I recommend doing the total tourist thing and comparing sandwiches from the overrated cheesesteak rivals Geno’s Steaks & Pat’s King of Steaks. Geno’s and Pats are 2.5 miles away from the arena and are within eyesight of each other. There are much better cheesesteaks to be had but you know you want to see what the fuss is all about for yourself. Philadelphia is a historic and modern city with many once-in-a-lifetime must-visit sites that are mostly not within walking distance or under 5 miles away from Wells Fargo Center. I recommend purchasing a Go Philadelphia Pass. The Go Philadelphia Pass gives you prepaid major discounts on most of Philadelphia’s tourist sites and gives you access to the hop-on / hop-off tour busses. I highly recommend getting at least a tour bus pass to enjoy the many attractions that Philadelphia has to offer. There are many hotels and Airbnb from expensive high-end to cheap sketchy mom-and-pop spots that can be found within five miles of Wells Fargo Center. Your choice of lodging is totally up to how much money you are willing to spend. There is only one hotel less than a mile from Wells Fargo Center. Courtyard Philadelphia South at The Navy Yard is the only major chain hotel less than a mile away from Wells Fargo Center. Fans 5 Philadelphia 76er fans are not your average fans. 76er fans are proud of their city and their team. The 76ers have a history of winning three NBA Championships (1955, 1967, and 1983) and being a one-time home to NBA legends Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Charles Barkley, and Allen Iverson. The 76ers past and having two young rising NBA stars in Joel Embiid & Ben Simmons gives the 76er fan base something to be loud and proud about. According to the Philadelphia 76ers 19/20 Media guide, there was an average of 20,453 fans in attendance at home games during the 18/19 season. ESPN ranked the 76ers #1 in home fan attendance for the 18/19 NBA season. 76ers fans are involved and stay involved the entire game. The 76er fans are up and down the whole game getting snacks and drinks but will stop no matter where they are to heckle the opposing team or a referee. 76er fans chant “SUCKS” at the introduction of each opposing team starting player's name. When a referee makes a questionable call the 76er fans chant “Ref you SUCK” as loud and passionately as they can. Access 4 In general, driving will be needed to get to the arena. Once inside the arena the walkways are open and all fans including those fans who need a little help or extra room will be able to navigate without any problems. Wells Fargo Center can be affordable and easy to come and go from. Please review Wells Fargo Centers Public Transportation Options to map out how you can get to and from a game using public transport. The 76er organization recommends using Park with SpotHero and parking at one of the 6,100 lots available on-site for $29. Traffic is heavy but moves along due to the multiple exits. There are multiple entrances and ticket handlers. Ticket handlers accept paper and digital tickets. Security is standard and quick. Please review the Wells Fargo Center Security Policy . Wells Fargo Center is a modern arena with a wide concourse and easy-flowing foot traffic. Most concession lines were long but moved very fast. Very clean bathrooms are located throughout the concourse. Fans needing assistance won’t have any problems making their way through Wells Fargo Center. There are friendly and helpful staff everywhere actively looking for that occasional fan who looks like they need a helping hand. Return on Investment 5 Going to a 76ers game vs an equally matched team like the Boston Celtics is well worth the cost. The 76ers organization puts on a show and the team competes at a high level. The 76ers ticket prices fluctuate depending on the game. Marquee matchups and holiday games will be much more than when one of the losing teams in the league comes into play. For more information concerning ticket cost, I recommend reviewing a past article on Stadium Journey, How to Get the Best Seats for Your Budget. Extras 4 One point for fan participation as Philadelphia fans have a reputation for being crazy about their teams and the fans truly are passionate about letting the other team know just how much they want them to be beaten by the 76ers. Super loud and fun fans. One point for all the giveaways. Many teams skimp on the T-shirt / Ball toss and fan games for prizes; this is not the case with the 76ers organization. One point for extra clean bathrooms. The men’s rooms visited were very well maintained and clean. One point for the Rage Room. The rage room is housed in the Wells Fargo Center and at this time is only used for fans at the NHL Flyers games but the possibility of the 76ers fans being able to pay $30 and smash things for fun in this first-of-its-kind pro sports room is amazing. Final Thoughts Wells Fargo Center is a well-maintained arena with plenty of overpriced arena snacks that are too good to pass up and a team that is a force to be reckoned with in the NBA. What makes the time you will spend at Wells Fargo Center amazing is the fans. The 76ers fans love to band together show the 76ers love just as much as they love to give the opposing team a hard time. Trust the Process and enjoy your time at Wells Fargo Center.