Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Shifflett Field 1100 20th Street Grottoes, VA 24441 Grottoes Cardinals website Small Town Baseball in Grottoes Nestled in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the Rockingham County Baseball League is one of the oldest amateur baseball leagues in the country. Virginia's version of town ball was founded in 1924 and is currently celebrating its centennial season. The league's eight teams consist of a mix of current and former college players with ties to the area. Some of the latter have been playing in the league for years. The Grottoes Cardinals are a longtime member of the RCBL, having won nine league championships. They play their home games at Shifflett Field in the town of Grottoes, in southeast Rockingham County near the border with Augusta County. The stadium is part of John E. Painter Park, which also includes a few little league fields. Food & Beverage 5 Concessions at Shifflett Field are served out of a food truck called Battarbee's Catering Buggy. There are many options to choose from here, including burgers, hot dogs (chili and cheese optional), barbecue pork (in sandwich or nacho form), regular nachos, chicken sandwiches, and even chicken parm. Popcorn, peanuts, french fries (chili and cheese optional), onion rings, cheese sticks, and mac and cheese are all available as sides. For those with a sweet tooth, vanilla cheesecake is available. So is ice cream, with your choice of vanilla or spumoni (a mix of chocolate, cherry, and mint ice cream, although traditional spumoni usually includes pistachio instead of mint.) To drink, fans can buy water, soda, or lemonade, with the lemonade coming in a small size or a very large size. A kids' meal is available for $6 and includes a hamburger or chicken nuggets, fries, and a jug of juice. Prizes are reasonable - the most expensive option is a bacon double cheeseburger for $9, but most things are much less. Atmosphere 3 There are several sets of bleachers on either side of home plate at Shifflett Field. There is also an area under a tent behind home plate for fans to set up folding chairs and sit there. Wherever you sit, you will be looking through a chain link fence, although it isn't as thick as in some places. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore and other basic information. This is the typical small-town baseball experience of the Rockingham County Baseball League, no bells and whistles, few gimmicks, just a baseball game that brings out the whole community. Even the PA announcer sits at a table out in the open rather than in the press box. Like in the rest of the league, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls hit out of play. However, unlike in many other venues, they do not get a prize for returning it. This lack of ransom means kids will not chase after the foul balls, and someone else will eventually have to walk over and grab them. Neighborhood 1 The one problem with small-town baseball is that the small towns often don't have much going on, and Grottoes is a typical small town. With only about 2,600 people and mostly farmland surrounding the stadium, this may be a lovely community to live in, but there aren't many places to visit. Lil Guss' Restaurant on Dogwood Avenue is a popular eating establishment, but this is a small farming town and you won't find much to do here as a visitor. Residents will say it's lovely, but those visiting from out of town won't find much. Fans 4 The Grottoes Cardinals may draw a couple hundred fans to a typical game, which doesn't seem like much until you consider the entire population of Grottoes is only 2,600. The entire town may not come out to each game, but a significant portion of it does. This being small-town baseball, most of the spectators know some of the players or coaches or even the umpires. This does tend to make them take it easy after missed calls when the person who missed the call could be their neighbor, and there's a good chance their family is sitting only a few feet away. While it may seem like everybody knows everybody at a Grottoes game, if coming to your first game, you shouldn't run into any issues. Access 2 Shifflett Field is located a few miles off US 33, the main east-west road through Rockingham County, via a series of increasingly rural roads. By the end, you will be driving through farmland, crops on both sides of you, as you approach John E. Painter Park and Shifflett Field. You will park in an unpaved gravel lot next to the stadium. Be warned - some of the spaces are in foul ball territory, so don't park too close unless you want to risk a smashed windshield. Restrooms are located across the footpath from Shifflett Field, in between the Little League fields. They are of a sufficient size for the crowds. Return on Investment 5 Admission to most Cardinals games is free thanks to local sponsors. Occasionally there may be a small charge, but this is rare. Check social media before the game to be sure. Concessions from the food truck are reasonably affordable as well. Overall, a Grottoes Cardinals game is an excellent value. . Extras 3 Look for the statue of the cardinal holding a baseball bat behind the third base dugout. Free roster cards are available in a bin on the side of the concession stand. There is a 50-50 raffle for the chance to win a cash prize while supporting the team, a non-profit that depends on fan support. Final Thoughts Grottoes Cardinals baseball is a fine example of what small-town baseball is like in the Rockingham County Baseball League. It seems like the whole town comes out to enjoy the game, and while that's an exaggeration, it isn't exaggerating by much. Most baseball fans outside Rockingham County don't know the league exists, even if they're from nearby locations in Virginia. But fans in Grottoes love the Cardinals, and the community baseball here is a great fan experience that is worth checking out.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 New Britain Stadium 230 John Karbonic Way New Britain, CT 06051 New Britain Bees website New Britain Stadium website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 6,146 Plan Bee Professional baseball has been played in the Central Connecticut city of New Britain for over four decades. In 1983 the city was able to attract the AA Eastern League affiliate of the Boston Red Sox away from the nearby city of Bristol. The New Britain Red Sox’ home, Beehive Field, was a simple ballpark consisting almost entirely of bleachers. The ballpark was typical of early 80s construction and was obsolete soon after it was completed. In 1994 the Red Sox made a deal with the city of New Britain to build a new ballpark that was up to AA standards. Shortly after making this agreement, the Red Sox moved their affiliation to Trenton, New Jersey. At this point, the Minnesota Twins moved their AA team to New Britain. Initially called the Hardware City Rock Cats, the Twins called New Britain home for 19 seasons before an affiliate swap brought the Colorado Rockies to town for the 2015 season. During the 2015 season, it was announced that the Rock Cats would be leaving New Britain for a new ballpark , Dunkin’ Donuts Park, in downtown Hartford, 13 miles away. Into the vacuum stepped the independent Atlantic League. They christened the new team the Bees, alluding to the city’s motto- “industry fills the hive and enjoys the honey”. In addition, a beehive is prominent on the city emblem and flag as a symbol of industriousness. The Bees were never able to compete with the runaway success of the Yard Goats and struggled to attract fans during their four years of competition. In October of 2019, the team announced they would be moving to the Futures League, a summer wood-bat collegiate league that competes in former minor league ballparks around New England. The summer-league Bees have qualified for the playoffs in two of their first four seasons, losing in the first round both times. Food & Beverage 3 Depending on when you visit New Britain Stadium, one or two concession stands will be open, depending on the size of the crowd. All the usual ballpark fare can be found here, including burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, sausage and pepper sandwiches, Martin Rosol’s hot dogs, and kielbasa. Chicken tenders, nachos, and French fries are available as well. An assortment of snacks can be purchased Here as well. There is a Dippin’ Dots cart on the concourse for fans looking to satisfy a sweet tooth. Wraps and Veggie Burgers are available for fans looking for a healthier option. Bottled Pepsi products are featured at New Britain Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a selection of national beers, including Pabst Blue Ribbon, Miller Lite, and Coors Light, along with craft brews from local favorites Alvarium, Two Roads, and Five Churches Breweries. Atmosphere 1 Even during its days as home to affiliated baseball, New Britain Stadium never featured an over-the-top game day presentation or lively atmosphere. Now that this 6,000-seat ballpark is filled to a fraction of its capacity, the laid-back game days continue. While many Futures League teams try to fill the natural pauses in a baseball game with noise, contests, or other shenanigans, the Bees play it closer to the vest. One of the main issues holding back the game day presentation is the lack of a functioning scoreboard. Rumor has it that the scoreboard was hit by lightning one night. Whatever the cause, the video portion of the scoreboard has been out of commission since midway through the 2023 season. With a projected cost to repair the scoreboard of $300,000, it is very low on the priorites at New Britain City Hall. There is a mascot, Sting, who roams the ballpark interacting with fans throughout the game. The PA announcer does his job in a professional, unobtrusive manner. No between-inning shenanigans are going on at a Bees game, and with the dwindling crowds in attendance, the ballpark can be almost completely devoid of noise. Neighborhood 2 New Britain is a city of 73,000 located about ten miles southwest of the state capital of Hartford. It is best known as a manufacturing center and home of Stanley Black and Decker. This gives the city its nickname as the Hardware City. The Rock Cats called themselves “Hardware City Rock Cats” for two seasons in 1995 and 1996. New Britain Stadium is located adjacent to New Britain High School and Willow Brook Park. Also located in the sports complex with the ballpark are Veterans Memorial Stadium and Beehive Field. Despite the park’s urban location, there isn’t a whole lot to do near the ballpark. Most out-of-town visitors to New Britain will choose to venture on to Hartford or the casinos of eastern Connecticut, just an hour away, rather than stay in the city. Fans 2 The Bees have struggled to attract big crowds in a town used to having professional baseball. While the team generally sits third or fourth in the Futures League attendance rankings, their announced average crowd of 1,400 is a far cry from what New Britain Stadium held during its professional seasons. Stadium Journey most recently visited on a hot and sticky July Sunday with a crowd of only about 100 in attendance. Attendance in New Britain has continuously declined over the years. At their height, the Rock Cats averaged over 6,500 fans per game, with attendance decreasing to just over 4,000 fans per game in the team’s final season. The independent Bees were never able to attract more than 3,300 fans per game, with attendance dwindling every season. The Bees do still have their share of regulars, but the majority of the crowd here on any given night consists of families looking for an affordable entertainment option. Access 5 Getting to New Britain Stadium is a snap, as it is easily accessed by Interstates 84 and 91. Located right off Route 9 near downtown New Britain, exit 24 will drop motorists off at the entrance to the ballpark’s parking lot. The concourse at New Britain Stadium does not offer a view of the playing field. Several sets of stairs access a walkway located about one-third of the way up the seating bowl. Seats in the 100 level consist of folding plastic stadium seats, while box seats in the 200 level feature molded plastic bucket-style seats. The three sections furthest down either baseline consist of metal bleachers with backs. One of the more popular spots from which to take in a game is the Alvarium “Beer Hive” located at the top of the seating bowl. This area features drink rails and bar stools along with the brewery’s signature craft beer. Netting at New Britain Stadium stretches from one dugout to the other, meaning that if you want an unobstructed view, you will need to purchase seats further down the either foul line, in sections 101-105 or 114-118. With a typical Bees crowd numbering about 1,000 fans or less, there’s plenty of room to spread out and roam. Restrooms, built for much larger crowds, are more than large enough for a typical Bees crowd and are still in good shape. Return on Investment 5 All seats at Bees games are sold as general admission for nine dollars. There is no surcharge for purchasing tickets online. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the ballpark. Concessions are reasonably priced, making a night at a Bees game a most affordable entertainment option for Central Connecticut sports fans. Extras 1 The New Britain Sports Hall of Fame Display is located on the stadium concourse. You will be sure to find some familiar names among the 292 nominees honored here. Final Thoughts New Britain Stadium was once described as “The Camden Yards of the Minor Leagues.” While this statement was surely a case of hyperbole, New Britain Stadium served as a solid, if unspectacular, home for minor league baseball in its day. Construction of Dunkin’ Donuts Park in downtown Hartford may have ended professional ball in New Britain, but it’s great to see the facility continue as home to organized baseball. Unfortunately, it feels like New Britain Stadium is not getting the upkeep and attention it needs, and the game day experience is a shell of what it used to be. The crowds are starting to stay away from New Britain Stadium. ---- Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Bluey & Bingo pose with their fans, Photo Courtesy of the Kane County Cougars Attending a minor league baseball game on a Sunday afternoon during the dog days of summer can be somewhat drab. The crowd, depending on the weather, could be sparse, and the atmosphere somewhat vapid. However, that was not the case when I attended a Kane County Cougars game in Geneva, Illinois, this past weekend. The place was packed, and it was all due to a cartoon dog named Bluey. Bluey is an animated preschool television series from Australia that airs on Disney Junior and Disney+ in the United States. He is a Blue Heeler puppy with an abundance of energy, imagination, and curiosity about the world. She lives with her father, Bandit; mom, Chilli; and younger sister, Bingo. The cartoon is a worldwide phenomenon that has resulted in merchandise from t-shirts, hats, knapsacks, toys, hoodies, and stuffed animals. I only know of the cartoon because my little niece and nephew made me watch it one day when I was babysitting them. I do not have kids of my own, but watching Bluey and her adventures over and over for more than a few hours can be somewhat nerve-wracking for someone my age. However, it was slightly better than the Bubble Guppies from when my oldest nephew was 5-years-old. I was unaware of their appearance, but as I approached the stadium, I knew it was not going to be your typical game. I pulled into one of the three parking lots at Northwestern Medicine Field. Staff members were abundant guided cars to parking spaces, and families with children descended upon the ballpark. I enjoyed the large crowd at the game, but I felt like a sardine packed with thousands of fans on the narrow grandstand. Folks waited in line for food and drink, kids walked with parents to their seats, and many more enjoyed the game from the two lawn seating areas down each foul line. However, there were more kids behind the outfield wall in the kid zone and petting zoo area. The KidZone is behind the right-field deck area and offers eight different areas of play, including a slide, bounce house, t-ball, and obstacle course. There is also a snack shack with food, plus picnic tables for the adults to monitor the kids. The area includes a petting zoo and pony rides, adding to the excitement for the little ones. It is one of the better kids' areas I have seen at a minor league or independent ballpark. Pony rides at the Cougars game, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey However, once the stadium PA announced the arrival of Blue and her sister Bingo, the kids gravitated toward them. The two cartoon dogs waved to their adorning audience from atop the upper deck suites between the 3rd inning. Soon, a crowd lined up down the third base line and up the stairs.  I have seen other cartoon characters and Baseball Hall of Famers at games. I remember a line that lasted almost 9-innings to see Andre Dawson in Lakewood, New Jersey, and tables set up before games to see Goose Gossage in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Rickey Henderson in Nashville, Tennessee. However, none of these lines were as long as Bluey and Bingo. The sun was out, and the temperature was cooking, but that did not stop parents and their children from waiting to see the two cartoon stars from Australia. A few reports had the wait time at 90 minutes, while other parents complained about being in the hot sun and not being able to watch the game. Parents were complaining about the characters needing breaks during the appearance and the location of where they were at the ballpark. Unfortunately, I did not get an up-close picture of either of them. I was restricted to the main concourse and unable to get upstairs unless I wanted to cut the line and get a few mean stairs from 6-year-old boys and girls. I asked a few of them in line what Bluey’s last name was, and they told me it was Heeler (this was a trivia question I got wrong a few weeks ago at my local bar). They were super fans. Fans wait in line for Bluey, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey I left the game a few innings early to beat the rush of cars exiting from the parking lot. As I made the long trek back to my car, I heard a little kid behind me crying out loud. He kept repeating that he did not want to go home and that he wanted to stay. I first thought that he was having such a great time that he didn't want it to end. However, I soon discovered that his parents did not take him to see Bluey because they did not want to wait in line. All I could hear was this little boy, no more than 6 years old, crying about wanting to see his favorite cartoon character. At his age, I was afraid of such characters (Mickey Mouse scared me until I was 10). I would be remorseful if I didn’t feel empathy for the little guy. He had probably been looking forward to this day for quite some time. For him, to be this close and not see him would be rather traumatic. I hope he doesn't hold this against his parents for the rest of his life. However, he will grow out of liking Bluey and move on to other things, perhaps Little League baseball, but for all the little tikes that were at the game, thank you for adding a wonderful atmosphere to the afternoon. The old stadium has a lot to offer to fans of any age. It is what makes treating a baseball game a special event. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Parade Stadium 400 Kenwood Parkway Minneapolis, MN 55403 Minneapolis Blue Sox website Parade Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 500 A Ballpark with A View Parade Stadium is the home to the Augsburg University baseball club and perhaps offers one of the best views not only in the Twin Cities but in all of Minnesota. The ballpark is located in the Kenwood neighborhood of Minneapolis and adjacent to the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. The Minneapolis Blue Sox are a townball league and members of the Section 5B Park National division with several other teams from within the city. Augsburg has used Parade Stadium for baseball since at least 1955. It appears that 1959 was the first season that most of its home games were played at the stadium; before that year, the Auggies played most of their home games at Northeast Park, with a game or two at Parade. The diamond sits on the grounds of the original Parade Stadium, a 16,560-capacity football stadium that was built with $600,000 in bonds over two years and opened in 1951. It was Minneapolis’s first public football stadium and hosted high school, amateur, collegiate, and professional football games. The NFL preseason games were an annual event that netted huge profits for the stadium from 1951 to 1955, including 20,000 that witnessed Green Bay v. San Francisco during the stadium’s first season. The stadium hosted around 50 games a year and would also be the home during the summertime Aquatennial festivals, midget car racing, circuses, and major concerts that came through the Twin Cities. However, due to complaints of noise and traffic by nearby residents and the cost of maintaining the structure, it needed $250,000 in repairs at one point, the stadium was down to only five events in 1986. With the sculpture park debuting in 1988 and a need to expand it, the decision was made to tear down Parade Stadium in 1990. The price tag was one million dollars for the demolition of the stadium and relocation of the softball field. Today, a simple baseball stadium remains with a million-dollar view of the Minneapolis skyline. Food & Beverage 1 The ballpark does not offer food or drinks during baseball games. Fans are recommended to bring in their concession items. On a nice day with the clear blue skies above and the city skyline in the distance, something from home or a restaurant should suffice. Atmosphere 3 Depending on the weather, the atmosphere is pleasantly charming with gorgeous views of the city skyline and plenty of room to stretch your feet. The majority of home games are played during the summer months at Parade Stadium with around 12 dates per season. The ballpark is very basic and can be classified as a glorified high school stadium, but the views and the adjacent sculpture park are worth the price of admission. The stadium’s structure is quite meager and is slightly higher than a glorified high school field, but its location and views beyond the outfield walls give the place distinction not found in too many other stadiums in the country. Sure, there are skyline views, but based on the ballpark’s structure, it gets swallowed up by the tall skyscrapers and sculpture gardens next door. The layout of the stadium is a simple press box and aluminum bleachers behind the backstop with two sections of aluminum bleachers down the first and third baselines. There is no cover protection. There is nothing fancy about Parade Stadium, but it is an interesting experience given its proximity to the sculpture gardens and the views of the Minneapolis skyline. Neighborhood 5 Parade Stadium is adjacent to the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden , one of the must-see destinations in town. Numerous sculptures include Spoonbridge and Cherry, Hahn/Cock, and Love. The park also includes the Walker Art Center and Parade Ice Garden. A few restaurants nearby include Cafe & Bar Lurcat (American cuisine), 4 Bells (Lowcountry-inspired), and Sisyphus Brewing. Downtown Minneapolis is a collection of funky streets, numerous skyways above the streets, and up-and-coming neighborhoods that all seem to converge at Target Center and the neighboring Target Field . A popular place across the street before games is Kieran Irish Pub, the outside patio is a great place to grab a drink if you arrive a tad early before the game. The Depot Tavern is an old bus station turned into a place for cocktails and beers, and Seven Steakhouse Sushi offers rooftop seating and views before or after the game. The funky Hennepin Avenue has a collection of local establishments after the game for drinks and music, but the up-and-coming Warehouse District is just a few blocks away featuring casual seafood restaurant Smack Shack and craft breweries Fulton Brewing Taproom and Inbound BrewCo. Fans 3 The crowd attendance is typical for Midwestern Division III baseball from around 100 to 200. Many of the people in attendance are friends and family of the players out on the field. The focus is on the game on the field and many of the sounds are from the players on the diamond. When it comes to a pure baseball atmosphere, Parade Stadium has what you’re looking for. Access 3 Parade Stadium is easily accessible by car and once inside the simple layout is perfect for an afternoon or an evening of baseball. There is also mass transit that offers bus stops within a 3 to 5-minute walk from the stadium. There is also a parking lot that is shared with the sculpture gardens that costs $4. Return on Investment 4 There is no admission charge for baseball games but it does cost $4 to park in the adjacent lot via parking meters. A small price to pay for beautiful views and beautiful sculptures to view before or after the game. Extras 2 Parade Stadium offers a stunning view of the Minneapolis skyline, perhaps the best views in the city–or a close second behind Target Field. The Minneapolis Sculpture Gardens are one of the city’s must-see destinations that is adjacent to the baseball stadium. Final Thoughts Parade Stadium is by no means a perfect stadium and is quite simple in design and atmosphere. However, its location and skyline views of the city make it a hidden gem when visiting the Twin Cities. ------- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel .