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Wells Fargo Center 3601 South Broad Street Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Wings website Walls Fargo Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 20,306 Wings Lax Still Flying Editor's Note: On September 1, 2025, the home of the Flyers and 76ers was rebranded as the Xfinity Mobile Arena in an agreement lasting through the 2030-2031 season to coincide with the rebranding of Comcast Spectator to reflect the growth in their mobile business. For many years, the Philadelphia Wings were one of the cornerstone franchises in the National Lacrosse League. The original Wings played in the old National Lacrosse League for the two seasons that they took the floor in 1974 and 1975. When the league resurfaced as Eagle Pro Box Lacrosse League in 1986 the Wings played in one of the original games on the first day. The league would go through changes, with a period as the Major Indoor Lacrosse League before settling in as the National Lacrosse League in 1998. The Wings were part of all of those iterations. When the announcement was made that the Wings were sold to the Mohegan Tribe and moving to Connecticut to be the New England Black Wolves, it is appropriate to say that the lacrosse community was shocked. It didn’t take long for the parent company of the Philadelphia Flyers, Comcast Spectacor, to dive right into the NLL and bring an expansion team back to Broad Street. The new Wings took the floor in 2018. The original home of the Wings was the venerable Spectrum. When the Wells Fargo Center opened and the Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers moved to the new venue, the Wings joined them. Opening in 1996 as the CoreStates Center, the building is now on its fourth moniker as a result of numerous bank mergers. A massive renovation in 2020 has brought the arena up to modern standards and is favorably comparable to any venue in the National Lacrosse League. The Wings are still attempting to capture the imagination of Philadelphia sports fans and the magic of previous Wings iterations. Food & Beverage 5 One of the major differences found at Wells Fargo Center as a result of the 2020 renovation is a commitment to improving the concession experience. Philly sports fans are now able to experience a premium concession experience. The regular arena favorites are all present, of course, however, they are now joined by many Philly favorites and higher quality items than were found previous to the renovation. Some unique items that can now be found at Wells Fargo Center include Federal Donuts, huge, thin-crust pizza slices at Cuz’s Pizza, Vodka Parm Sandwiches and Italian Pork Sandwiches at 9th Street Italian Sandwiches, Mac & Cheese Balls at Line Change, various Philly Cheesesteaks at First Line Steaks, burgers and milkshakes from Shake Shack and Crab Fries from Chickie’s and Pete’s. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice at Wells Fargo. Beer selections include Blue Moon, Yuengling, Stella Artois, Miller Lite, Labatt Blue, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Athletic Brewing Co. products. The concession scene deserves to be planned out a bit and a concessions map are available on the Wells Fargo Center website, or here . Atmosphere 4 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Complex and is surrounded by parking. Although there is nothing overly exceptional about the exterior of the building, it is far from unattractive. There is not an overabundance of glass on the exterior of the building, but light-colored siding and brick are the main materials. A couple of photo ops that fans may want to check out on the exterior, aside from the view of downtown Philadelphia, Lincoln Financial Field, or Citizens Bank Park, would include the statue of Wilt Chamberlain at the southeast corner of the building, or the statue of Ed Snider at the northwest corner. Fans entering the Wells Fargo Center will be welcomed by newly designed concourses. Concession stands are grouped in various areas that include some seating areas to visit with other fans and enjoy a drink or eat some food before heading into the bowl. The top sides of the concourse walls feature small murals and headings of numerous neighborhoods in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas which keep the local flavor of the building strong. Several Flyers and Sixers displays may interest fans as well. For Wings games, the smaller merchandise counters are where fans will find a variety of swag items. When fans enter the seating bowl, their attention will immediately be drawn to the massive, concave, four-sided videoboard. Crystal clear and state of the art, the videoboard features long, concave screens to match the long sides of the floor with smaller, more square boards on the ends. The ribbon board that goes with the screen uniquely can be raised or lowered and has flames that shoot out for pregame festivities. The floor runs from south to north with the perfect spot for the center logo picture to be taken, on the east side. A typical, two-level seating bowl separated by luxury boxes is found at the Wells Fargo Center. The seats in the Wells Fargo Center are new and spacious and much better than what was previously in the arena. In the southwest corner rafters hang banners for the Wings. Retired number banners for Dallas Eliuk, Tom Marechek, Jake Bergey, and Kevin Finneran are joined by a banner noting 1989, 1990, 1994, and 1995 North American Cup Championships and 1998 and 2001 Champions Cup Championships. All honors are for previous iterations of the Wings, but it is good that the current Wings have continued to memorialize them. The gameday atmosphere at a Wings game is not dissimilar to that of other NLL teams. The entrance for the players during pregame is highly produced with a hype video, followed by player entrances through a physical, illuminated version of the current Wings logo with plenty of loud music and flames. Music plays throughout the action on the floor and there are plenty of promotions. The Philadelphia Wings Dancers take part in the pregame and perform at points during the game. The Wings mascot, Wingston, can be found traversing the crowd and interacting with fans during the game. Neighborhood 3 The Wells Fargo Center is located in the South Philadelphia Wells Fargo Sports Complex in the South Philadelphia East neighborhood, just across the Delaware River on the other side of New Jersey. There is not much in the way of a neighborhood that would be within walking distance of the arena. Xfinity Live is part of the complex as is the Live Casino and Hotel Philadelphia. There are a couple of spots fans may want to check out for food or drink just south of the complex, including DiNic’s Pork and Beef and The Gatehouse. What the area lacks in pre and post-game food venues it more than makes up for access to other sports. The Wells Fargo Center is shared with the Philadelphia Flyers and Philadelphia 76ers and periodically the Villanova Wildcats. Lincoln Financial Field is home to the Philadelphia Eagles and Temple Owls . The Army-Navy Game often resides at Lincoln Financial Field also. Citizens Bank Park is the home of the Philadelphia Phillies . The Philadelphia Union plays in nearby Chester. There are also several college basketball sports fans who could check out including the Temple Owls , Drexel Dragons , Villanova Wildcats , LaSalle Explorers , and St. Joseph’s Hawks . Checking out the Palestra, home of the Penn Quakers , is a must for college basketball and Philadelphia basketball fans. Fans wishing to stay close to the complex can either stay at the casino or the Courtyard Philadelphia South. Heading into downtown Philadelphia also offers a host of other tourist and food options fans should consider. Fans 3 Assessing the fan situation in the National Lacrosse League is becoming increasingly difficult as attendance figures are often not published. It is safe to say that the current Wings have not enjoyed the same following that earlier versions of the team did. That being said, it seems that attendance at Wings games is on the rise. The game that was attended for review had an odd, 11 am start time and still attracted over 7,000 fans. It is also safe to say that the Wings are not consistently breaking the 10,000 fan mark. Fans that are in attendance are knowledgeable and passionate. Hopefully, the word will spread and the average attendance for Wings games will continue to increase. Access 4 Getting to the Wells Fargo Center is not that difficult. The complex is located on Broad Street, immediately north of I-95 and south of I-76. Traffic can be a bit of a challenge, but it is not terrible. If multiple teams are playing in the complex at the same time, it could be more of a problem. There is plenty of parking in the area. Fans wishing to take public transit can catch the subway to the NRG Station on the west side of the complex. Fans should see the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the Wells Fargo Center is not an issue. With the renovations, all of the seats in the arena were replaced and the replacements are bigger and more comfortable than before. The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd in attendance for Wings games. Stadium Journey recognizes that security protocols for major sports are in constant flux. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the Philadelphia Wings and/or Wells Fargo Center websites for the most up-to-date security protocols including bag policy and prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 The Philadelphia Wings put on a good show, with plenty of excitement, in a facility that is as good as any in the National Lacrosse League. The “fastest game on two feet” will engage fans and keep them on the edge of their seats and the Wings do a solid job of putting together a strong gameday package. Wings tickets are not expensive and good seats can be found for $25 with both more and less expensive options available. Concession prices are what one would expect, but the concession experience is excellent. Parking is a bit on the expensive side, but average for other Philadelphia sports experiences. More fans in the stands would provide an even better lacrosse experience and bump the ROI even higher. Extras 3 An extra mark for the recognition and embracing of the Philadelphia Wings past.An extra mark for the return of the NLL to a traditional lacrosse market. An extra mark for the significant renovation of the Wells Fargo Center Final Thoughts With the return of the Philadelphia Wings to the Philadelphia sports scene, thoughts back to the glory days of Philadelphia lacrosse are fresh in the minds of Philly fans. It seems rekindling those days is still a few years away, but with a renovation to Wells Fargo Center, the time is right to head to South Philly and take in some box lax. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Wells Fargo Center 3601 S Broad St Philadelphia, PA 19148 Philadelphia Flyers website Wells Fargo Center website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 19,173 A New Era Of Orange in Philadelphia Editor's Note: On September 1, 2025, the home of the Flyers and 76ers was rebranded as the Xfinity Mobile Arena in an agreement lasting through the 2030-2031 season to coincide with the rebranding of Comcast Spectator to reflect the growth in their mobile business. The Philadelphia Flyers, are in the second year of their A New Era of Orange campaign, and fortunes appear to be changing at Wells Fargo Center under veteran coach John Tortorella in his third season.  The Flyers fell just four points short of qualifying for the playoff last year for the first time since 2020 and their fortunes may be changing.  That’s not the only thing changing on Broad Street as the arena’s corporate sponsorship with Wells Fargo comes to an end in August.  The arena has been tied to Wells Fargo and its predecessors since it opened in 1996.  The arena was named Core States Center from 1996-1998, First Union from 1998-2003, Wachovia from 2003-2010, and Wells Fargo since. The team’s resurgence is being led by mainstays Travis Konecny and Sean Couturier. along with young Russian sensation Matvei Michkov and defenseman Travis Sandheim. The Philadelphia Flyers share the building with the NBA Philadelphia 76ers  and the National Lacrosse League Philadelphia Wings. The NBA franchise said it does not intend to stay at the arena beyond the end of its 2031 lease. The multi-purpose indoor arena is located at what is now known as the South Philadelphia Sports Complex, which includes other venues like Citizens Bank Park (Philadelphia Phillies), Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia Eagles), and Xfinity Live! The building seats 19,173 for hockey games, making it the 4th largest in the NHL. The arena, which is owned by Comcast Spectacor, which also owns the Flyers, replaced the Flyer's former home The Spectrum which debuted with the team’s NHL entry in 1967. Fans know who the landlord is as they glance upward and on each side are illuminated letters reading “Welcome To Comcast Country”. Food & Beverage 4 Wells Fargo has stepped up its food and beverage game over the past few years. Chickie’s and Pete’s (South Entrance and East Food Hall and 204, 210, 216, and 222 on the upper level) and Shake Shake (Section 116) are among the signature places to eat in the arena. Other choices include AC Subs (Section 110), Buena Onda (Section 112) offers unique varieties of tacos (chicken ropa, pork al pastore, and jumbo pacific shrimp to name a few), bowls, and burritos, Cuz’s Pizza, Beach Treats (120) with staple items from the Jersey Shore including fresh funnel cakes with toppings, Dippin' Dots, cotton candy, corn dogs, roasted nuts, fudge, and assorted chocolate treats. 9th Street Italian Sandwiches (Sections 104 and 117) offers a range of sandwiches: Italian pork, meatballs, roast beef, and roasted turkey hoagies. Of course, the traditional stadium fare of hot dogs, chicken tender baskets, nachos, pretzels, soda, and beer is available too. Coca-Cola products are the beverage of choice. AC Subs and Chickie’s and Pete’s are two places for cheesesteaks (remember when you’re in Philly no need to call them Philadelphia cheesesteaks). But the best move is to hit one of the legendary places nearby. John’s Roast Pork, Tony Luke’s, and Jim’s South Street are three possible options not too far away. In the arena, sweet treats and desserts include Federal Donuts (Section 102 & 207), Insomnia Cookies (118 & 207), Rita’s Water Ice, and soft serve ice cream. Atmosphere 4 The crowd is enlivened by the Flyers hype video and the appearance of its mascot Gritty on the ice who plants the Flyers flag, then takes to center ice like a Rocky replica and knocks out a “player” wearing the opposing team’s jersey. The atmosphere is first-rate as the