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 George F. Bachman Sports Complex 570 East Ordnance Rd Glen Burnie, MD 21060 Baltimore Chop website George F. Bachman Sports Complex website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 100 A Baltimore Chop The Maryland Collegiate Baseball League is a summer collegiate league with players from many colleges but mostly from regional colleges and universities, such as Towson, Maryland, Penn State, UMBC, and Mount St Mary's. The Baltimore Chop team has played in the league for many years. They are named for the "Baltimore chop, " a chopper that takes a high bounce near home plate, allowing the runner to reach first safely. The Baltimore chop came from the Orioles of the late 19th century. With runs hard to come by in the dead ball era, the Orioles hatched a plan: They instructed their groundskeeper to pack the dirt in front of home plate (legend has it he once even put down a concrete slab) so that speedsters like John McGraw and Willie Keeler could leg out infield singles. The George F. Bachman Sports Complex is a 55-acre adult sports complex that contains 6 lighted softball fields, 1 lighted baseball field, and 1 lighted multi-purpose field. Food & Beverage 1 There are no actual concessions at Bachman Park, but the softball fields in the same complex have a food stand with good prices. The softball fields are seemingly in use more often than the baseball field, so getting food there should not be an issue. A good option is to bring your food. There are no restrictions in doing so, and the open areas around the baseball field would make an ideal picnic area. Atmosphere 2 There are only three small metal bleachers surrounding the field. Most fans bring their folding chairs. The smartest fans also bring a small sun shade or tent, especially for long daytime doubleheaders. The field lacks almost any amenity, although there is an announcer who also happens to distribute roster sheets. The park does not even have a scoreboard. The lack of a scoreboard is the biggest fault of this otherwise fine field. Well, that and some seating. And anything besides a porta-potty for bathroom trips. The atmosphere is still pretty good, as the quality of players in the league makes those in attendance realize they are watching a great level of play. The field is also in seemingly good shape. Neighborhood 3 Bachman Park is an intriguing place. Glen Burnie is not often considered the most exciting place around. It is a non-stop strip of shopping malls that run south along Governor Richie Highway from the Baltimore Beltway towards Severna Park or Annapolis. But this complex is tucked in a lovely wooded area that is next to the United States Army Reserve land and across from a Home Depot. The Curtis Bay US Coast Guard Yard is also right down the road. Being so close to shops and restaurants means that attending the game here will give a fan many pre and post-game options. All the normal fast food options are around, with a McDonald's being the closest, as they are in that Home Depot Center. For quick food, the best options are Wingstop at 6710 Governor Ritchie Highway, Checkers (1417 North Crain Highway), and Maria D's Sub Shop at 111 North Crain Highway. Mo's Seafood Factory (7146 Ritchie Highway) may be your best bet for a little higher level of dining. Cafe Bretton in nearby Severna Park (849 Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard) may also be worth a drive for some fine French dining. Fans 2 There are not a lot of fans who attend games. The ones who do tend to be friends or family of the players involved. They are a knowledgeable bunch, and cheer and jeer at all the correct times. Access 4 Access is a strong part of Bachman Park. It is located near I-695, Route 10, and Governor Richie Highway. Please note that the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which was part of I-695, could make getting to the field from the north a little more difficult. You will need to use one of the Baltimore tunnels instead. Parking lots may fill quickly if there are softball games also going on. And it seems like softball games are always going on. You should still be able to find parking on a lot or in overflow grass areas. Just be careful to stay out of foul ball territory. A porta-potty is the only bathroom at the field itself, although full bathrooms are open at the nearby softball fields. There is currently construction going on for a real bathroom facility. Return on Investment 4 The games are free to attend. And the food at the nearby concession stand is cheap and of good quality. You will certainly not go broke at a night out here. The level of play of this summer college league is very good. The rosters are filled with players at high-level college programs, so you will see good baseball. . Extras 2 Stop at the nearby softball fields and watch a game at one of the six fields in the complex. The weekend warriors swarm the area and play some intense games. The Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association holds their girl's fast-pitch semi-final tournament at the complex yearly, so you may see some other softball players besides just the usual beer-league type. Final Thoughts The experience at Bachman Park is better than you would expect. The area nearby is the most exciting, but this tree-lined sports complex makes for an enjoyable day or night of baseball.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark 2 S. Mickey Mantle Drive Oklahoma City, OK 73104 Oklahoma City Baseball Club website Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 9,000 Bricktown Baseball Editor's Note - The team name was changed to the Oklahoma City Baseball Club for the 2024 season , after which a new identity will be announced Baseball in Oklahoma City dates back to 1904 with the Oklahoma City Metropolitans. One of the oldest Minor League Baseball cities in the country, Oklahoma City’s modern baseball venture dates back to 1962 with the Oklahoma City 89ers of the American Association. Named after the Land Run of 1889, the 89ers would immediately move to the Pacific Coast League in 1963 before returning to the American Association, where they would remain until the dispersal of the league after the 1997 season. It was in the AA where the 89ers would find their greatest success with league titles in 1963, 1965, 1992, and 1996. The move to a new ballpark and return to the Pacific Coast League in 1998 would bring about the rebranding of the 89ers as the Oklahoma City RedHawks. In 2014, the RedHawks would be purchased, in part, by the Los Angeles Dodgers to become their Triple-A affiliate. The most current rebrand, to become the Oklahoma City Dodgers, came in conjunction with the Dodgers ownership stake. Beginning with the 2022 season, the Oklahoma City Dodgers were purchased by Diamond Baseball Holdings, which also owns twenty other minor league baseball teams. Home for the Dodgers is Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Built in 1998 as Southwestern Bell Bricktown Ballpark, it has gone through several corporate names due to telecom mergers and renames. The current corporate sponsor is the Chickasaw Nation’s Newcastle Gaming Center. The ballpark is also home to the Bedlam Series, which pits Oklahoma against Oklahoma State in College Baseball, as well as the Big 12 Baseball Tournament. Food & Beverage 4 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark offers a solid collection of concession options. Smokies Sausage, Tacos y Nachos, Fowl Ball Chicken, and Dippin’ Dots all provide great concession options. The Flashpoint Grille, among other expected ballpark items, offers a ⅓ lb. cheeseburger and the official Dodger Dog. Fans should consider trying the Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream or one of the iced tea options at HTea0. Pepsi products are found at the park and a flavor shot machine is in the market as well as Stubborn Soda. There are plenty of local beer options at the Garden Coop Ale Works Bar including the OKLA American Lager, branded for the Dodgers. Atmosphere 4 What would a ballpark in Bricktown, with the term Bricktown as part of the name be without brick? There are plenty of brown bricks that encompass the exterior of Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. There are three main entrances to the park, each of which features its legendary bronze statue. The Warren Spahn entrance is on the first base side and the Mickey Mantle entrance is on the third base side. The home plate entrance is, of course, the domain of the bronze statue of Johnny Bench. The bronze busts of other players are outside of the third base entrance including Allie Reynolds, Pepper Martin, Carl Hubbell, Paul “Big Poison” Waner, Lloyd “Little Poison” Waner, “Bullet” Joe Rogan, and Bobby Murcer. Beautiful mosaic art can also be found at the Johnny Bench entrance. Past the Mickey Mantle entrance is a large statue of Jim Thorpe, which resides right outside the Jim Thorpe Museum and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame, which is built right into the ballpark. Inside the ballpark, fans are greeted with decent-sized concourses which lead to a 360-degree walking experience right around the ballpark. There are plenty more nods to Oklahoma baseball history with pictures and captions of other players including Joe Carter and Dodger greats Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler. Other displays of interest include an obligatory list of players who played in OKC who have gone on to the majors and the Oklahoma City Triple-A Baseball Hall of Fame. The ballpark seating features two levels of green stadium seats, which although overdone throughout baseball, fit in with the Bricktown ambiance. The second level on the first base side, unfortunately, has the seats removed and gaudy advertising tarps cover the concrete steps. Some alternate seating includes berm seating in center and right field and the Budweiser Deck in left. The video board in centerfield is good, but the baseball information on it is too small and difficult to read at times. The extensive ribbon past left field is unfortunately used almost entirely for advertisements. Bobby Murcer’s number 1 is retired alongside Jackie Robinson’s 42 on the wall in left field. The gameday atmosphere is solid in Oklahoma City. Mascots Brix and Brooklyn can be found throughout the park interacting with fans and participating in promotions. Fireworks are a staple for Friday games and the promotions team does what one would expect. A highlight of the game is the singing of “Oklahoma” after “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in the seventh inning stretch. Periodically, the Dodgers rebrand to become Cielo Azul . Neighborhood 5 Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is located in the Bricktown neighborhood of Downtown Oklahoma City, a sneaky great place to be. There are a plethora of dining options for pre or post-game food or drink within steps of the ballpark. Some options include Pearl’s Crabtown, Rodizio Grill, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Mickey Mantle Steakhouse, Whisky Chick’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken, and Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar. There are also many tourist attractions in the area worth checking out. Touring the Oklahoma City canals on the Bricktown Water Taxi will bring fans through the Bricktown and Downtown areas. The Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum, OKC Underground, and Jim Thorpe Museum are all also within minutes of the ballpark by foot. Finally, having a look at the Stockyard City area is a must as well as eating at Cattlemen’s. For other sporting options, the Oklahoma City Thunder play adjacent to Bricktown at Paycom Center. The Oklahoma City Blue of the G-League also plays there. For fans wanting accommodations near the ballpark, there are several major hotels within walking distance, including the Hyatt, Hilton, and Holiday Inn Express. Fans 4 Minor League Baseball has traditionally received strong support in Oklahoma City and the Dodgers are no different. In 2022, the Dodgers averaged more than 5,600 fans per game. This ranked the Dodgers 22nd in Minor League Baseball and 5th in the Pacific Coast League. At the time of writing, the attendance at Dodger games for the 2023 season has increased to over 5,800 fans per game. Located in the Southern United States, Oklahoma City does struggle with high temperatures during the summer months which can affect the number of bodies in the stands. Fans will often seek refuge in the shaded concourses rather than sit in the stands. Access 5 Getting to Bricktown in Oklahoma City is surprisingly easy. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is surrounded by Mickey Mantle Drive, Johnny Bench Drive, Joe Carter Drive, and Flaming Lips Alley and is just west of the junction of I-235 and I-40. There is plenty of parking in surrounding lots and garages with the large Joe Carter lot just across from the Warren Spahn plaza. The light rail traverses Bricktown right around the ballpark for those who wish to take public transit. Fans should consult the Embark OK and OKC Streetcar websites for rates, maps, and schedules. Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark offers a 360-degree concourse and is easy to maneuver during the game and during peak movement times. The washroom facilities are also good for the crowd in attendance. With security protocols constantly changing in sports, Stadium Journey recommends consulting the Oklahoma City Dodgers website before heading out for the most up-to-date security information including bag policy, prohibited items, and security procedures. At the time of writing a clear bag policy was in effect. Return on Investment 5 An Oklahoma City Dodgers baseball game offers great value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Dodgers begin at $15 for the third base, upper deck, which offers a terrific view. Tickets go up to $35 for the area behind the plate. Parking will cost $8 in one of the lots around the park and the concession experience is decent. The product on the field is solid and offers a good time for the entire family, which is what one would expect from Triple-A baseball. Extras 3 An extra mark for the streets in the Bricktown area being named after Oklahoma celebrities. Fans will notice Mickey Mantle, Joe Carter, and Johnny Bench streets as well as Flaming Lips Alley and Kings of Leon Lane. An extra mark for the underrated tourist offerings of Oklahoma City. Fans should not sleep in this city for a great weekend. An extra mark for the original singing of “Oklahoma” from the Rodgers & Hammerstein production, a great way to break up the monotony of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” Final Thoughts Although the branding of the Oklahoma City Dodgers is not ideal, the experience at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is excellent. Baseball fans should put Bricktown on their baseball bucket list as they will not be disappointed. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

This week, we take a look at the current condition of the NIL and other changes in college spots, plus we talk a little bit about Bluey!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by Paul Baker and James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 McCormick Field 30 Buchanan Pl Asheville, NC 28801 Asheville Tourists website McCormick Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 4,000 Beer City Baseball   Dr. Lewis McCormick Field is the third oldest ballpark in Minor League Baseball. It has been the home of professional baseball in Asheville, NC since 1924. Named for the city bacteriologist who started the “Swat That Fly” campaign in 1905, McCormick is credited with successfully combating Asheville’s housefly problem.   While McCormick Field is celebrating its 100th season of play in 2024, the ballpark at the site is not the original. After the 1991 season the original $200,000 wooden structure was torn down and replaced with the current concrete facility. The new ballpark was designed to look similar to the original.   In this era of teams rebranding at the drop of a hat, it’s refreshing to learn that Asheville’s pro baseball teams have been named the Tourists since 1915, with only a brief break as the Orioles in the 70s. The team has played in the South Atlantic League since 1976. In their lengthy history, the Tourists have won seven championships.   Fans may not realize that the Tourist moniker was not created in homage to the many visitors to the area. Back in the day, the writers covering the team noticed that none of the players were from the area. Thus, they were a bunch of “Tourists.”   Food & Beverage 4   There are several concession stands built into the exterior of McCormick Field’s grandstand. Fans looking for something besides the typical ballpark fare won’t be disappointed, as items such as sweet potato waffle fries, hot honey pimento cheese bites and Nutella beignets dot the menus. The State Fair Experience stand deep-fries Oreos, moon pies, corn dogs, and pretty much everything on their menu. Sprinkled amongst all this deep-fried goodness are healthier options, including hummus and chips and grass-fed beef hot dogs. Portable carts line the exterior of the concourse, augmenting the menu with everything from cheesesteaks to taco bowls. Concessions are reasonably priced and can be packaged into combo meals to save a few more dollars.   Coca-Cola products are featured at McCormick Field. As you might expect in a stadium in “Beer City,” the craft beer scene here is amazing. Many of the city’s outstanding craft breweries are represented, including Hi-Wire, Sierra Nevada, Oskar Blues, Wicked Weed, Foothills, French Broad River, Bell’s and Highland Brewing. If craft beers aren’t your thing, national brands are readily available as well. With the quality and quantity of beer sold at McCormick Field, it’s a wonder more fans don’t just fall down the hill after the game.   Atmosphere 3   Much of the atmosphere in this quaint ballpark is provided by its setting, as the field is nestled right into the side of a mountain. It’s a backdrop begging for a more traditional game day presentation. The Tourists’ staff do accommodate with a simple, but effective show that hits all the expected notes without a lot of your typical minor league shenanigans.   The 36-foot wall in right field is covered in advertisements and topped by a simple scoreboard, which provides the line score, balls, strikes and outs. There’s no fancy video board with computerized graphics and such here in Asheville. The sound system is solid and the PA announcer gives game information in a professional manner.   The team employs a pair of mascots, Mr. Moon and Ted E. Tourist. They do their thing throughout the game, posing for photos and interacting with fans. Mr. Moon’s name is a nod to Asheville baseball history. In the late 1800’s, even before the arrival of the original Tourists, the local nine were nicknamed the Moonshiners. When the team’s logo and uniforms were updated in 2010, Mr. Moon was created in their honor.   Neighborhood 4   McCormick Field is located in downtown Asheville, on the edge of the South Slope neighborhood. This part of the city is notable for its craft breweries. There are six such breweries located with a four-block radius of the ballpark, with several more just a little bit further. Do yourself a favor and get to the park early and walk around the neighborhood.   Asheville is known, of course, for the famous Biltmore Estate, the home of George and Edith Vanderbilt. The Biltmore House spans 175,000 square feet and includes 35 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces. If the fancy surroundings or the high price tags of the tour and the dining room are too much for you, you may wish to explore the Pinball Museum, which features over 70 classic pinball machines as well as arcade games, beer and snacks.   While you will have to venture out into the city to find many of the city’s best lodging or dining options, Asheville’s neighborhoods are very walkable and there is definitely something here for everyone. Explore Asheville  has a great deal of information about everything the city has to offer.   Fans 3   Asheville averaged over 2,700 fans per game in 2023, a slight increase from the year before and a slight decrease from the record-high figures the team enjoyed pre-pandemic. This figure places the Tourist in the middle of the South Atlantic League.   The Tourists are an institution in Asheville, with the team ingrained in the fabric of the community. Fans seem to be into the game to a great degree, and are knowledgeable about the future Major Leaguers playing in town. You’ll see die-hard fans, casual fans, families and groups at a Tourists game.   Access 3   Asheville is a city of about 94,000 residents located in western North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s known for its vibrant arts scene and historic architecture. The city is easy to reach if driving, as Interstates 40 and 26 meet within city limits. Asheville Regional Airport serves the region for fans flying into town.   The ballpark is located in a mixed business/retail/residential neighborhood a bit removed from the highways, so you’ll have to drive through the city to get here.   Ashville Rides Transit has several routes that stop near the ballpark.   This is where the good news ends. McCormick Field is built into one of Asheville’s many hills, about halfway up. This means that no matter where you park, you’re walking up a steep hill one way or the other. The entrance to the ballpark is located on the right field side of the facility. After a quick security check, you’ll find yourself in the entry plaza, where the team store, offices and concession stands are located.   The seating bowl stretches around from about first base to about third base, with party decks located beyond the seating area. All seats are blue plastic stadium seats with cupholders and decent leg room. There are good views of the field from all seats, even with the presence of netting throughout. A walkway runs the length of the seating area about a third of the way up. Be wary of the lack of railings on the stairways here, especially if you’ve been pregaming at one (or more) of the great breweries downtown.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Tourists games start at $11 for general admission, with prices increasing to a maximum of $19 for Press Row Tickets. Seniors and members of the Military receive a one-dollar discount, with children receiving a two-dollar discount.   Parking is free in the small lot up the hill from the ballpark (yes, you have to go uphill in both directions from McCormick Field). There are only 50 spots in this lot, so get to the ballpark early. Other free lots a short distance from McCormick Field are free as well, and there is on-street parking in the neighborhood.   Concession prices are reasonable, and there are bargains to be found during theme nights and by purchasing combo meals.   Extras 4   A scene from the classic baseball movie Bull Durham was filmed at McCormick Field. The team pays homage to the movie with the “Crash’s Kitchen” concession stand, complete with a mural of Crash Davis on the wall. Eagle-eyed fans may spot a mural that appeared briefly in the movie on the third-base locker room building’s wall.   