public address announcer blares “Are….. you ready for some hockey” leading up to puck drop. Gritty energizes the crowd throughout by banging on his drum to lead the “Let’s Go Flyers” chants. Wells Fargo Center underwent renovations in 2020 as part of a $265 million "Transformation 2020" initiative. It debuted a new kinetic 4K-resolution scoreboard in September 2019. Flames shoot out of the scoreboard during player introductions when the Flyers take the ice. The scoreboard flashes a wide array of stats. The only negative is it does not show who is on the ice for each team during live action. Music was played at an acceptable level. Wells Fargo does have an organ but unfortunately, it was rarely used. The upper bowl is separated from the lower by a club and suite level. The upper level seems high but the views are still adequate. The one drawback is drink holders are on the armrests not the seats in front. Neighborhood 4 The good news is there is plenty to do in Philadelphia. The bad news is within walking distance of the arena not so much. The main attraction is Xfinity Live with a host of restaurants and bars highlighted by sports bar NBC Sports Arena. The other attractions are a short drive away. The National Constitution Center ($19) is a 15-minute drive and sits half a mile away from the Liberty Bell (free admission) and Independence Hall (free until 10:30 and then $1 per ticket). The Franklin Institute, Philadelphia Art Museum, and Reading Terminal Market are a few other stops. Be sure to take a picture with the Rocky Statute and then race up the steps of the art museum to pay homage to the Italian Stallion. The Reading Terminal Market is known for the city's other iconic sandwich, the roast pork at DiNic’s, best topped with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. The Market (which opened in 1893) also features Miller’s Twist Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels, Beiler’s Bakery and Donuts, and an array of other great choices for food, flowers, and specialty items. Fans 4 While Flyers fans often get a bad reputation, losing has tamed the fans to an extent. The enthusiasm seems to be coming back and maybe the bravado will follow. A playoff appearance will lead to more Flyers fans and fewer out-of-towners invading their building. Attendance is up 1.5% over last season, but the Flyers have gotten off to a mediocre start at home. The fans are knowledgeable and passionate, but it takes performance to win them over. This will be a huge year as Tortorella is no longer in the honeymoon period. While most media types did not predict the Flyers to make the playoffs, it might be necessary to qualify to keep the fans on board with Torterella’s rebuild, who is signed through 2025-26. Access 4 The arena is located at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex and is visible off I-95. Fans can park near the arena or choose public transit using the SEPTA bus or subway. The orange or Broad Street Line ends at NRG Station. The station’s naming rights were sold to NRG Energy in 2018. The fare is $2.50 one way and once fans arrive it is a quick jaunt across the parking lot into Wells Fargo. If driving, coming from the East, through New Jersey you can easily take the New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, and US-1. If in Pennsylvania you can take either Rt. 76 or Rt 95. There are four entrances and doors open 90 minutes prior to game time. The Will Call window at the Wells Fargo Center is located at the Box Office, located on the northwest corner of the building. Return on Investment 3 The Flyers were ranked just below the league average according to the Fan Cost Index ($408.40) which comprises the prices of four average-price tickets, two small draft beers, four small soft drinks, four regular-size hot dogs, parking for one hour, two game programs and two least-expensive, adult-size adjustable caps. Fans can purchase upper-level seats for less than $50 on the secondary market for many weeknight games. Weekends and games against rivals will cost much more and well over $100 if looking for lower bowl seats. Despite not making the playoffs since 2020, Flyer fans usually sell out the building and averaged 18,438 per game in 2023-24 (up 4.6%). The cost to park at the Wells Fargo Arena is as low as $20 at one of the eight lots that encircle the arena. Food prices are typical for NHL venues. Chicken tenders and fries is $13.85, a pizza slice is $11.09, Soft Pretzel $6.35, 24 oz premium beer is $16.55, and $8.25 for a soda. Crab fries (old bay seasoned) from Chickie’s and Pete’s were tasty but not worth it at $17.27. Extras 3 One point goes to the Flyer's fabulous duo of Lou Nolan on the Public Address and Lauren Hart with a rousing rendition of the national anthem. Nolan had been a mainstay since 1972. Hart is the daughter of legendary Flyers broadcaster Gene Hart, who called the Flyers games for 25 years. One point goes to the Flyers’ game-day production. Flyers do it right by introducing the starting lineups for both teams not just the home team. They do not announce the arrival of the Flyers for warmups and no goal horn blares when Philadelphia hits the ice. Old-school production value is welcomed. A third point is for the Bubble Hockey and Pop-a-Shot machines on the upper level. Hockey is $2 per game and basketball is $1. The only place in this cashless venue where cash is an option. Final Thoughts Taking in a game at Wells Fargo is worthy of a Stadium Journey. The excitement level and fan support will only get better if the Flyers continue their upward trajectory. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and   Facebook .