Championship flags fly along the first base side of the ballpark, and a listing of every Tourist player to reach the Major Leagues is posted on the concourse.   For a few years in the 1950s there was no baseball being played at McCormick Field. No problem, the owners turned the ballpark into a racetrack. A NASCAR Grand National race was even held here in 1958.   Final Thoughts   The city of Asheville, North Carolina is an underrated summer destination. Of course, baseball is an integral part of any proper summer road trip. While exploring the mansions and breweries of this fine city, make sure to stop in at McCormick Field, a ballpark that manages to be old and new at the same time.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Tatum Park 101 Parkway Blvd Hattiesburg, MS 39402 Hattiesburg Futbol Club Tatum Park website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 500 Futbol in the Pine Belt Hattiesburg Futbol Club was founded in 1980, the first and largest grassroots soccer training program in the Pine Belt region. The program's mission is to make sure as many children in the community as possible can get involved in soccer, regardless of ability, gender, socioeconomic status, or culture. HFC offers opportunities for boys and girls at all levels of play through its Recreational Academy and other programs. Over the past 40-plus years, hundreds of players have gone through the Academy on the way to four-year colleges – the Academy is based out of Tatum Park, the largest park in Hattiesburg. In 2019 Hattiesburg Futbol Club began fielding a team in the semi-pro Gulf Coast Premiere League (GCPL), featuring the best men's and women's players from the Academy. The men's club is nicknamed the Thunder, while the women's club is nicknamed the Storm. The GCPL is a lower-level semi-pro soccer league with 24 teams scattered throughout the Gulf Coast region – while the women's club still competes in the GCPL, in 2024 the men's club was relegated and moved one step up in the soccer pyramid, to USL League 2. USL2 is a lower league on the soccer pyramid but is on the national stage with 128 teams spread throughout 18 divisions. Hattiesburg FC is one of five teams that make up USL2’s Mid-South Division.   Food & Beverage   3 Tatum Park is a local park setting, so there are no permanent concessions on site. Instead, the staff brings in two food trucks set up in the parking lot, namely The Grill at Tatum Park, a food truck that has items such as burgers, hot dogs, chips, nachos, and candy. The prices are fairly reasonable with the most expensive item on the menu being the double cheeseburger costing $8. The staff also brings in a beer truck that serves 16 oz. bottled beer for $6.50; I consider these prices to be fairly cheap such that they will not break the bank.   Atmosphere   3 At 228 acres, Tatum Park is the Hub City's largest park and public green space. The park opened in the mid-1970s and is named after the Tatum Family, who were pioneers in the lumber industry in the city's early years. Considered a thriving force for the community and the crown jewel of Hattiesburg's Parks and Recreation department, the park consists of a baseball and softball complex with 11 total fields, an 18-hole disc golf course, a full-service tennis center, and over 20 rec league soccer fields. For the first five years, the Academy was based at Tatum Park, while the men's and women's clubs played on the soccer field at William Carey University, an NAIA college located nearby. In 2024 both the men's and women's clubs moved their matches exclusively to Tatum Park. As part of the men’s team’s move to USL2, a section of woods on the far northern part of the property was cleared away, and a brand new, state-of-the-art turf field was built, complete with bleacher seating and LED lighting surrounding the field. The new field faces north/south and is fenced in and tucked away on a back part of the complex. The new field is also soccer only, complete with Hattiesburg FC's logo and the Visit Hburg logo painted onto the turf at midfield. The food trucks are located in the parking lot, and they also have a small table selling Hattiesburg FC tees and jerseys. Banners for local sponsors surround the pitch on the fenceline, while the team benches take up the west sideline and a small grandstand of two sections of bleacher seating takes up the east. The VIP tent, a shaded seating area, is located at mid-field separating the two sets of bleachers. The bleachers filled up fast at the most recent match I attended, so many fans brought lawn chairs to set up in the grass.   Neighborhood   3 Tatum Park is located on the south side of the city in a rather industrial area. Other than the amenities found at the park, there is not a lot to do in the area. Down the street on Broadway is Topher's Restaurant, which serves a good breakfast, but other than that you will have to go into the city to find things to do. Hattiesburg is a college town of 50,000 people, but with college being out for the summer you can find plenty to do without having to deal with big crowds. Historic downtown Hattiesburg has seen a revitalization over the years, with many of the abandoned buildings being turned into local businesses – download the Visit Hburg app to view the different walking tours they have here, including an art trail, a HattiesBurger trail featuring popular restaurants in the city, and a historic downtown walking tour. Hattiesburg also has many family-friendly options as well; make sure you check out the Pocket Museum if in downtown. The museum’s location is purposely hidden, as you are supposed to find it by walking around looking for clues; it's hard to explain, but the Pocket Museum is considered Mississippi's tiniest museum and is located in an alley near Saenger Theatre. Down the alley are hundreds of tiny figurines and displays set to a particular theme that changes each month. The Pocket Museum has become a big attraction for all ages and is not hard to find anymore, as you can just look for the line of people coming out of an alley. Another popular place to visit downtown is The Lucky Rabbit, a huge two-building vintage antique store. It’s also hard to explain what this place is, but trust me – it's well worth a visit as it is no ordinary antique store. Another attraction is Hattiesburg Zoo, which also makes a great visit for the family. The zoo is affordable and quite big for a city like Hattiesburg; you can't miss the zoo as you will see the giraffes from the side of the road. Also, next to the zoo is the brand new Serengeti Springs Water Park, which just opened in the summer of 2024.   Fans   3 Hattiesburg Futbol Club has been around for over 40 years, and thus has a dedicated group of supporters and followers, as many of the people in the Pine Belt who played youth soccer played through the youth league Academy when coming up. For years, when both clubs were in the GCPL and played at William Carey the fan support was evident, partly because of the local connection – many of the players played at various local colleges, or are from the Pine Belt area. When the men's club was relegated to USL2, the story was covered by the local news and in the newspapers, so there is a following here; there is even a podcast dedicated to the club, available on Spotify. It also helps that during the summer months, there is not much else going on in terms of events in the Hattiesburg area. As mentioned the bleachers fill up fast, especially as the season progresses and word of mouth spreads around town about the club. I recommend bringing a lawn chair and setting up on the grass – the two sets of bleachers fill up rather quickly, so even if you can grab a spot you will be sitting shoulder to shoulder. Alternatively, fans who purchase VIP tickets are allowed to bring lawn chairs to set up on the pitch right in front of the fence.   Access   4 Tatum Park can be kind of difficult to find if you are not familiar with the area – the complex is located on Highway 11 just off Highway 49, on the south side of the city away from all the main attractions. If coming from out of town, more than likely your hotel will be closer to Hardy Street/Highway 98 at Exit 65. Your best option would be to get on I-59 from Hardy Street, then travel south about five miles on the interstate, until you get to Highway 11 at Exit 60. Take this exit and the park will be right there on the right; the field is located toward the back side of the complex, and the ticket table is in the parking lot. After purchasing your ticket you are given a wristband, so you are free to come and go throughout the whole match.   Return on Investment   3 General admission tickets to a Hattiesburg FC match are $10, and you are free to sit anywhere you want – for the VIP experience tickets are $20, and you can sit under the tent or bring your lawn chair onto the pitch to set up. Getting to see some of the best college soccer players in the area compete is a plus, not to mention factoring in the wonderful facilities at Tatum Park, so I consider this a good return on investment.   Extras   3 Tatum Park also hosted another big event in the summer of 2023 – with a nickname like Baseburg Hattiesburg has always been a big baseball town, so it was no surprise when the Hub City was selected to host the 2023 U8 Dixie Youth World Series. The tournament took place at the Larry Doleac Baseball Complex, located on the park’s property. Over 20,000 people converged on the city for the 5-day tournament, which was a huge boost for the area's economy, pumping in over $4 million. The Director of Coaching for the Academy and Executive Director of the Club is a local soccer legend named Danny Owens. Since 2005, Owens has been the women’s soccer coach at nearby William Carey University – since Owens took over the Lady Crusaders have been an NAIA powerhouse in soccer, advancing to the NAIA national championship four times, winning once in 2018. His teams have had winning seasons in 17 of the 19 seasons he has been the coach, winning 14 conference finals and making 15 trips to the NAIA national tournament. In addition, Owens was inducted into the William Carey Sports Hall of Fame. In past years both the Hattiesburg FC's men's and women's clubs have played their matches at William Carey, on a field named Danny Owen Field. Hattiesburg is also home to another semi-pro soccer club that plays in the Oak Grove community west of town. Southern States Soccer Club has played in the National Premiere Soccer League (NPSL) since 2016, playing at a soccer-specific facility called Oakes Training Center , which Stadium Journey visited in 2023. Southern States also sponsors a local academy, similar to Hattiesburg FC.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Shell Energy Stadium 2200 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77003 Houston Dynamo website Shell Energy Stadium Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 20,039 Houston Dynamo FC – Shell Energy Stadium In 2006, the owners of the original Major League Soccer (MLS)  San Jose Earthquakes were granted the rights to relocate, and they chose the fourth-largest city in the country as their new home. The cosmopolitan Houston, Texas proved to be a perfect fit for the rechristened Houston Dynamo FC . The team experienced immediate success upon their arrival in Space City, winning the MLS cup in 2006 and 2007. The team was also runners up in the MLS Cup in 2011 and 2012, and additional won the U.S. Open Cup in 2018 and 2023. Since 2012 the club has called the now named Shell Energy Stadium its home. The stadium has been the site for numerous international soccer and rugby matches, high school football showdowns, and is the home stadium for the Texas Southern University Tigers  football team, as well as the Houston Dash  of the NWSL. Situated at the heart of Houston’s vibrant downtown, Shell Energy Stadium was designed by the same firm that was responsible for the famed Emirates Stadium  in London, home of Arsenal FC. The facility was recently renovated in 2023 to replace most of the seats and upgrade the LED boards, and has proven to be a hit with fans. Read on to learn more.   Food & Beverage   4 The food and drink scene at Shell Energy Stadium is pretty stellar. At every stand – which are all located on the main concourse – you can purchase your traditional game day fare such as water, sodas, popcorn, peanuts, candy, etc. There are also quite a few area restaurants that have stands in the stadium selling their goods, all representing the diverse cultures of H-Town. Fans can sample Vietnamese bahn mi sandwiches from Roostar , or tacos and Mexican street corn from Hugo’s Restaurant , Taquerias Arandas , and Elotes Bravos . You can also get pizza from Vinny’s , Thai noodles from Street to Kitchen , and burgers from legendary Trill Burgers . If you’re looking for an adult beverage to enjoy the match with, Shiner Bock Bar, Legends Bar, and Corona Premier Bar are options for you – you’ll eat and drink well at Shell Energy Stadium.   Atmosphere   3 The atmosphere and game day experience were enhanced thanks to the recent remodel. The seats on the West side of the stadium spell out “HOUSTON” in glorious fashion, and there are also quite a few photo op spaces around the stadium for fans. There is also a main team store (open even on days when there is no game) located near the main entrance. Inside you can purchase all manner of team merchandise and souvenirs, take photos with all the Dynamo’s championship trophies, and visit a studio where you can don the team’s kit and have a photo taken by professionals. The facility also has two exclusive clubs, the East Club and the West Club, for specific ticketholders. The clubs have exclusive menus, drinks, and viewing areas.   Neighborhood   5 Houston is an exciting city – there is really no denying it. It’s sprawling and the traffic is awful, it’s miserably hot and humid nine months out of the year, but it is exciting. There is an energy to H-Town that is palpable; it is hard to miss this feeling when you’re downtown and there’s a game going on. Not only do the Dynamo call the area home, but so do the Astros and the Rockets . If you consider that the Texans are also in town and not too far from downtown, you can imagine the excitement and energy the area has to offer. If you’re able to stay downtown when attending a game at Shell Energy Stadium, which I highly recommend, if at all possible, you will find an abundance of entertainment, dining, and lodging options to choose from. The only limitation, really, is your budget. A few options near the stadium include Texas Tailgate (which is literally across the street from the venue) and Pitch 25 . Both eateries are of the sports bar variety, but offer great atmosphere before and after games; as said both are within walking distance from Shell Energy Stadium. If you’re looking for things to do, I always like to recommend a few of my personal favorite attractions in H-Town, the Houston Zoo and the Downtown Aquarium . Both are world-class facilities, and both offer hours of opportunities to explore. These would be great options if you’re attending the game with younger fans. Again, though, you have countless options in the Houston area for things to do – whatever you’re into, you’ll find options for it. Lastly for lodging, this again depends on your budget. There are hotels within walking distance of the Shell Energy Stadium; both Marriott Marquis Houston  and Holiday Inn Express & Suites Houston Downtown Convention Center are less than half a mile away.   Fans   3 Houston Dynamo FC currently averages just over 17,000 fans per game at Shell Energy Stadium. While this places them almost at the bottom of attendance averages in MLS, this also means the stadium is near capacity on a nightly basis. I admittedly attended my most recent game here right after Hurricane Beryl hit Houston; the stadium was fine, but residual weather delayed the game for almost two hours, so the crowd was not as full as it normally would have been. The fans that did attend were by and large sporting Dynamo orange and purple gear. The team currently has four supporter groups, El Batallón, Texian Army, Bandera Negra and The Surge – these groups chant, set off smoke for goals, and bang drums for the entirety of each Dynamo match. Their passion for the team adds to the energy and atmosphere on game days.   Access   4 As mentioned earlier, Shell Energy Stadium is located in Houston’s downtown, which makes it eminently locatable and surprisingly easy to get to. The facility is only about a 20 to 30-minute drive from both William P. Hobby Airport and George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The traffic in Houston, though, as I always mention, will get you. If you’re driving you will be sitting in it for a while, and there is really nothing you can to do avoid it unless you take public transportation, which Houston has really figured out. The Houston METRO will drop you off literally right in front of the main entrance to Shell Energy Stadium – you can’t beat it. If you do choose to drive, parking is plentiful near the stadium. There are two lots across from Shell Energy Stadium that are officially affiliated with the team, but virtually every business in the area will have options to choose from; the cost depends on how close you want to be and/or how much or how little you want to walk.   Return on Investment   3 Single game tickets for Houston Dynamo FC games at Shell Energy Stadium start at $22 per person; this varies depending on the match and opponent. Parking in the lots in front of the stadium starts at $30 per car, and the concessions are a little on the higher side, but the facility does offer fare that is not your traditional ballpark food, so it’s worth the extra money. The Houston Dynamo rank in the top half of MLS in terms of cost to attend a game , but are still comparably affordable compared to their NFL , NBA , and MLB Space Town counterparts.   Extras   2 There is not much in the way of Extras for fans attending games at Shell Energy Stadium. Honestly, this venue seems pretty comparable to what I’ve experienced at other MLS games – the energy of the crowd and the action on the pitch seem to be the main selling points. What keeps this from being lower is that the Dynamo and the Dash share a mascot, Diesel . The human-sized red fox is pretty active and is amenable to photos with fans, especially younger ones. I don’t know of many MLS teams that boast a mascot, but it’s always refreshing when a team has one.   Final Thoughts To be quite frank, soccer isn’t my sport. However, I always try my best to remain objective in these reviews. I think Shell Energy Stadium has a lot to offer and still seems quite fresh, despite it being over a decade old. Plus Houston is a great city to visit – having so much to see and do in and around the facility adds quite a bit to the experience. That said, if you’re a fan of soccer I’d recommend paying the Dynamo a visit. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Impact Field 9850 Balmoral Ave Rosemont, IL 60018 Chicago Dogs website Impact Stadium website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 6,300 No Ketchup at the Chicago Dogs Game The Chicago Dogs are members of the American Association and play at Impact Field, one of the slickest ballparks in independent baseball. It was constructed to entertain all who purchased a ticket as well as host a baseball game. The spacious ballpark has seating for 6,300 and opened on May 25, 2018. The 60-million-dollar facility is the newest addition to the list of independent ballparks in the Chicago area and stands out in color, design, and creativity. Fans will most likely not have to be reminded where they are with motorists on I-294 whizzing by in the distance, the giant Impact Field sign across the parking deck in right field, and a view of the fashion outlet stores behind the outfield walls. However, let’s find out what makes the ballpark one of the better-looking designs in recent years. Food & Beverage 3 The price of concessions is also on par with other independent clubs in the metro area. The menu items are not super electric, but they are what one would expect while enjoying nine innings of baseball. The main concession stand offers jumbo hot dogs, Chicago hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken tender baskets, nachos, and soft pretzels. The prices range from $5 to $9. These nachos could feed 1-3 people per order. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. The stadium features The Weiner’s Circle, a much tamer version than the one downtown. It sells its style of char dogs, brats, Polish sausages, and french fries. There is also Salsa that offers Mexican options of street tacos and nachos topped with carnitas and chicken. The nachos are large enough for two small kids and well worth the price of $10. Coca-Cola products are available, and beer options include Miller-Coors brands. A cocktail cart behind the home plate offers mixed drinks of gin, tequila, whiskey, and vodka drinks. Atmosphere 3 Impact Field has a design that is unlike many others in baseball. It features four separate buildings that make up the upper-level suites, party decks, and press box. The colors of metallic black, red, and steel gray offer an amazing combination not found at most baseball stadiums. However, the colors make it stand out from older facilities in the area. Fans enter through the right-field corner of the stadium which also houses the main ticket booth and official team shop. The team store has plenty of merchandise from jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and stuffed dolls of the clubs’ mascots-Squeeze and Ketchup. Squeeze is a bottle of mustard with a big nose and fur; his nemesis Ketchup is a bottle of ketchup with an evil smirk in a trenchcoat. What is shocking is the number of young fans that gather around them waiting for an autograph after they are introduced after the second inning. Squeeze gets the most attention, because mustard, not ketchup, belongs on a hot dog for anyone after the age of 10 years old. Squeeze is a fan favorite at games. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. There are many wonderful aspects of a Dogs game including a double-sided video board that can be seen by up to 70 million motorists on I-294 on an annual basis. The left-field foul pole is 312 feet from home plate, a nod to the Chicago area code. The right field foul pole is 294 feet from home plate, a nod to the nearby interstate number. The giant car deck serves as a spot for left-handed hitters to bounce homeruns off of it. The ballpark’s name is emblazoned across this area, but there is not too much happening below this area in the right field to the center field concourse. The ballpark also offers high-top tables and chairs in many areas of the concourse, bleacher seating behind the right-field wall, and rail seating above the left-field wall. However, the ample space of Impact Field feels a little bit underutilized at times. Many areas of the ballpark are void of kiosks, party decks, or grass lawn seating. Neighborhood 3 Impact Field is directly across the interstate from the Fashion Outlets of Chicago and a host of other entertainment options before or before the ballgame. The shopping mall features 130 designer outlets that are walkable from the ballpark, but one can drive and park in the mall’s multi-level parking deck. The area also houses Hofbrauhaus Chicago for liters of beer and German food, Park Tavern which offers pub food including Cuban sandwiches and hand-cut fries, and Bub City for barbecue. Dave & Busters is also nearby for video games, large-screen televisions, and pub food options. The Rosemont entertainment district offers a variety of options that include concerts, Zanies Comedy Club, iFLY (skydiving simulator), and the Big Ten interactive experience. Rivers Casino is a few miles north of the district for additional entertainment options. A few local spots south of the ballpark and perhaps a little cheaper on your pockets are Short Fuse Brewing Company, Frannie’s Beef, and Gene and Jude’s. The latter establishment is a local institution that serves depression dogs, loaded with hand-cut fries. You will have to stand up to eat them or enjoy them in your car. Fans 3 The fans at a Dogs game are typical of what you would see at many other ballparks of this kind. They are out to enjoy a night out with friends, family, and co-workers for an inexpensive night out. However, I bumped into one fan who has season tickets with her husband and dresses like a hot dog. She was more than happy to explain her allegiance to the ball club and how she rarely misses a game. Access 5 Impact Field is accessible by both automobile and mass transit. It is located minutes away from O’Hare International Airport. Public transportation includes the CTA Blue Line, and Metra commuter train stops off at the Rosemont station. A free trolley is provided by the Rosemont Entertainment Circulator Trolley that can take you to the ballpark. If traveling by car, the stadium is visible off of I-294, and its exit is just south of the venue. A parking garage is behind the right field and charges $4 a car, but free if driving a Hyundai. There is additional parking that I have been told is free of charge across the street, but that hasn’t been confirmed. Once inside, the wrap-around concourse provides easy access to all points of the ballpark, and the large outfield terrace area is void of the usual kiosks, seating, and party decks found at other stadiums. Games do not attract near-capacity crowds for most games, and fans can get around efficiently. The main entrance is at the right-field corner of the ballpark. Return on Investment 3 The cost of a ticket will cost anywhere from $9 to $16 per game. The bleacher section seating in the right field is an ideal way to enjoy the game for under $10. The outfield reserve seats down each baseline are $12, and infield box seats behind home plate are $16. These prices are on par with a few other independent clubs in Chicago. The cost to park your car is $3 per game. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. The Dogs run a few promotional dates that include Weiner Wednesday where hot dogs are a dollar, Thirsty Thursdays feature 12-ounce cans of Hamm's and Miller High Life for $2 and Family Sundays which offer bottomless popcorn and fountain drinks for $3. Saturday nights are theme nights and conclude with fireworks. Extras 4 The Dogs earn a point for the stadium design that is not from your typical blueprint. It’s sleek, a bit futuristic, and possibly the class of the American Association. The second point is for the two mascots that are almost as popular as the players on the field. Squeeze and Ketchup barely have time to roam around the concourse due to young fans asking for an autograph. The Dog Squad are group of staff members in red shirts that entertain the fans in between innings, assist fans with on-field promotions, and allow fans to blow a giant air horn from a lifeguard chair behind the backstop on the main concourse. The final point is for the $3 parking lot, one of the cheapest costs to park your car for a sporting event in Chicagoland. Final Thoughts Impact Field is a fantastic-looking stadium and one that pushes the boundary for stadium design and aesthetics. The Chicagoland is a crowd with both major league and MLB partner league ballparks, and the Dogs provide a lot of fun and excitement with their branding, ticket pricing, and promotional nights. However, it feels like there could be a lot more happening here during a game to create its own identity to nearby Schaumburg Boomers or even the Kane County Cougars . For such a magnificent ballpark with a great location, make coming to a Chicago Dogs game a must-event every game. It has the potential to be one of the best in the MLB Partner Leagues. ——— Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Paul Baker and Marc Viquez , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 First Horizon Park 19 Junior Gilliam Way Nashville, TN 37219 Nashville Sounds website First Horizon Park website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 10,000 Sounds Like a Winner Professional baseball has been played in the city of Nashville since 1884. Numerous teams played at historic Sulpher Dell, located just north of Tennessee’s state capital building, from 1885 to 1963. Most notable among these teams were the Southern Association’s Nashville Vols, who called Sulpher Dell home from 1901 to 1963. When the Vols disbanded after the 1963 season, Nashville was left without pro baseball for 14 years.   In 1978 Vanderbilt Commodores baseball coach Larry Schmittou, along with a group of investors who included country music stars Conway Twitty, Cal Smith, and Jerry Reed, financed the building of a new ballpark and the purchase of a new team. This ballpark, Hershel Greer Stadium, was built two miles south of downtown on the grounds of Fort Negley, a Civil War fortification. The new team was named the Sounds in honor of the city’s country music heritage.   By the early 2000s, Greer Stadium was outdated and in need of replacement. Several proposals for a new ballpark were made and rejected over the years as Greer was upgraded in a piecemeal fashion. The team made threats to leave Nashville as plans stalled repeatedly. The team favored a site downtown near the Siegenthaler Pedestrian Bridge and Nissan Stadium, while the city preferred the old Sulpher Dell site as a new focal point of the Germantown neighborhood. The $37 million First Tennessee Park was agreed upon in 2013 and completed in time for the 2015 season.   The Sounds franchise began life as an expansion team in the AA Southern League. In 1983 Sounds ownership looked to establish Nashville as a viable Major League market. They purchased the AAA Evansville Triplets and moved them to Nashville, joining the American Association. When that league dissolved in 1998, the Sounds joined the Pacific Coast League. When MLB reorganized the minor leagues in 2021, the Sounds were assigned to the International League. The Sounds are the oldest professional sports team in the city of Nashville. In their time at the AAA level, Nashville won one championship, in 2005. Food & Beverage 4   As is the case in many new ballparks, concessions are a focal point of the First Horizon Park experience. There are four main stands scattered along the concourse above the seating bowl.  Smokehouse BBQ, Hot or Not Chicken, Music City Grill, and Sulpher Dell Slices are the main attractions. Each stand features a menu with unique items, so you may need to do a little searching to find your desired items. Of course, Nashville’s iconic hot chicken sandwiches can be found here. The main stands are augmented by portable carts that sell everything from cheesesteaks to donuts. The full concession map can be found here .   While the menus at the big stands are pretty diverse, even more specialty items can be found in the Band Box stand in right field. Among the items you’ll find here are jalapeno corn fritters, empanadas, tot-chos, and a full listing of specialty cocktails.   Pepsi products are featured at First Horizon Park. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a wide selection of beer, wine, mixed and frozen drinks. Craft beer fans will find many choices throughout the stadium, including brews from local favorites Harpeth and Tailgate Brewing.   Atmosphere 5   First Horizon Park’s glass and steel exterior instantly distinguishes it from its red brick and green seat peers around the country. You’ll find touches of Nashville throughout the park, from the Sulpher Dell marker in center field to the iconic guitar scoreboard in right. Nods to Nashville’s musical heritage are noted in more subtle ways throughout the ballpark, with guitar picks, clef notes, and strings adorning the seats, concourse, and signage of the facility.   Fans who may not necessarily be here for the ball game will still find many ways to entertain themselves, as they can play mini-golf, whiffle ball, cornhole, or even ping pong in the right-field party deck. This area, christened the Band Box , features an outdoor bar and restaurant with special menu items that can only be found here. This is undoubtedly the place to be at a Nashville baseball game.     The team store features a selection of throwback items featuring the Sounds’ classic logo, that of a batter taking a swing with a guitar rather than a bat. This logo can also be found in other locations around the ballpark.   Don’t worry, traditional baseball fans. Despite the numerous social gathering areas in the ballpark and the distractions happening in every nook and cranny of the facility, you won’t be clubbed over the head by the non-baseball activities. If you choose to visit First Horizon Park just to watch baseball, you’ll be able to do so. You may even find other things worth watching along the way.   Neighborhood 4   First Horizon Park is located in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood, located about a mile from downtown. The ballpark was hoped to be the centerpiece of the revitalization of this neighborhood and judging by the amount of construction in the area, it might just be working. While the millennial-hipster vibe of the area may be a turnoff to some fans, this does seem like an area where you can spend a few hours before or after the game enjoying the sights and sounds.   Just steps from the ballpark’s main entrance is Von Elrod’s Beer Hall and Kitchen, specializing in smoked meats, sausages, and burgers, with an impressive selection of pretzels on the menu. If Bavarian fare doesn’t do it for you, there are plenty of other options in Germantown. Check out DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana, Neighbors of Germantown, Geist Bar, Waldo’s Chicken and Beer, or Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint. Third and Home is a popular sports bar with a deck that overlooks the field.   While there are few lodging options adjacent to the ballpark, Nashville is a large city, with infinite options around if you expand your search. Of course, downtown isn’t too far away if you want to stay where the action is.   Fans 5   The Sounds have averaged over 7,500 fans per game over the past three seasons, which places them in the top five in minor league baseball in terms of attendance. Nashville has had a spot among the national attendance leaders since the opening of First Horizon Park in 2015. Stadium Journey visited Nashville on the Fourth of July, and as you may expect, there was a standing-room-only crowd in attendance.   With the numerous social gathering areas located throughout First Horizon Park, more curmudgeonly fans may complain that a large percentage of fans in attendance are not paying much, if any, attention to the game. Indeed, there are so many things to do here that the game may seem almost secondary, but there are plenty of die-hard baseball fans here in Nashville. The demographics of the crowd here are no different than you’ll find in any minor-league ballpark. There are lots of families, groups, and casual fans enjoying the show.   Access 4   First Horizon Park is easily accessible from Interstates 65, 40 and 24. If you are visiting Nashville and looking to visit the downtown area, it’s only a mile away. Fans taking public transportation will find WeGo bus routes  that run along both 2nd Avenue and Rep. John Lewis Way.   The Sounds boast that 6,000 parking spots are located within a half-mile of the ballpark. A parking garage is located adjacent to the ballpark, as well as numerous surface lots nearby. A full listing of parking options can be found here .   Fans will enter First Horizon Park via one of three entrances, located behind home plate, in deep left field and deep right field. All entrances deposit fans onto the spacious 360-degree concourse, with the field visible from virtually all points. Fans will walk down to their seats from the concourse. While there is much activity all over First Horizon Park, navigating the concourse is easy, and lines are not an issue. Restrooms are spacious and clean, and there are plenty of accessible areas for fans who require such accommodation.   Return on Investment 4   While Minor League Baseball continues to be a great entertainment value, especially when compared to the Major Leagues, remember that Nashville is a large city, so you will be paying big city prices. Still, there are great bargains to be found at a Sounds game. Tickets start at $10 for spots on the berm, while reserved seats start at $15. The majority of seats in the ballpark can be found for under $30. Purchasing your tickets on the day of the game will increase prices between $2-$5, depending on where your seats are.   Parking in the Sounds Garage beyond the right field wall will cost you ten dollars. In addition, there are several surface lots to the north of the ballpark along Jefferson Street and 2nd Avenue North. While concession prices may feel a bit high, they are in line with other facilities at this level of baseball.   Extras 5   The focal point of First Horizon Park is undoubtedly the iconic guitar scoreboard. While the original Greer stadium scoreboard did not make the transition to Germantown, the Sounds made sure an upgraded version of the scoreboard was part of their new home.   The country music legends race in the middle of the fifth inning features oversized caricatures of George Jones, Donny Parton, Johnny Cash, and Reba McIntyre. If you enjoy the racing Presidents in Washington or the racing pierogies of Pittsburgh, you’ll enjoy these shenanigans.   Behind the batter’s eye in center field is a marker honoring the site as the location of Sulpher Dell, the historic home of baseball in Nashville.   First Horizon Park is home to what is perhaps the best mini-golf course in all of baseball. If mini-golf isn’t your thing, try the wiffle ball field, or one of the many games in The Band Box.   A final extra point is awarded for the ballpark's address. The ballpark is located on Junior Gilliam Way. Gilliam was a Nashville native and one of the city's finest Major League players. His number 19 was retired by the Dodgers organization. Gilliam began his playing career with the Nashville Black Vols, who played at Sulpher Dell, in 1945. Final Thoughts   While wandering around First Horizon Park, it’s strange to think that a short time ago, Nashville was in danger of losing its team. The Sounds’ new home has been transformative for baseball in Nashville and the city’s Germantown neighborhood. It should be considered as one of the finest minor league facilities in the country. ----   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Spotswood High School Baseball Field 368 Blazer Drive Penn Laird, VA 22846 Massanutten Mountaineers website At The Foot of Massanutten Nestled in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, the Rockingham County Baseball League is one of the oldest amateur baseball leagues in the country. Virginia's version of town ball was founded in 1924 and is currently celebrating its centennial season. The league's eight teams consist of a mix of current and former college players with ties to the area. Some of the latter have been playing in the league for years. The Massanutten Mountaineers are the newest franchise in the RCBL, having joined in the 2024 season. They play their home games at Spotswood High School in Penn Laird, at the foot of Massanutten Mountain, which is visible behind home plate. In 2023, the RCBL Shockers played at Spotswood after relocating from New Market, where they had shared Rebel Park with the New Market Rebels of the Valley Baseball League for many years. However, officially the Mountaineers are a new franchise, not a continuation of the Shockers. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand at the stadium, located at a window behind home plate. Your only meal options are hamburgers for $3, cheeseburgers for $4, or hot dogs for $2. French fries cost $3, or you can add cheese for an extra dollar. Nachos are also $4. Assorted chips are available for a dollar, as is popcorn. Freeze pops cost 50 cents, and gum is five for a dollar. Candy is $2.50, and for some odd reason "candy" and "chocolate candy" are listed separately on the menu. Payment can be made through Venmo by scanning a QR code. There may be special options available - when Stadium Journey visited, they were selling strawberry shortcakes but options may vary by night. To drink, assorted soda cans are $1.50, iced tea is $2.50, bottled water is $1.5, and Gatorade and Prime (a sports drink made popular by internet personalities) are $2.50. Confusingly, there is a second menu, with different options (and different prices for the same options), visible at the back of the concession stand. This is the menu for Spotswood High School baseball games and is not used for Mountaineers games. Look at the menu that is taped to the window of the concession stand. Atmosphere 2 There is a large set of bleachers at the Spotswood High School Baseball field, located up a hill from the field itself, and down the hill from the parking lot and concession stand. Unfortunately, there is no aisle to climb the bleachers, making getting up and down challenging. The bottom rows are partially obstructed by the wooden railing between the bleachers and the hill. Stone ledge seating is located at the top of the hill as well. That being said, most fans bring their chairs and sit either on the ledges or elsewhere on the grass hill. This means the crowd will be quite spread out for a typical game. A scoreboard in right field shows only the most basic information. The Rockingham County Baseball League is classic small-town ball, and Massanutten is no exception. There are few bells and whistles here, no between-innings contests on the field, just a nice community feel and a place to take in a baseball game in a scenic setting. Like in the rest of the RCBL, fans are not permitted to keep foul balls hit out of play. However, they can return them to the concession stand for their choice of a baseball card or lollipop. You will invariably see kids chasing after the balls hoping to claim their prize. Neighborhood 2 Spotswood High School is located in the shadow of Massanutten Mountain, which is home to the Massanutten Resort. In the winter, this is a popular ski area, but obviously, that will not be possible in the summer when the RCBL plays. Instead, you can find a water park, hotels, golf, and restaurants. If you are not looking for the full resort experience, your best bet is to drive about 15 minutes to Harrisonburg. Here you will find many restaurants and hotels. Fans 3 As the newest franchise in the RCBL (even if you count the Shockers playing at Spotswood in 2023), the Massanutten Mountaineers have not had years to build up a fan base like most of the other teams in the league. Furthermore, the fact that the crowd is so spread out due to the seating arrangements hurts the environment here. That being said, the Mountaineers do draw a decent crowd most nights. As is typical of the RCBL, this is a real community feel, and since it's a small community, many of the fans personally know the players, coaches, and even the umpires. (So be nice when the umpire gets the call wrong - you could be sitting next to his family!) That being said, this is not just a friends and family crowd - a Mountaineers game turns out the whole community. Access 2 Spotswood High School is located just off US Route 33, about 15 minutes east of Harrisonburg. The parking lot is right off the main road, simply turn in and you are there. You will then need to drive around back and to the left to the lot closest to the baseball field. If this fills up, there is other parking available in the school's main lot. There are two single-person gender-neutral restrooms located behind the press box and concession stand, so you may have to wait a bit to use one. The players also use these restrooms, and can occasionally be seen walking up the hill to do so, talking to friends and family along the way. As mentioned above, one major issue here is the tricky seating layout. The bleachers don't have an aisle to climb, meaning you're going to be stepping over the benches to get up there. It may be best to bring your seat if possible. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Massanutten Mountaineers games is typically free, courtesy of a local business that will sponsor the game. On rare occasions, there may be a small charge for admission if there is no sponsor - check the Mountaineers' social media for details. Concessions are also affordable. This makes a Massanutten Mountaineers game an excellent value. . Extras 1 One star here for the beautiful views of Massanutten Mountain behind home plate and the Blue Ridge Mountains beyond the outfield fence. The Rockingham County Baseball League has many stadiums with great views, but Massanutten may have the best, with mountains on three sides of the stadium, and Massanutten almost directly behind it providing an up-close view. Final Thoughts Whether you're a resident of Rockingham County, come from elsewhere in Virginia, or live further afield, if you are in the area, you will want to check out an RCBL game. The Massanutten Mountaineers, like the other seven teams in the league, represent small-town community baseball at its finest. Most seasoned baseball fans associate town ball with Minnesota, but it is alive and well here in Rockingham County, Virginia as well. With gorgeous mountain views and a real community feel, a Massanutten Mountaineers game is a great way to spend a warm summer night.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Peoples Natural Gas Field 1000 Park Ave Altoona, PA 16602 Altoona Curve website Peoples Natural Gas Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 7,210 No Trouble With This Curve   When Major League Baseball expanded by two teams (Tampa Bay and Arizona) for the 1998 season, it meant that the minor leagues would also have to expand to accommodate these new organizations. At the AA level, the Eastern League added two new teams, in Erie and Altoona, Pennsylvania. The Altoona franchise beat out a bid from Springfield, MA to gain their franchise.   Altoona’s new franchise was christened the “Curve,” inspired by the nearby Horseshoe Curve. The team, which debuted in 1999, was affiliated with the nearby Pittsburgh Pirates, a relationship which continues to this day. The Curve have won two league titles (2010 and 2017) during their quarter-century existence.   Originally named “Blair County Ballpark” with a capacity of 6,176, the facility was expanded to its present capacity in 2003 and entered its current naming rights deal with Peoples Natural Gas Field in 2012. The ballpark is designed to resemble an old-fashioned railroad roundhouse, paying homage to the railroad industry that is so prevalent in the area. With the ridges of the Allegheny Mountains visible in the distance and Lakemont Park’s Skyliner roller coaster located just beyond the right field fence, PNG Field features one of the most picturesque backdrops in all of minor league baseball.   Food & Beverage 4   Peoples Natural Gas Field doesn’t push the envelope much with their concession offerings, but what they do, they do well. There are multiple concession stands on both concourses. These stands are augmented by several portable carts which offer some variety in the menu and help to keep lines down.   All your standard ballpark fare can be found throughout PNG Field, from hot dogs and burgers to pizza, chicken tenders, sausage sandwiches, and chicken sandwiches. Fans looking for something a little different can find pulled pork at selected stands. You can get it on top of your nachos or in a sandwich. Chicken wraps are also sold at some stands. A wide variety of snacks are sold throughout the ballpark, including homemade cookies. Adults and children alike flock to the Sweet and Boozy stand, where you can add unlimited toppings to your sundae, or make your ice cream part of an adult beverage.   Pepsi products are featured at PNG Field. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find wine, mixed drinks, and slushies sold throughout the park. Craft beer fans will find a pair of Curve-themed beers from Levity Brewing, Baseball Skies and Play the Song, sold at portable stands alongside an extensive list of local and national brews.   The team’s signature menu item is the Curve Burger, sold at the Kunzler Grill down the right-field line. While the burger doesn’t break any new culinary ground, many fans have regarded this 100% Angus Beef Burger as the best they’ve had in any ballpark. Unfortunately, this writer did not sample the Curve Burger, as I was saving my appetite for a visit to the local Primanti Bros.   Atmosphere 4   You would probably figure that any ballpark with a roller coaster as a neighbor would be a pretty fun place to hang out. You wouldn’t be wrong. Although the Skyliner is no longer in operation, that doesn’t affect the fun going on within the walls of PNG Field.   One of the biggest things this ballpark has going for it is its view. We’ve already mentioned the right field view, but beyond the left field wall is a giant berm, some additional bleacher seating, and the Budweiser Party Deck. It’s a fun place from which to take in the game.   The Curve staff put on a nice show with all the expected shenanigans. Look out for mascots shooting t-shirts into the crowd, giant bobbleheads on the concourse, friendly staff, and fans. Music plays over a crystal-clear sound system and the PA announcer goes about his job unobtrusively. The giant scoreboard in left-center field is put to good use throughout the game. Beyond this are spectacular views of the Allegheny Mountains. Sit in the upper deck and just enjoy the view of the field and beyond.   Peoples Natural Gas Field is 96 miles from PNC Park, so Altoona is situated firmly in Pirates territory. The fans who fill PNG Field night after night are diehard Pirates fans who are knowledgeable and passionate about the team. If you’re visiting with the whole family and the younger fans with you need a break from the game, there’s a play area in right field and even a play area on the upper deck concourse for smaller children.   Be sure you take a peek out to center field after every Curve run. Al Tuna (say it out loud, you’ll get the joke) emerges from a secret door in the outfield wall to run and dance around every time Altoona scores.   Neighborhood 3   There’s not much going on near Peoples Natural Gas Field but visiting fans should be able to find decent dining and lodging options a short distance from the ballpark. Historic downtown Altoona is just a few miles away.   Altoona’s history is tied to its iconic railroads, and visitors can visit the Horseshoe Curve National Landmark or the Railroaders Memorial Museum while in town. There is no shortage of lodging options in Altoona, with many just off Interstate 99. Route 36 downtown features many chain restaurants, including local legend Primanti Bros. Fans looking for more local options will find some excellent restaurants in the city’s Little Italy neighborhood.   Fans 4   Altoona ranks in the upper half of the Eastern League attendance rankings, drawing about 4,500 fans per game. Attendance has been on an upward trend since the pandemic season of 2020.   The crowd at Curve games will resemble those at other minor league parks. You’ll find a mix of diehard fans, casual fans enjoying an inexpensive night of entertainment, and families. As mentioned before, this is Pirate Country, and the fans enjoy watching the organization’s future stars making their way up to Pittsburgh.   Access 5   Ballparks don’t come much easier to find than PNG Field. Located right off Interstate 99 on Park Avenue, exit 32 drops you practically at the front door of the ballpark. VIP Parking is located to the north of the facility, with a parking garage just past the park on Park Ave. Fans using public transportation can take Amtran’s number 9 bus  right to the ballpark.   The main entrance to the ballpark, along with the ticket offices, is located on the third base side of the ballpark near the top of the structure. After a quick security check, fans will climb down a few stairs to the upper concourse or down many stairs to reach the lower concourse. The ballpark, built in 1999, is easily accessible for those who require such accommodation. Both concourses are easy to traverse, with multiple concession stands, restrooms, and easy entry to seating areas.   The grandstand stretches from first base around to third, with additional seating located beyond the main grandstand on both sides. There are social gathering areas, plenty of standing-room areas, and picnic tables for fans who would like to wander the ballpark seeking alternate viewpoints. PNG Field does not offer 360-degree access around the facility, but there is no shortage of areas to explore. The upper seating levels are steeply pitched, offering excellent views of the field and beyond.   Return on Investment 5   PNG Field’s double-decked grandstand allows for numerous vantage points to watch the game and for numerous price points for visiting fans. Tickets start at $10 for seats in the left field bleachers and top out at $16 for lower-level seats in the 100 sections. If attending on a weekday, you will find all prices discounted by one dollar. Waiting until the day of the game increases prices by two dollars. No matter what level ticket you choose, it’s a great deal.   Parking in the garage located beyond the left field fence will cost you another four dollars. Concession prices are comparable to other facilities in the area and are quite reasonable. Overall, a Curve game is a very affordable entertainment option for local sports fans.   Extras 3   An extra point is awarded for the Skyliner roller coaster located just beyond the right field fence. Although the coaster is not operating during the 2024 season, it is still a great part of the Curve experience. When running, the coaster features cars painted in the team colors with “Go Curve” written on the side of the cars. The roller coaster is still lit up at night.   Hanging from the rafters of the upper concourse are banners commemorating Curve championships, logo history, and opening day rosters from every season of the team's existence. Adam Hyzdu played for only two seasons in Altoona but made a big impact on the franchise. Hyzdu set many franchise records during his time with the team and was an all-star in both seasons in western Pennsylvania. His number 16 has been retired by the club. A display of all the players to play in the Major Leagues is located in left field.   Final Thoughts   There are many fantastic ballparks scattered throughout the AA level of minor league baseball. Peoples 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!   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Algoma Central Arena @ Canada Games Park 2021 Canada Games Way Thorold, ON L2V 4Y8 St. Catherines Athletics website Canada Games Park website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 1,200 Canada Games Athletics The deep history of lacrosse in Ontario stretches into the Niagara Region with the St. Catharines Athletics.  Playing at the “Junior A” level in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League, the Athletics were founded as a lacrosse organization in 1877.  The Athletics played under different monikers over time: the Teepees in 1954; Norsemen from 1955 to 56; Supertests from 1964 to 1966; Lakesides from 1967 to 1971; and Legionaires from 1972 to 1977.  They have been known as the Athletics intermittently throughout and in the latest iteration which began in 1982.  The Athletics have enjoyed tremendous success earning six Minto Cups as Junior A lacrosse National Champions.  The Athletics have also earned the Iroquois Trophy as Ontario Champions 10 times. With the Niagara Region hosting the Canada Games in 2022, the Athletics took advantage of a significant investment in the community and found a new home at Canada Games Park.  A unique consortium consisting of the Niagara Region, the City of St. Catharines, and Brock University, built the brand-new, shiny facility and maintains ownership.  At Canada Games Park, the Athletics play in the Algoma Central Arena, which is located inside the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre.  Previous to this, the Athletics played at the Garden City Arena.  Canada Games Park features facilities for lacrosse, hockey, track and field, beach volleyball, and soccer as well as numerous gymnasiums, a fitness centre, an indoor track, and numerous meeting rooms. Food & Beverage 3 The concession options inside the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre are limited and serve not just the Algoma Central Arena but the entire centre.  The concession stand is located just outside of the Algoma Central Arena and features typical snack bar wares.  Hot Dogs, grilled cheese, popcorn, chips, candy, and fruit are on the menu.  Soda, water, various coffee products, and Gatorade are all available.  Coors Original and Coors Light are for sale both at the concession stand and under a tent inside Algoma Central Arena.  For the game reviewed, there was a butter tart tent also in the arena. Atmosphere 4 Canada Games Park is a large property with both indoor and outdoor facilities.  The indoor facilities are found within the Walker Sports and Abilities Centre, which is a low-profile, sleek building featuring plenty of glass and a dark gray siding fascia.  The green grass on the roof is evident as part of the environmental design of the building.  Inside the facility, the vastness is evident immediately.  The most prolific of the indoor facilities is the Algoma Central Arena, which is the main arena for both hockey and lacrosse and supports a capacity of 1,200 fans.  Algoma Central Arena is on the west side of the building and fans will enter from the south end of the arena. Inside the arena, an aura of newness and cleanliness prevails.  The arena floor runs from north to south with all of the seating found on the west side.  Grey, plastic arena seats offer fans a degree of comfort not found in many buildings in this league.  The floor on the south end is raised higher than the arena floor.  The east side features metallic grating which gives the arena a fresh and clean look.  Banners for the 1947, 1950, 1990, 1991, 2001, and 2003 Minto Cups hang proudly in the northeast corner of the arena.  A simple scoreboard hangs above the centre of the arena floor.  Perhaps the best feature of the arena is that the Athletics play on field turf for their games rather than the polished concrete found in so many other facilities.  The turf not only offers a superior aesthetic, but it provides a better bounce for the ball and overall a better facility to play in. The gameday production at an Athletics game is very simple.  The PA system is brand new and crystal clear and the announcer is excellent.  The program draws are the main promotion and fans are not overloaded with promos or advertisements.  A simple plus is the scoreboard tracking shots on goal. Neighbourhood 4 Canada Games Park is located at the north end of the City of Thorold, immediately south of St. Catharines and part of what is considered the Niagara Region.  There are some spots for fans to get a pre or post-game meal.  These include In Piazza, Cracker Jack’s, and the Overtime Pub.  For fans looking for other sporting experiences, Algoma Central Arena is shared by the Brock Badgers hockey team, however their schedules do not overlap.  The Badgers  also field other teams on campus including basketball.  The nearby Meridian Centre in St. Catharines is the home of the OHL’s Niagara IceDogs  and CEBL’s Niagara River Lions.  It is a very short drive for fans to get to Niagara Falls, which has a plethora of tourist options including the horseshoe falls themselves.  This is a must-see for fans new to the area.  Hiking on the nearby Bruce Trail may also be of interest.  For fans wishing to stay near Canada Games Park, the Four Points Sheraton is right there. Fans 3 It is difficult to assess St. Catharines Athletics fans as the OJLL does not publish attendance figures.  At the regular season game that was reviewed, there was a strong crowd that was more than the “friends and family” attendance figure.  The fans in attendance were fairly quiet and laid back.   Access 5 Canada Games Park is located on the north side of Thorold, immediately south of St. Catharines.  It is surrounded by Lake Moodie to the east of Merrittville Highway and Isaac Brock Blvd. Getting to Canada Games Park is very easy.  Highway 406 is due east of Canada Games Park and is the main north-south artery for the region.  There is free parking on site and enough that finding a spot should not be an issue.  For fans wishing to take public transit, some buses run along both Merrittville Highway and Isaac Brock Blvd.  Fans should check the Niagara Region Transit  website for fares, schedules, and maps.  With its modern design, traversing the Algoma Central Arena and Walker Sports and Abilities Centre is not difficult at all and the washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Return on Investment 5 The return on investment for OJLL lacrosse is tremendous.  Athletics tickets are available for $10 with some senior and student discounts possible.  Parking is free and concessions are not over the top.  Fans will not be bombarded with too much in the way of promotions as the gameday production is very simple.  The action on the floor is top notch and many OJLL players play college lacrosse and are eventually drafted into the National Lacrosse League.  Extras 2 An extra mark for the history of the St. Catharines Athletics, which dates back to 1877. An extra mark for the Athletics Alumni which includes lacrosse royalty including former and current NLL players Mark Steenhuis, Matt Vinc, Craig Conn, Billy Dee Smith, and current head coach Steve Toll. Final Thoughts Junior A lacrosse represents tremendous value for the sports fan in the summer months.  Catching a St. Catharines Athletics game not only allows fans to see very high-level lacrosse, the fastest game on two feet but to take in a first-class, brand-new facility unlike any other in the OJLL.  Catching a game at Algoma Central Arena @ Canada Games Park is definitely worth it. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda and Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Oakland Coliseum 7000 Coliseum Way Oakland, CA 94621 Oakland Athletics website Oakland Coliseum website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 35,067 Baseball's Last Dive Bar The Oakland Coliseum, along with the city of Oakland, has taken a beating. From the highly publicized crime rates to the more recent scandal surrounding Oakland's mayor , and soon the loss of their beloved baseball team, when all is said and done, the city in the East Bay will have lost all three of their major professional teams, among other wounds, dealt to the city. The Coliseum has seen happier times. From four World Champion teams and big names such as Reggie Jackson, Rickey Henderson, Catfish Hunter, Dennis Eckersley, and the Bash Brothers Mark McGwire and Jose Canseco, Baseball's Last Dive Bar has its share of historical moments still deeply Rooted In Oakland . Food & Beverage 3 Because of the sparse to almost non-existent crowds, concessions are pretty limited. Choices range from the traditional Coliseum Dog and specialty dogs, as well as fish and chips and personal-sized pizzas (from Round Table), peanuts, popcorn, candy, and soft serve ice cream. Bottled Coke products as well as bottled water are some of the beverages offered. Domestic and imported beer are also available throughout as well as at the Shibe Park Tavern and The Treehouse with offerings ranging from Bud Light, Stella Artois, Modelo Especial, Firestone Walker 805, Elysian Space Dust, Lagunitas IPA, Golden Road Mango Cart, Drakes Denogginizer, Holy Toledo Blonde Ale, 21st Amendment Watermelon, Henhouse Stoked Pale Ale, Blue Moon, Drakes Hopocalypse, Racer 5 IPA, and Stone Delicious IPA. If planning on visiting The Treehouse, Friday Night Happy Hour specials are offered allowing fans to arrive as early as 4:30 with tickets available for $13.70 ($10 including fees as California laws have done away with hidden fees). Atmosphere 2 Much like the maligned home of the Tampa Bay Rays, the Athletics have done their best with the stadium situation they have. The two bars in the outfield feature indoor seating areas with multiple TVs for viewing. There is also a large community garden to walk through as well. When walking through some of the main concourses, the walls have been covered with images and historical facts that follow the team’s history over the years. All of this, however, cannot hide the decrepit condition of the facility. The concourse is incredibly cramped and dark, particularly in the outfield with tons of exposed concrete, giving one the feeling they are roaming the halls of a prison rather than a ballpark. However, some walls do highlight the team’s historic moments. Neighborhood 1 If you are expecting any ballpark village/entertainment vibes around the Coliseum for any pre or post-game activities you will be extremely disappointed. What you will see around the Coliseum are nothing but roads and a parking lot that should offer more than enough parking for the nightly sparse crowds. Fans arriving by light rail will be traversing along a pedestrian bridge from the BART station to the sight of graffiti-covered walls beside a polluted wash. Nearby businesses and eateries such as In-N-Out and Denny's have shut down due to the high rate of crime in the surrounding vicinity. The nearby Hilton is scheduled to shut its doors soon, dealing another blow to the Hegenberger Road Corridor . Fans 2 Approaching the team’s departure from Oaktown, the fans have just simply stayed away. Most nights crowds are below 10,000 and at times even below 5,000. The fans are fed up with all the empty promises of a new stadium and the failure to keep quality players to maintain a contending team. Even the most diehard of them all, the drumbeaters, the crazed fans in the bleachers known for bringing the noise with their constant drum beats at times to the angst of the visiting team, have mostly stayed away. It’s a sad scene. The fans who still do show up are some of the most passionate. These days, many A’s fans are dressed in shirts reading “SELL”. Their message to A’s management, though loud and clear, has fallen upon deaf ears. Access 4 The stadium is located right off I-880 in Oakland. If utilizing public transit, BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) offers light rail service to The Coliseum from various points throughout the Bay Area reaching from San Francisco to San Jose. A Clipper Card , a stored value fare card, is required to ride BART and can be purchased at any BART station. The stored value fare card is also good for most Bay Area transit services. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Athletics games start at $15, at their lowest. Advanced planning is certainly not required. You can even walk up to the box office on gameday and purchase an actual physical ticket to add to your ballpark-chasing collection of keepsakes. Because most games draw crowds of less than 10,000, you pretty much purchase the cheapest ticket and move about almost anywhere in the yard. It’s not as if the game day staff, what’s left of it, will be vigilant about checking tickets. Extras 3 Throughout the stadium, historic display cases and markers are showing the team’s past. There are also multiple statues of players past. You can find a convenient map on the walls throughout the concourse showing all the stadium’s food options. Great Moments in A's History, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Fifty-six years of baseball history. Soon to disappear. Who's to blame? There’s enough blame to pass around from A’s ownership to Oakland City Leaders. Once the A’s complete their move to their new temporary home in Sacramento, the city of Oakland will be left with no major professional sports teams, all departing within the last 5 years. Rooted In Oakland. That was the campaign cry when the A’s were celebrating their 50th anniversary in Oak Town back in 2018. Excitement was high that a new ballpark would be built on the site of Howard Terminal next to Jack London Square. The Rooted In Oakland campaign is now gone with nary a whimper. Fans entering the stadium through the pedestrian bridge from the BART station will now notice a barren exterior that once had banners for both the A’s and Raiders. A’s ownership is doing its best to distance itself from anything Oakland. 2019 2024 It’s no secret the Oakland Coliseum and its surroundings are in shambles. Visiting fans have expressed concerns on various social media sites regarding a visit to the Coliseum. From my perspective, I've never had any issues around the surrounding area. Is it somewhere I'd walk alone at night? Not a chance. My advice? Utilize the BART subway system and save yourself the $30 plus fees in parking. You will always be among the company as you enter and exit the stadium. Aside from maybe checking out various points throughout the stadium, with no glorified ballpark village in the surrounding area, you will not be doing any pre or post-game activities outside the Coliseum. It will be a while before the wounds for the city of Oakland are healed. However, that should not prevent you from visiting the East Bay, and catching a game or two before Baseball's Last Dive Bar  is a mere memory. Though the stadium isn’t much to brag about, it's still filled with a deep history, having hosted 6 World Series, 4 World Champions, and 21 other postseason appearances combined.  Come with the mindset that all you’ll be at the Coliseum for is baseball. No other frills or distractions. No ballpark villages. No in-stadium shopping outlets or kiddie carousels. Just good old fun at the old, yet crumbling yard before she joins the exodus of Oakland Professional Sports.   Howard Terminal. What could have been...