Photos by Paul Baker & Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey XL Center FANFARE Score: 4.00 XL Center 1 Civic Center Plaza Hartford, CT 06103 Connecticut Huskies website XL Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 15,564 The Basketball Capital of the World Editor's Note: In June 2025 PeoplesBank announced they had entered into a 10-year naming rights agreement with the downtown Hartford arena at a cost of $20 million. During the pregame introductions for UConn basketball at the XL Center, the PA announcer calls Hartford “the basketball capital of the world.” Before you dismiss this statement as just hyperbole, consider that the UConn men’s and women’s basketball teams have combined for 15 national championships, 25 final four appearances and 64 NCAA tournament appearances. The birthplace of basketball, Springfield, Massachusetts, is located just a half hour to the north. The men’s and women’s basketball teams both play a portion of their home schedules here in downtown Hartford, 21 miles from the UConn campus. 18 Huskies have been named as All-Americans. 37 UConn alumni have made it to the NBA, and 30 have played in the WNBA. The XL Center, formerly known as the Hartford Civic Center, is the largest arena in the state of Connecticut. It was originally built in 1974 as part of a downtown project that included an adjacent mall, convention center, office space, hotel and parking garage. Some people still refer to the XL Center as “The Mall,” even though the mall portion of the complex was demolished in 2004 and replaced with a 36-story residential tower. In addition to UConn basketball, the American Hockey League’s Hartford Wolf Pack and UConn’s men’s hockey team call the XL Center home. Food & Beverage 5 The XL Center offers a menu that balances traditional arena fare with local flavor. Depending on your appetite, you can visit Chicken Fry Fry (featuring, you guessed it, chicken tenders and fries), Fresh Classics (sausage and pepper sandwiches and nachos), Grill Masters (burgers), or hot dog nation (yep, hot dogs). Chick-fil-A operates a cart selling their legendary sandwiches. Dunkin’ Donuts operates a pair of stands featuring their signature coffee and baked goods. Pepsi products are featured at the XL Center. Visiting fans looking for a bit of local flavor should seek out Ted’s Cheeseburgers, which features gourmet burgers cooked in a style unique to Central Connecticut: they are steamed. Steaming the burgers creates a very juicy burger with a taste you won’t find anywhere else. Also, local favorite Bear’s Barbeque operates a small stand selling brisket, pulled pork and their popular mac and cheese. Randy’s Wooster House of Pizza operates a stand serving up their legendary slices. Fans looking for an adult beverage will be pleased to find stands dedicated specifically to alcohol sales. In addition to national brands including Sam Adams, Budweiser, Coors Light and Blue Moon, several local craft brands are featured at the XL Center. Brews from City Steam, Two Roads and Thomas Hooker Brewery are sold throughout the arena. Atmosphere 4 UConn is undoubtedly the premier college basketball program in New England and the game day atmosphere at the XL Center gives local fans a rare taste of big-time college hoops. All the standard college game day elements can be found here, including the pep band, cheerleading squad and dance team. The school’s mascot, Jhonathan, can be found roaming the arena interacting with fans. There is a large video board hanging at center court that is put to good use with replays and game stats. It can be a little difficult to read with all the graphics on the screen. Shout outs to UConn alumni in the stands are guaranteed to whip the crowd into a frenzy. Fans at the XL Center are knowledgeable and passionate about the Huskies. They don’t need a whole lot of encouragement to fill the arena with noise. All the fans in the arena stand until the Huskies score their first basket of the game. There are contests and giveaways during play stoppages and t-shirt tosses, dance cams and the like to keep casual fans involved. Neighborhood 5 Hartford is rarely thought of as a destination city, but the XL Center’s location in downtown Hartford gives it an excellent rating. The area around the arena features numerous restaurants, shops and attractions. Pratt Street, located directly across the street from the XL Center, is lined with many excellent pubs and