Photos by Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.26 Modern Woodmen Park 209 S Gaines St Davenport, IA 52802 Quad Cities River Bandits website Modern Woodmen Park website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 7,140 NOTE: I attended the River Bandits game on Sunday, July 14, 2024. To complete a review of the stadium experience wouldn't be a fair representation. In addition to being incredibly hot and humid, the Mississippi River (literally feet from the stadium) was in flood stage. As such, many roads were closed, parking lots were underwater, etc. I've updated a few things from my previous review and hopefully can return in 2025 to do a complete review. Ferris Wheels and Fantastic Views Modern Woodmen Park opened in 1931 as Municipal Stadium. The stadium seats 4,024 and can hold many more with a large number of open seating bleachers, a few grass berms, and eight group areas that are mostly standing room only. It sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa, and is the home stadium for the Quad Cities River Bandits, of the Midwest League. The River Bandits began an affiliation with the Houston Astros beginning in 2013. In the past few seasons, a sky deck has been added along with a 20′ x 35′ video board in left field. In 2014, the park added a 110′ Ferris wheel beyond the left field wall. The Ferris wheel is a very popular attraction. Modern Woodmen Park is the oldest stadium used continuously (since 1960) for Minor League Baseball. Food & Beverage 4 Food is served in the traditional concourse style. Outside of the traditional baseball fare, which is all available, there are a few items worth mentioning. The ballpark has your typical standard fare with a few extra surprises, which, unfortunately, weren't open for the game I attended (see bold type above). Pepsi products are available from the fountain in various sizes or bottles are also available. Draft beer is sold throughout the concourse for those who want the name brands, such as Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, etc. The Good Hops craft beer stand is located on the first base side. Here, you have your choice of many microbrews. Atmosphere 5 The view from Modern Woodmen Park qualifies as one of the best in baseball. Albuquerque has a spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains, Salt Lake has a spectacular view of mountains, and Modern Woodmen’s view of the Mississippi and the Centennial Bridge is just as amazing. The view at night with Centennial Bridge lit up is worth the price of admission by itself. Between the Ferris wheel and left field wall is a grass berm where fans can sit. The general admission seats are down the left field line and although they are bleachers, they do have backs so they aren’t as uncomfortable as regular bleachers. Down the right field line is a play area for kids including a jumper, rock climbing wall, and speed pitch game. There are picnic tables and other seats in the play area that allow for watching the game and keeping an eye on the kids at the same time. A nice feature of the park is that you can walk around the field. There is a walkway behind the batters eye that allows for great views of the river and bridge while standing right on top of the Mississippi. Neighborhood 4 The Quad Cities have a lot to offer. Front Street Brewery is located down the road and is worth a look. The main brewery and restaurant are over 100 years old. It’s a great place to stop before or after the game. Numerous fans mention Boozie’s Bar and Grille as another place to stop. Boozie’s has traditional bar food and the burgers are top-notch. Just across the river in Moline, Illinois is the Bier Stube, a great German food/pub. They have a friendly staff and some quality German food. There are numerous museums within a few blocks of the stadium, including the German American Heritage Center and the Figge Art Museum. If traveling to the Quad Cities with children, the John Deere Pavilion is located in Moline. For any child that likes big mechanized equipment, this is the place for them. They can climb in all the different farming equipment and the visit is free. Fans 3 With so much to do, the fan’s attention isn’t always on the field. With rides, games, and views, some fans come for reasons other than to watch the game. However, there are quite a few of the hardcore fans that follow every pitch and know their team. Access 4 Modern Woodmen Park is located right off the Centennial Bridge and is easy to find. Parking at the stadium is $5. There is another parking lot west of the bridge where parking is free. When the ballpark is full, getting through the concourse can take some effort. Many mobile concession areas in the concourse along with lines at the permanent concession stands cause some gridlock. The restrooms are clean and sufficient for the size of the park. Return on Investment 5 Tickets range from $2 (yes, $2) to $17 when buying before game day, running $1 more when purchased on game day. Prices vary throughout the week, but on some game days, you can get berm and/or bleacher seats for just $2. Whatever level of seating you choose, it is well worth the money. Parking cost is minimal at $5 or free just down the street. With the food prices being in line with other ballparks, Modern Woodmen Park is well worth the money. Extras 5 I will add an extra point for the views because five stars just aren’t enough. Especially for night games, you can’t beat the scenery. Recommended you sit between home plate and third base for the best view of the bridge and a comfortable stadium seat. An extra point goes to the game day staff. They are very pleasant and willing to help make the fan experience the best it can be. An extra point is awarded for a ceremonial rock at the base of the American flag in left field. The large rock, encased in plastic, has the names of all the local men and women who lost their lives in defense of our nation. Also in left field, there is a tribute to Dorothy Kohn Wulf, the fan of the century. A nice feature is more apparent later in summer. Behind the bullpen down the left field line is a small cornfield. The cornfield is an ode to the Field of Dreams movie site located a couple of hours away in Dyersville (and well worth the trip). The final extra point goes to some of the great promotions. Fireworks are every Friday and look tremendous with the scenic backdrop. Sundays are great for autograph seekers. Every Sunday, the players are on the field to sign autographs before the game. Final Thoughts Anyone who is a baseball fan simply must come to Modern Woodmen Park. The views can’t be beaten, the staff is super friendly, and the prices are very reasonable. Plan a trip to Modern Woodmen Park and enjoy!

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Campanelli Stadium 1 Feinberg Way Brockton, MA 02301 New England Knockouts website Campanelli Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 4,750 Can the Knockouts Go the Distance?   How many teams can say they had two official nicknames before they even took the field? W hen the Frontier League announced that they were granting a franchise to the city of Brockton, Massachusetts, the team held the standard name the team contest.   The winning entry, the Chowdahheads, was announced in November 2023. After a lukewarm reaction, the team pivoted to a new nickname, the Knockouts, a month later. This name reflects Brockton’s history of producing championship boxers, most notably Rocky Marciano and Marvelous Marvin Hagler.   It’s difficult to completely tell the story about the New England Knockouts without first mentioning the Brockton Rox. The Rox are the original tenants of Campanelli Stadium, debuting along with the ballpark in 2002. The Rox competed in the Northern and Can-Am Leagues until 2012 when the team downsized to summer college leagues. This move was made not due to a lack of support, but due to mismanagement by the former ownership and city officials. The move to summer college ball was meant to be temporary until the team’s finances were squared away.  2024 will mark the Rox 13th season in the Futures League. The Knockouts and Rox, who are operated by the same ownership group, will share Campanelli Stadium.   Campanelli Stadium is named for Alfred Campanelli, who donated two million dollars to the City of Brockton for a project that would “substantially benefit the people of Brockton.” The city used this money to build the ballpark that would bear his name in 2002.   Food & Beverage 3   There are concession stands on either side of Campanelli Stadium, with only one stand open during Knockouts games. The menu offered does not stray far from ballpark standards, with hot dogs, burgers, sausage and pepper sandwiches, and chicken fingers anchoring the menu. A decent menu of snack items is also available here. A stand at the end of the third base concourse sells Mini Melts.   Pepsi products are featured at Campanelli Stadium, available in both bottles and fountain cups. A decent variety of beer is sold at the concession stands, highlighted by offerings from local brewery Brockton Beer Company and The Girls Brewing. For something a little different, check out the Old Smokey Distillery Stand, where mixed drinks featuring moonshine are sold.   Atmosphere 3   The Knockouts serve up an entertaining game day presentation, anchored by the new video board in left-center field. This scoreboard is put to good use throughout the game with video clips, player stats, fan dance cams, and graphics. Music and sound effects play over the new sound system throughout the game. The goal here is to fill in those empty spaces throughout the game and to keep the fans entertained, which they do in spades.   The PA announcer adds some energy to the proceedings without being too over the top. The team is phasing out the typical between-innings filler with their own shenanigans, including the blazing rubber race and "RBPie" contest. The “foreth” inning chip contest, where a fan competes with a Knockout player to hit a golf ball closer to a flag placed in the outfield, has proven to be a highlight of every game thus far. You won't see the same game day presentation twice in Brockton, as the team is constantly switching up the schedule to introduce new features and keep things fresh. Promotional nights dot the schedule every night.   Neighborhood 3   Campanelli Stadium is located in the hardscrabble city of Brockton, a city of approximately 106,000 residents located 25 miles south of Boston. Originally named North Bridgewater, the city was later named in honor of Isaac Brock, the British commanding general at the Battle of Queenston Heights, the first major battle of the War of 1812. A couple of trivial facts about Brockton: during the Civil War it was the nation’s largest supplier of shoes, and it is the second windiest city in the United States.   Baseball fans visiting Brockton for a Knockouts game will not find much near the ballpark in terms of dining or lodging options, although Pho89, McMenamy's Seafood and Charleys Cheesesteaks are solid choices. Just a few miles away, Stoneforge Grill and Brack’s Grill & Tap offer outstanding pub fare near Stonehill College. The Residence Inn here is a quality lodging option.   For fans visiting during the baseball season, there is much to see and do in the area. As mentioned before, Boston is just 25 miles to the north, and the popular summer attractions of Cape Cod are just 35 miles to the southeast. The historic destinations of Plymouth, MA, and Newport, RI are both within an hour’s drive of Campanelli Stadium.   Fans 1   Local fans have been slow to check out the Knockouts thus far into their inaugural season. Halfway through their inaugural season, they rank last in the Frontier League in attendance, with an announced average of just under 700 fans per game. This figure is well behind the other teams in the circuit. Less-than-ideal weather to start the season and the short run-up to the season hindered efforts, but an opening day crowd of under 1,300 fans still fell far short of expectations.   There is hope on the horizon, as crowds have started to grow with the arrival of warmer weather in Massachusetts. As the team becomes more established, it is hoped that fans will discover the value of a Knockout game.   Access 3   Campanelli Stadium is located on the campus of Brockton High School about a mile from Route 24, the highway which connects the Massachusetts South Coast with the Greater Boston area. Interstates 495, 93, and 95 all pass within a short distance of Brockton.   While driving is the primary method to get to the ballpark, the Brockton Area Transit Authority’s  number 3 bus does have a stop at the High School next door. The final bus departs at 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly. The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority’s  Middleboro/Lakeville train brings passengers from downtown Brockton north to Boston (and soon south to Fall River and New Bedford) throughout the day until after midnight.   The Knockouts website advises visiting fans to park in the large lot at Brockton High School. This has proven to be problematic, as the path from the lot to Campanelli Stadium is unpaved, unlit, overgrown with brush, and strewn with trash. Even worse, the path is blocked by a fence, forcing fans to push their way through this barrier. For now, Stadium Journey advises that fans park in the lots along Feinberg Way behind the stadium. The businesses on this street do not charge for the use of their lots (at least not yet).   Most fans will enter Campanelli Stadium via the main entry plaza, where the ticket offices and team store are located. Additional entrances are located on the third base side of the ballpark and in the deep right field. No matter which entrance you use, you will be required to climb a set of stairs to reach the concourse level. There is an elevator located in the main plaza for fans who need it.   The seating bowl stretches from short left field around to the right field foul pole. An open concourse runs atop the seating bowl. Seating consists of red plastic stadium seats with decent legroom. All seats feature good views of the field, even with the strange placement of cameras atop the first base dugout. A deck in right field provides a unique, if unfinished, spot from which you can take in the action.   Return on Investment 5   The Knockouts are promoting themselves as an affordable alternative to expensive ballparks in nearby Boston and Worcester. Tickets are priced at $8 (outfield reserved), $10 (upper infield) and $13 (lower infield). Waiting until game day to buy your tickets raises all prices by two dollars. In addition, there are ticket and concession specials during all weekday games. Two Dollar Tuesdays and Thirsty Thursdays highlight the options.   Parking is free in the lots near the ballpark, and while prices for some concession items may feel a bit high for this level of baseball, there are many bargains to be found throughout the menu.   Extras 2   Two retired numbers hang on Campanelli Stadium’s outfield wall. Brockton native sons Rocky Marciano (#49) and Marvelous Marvin Hagler (#62) are immortalized with their final victory totals. Behind the ballpark in the entry plaza to Marciano Stadium is a statue of Rocky Marciano. At 20 feet tall, it is noted to be the tallest statue of a sporting figure in the world.   An extra point is awarded to the work done by the city of Brockton and the ownership group to renovate virtually every inch of Campanelli Stadium and once again bring professional baseball to the city, honoring a promise made over a dozen years ago.   Final Thoughts   Can the Knockouts go the distance, or will they be another independent league TKO? Early returns are not promising, but this fight is far from over. While Campanelli Stadium doesn’t do anything new in terms of the facility itself or the game-day experience, this is a worthy addition to the Frontier League roster of ballparks.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Coors Field 2001 Blake St Denver, CO 80205 Colorado Rockies website Coors Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 46,897 Three Decades of Rockies Baseball Coors Field is home to Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies, located in downtown Denver. The ballpark opened in April 1995, built as the first baseball-only facility since Dodger Stadium in 1962. Coors Field is starting its 30th season hosting MLB baseball, making this ballpark the third-oldest stadium in the National League, behind Wrigley Field (1914) and Dodger Stadium (1962). Coors Field’s grass surface is Kentucky Bluegrass/Perennial Rye. The ballpark dimensions are asymmetrical, with the shortest being 347ft in left field versus 415ft in center and 350ft in right. The seating capacity is currently 46,897, with the capability of reaching 50,000 including standing room only tickets. Coors Field has been one of the best ballparks over the last 3 decades, with little change from the original stadium design – the most noticeable change was in 2014, when the Rockies turned 3,500 seats in right field’s upper deck into The Rooftop, a 38,000-square-foot gathering area. The Rooftop has two levels and a standing room only bar, but is open to all ticketholders, so get there early to secure a spot. Besides being the place to be at Coors Field, this area provides views of downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains. Coors Field has hosted 2 MLB All Star Games (1998 and 2021), a World Series (2007), and a Colorado Avalanche outdoor hockey game (2016) as part of the NHL Stadium Series, along with concerts.   Food & Beverage   5 The hardest decision for fans walking into Coors Field could be what food or drinks to consume, due to the massive selection of concession options. The choices range from a stand for kids to the first brewery built in a major league ballpark, and there are also stands that cover people looking for healthy options (such as gluten-free, salads, and veggie burgers) to fans seeking more than just the typical ballpark fare. The basic fare of hot Dogs, nachos, pretzels, bratwurst, pizza, and Coca-Cola products are available throughout the ballpark at fixed or portable stands. Specialty concessions such as 505 Southwest Burrito serve burritos or chicken quesadillas, using New Mexico’s famous Hatch Valley green chiles. Coors Field also has two burger concessions that will satisfy any fan – the Smashburger concession in 303 near the rooftop area, and Helton 17 Burger Shack in left field. Helton 17 is in reference to former Rockies player Todd Helton. Biker’s Jim on the lower level in section 107 serves Elk jalapeno cheddar dogs, craft beer brats, spicy polish sausage, bacon cheddar brats, and vegan dogs. In addition there is Rocky Mountain Oysters, which feature breaded oysters and fried bull testicles (yes, this Colorado delicacy is sold inside Coors Field from section 144). Buckaroos in section 149, located on the main level concourse in left field, is a concession that is for kids. The menu consists of kid-sized hot dogs, nachos, fries, burgers, and pretzels. There is also a kid's meal to make your choice easier, which includes a small hot dog, animal crackers, apple sauce, and a prize. One of Coors Field’s staples since the ballpark opened in 1995 is Sandlot Brewery. Located behind section 113, this concession has a BBQ smokehouse and serves brisket, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and burnt ends. Coors’ Blue Moon Belgian White was first brewed at Coors Field’s Sandlot Brewery. The alcohol selections here are in abundance, including plenty of Coors products available around the stadium. However, there are very good local crafts as well, including choices from Epic Western Saloon in the outfield concourse, which is set up as a little mini beer store. The food and beverage prices at Coors Field are the typical prices you would expect when at a professional baseball game, and of course the specialty items are sold at a higher cost than the regular items.   Atmosphere   4 The Lodo district provides plenty of pre- and post-game locations for fun and entertainment, while inside Coors Field, the Rockies continue to have an above average game day experience. The ballpark also provides scenic views while watching the ballgame. The ballpark has four levels of seating, with the third being the club level; all seats have an excellent view of the game. One of the more appealing areas is the rooftop area in upper right field, where fans can meet without being attached to a seating section. There is also plenty of leg room throughout the seating area – The Rockpile section in center field has benches, and even though these seats appear to be far from the action, the view from there is good, and fans have the extra bonus of having a view of downtown Denver.   Neighborhood   5 Coors Field is located in Denver’s lower downtown or “LoDo” neighborhood – this area is full of restaurants and bars, and for that reason it is worth arriving early or staying late when attending any Rockies game. One of my favorites places in LoDo is Viewhouse Ballpark, a rooftop bar with views of both downtown Denver and Coors Field. Along Blake Street, across from Coors Field’s right field entrance, is Cherry Cricket – Cherry Cricket has a large beer selection, and you can also build your own burger. As a matter of fact, this restaurant was voted Westword’s 2024 Best Burger in Denver, and has been operating for 40 years. Across the street you can also find the rently opened 4play Kitchen and Cocktails. This eatery is a little high end for fans going to a baseball game, but it is an option. Another option is 1-Up, a vintage arcade with pub food and a full bar, located one block south of the ballpark on Blake Street. McGregor Square was created by the Colorado Rockies from an empty parking lot in 2021, and has a hotel, restaurants, and retail shops. The square’s centerpiece is a 17,000-square-foot outdoor plaza with a 66-foot-long, 20-foot-wide LED screen, where fans can watch other games of interest before or after the Rockies game. Private events are also held in this outdoor plaza, especially during the NBA or NHL playoffs if any Denver teams are involved. If you are interested in trying one of Denver’s best breweries and Colorado’s first brewpub, go to Wynkoop Brewery Company, with its pool hall/bar setting providing a great adventure. However, there are really hundreds of choices available around Coors Field, so, anyone will be able to find a favorite spot. A must-see attraction, especially for baseball fans, is located near Coors Field’s home plate entrance – the National Ballpark Museum is the only museum dedicated specifically to baseball stadiums, and fans can see relics from classic ballparks including Crosley Field, Forbes Field, the Polo Grounds, Ebbets Field, Shibe Park, and Comiskey Park. This museum tells the story of baseball in Denver, but unfortunately is closed on Sundays. There is an abundance of lodging options in downtown Denver that have easy access to Coors Field; the few that are extremely close are very expensive, however, so I would suggest doing some research if you decide to stay downtown.   Fans   2 The Colorado Rockies were around the middle of MLB attendance last season, leaving a lot of open seats in the ballpark. Much of this has more to do with the Rockies poor on-field performance, as the ballpark itself is beautiful. The small number of Rockies fans who attend are vocal, engaged, and enthusiastic, but Coors Field can feel like an opponent’s home field, especially when popular teams visit Denver. Just like any team, every fan base loves a winner – just ask the Nuggets  or the Avalanche , as attendance is solid at their games in the same city.   Access   4 Coors Field’s LoDo location in downtown Denver provides easy access via public transportation. There are buses, but the best access to Coors field is the light rail. There are three light rail routes convenient to the ballpark, including one from Denver International Airport. All three of these routes arrive at recently renovated Union Station, which is three blocks south of Coors Field on Wynkoop Street, an easy 5-minute walk to Coors Field with places nearby for pre-game food and drinks. Another option in Denver is shared bikes and scooters. The hardest access is driving to Coors Field – Denver’s traffic for a weekday game can be quite time consuming and frustrating at times. There are two official parking lots and plenty of privately owned parking facilities within a few blocks, however. There are five lettered gates at Coors Field; Gates A and E open 2 hours before the scheduled first pitch for batting practice, while the other gates open an hour and half before the game. The most popular gate is Gate D, behind home plate, but the better option for quick entry is Gate C, along Blake street on the first base side. Once inside the stadium the concourses are wide, and there is plenty of signage to help you navigate around the park.   Return on Investment   4 The Rockies have joined the recent trend of flex pricing for tickets. Weekdays games are your best value, with the lowest ticket prices ranging from $6-$12 in the Rockpile bleachers in center field. The rest of the pricing can range from $16 in the upper decks to $160 in the lower field boxes. But Coors Field is such a wonderful ballpark that any seat is a good view, and the average ticket price for a Rockies game is one of the cheapest in Major League Baseball. The Rockies do offer a few ticket specials on their website, such as the Blake Street Steal offering lower level seating for under $20 on select games. There are also Club level ticket specials that give fans 50% off on select games. The most interesting special is family based and is available for 4 games in May – this offer sells for $79 (lower level) or $59 (upper) including four tickets, a parking pass, and a $40 concession credit. Of course, checking on third party sites for tickets could save you money, depending on how the Rockies are performing on the field during the season. Concession prices are what you would expect when it comes to Major League Baseball, while parking can cost anywhere from $20 to $30. However, with Coors Field being close to Denver’s Union Station, using the train system can cost as little as $5 per person, and is the best way to attend a Rockies game.   Extras   5 Coors Field is one of the best ballparks in baseball – the beautiful center field centerpiece by the bullpens put one’s mind at peace with nature. Also there is a purple row in the upper deck that signifies 5,280ft above sea level; fans can say they watched a baseball game a mile above sea level. Coors Field has no bad viewing of the game – even the Rockpile, in upper center field, provides not only a good view of the game, but views of Denver’s downtown skyline and the mountain peaks to the west as well, providing incredible backgrounds when watching a game. The Rooftop addition has not only provided a great place for picturesque views, but a meeting place for fans. The Rockies also do a great job of in-game presentation bringing out all the baseball antics fans expect at a game, along with the Rockies mascot, Dinger. Another plus for Sandlot Brewery, the first brewery inside a major league baseball stadium and the place where Blue Moon beer was created.   Final Thoughts My travels have taken me to all 30 of the active major league ballparks. I have seen 8 games at Coors Field over the years, and every time, Coors Field ranks among the best with its beautiful structure, downtown location, and picturesque views. A trip to Coors Field is more than watching a baseball game; Coors Field is a place that signifies the beauty of Colorado. Any sports fan should put Coors Field high on their list of places to visit.