restaurants. City Steam Tap Room is located a block away from the XL Center on Main Street and features a legendary craft beer lineup. Black-Eyed Sally’s on Asylum Street features live music and excellent barbeque. Hartford suffers from a bad reputation, but the area around the XL Center is safe and walkable. For fans interested in exploring the downtown area, there are some attractions nearby worth mentioning. The Old State House is located a few blocks from the XL Center and contains exhibits on Hartford history. Tours are discounted for AAA members and will cost history buffs a mere $3. The State Capitol and Bushnell Park are popular attractions located nearby. The Mark Twain House and Museum and the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center are both located just a short drive from the downtown area. Fans 4 The Huskies draw impressive crowds to downtown Hartford. Crowds of over 10,000 are the norm. The school schedules their marquee matchups at the XL Center to take advantage of the building’s capacity, which is larger than the Gampel Pavilion . The crowd consists of a mix of locals and alumni. Despite the fact that there doesn’t seem to be an abundance of younger fans in attendance, parents can feel comfortable bringing the family to a Husky game. The student section is a bit smaller than expected, but with the campus located 21 miles from downtown Hartford, perhaps this isn’t a surprise after all. Despite their best efforts to inject some noise into the XL Center, in an arena of this size, their effect is negligible. Access 3 The XL Center is in downtown Hartford, easily reached via either Interstate 84 or 91. The arena is only a few blocks away from either highway. Traffic in the city is often difficult to navigate, particularly for weekday games. Be sure to give yourself extra time to arrive, as both highways back up regularly around rush hour and beyond. There are almost 50 parking lots and garages in the downtown area, all within walking distance of the XL Center. If you want to plan ahead, the XL Center website has a link to the downtown map here . In addition to these paid spots, on-street parking is readily available around the XL Center. Meters are not in operation on weekends. Once inside the XL Center, fans will enter a spacious lobby. This area was once part of the Civic Center Mall but is mostly empty space now. The ticket office is located here, as well as access to the attached parking garage and the Coliseum Club on the second level. After a brief security check, fans will enter the cramped concourses of the arena. All seats in the Veterans Memorial Coliseum consist of folding stadium chairs. The seating bowl at the XL Center is very steeply pitched, ensuring great sight lines no matter where you sit. Despite numerous renovations over the years, the Veterans Memorial Coliseum maintains its cramped and narrow concourses. There is only one concourse at the XL Center, and the restrooms are on the small side. Getting around can be very difficult, especially during halftime. Plan your trips to concession stands or restrooms wisely. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are very affordable for UConn games at the XL Center if you don’t mind sitting up high in the seating bowl. Select upper level seats are sold for only three dollars. The majority of the seats here range in price from $18-$38. Parking in the lots and garages surrounding the XL Center can be had for ten dollars with on-street parking available for fans wishing to search for it. On-street parking is free after 6 PM on weekdays and all day long on weekends. Concession prices are a bit on the high side, particularly for premium items, but are not out of line with other venues in the area. Extras 3 Banners-if you like banners, you will love the XL Center. Banners honoring the 15 University of Connecticut National basketball champions (women’s and men's combined) hang from the rafters on one end of the arena. On the other end of the arena are banners for the UConn Husky hockey team, the AHL’s Wolf Pack and the Whalers. Whalers-The XL Center doesn’t ignore its past as the home of the Hartford Whalers. Banners honoring Whalers division championships, retired numbers, and the Howe family, who all played together in Hartford, hang from the rafters. In addition, the lobby contains a large mural of some of the highlights of Hartford’s professional hockey history. Free programs are given out to all fans, lineup sheets are available for a dollar and there is an area of the lobby blocked of for the sale of UConn souvenirs. Final Thoughts The XL Center has its share of critics, particularly those who feel that Hartford deserves another NHL team. Countless studies and plans for a new downtown arena have circulated for decades, making this arena a political hot potato, but the XL Center continues on. With the school holding many of their marquee games downtown, the XL Center gives New England hoops fans a rare taste of big-time college basketball. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.