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 M&T Bank Stadium 1101 Russell St Baltimore, MD 21230 Baltimore Ravens website M&T Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 71,008 Home of the Ravens The Baltimore Ravens gave the fans of “Charm City” a new beginning in 1996 when they started operation after the Cleveland Browns moved to the Maryland city. As part of a settlement between the league and the city of Cleveland, Art Modell was required to leave the Browns’ history and records in Cleveland for a replacement team. Since their “new beginning,” the Ravens have won two Super Bowl titles. The city of Baltimore has a history of winning teams. The Baltimore Colts won the NFL Championship game before the Super Bowl even existed, in 1958 and 1959, as well as the Super Bowl in 1971. The Baltimore Stars of the USFL were led by coach Jim Mora to that league’s championship in 1985, the final year of the league and team. And of course, the well-loved Canadian Football franchise, the Baltimore CFL Colts/Stallions won in 1995, before the Ravens came to town and prompted their move to Montreal to become the Alouettes. Those seven championships show that Baltimore is a hard-nosed football town with a history of success. After playing their first two years at venerable old Memorial Stadium, the team has made what is now known as M&T Bank Stadium home. The 71,008-seat stadium has been renovated many times over the years. The team updates the stadium in many ways from year to year and the stadium always feels fresh and new. Food & Beverage 5 The Ravens have good quality concession stands around the stadium. Many stands offering options such as beer, chili bowl, pizza, and hot dogs are all nice options. Stands tend to have generic names, such as Goal Line Grill, Kickoff Classics, and the Chesapeake Market. There are also outposts of local favorites such as Attman’s Deli and Jimmy’s Famous Seafood. A good choice at Attman’s is their corned beef or hot pastrami sandwich . There are also a few full-service bars scattered around offering top-shelf spirits and premium drinks. Several kiosks also sell a variety of domestic and craft beers. The stadium has followed the lead of Atlanta and has begun to offer many lower-priced, value options. This has made an already good food experience even better. Atmosphere 5 From the Ravenswalk area outside of the stadium to the purple seats and concourse lighting, the Ravens have set a fine stage for the enjoyment of NFL football. Expect the games to be loud inside the walls of the stadium. Every play, whether it be on defense or offense, will have the fans screaming at every detail. Even special team plays are paid attention to in great detail. The fans are knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. Ravenswalk leads the fans from downtown and Oriole Park towards M&T Bank Stadium. It has always been a good place for fans to enjoy pre-game activities. The team has increased the entertainment and food offerings in this area making it an even more enjoyable place to spend some time. Make sure to be in this area when the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band makes its way towards the game. One favorite here is the cocktail bar offering decent price drinks and a pretty impressive Bloody Mary bar. One should also stop by to see the text of the former facade from Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, which is on display between the two stadiums. The text was a memorial to those killed in the two World Wars. The main words of “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS” reminds visitors of those this nation lost in the past. The line is a quote from Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The large video boards, known as RavensVision, past both end zones, are amazing visual spectacles. The vertical screens in each corner enhance the game viewing options. The Ravens cheerleading squad and mascot Poe offer traditional cheering options. Note that the cheerleading squad has a male stunt squad, as well. The Poe mascot has now seen his brothers, Edgar and Allen, re-added to the mascot mix. In 2022, the brothers stood in for Poe when he went down with a devastating wing injury. The fans are happy to see all three at the game in 2023. The "MO" in Baltimore is colored different colors in the end zones from the rest of the city name. This to honor the late Mo Gaba, who passed in 2020 at the age of 14. Mo was a Baltimore super-fan, who although was battling cancer for most of his life, and later blindness, become a favorite of all Baltimore athletes. Gaba was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in July 2020 and in 2019 became the first person to announce an NFL draft pick written in Braille. The Ravens continue to honor Mo 3 years after his passing. The signage around the stadium is consistent, modern, and appropriate. Purple lighting effects are seen everywhere. One major complaint of M&T Bank Stadium had been the lack of escalators to the upper deck. But a few years back they added escalators to this area, which means that fans do not have to hoof it up and down stairs or long ramps. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood is generally the same as Oriole Park at Camden Yards, but does suffer a slight bit, as it is further away from downtown Baltimore. The newly opened Horseshoe Casino, located south of the stadium, has the potential to make this “other” side of the stadium become more and more important to the Ravens’ social scene. Close to the stadium, and right across from Oriole Park, are Pickles Pub and Sliders Bar & Grille. The Federal Hill neighborhood is also close by. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro (1041 Marshall Street) is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Mother’s (1113 S Charles Street) and Magerks (1061 S Charles Street) are also good places for a pre or postgame meal. The Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination and is a short walk from M&T Bank Stadium. There is a movement by a local developer to redevelop the already famous Harborplace into a state-of-art living and working area. Currently the existing pavilions are underused. Baltimore is home to many touristy attractions, such as Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone. Baltimore is, and has always been, an urban environment where you should make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Use common sense and all will be fine and you will have a great time. Fans 5 Baltimore is a football town. They love smash-mouthed football and have no problem if the defense wins the game by smothering their opponents. Even when there was no NFL team in town, they embraced football variations offered by the USFL and the CFL in ways that other cities may have a hard time following. The fans will still respect fans who wear the opposing team’s colors, but they still should not expect too much love. The fans are serious about the Ravens and defensive football. Just like at Oriole Park, the Ravens’ fans commemorate the local creation of the Star-Spangled Banner, and the love of the other big league team in town, by shouting a loud “O!!!!!!” during the appropriate spot in the anthem. In other places, this would seem to be disrespectful, but in Baltimore, it shows the love of the country and the team. If you hear that yell at other parks throughout the country, rest assured that there is a Baltimore fan in the house. Fans also love to chant along with the “Seven Nation Army” song by the White Stripes. Access 5 M&T Bank Stadium is right off I-95, with only a couple of turns putting you on the highway home. Parking garages can be found in all directions from the stadium. Street parking is not a great option. Parking near the Inner Harbor is a good option. Check the parking link on the Ravens’ website to find bargains that are a pretty close walk away. If you’re not driving to the game, the other primary mode of access is the MTA Light Rail. From points north and south of downtown Baltimore, you can take the train to the ballpark. The Light Rail is slow, so make sure you know that beforehand, and the crowds will be overwhelming after the game. Return on Investment 4 The cost of an NFL game is expensive. There is no way around it. You do get a good deal, because of the high entertainment value and the extremely high level of competition. The parking costs, if done correctly and cheaply, can alleviate some of the expenses. The Ravens make sure the fans know they are valued for spending their money on the team. Free programs are available for all games, and the pregame ritual of walking the Ravenswalk (located between the two Camden Yards stadiums) is a treat for all fans. Extras 5 The Johnny Unitas statue located at the end of Ravenswalk and in front of the stadium is a gathering spot for pregame meetings, as well as a place to honor the Baltimore Colts legend. A Ray Lewis statue was recently added to honor one of the other most important Baltimore football players. Ravenswalk is the place to be and watch the excitement of the game day grow to a fever pitch. The only marching band in professional football, the Marching Ravens, plays at Ravenswalk as well at points in the game. This is the same band that was known as the Baltimore Colts’ Marching Band and was started in 1947. The newly spent renovations and additions have made the purple colors and signage seem consistent, and scream out RAVENS at all points. Final Thoughts M&T Bank Stadium shows that the Ravens have done an outstanding job with their franchise. The fans who attend will always have a memorable game day experience and get good value.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 TD Garden 100 Legends Way Boston, MA 02114 Boston Celtics website TD Garden website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 19,156 The Gahden The Boston Celtics are the most successful franchise in NBA history, having won 17 championships, 21 conference titles and 22 division championships during their time in the league. The team has qualified for the playoffs 57 times. 40 individuals associated with the team have been enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame. The TD Garden is the home of both the Celtics and the NHL’s Boston Bruins . When the facility was under construction in the mid-1990s, plans stated the arena would be located “just north” of the Boston Garden. “Just north” ended up being nine inches away. The privately financed facility was built for $160 million in 1995. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at TD Garden have never been at the forefront of the Celtics gameday experience. Over the years, the concessions have improved here in both variety and quality. Along with the physical renovations to the TD Garden, visiting fans will notice improvements to the food and beverages available for the 2019-20 season. Stands at the TD Garden are organized by their menus, so hungry fans may have to do some searching to find what they want. All the expected arena staples can be found at the many stands that line the concourse. Vegetarian, vegan, kosher and gluten free items are available throughout TD Garden. For your best value, try a super slice at Sal’s Pizza. Hub Hot Dogs offers a family-friendly menu without alcohol sales. For some of the more unique items on the menu, head to the Test Kitchen stand on Level 4. Coca-Cola products are featured at TD Garden. A more in-depth description of the menu, including a map of all concessions, can be found here . Fans looking for an adult beverage will have no problem finding what they want at TD Garden. In addition to draught and bottled beers available at both permanent and portable concession stands, there are several spots dedicated solely to adult refreshments. The Coors Light Hub Bar and Sam Adams Brew House, located on Level 4, as well as the Bud Light Blue Zone and Craft Beer Garden on Level 7, offer a wide selection of national brands and local craft brews for thirsty Bruins fans. New social areas for the 2019-20 season include The Rafters Club on Level 9 and the Back Row Bar at the top of the Balcony seating area. Be warned that concession prices at TD Garden are among the highest in the NBA. Atmosphere 5 Somewhere, Red Auerbach must be rolling over in his grave. The old Celtics philosophy of just opening up the gates and rolling out the basketballs is a distant memory. Watching an NBA game today is an all-out assault on the senses, and taking in a Celtics game at the TD Garden is no different. The game-day presentation at a Celtics game is a non-stop mix of music and visuals designed to appeal to the casual basketball fan. The Celtics put on as good a show as anyone in the NBA. All the usual features are here, including a scantily-clad dance team, a cheerleading squad (kudos to having a mixed-gender squad who perform some nice stunts), and to many old-timers’ dismay, a mascot. However, the Celtics do not employ your standard furry creature, but an actual human dressed in leprechaun gear. “Lucky” takes part in stunts and routines, and has some good moves of his own. A significant portion of the in-game presentation is directed towards younger fans, with play stoppages filled with fan cams on the jumbotron, t-shirt tosses, performances by Li’l Phunk, the team’s youth dance troupe, face painting booths, and more. Youth teams can even take the court to play before the game. The TD Garden is a family-friendly venue. Parents can feel very comfortable bringing the entire family to a Celtics game. Neighborhood 5 The TD Garden is located in Boston’s historic North End, the city’s version of “Little Italy.” Among the many outstanding restaurants along these narrow, crowded streets is Bruin legend Ray Bourque’s restaurant, Tresca. Be sure to grab a couple of cannolis 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. There are no shortage of options for Celtic fans looking for a spot to eat near the Garden before or after a game. Halftime King of Pizza, right across Causeway Street, is always loaded with fans grabbing a quick slice. The Four’s was named the best sports bar in the United States by Sports Illustrated in 2005. Boston Beer Works is popular for their wide selection of craft brews, including the Bunker Hill Blueberry Ale. Fans flock from all over Greater Boston to The Harp, The Greatest Bar, Sports Grille Boston, Hurricane O’Reilly’s, and many other fine dining establishments in the immediate area. 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 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 can be found here among all the historic sites. Fans looking to explore Boston’s rich history can follow the Freedom Trail, which passes only a few blocks from the Garden. The Freedom Trail is a 2.5-mile-long brick-lined route that connects 16 of Boston’s most significant historic sites. This walking tour winds throughout the city and is one of the best ways to explore Boston. Several points of interest are located near the Garden, including the Old North Church, Faneuil Hall and Copp’s Burial Ground. Fans 5 The Celtics are averaging over 19,000 fans per game during the 2019-20 season, more than 100 percent of capacity. This figure easily places the Celtics in the top ten in the NBA attendance rankings. Celtics fans are known around the league as some of the most passionate, dedicated fans in the league. The give the Celtics one of the greatest home-court advantages in the NBA, and the TD Garden can be one of the loudest buildings when the Celtics get rolling. The crowd at the Garden is a mix of longtime fans who can still recall the Celtics glory days of Cousy and Russell, fans from the original Big Three (Bird-McHale-Parish) era, and younger fans who came aboard with the new Big Three (Pierce-Garnett-Allen). Games at the Garden today are family friendly, and the crowd is filled with the next generation of Celtics fans. Access 2 Boston is certainly not an easy city for visitors to navigate. City streets, which date all the way back to colonial times, are laid out in seemingly random directions. Traffic jams and never-ending construction projects are the norm here. While the Garden is located adjacent to Interstate 93, even the most direct route off the highway (Exit 26-Storrow Drive) requires several twists and turns to reach the arena. 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 $2.75 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. There is a 5-level garage located directly underneath the Garden which charges $52 for event parking. There are several surface lots and garages in the immediate area which range from $30-$50 on game night. Despite the Garden’s downtown location, there is little on-street parking to be found. The big news over the summer of 2019 was the completion of the renovations that have been in progress over the past several years . In addition to the new entrance and atrium that debuted last season, additional parking was added to the North Station garage. Concourse space was increased by twenty percent, additional bathrooms were added, and new seating areas and concessions points were added in the balcony level. Gone are the old yellow seats, replaced by sleek new, ergonomically advanced seats throughout the facility. Yet somehow fan comfort took a major hit despite these “improvements.” The seats that were installed featured increased seat and back padding, a new armrest design and higher seat backs that made them feel significantly smaller than their predecessors. Many fans can no longer fit comfortably in the new seats, ether due to decreased legroom or seat width. The Garden’s initial reaction, “it takes time to get used to such major changes,” didn’t help with fan backlash. Even though the facility backed off from these statements and will be replacing these torturous seats over the summer, there’s nothing that can be done until after the Bruins and Celtics wrap up their seasons. Return on Investment 3 The Celtics utilize variable pricing for their home games, dividing their schedule into several tiers. Tickets start as low as $39 for the least expensive seats, with the average ticket costing about $145. Check out the Celtics website for more details on ticket pricing and availability. There is an active secondary market for Celtics tickets with bargains to be found. Inflating the price of attending a Celtics game is above average concession prices and parking prices that are among the highest in the league. Parking in the garage beneath the TD Garden costs $52, with surface lots and garages a short distance from the arena priced between $35-50. Fans looking to avoid the exorbitant parking prices, not to mention the always present Boston traffic can take the “T” to the game, which drops fans off at North Station, right across the street from the Garden on both the Green and Orange lines. Fares from most spots in and around the city cost only $2.75. Extras 5 History -A trio of extra points is awarded for the sense of history that permeates all corners of the TD Garden. There is a statue of Red Auerbach smoking one of his legendary victory cigars in Fanueil Hall, and a statue of Bill Russell in the nearby City Hall Plaza, the site of so many Celtics’ championship rallies. A statue of Larry Bird can be found inside the Garden, in the Boston Sports Museum. No other team in the NBA can match the Celtics’ 17 championship banners, all of which hang proudly from the rafters of the Garden. There is no room for mere division title banners or even conference title flags here. It’s an NBA title or bust here in Boston. Also joining the championship banners are three banners honoring Celtic retired numbers from throughout their storied history. In all, 23 former Celtics have been honored by having their jersey numbers retired. There are so many retired numbers here, in fact, that the honored players do not have their own unique banner. All the numbers are simply laid out on a trio of grids. No names, no frills, just three banners full of the numbers of some of basketball’s all-time greats. Kevin Garnett’s number 5 will join the legendary lineup in the 2020-21 season. The signature floor at the TD Garden, properly named the Red Auerbach Court, has been linked to the Celtics and the Garden since 1952. Built during World War II when lumber was prohibitively scarce and costly, this floor actually pre-dates the Celtics, and was originally used at nearby Matthews Arena. Legend has it that the Celtics knew which way the ball would bounce on certain parts of the floor, and would defend their opponents accordingly. Although the floor was rebuilt in 1999, pieces of the original floor were incorporated into the new floor, which accurately recreated the oft-imitated look of the original court. The Sports Museum -Perhaps the greatest hidden sporting gem in Boston, it’s a must see for any sports fan visiting Boston. 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. Exhibits include the penalty box from the Boston Garden and an open theater with original Garden seats. Items from local high schools share space with Boston’s many professional teams. Gino Time -If you are lucky enough to attend a game in which the Celtics are assured of victory, you will get to experience Gino Time. In a nod to Red Auerbach’s tradition of lighting a victory cigar near the end of certain Celtics victories, the team shows a video of an old American Bandstand clip from 1977 intertwined with shots of people in the crowd dancing. The clip, played to the Bee Gee’s “You Should Be Dancing”, has achieved cult status in major part due to a dancer with a legendary 1970’s perm and a tight shirt emblazoned with “Gino” on it. Kevin Garnett even admitted to being a big fan of Gino Time during his time with the team. Final Thoughts Boston may not be thought of as a basketball hotbed in some circles, but the combination of a team contending for the Larry O’Brien Trophy, a rabid fanbase, an outstanding gameday atmosphere, unmatched history and tradition makes “The Gahden” one of the must-see venues in the league. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Comerica Park 2100 Woodward Ave Detroit, MI 48201 Detroit Tigers website Comerica Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 41,574 A Carnival Like Atmosphere at Comerica Park Comerica Park has been the home of the Detroit Tigers since 2000 after playing at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull Avenues since 1896. The new ballpark replaced Tiger Stadium, which debuted in 1912 and ushered in a new era of baseball in Detroit. The stadium’s construction cost $300 million and featured a 40,000-plus seating capacity, 102 private suites, a playground area for children, a wrap-around concourse, and dimensions that are pitcher-friendly. The stadium also features 9 tiger statues at the two main entrances that provide one of the best looks in major league baseball. This is Tiger Town. Food & Beverage 5 There is plenty of great food at the ballpark, from your common hot dogs, nachos, peanuts, and soda pop to a few more adventurous items. Visitors can enjoy the iconic coney dog with chili and onions, but also check out this Detroit snap dog with a natural casing that gives the customer a beautiful snap when they bite into it. If you're looking for just your normal hot dog, it's also here at various concessions throughout the stadium. If you're looking for something a little bit bigger, there are Italian rope sausages with grilled onions and peppers, giant burgers from the 313 Burger Company, pulled pork and brisket sandwiches from 313 Barbecue, featuring The Notorious P.I.G. which is a pulled pork sandwich with mac and cheese jalapenos and crispy onions. There are also pulled pork city tacos that are served on grilled corn tortillas and melted cheese. Two regional food items are available: Detroit-style city chicken and pasties. The city chicken is cubed pork, wrapped in bacon, deep-fried, and served on a stick. It was commonly made with veal or pork since it was more readily available than chicken. Pasties are popular in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and are pastries filled with minced meat and onions. At the ballpark, they also fill it with mac and cheese, brisket, or apples. There are plenty of local restaurants serving up unique eats. They include El Ray Taqueria’s Sonoran hot dog, Green Dot Stables shawarma fries with grilled chicken and garlic sauce, Breadless gluten-free options, Lobster Food Trucks mac and cheese with lobster, and Yum Villages version of nachos with jerk chicken and a spicy sauce made from peaches and apricots. Atmosphere 4 Comerica Park offers a carnival-like atmosphere during the baseball game and features enough quirky amenities that set this place apart from other ballparks in Major League Baseball. The first thing fans will notice is the giant tiger statues at the main entrance. There are nine in total and two even sit on top of the stadium and peer down at the fans. There are many ball clubs named after animals, but none of them feature as many statues of them at the stadium. The outfield area offers the Chevrolet Fountains that provide a liquid fireworks display. It is synchronized to music and changing lights and is used to celebrate home runs and other in-game moments. There are 6 granite statues of former Tigers legends Ty Cobb, Willie Horton, Al Kaline, Hal Newhouser, Charlie Gehringer, and Hank Greenberg. They are 11-13 feet tall and appear more like mythical superheroes than baseball players. Another great section is the Big Cat Court behind section 119. The area is designed circularly and offers a variety of food from different Detroit neighborhoods and offers entertainment for kids and adults. There is a carousel featuring Tigers to ride on for an additional charge, the tiger retail shop, the Tiger Den lounge, an open-air grill and beer hall, and a Ferris wheel that is shaped with multiple baseballs. The grill area features different pop-up restaurants from time to time with an alternating menu. The ballpark offers open views of the Detroit skyline, concession areas that allow fans to enjoy the game while they are online, and a collection of memorabilia on display from the Tiger’s 120-plus-year history. There are multiple retail shops, kiosks, and lounge areas sponsored by national retailers. Neighborhood 4 Comerica Park is located in Downtown Detroit and is buzzing during game days. When you're inside the stadium you can't help but notice the home of the Detroit Lions Ford Field behind the left field area. The Little Caesars Arena that houses the Detroit Red Wings in Detroit Pistons is a few blocks away from the main entrance of the stadium. Some various bars and restaurants are open before Tigers games, one of them is Tin Roof Alley which offers rooftop seating with a gorgeous view of the stadium. Down Below they offer live music before the game in a giant patio setting. Hockeytown is a Red Wings-themed restaurant and bar offering pub food and drinks. A few other places within walking distance from the stadium include the Elwood Bar & Grill, Brass Rail Pizza, Mom's Spaghetti, and the Detroit Beer Company. Also in the neighborhood is the Fox Theater and Detroit Opera House which is home to live concerts and performances. Fans 3 Tiger fans or devoted group of individuals who are still looking for the elusive fifth World Series championship that has eluded them for almost 40 years. The seasons have been lean for the Tigers since their last playoff appearance in 2014. However, when the team starts building a championship-caliber club, the ballpark will be rocking once again. Still, it's not hard to spot a fan not wearing the iconic Old English D at the game. Access 4 Downtown Detroit is easily accessible from both I-75 and I-375. There are multiple parking decks near the stadium and it is advisable to arrive a little bit earlier to avoid any congestion. parking prices will range to the much higher $30 closer to the stadium, but there are spots on the street or in independent Lots that are much cheaper a few blocks away. Return on investment 4 A ticket to a game or relatively inexpensive, but it depends on what promotional event or who the team is playing. a fan could check out a second ticket website and scoop up a docket for as low as $10. However, if there is a valuable giveaway at the game that price could double or triple in price. The concession prices were somewhat less expensive compared to some other major league ballparks the Stadium's website staff has visited in the last few years, but there were no value items during our visit. A basic hot dog is $6 and macro beer is $10 Extras 4 The ballpark earns extra points for providing a carnival-like atmosphere that includes a Ferris wheel, a tiger theme carousel, and a liquid light show against fountains in the outfield. Fans can also enjoy a wide range of food from local area restaurants and take pictures in front of one of the nine tiger sculptures at the main entrance. I would also suggest doing the same for the six former Tiger legends inside the stadium in the outfield. Final Thoughts Comerica Park doesn't get a lot of the attention that other major league ballparks do, but it stands out among many of its contemporaries. when you're walking around the Concourse and visiting certain areas you know you are at a ballpark in Detroit in nowhere else. The accessibility, surrounding neighborhood, and unique touches make a Tiger game worth your time in the Motor City. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Wrigley Field 1060 W Addison St. Chicago, IL 60613 Chicago Cubs website Wrigley Field website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 41,649 The Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field Wrigley Field is known as “The Friendly Confines” and is home to the Chicago Cubs of the National League. It is the second-oldest ballpark in baseball, built in 1914, and is known for its unique features that make it one of the more iconic sporting venues in the country. The ballpark opened as Wheeghman Field for the Chicago Whales of the Federal League in 1914 and became home to the Cubs two years later. In 1920 it was renamed Cubs Park and renamed Wrigley Field in 1927. The ball club had played at the West Side Grounds since 1885. The 1060 Project was a $575 million, privately funded rehabilitation of the venue that took place for five years. The project resulted in improvements to the facade, infrastructure, restrooms, concourses, press boxes, and the movement of bullpens and clubhouses. There was also the addition of restaurants, patio areas, a jumbotron, and an outdoor plaza. Food & Beverage 4 Wrigley Field features classic ballpark food, along with new and exciting items. The majority are located in the main concourse of the 200 level, but they can also be found through portables, the 400 level, and in the outfield bleacher section. Concession stands are lit in classic neon lights with names like First Base/Third Base Classics, Clark Street Grill, and Marquee Classics. Menu items include Vienna Beef hot dogs, fried chicken sandwiches, nachos, brats, soft pretzels, burgers, pizza, and local favorites like Italian beef and Italian sausage sandwiches. Wrigley has several new items, including pulled pork nachos, loaded Greek fries, burger brats, crispy chicken bao bun, crispy chicken torta, and quesabirria. The North Side Twisted Pretzel comes in a pizza box with three dipping sauces: beer cheddar, chipotle honey mustard, and cinnamon frosting. Beer and cocktails are available at numerous points on the main concourse. The beer options include Bud, Hamm’s, Goose Island, Half Acre, Kona, Three Floyds, and Bells. There are also frozen cocktails to cool fans off during the summer months. Atmosphere 5 The streets of Wrigleyville come alive during home games, with local bars and restaurants packed with fans, street vendors selling t-shirts, and plenty of folks taking pictures in front of the iconic red marquee above the main entrance. It’s a scene that is not duplicated in Major League Baseball. The plaza outside Wrigley on the third base side is called Gallagher Way and requires a ticket to enter. It features a synthetic grass field for kids, food and menu items, and pregame concerts. It is home to various statues of Cubs greats: Ernie Banks, Billy Williams, Fergie Jenkins, and Ron Santo (Harry Carey’s statue is behind the centerfield entrance). Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey When entering through the main entrance, visitors are underneath the main grandstand seating and have the majority of concession items and services surrounding them. The bleachers, ivy-covered walls of the outfield, the hand-operated scoreboard, rooftop seating, and multiple pennants and flags can be seen as you walk up the stairs or ramp. The old-fashioned ballpark is a step back in time, and the new jumbotron and signage blend into the historic venue. The upper deck seating provides beautiful views of the Chicago skyline to the south and the streets below. Neighborhood 5 The area surrounding Wrigley Field is known as Wrigleyville. It is quite a destination when the Cubs are not in town at night and during the weekend. However, the neighborhood becomes vibrant with all things Cubs. Visitors will find vendors and souvenir shops selling team gear and all imaginable designs. You will also find a collection of bars, restaurants, and gathering spots that have become destinations for pre-game drinking and after-game celebrations. There are up-scale restaurants, but plenty of local spots that include Murphy’s Bleachers, Sluggers Sports Bar, Lucky’s Sandwich Company, Sheffield’s, The Cubby Bear, and GMan Tavern. The Bamboo Club offers $2 blue beer during Cubs games. Fans 5 Cubs fans are some of the most loyal and passionate in baseball. Whether the team wins or loses, you can find them at Wrigley Field, enjoying an afternoon game or hanging out in the bleachers. They are a viral team with a fan base coast-to-coast and most likely worldwide. Perhaps it's the ballpark that has more fans than the ball club, but I won't necessarily test that theory outside Wrigleyville - the two are synonymous. Access 4 It is highly recommended to take mass transit to Wrigley Field. The Red Line drops you directly behind the stadium and connects to the Metra train at Millennium Park station, a few miles south of the ballpark. The Red Line is also accessible from different colored routes north and west of the ballpark, making it possible to park a few miles or blocks away from packed Wrigleyville. There are parking garages/lots within a 2-5 minute walk of the game. Parking can cost between $20-$50, and free street parking is one mile from the ballpark. Private lots can fetch up to $80, including the Addison Clark Garage, 1140 West Eddy lot, and 3627 North Sheffield lot. Parking spaces are limited, including residential parking restrictions on neighborhood streets. If attending a weekday day game, most side streets are free before 6 PM. The best spots would be west on Racine Ave., south on Addison Street, and north on Grace Street, about 3 blocks away on foot. The Cubs offer free remote parking at 3900 North Rockwell Street, east of the Chicago River. It’s available for night and weekend games and includes free shuttle service to and from the ballpark. The view of the field is obstructed by one of the 49 poles in the 200 and 400 sections and the upper grandstand towards the back rows of the lower 200 section. The main concourse is much narrower than modern major league ballparks, and the bleacher section is not accessible unless you have purchased a ticket for the area. Return on Investment 4 The best bet on a ticket is on secondary market sites that range from as low as $13 for games to as high as $81 at the time of this writing. It also depends on where you would like your seat at the ballpark. Concession prices are standard at many major league ballparks and are costly. Vienna Beef hot dog or bottled soda costs $6.99, a large domestic draft beer costs $13.49, and an Italian beef costs $11.99. Extras 5 Wrigley Field features various points of history, including the red marquee at the main entrance behind home plate, the hand-operated scoreboard in center field, the ivy-covered brick walls, and the flying of the white “W” flag for a Cubs victory. The 7th inning stretch, traditionally sung by Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Carey, has been performed by a series of celebrities since his death. Actors, musicians, politicians, and hometown heroes can be heard singing “Take Me Out to the Ballpark”. Final Thoughts The improvements to Wrigley Field have not taken away from the overall game day experience or the historic aesthetics. It has created an ambiance that would fit right into any decade of the ballpark's historic history. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie and Marc Viquez Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Day Air Ballpark 220 N Patterson St. Dayton, OH 45402 Dayton Dragons website Day Air Ballpark website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 7,230 The Streak The marker for the off the field success of any professional sports organization is at the turnstile.  The sellout is elusive to many and sought after by all.  At one point, the Portland Trail Blazers  of the NBA were the team that could boast about having the longest continuous sellout streak in professional sports.  Spanning over 800 games and 18 seasons, the Blazers streak, which ran from 1977 to 1995 was more than impressive.  To say that streak has been eclipsed would be a mild understatement in the least. The Dayton Dragons began their existence in 1988 as the Rockford Expos.  After a couple of decades in Rockford, Illinois with a number of different monikers and affiliations, the team was relocated to Dayton, Ohio in 2000, where the legend of the Dragons was born.  The duration of their time in Dayton, the Dragons have been a Single-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds in the Midwest League.  The current sell-out streak, which at the time of writing was still in effect, has stretched 23 seasons and over 1,500 games.  The streak was paused due to the restrictions of play during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Dragons are owned by three Harvard friends who comprise Palisades Arcadia Baseball LLC. One of the main reasons for the tremendous support that the Dragons have enjoyed is their home, Day Air Ballpark.  Opened in 2000 as Fifth Third Field by the City of Dayton, Day Air Ballpark has been the home of the Dragons since they arrived in Dayton.  The naming rights were sold to Day Air Credit Union in 2020 and Day Air Ballpark has previously been home to the Atlantic 10 baseball tournament. Food & Beverage 5 The concession experience at Day Air Ballpark is amongst the best in all of Minor League Baseball.  Steakadelphia, Greater’s Ice Cream, Dragon Fire (Burgers), Mac & Cheese, Monument Ave BBQ, Coney and Smokie’s Sausage are some of the providers of wares for those hungry baseball patrons.  A wide variety of alcoholic beverage options can be found at various points in Day Air Ballpark.  The Sam Adams Pub offers a full bar experience.  The Dragons website has a full listing of options available for fans who wish to plan their culinary experience.  Perhaps the highlight of the concession scene at Day Air Ballpark is Sweet & Boozy Ice Cream which provides custom made ice cream sundaes with some Atmosphere 4 Built in 2000, Day Air Ballpark is a solid baseball facility.  The exterior is traditional brown brick and the main entrance can be found in the Don Crawford Plaza which is the perfect meeting place for pre game festivities and is at the northwest corner of the block at Patterson Blvd. and Monument Ave.  The Dragons regularly put together a bit of a street party in the plaza complete with food trucks, cornhole, inflatables and appearances by mascots Heater and Gem.  The main entrance is at home plate and the park faces due east. Inside the concourse, there is enough space to get around and checking out the amply stocked team store is a must stop for all fans.  The concourses feature a number of banners depicting the history of the Dragons in Dayton.  These include breaking the sellout streak at 815 straight games, Opening Day in 2000, former coaches Chris Sabo, Tom Browning and Ken Griffey, all members of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, and the career of  2010 National League MVP, Joey Votto.  There is plenty to look at for fans who are interested in those historical tidbits.  The single concourse wraps around into a 360 degree walking experience.  The kid zone is behind the batter's eye and offers children the opportunity to make posters, play games and use the inflatable.  A variety of seating options are available and the lawn seating behind right field is very popular.  The seating bowl is two tier and luxury suites are found behind the second deck seats.  A highlight of the park is the videoboard behind leftfield, which has large dragons framing the board which light up and smoke for key Dragon moments.  The number 1 has been retired by the Dragons for Dayton Dragon fans and is memorialized on the left field wall. The Dragons take the gameday productions to the next level.  There seems to be non-stop action between innings led by the Green Team, promotion group.  Mascots Gem and Heater take part in the festivities.  Roofman makes an appearance between innings and throws soft baseballs out to the fans, and is definitely a highlight of the game.  The team store hosts postgame autographs for a select player and fans will line up for the opportunity to get an item signed, a great connection to the community. Neighborhood 4 Day Air Ballpark is in the Webster Station neighbourhood of Dayton, immediately east of Downtown.  There are a number of pre and post game options in the immediate area including, Canal Street Arcade & Deli, Dayton Beer Company, Foundry, Moeller Brew Barn, Dayton Barrel Works, Barrel House and Flyboys Deli. Other sporting options in Dayton lean towards the colleges with the Dayton Flyers  nearby, and UD Arena, which is home annually to the NCAA First Four.  Wright State Raiders  are also a Dayton option.  Other tourist options include the 2nd Street Market, Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park and America’s Packard Museum.  For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the AC Hotel Dayton is on the other side of 1st Street. Fans 5 The Dragons have enjoyed the strongest support in Minor League Baseball.  In the 2023 season, the Dragons welcomed an average of more than 7,800 fans per game, which is second in MiLB and first in the Midwest League.  For a High-A team to average more fans than nearly all Triple-A teams, most of which enjoy a higher stadium capacity, is quite a feat.  The sellout streak for the Dragons is over 1,500 games at the time of writing.  Is it possible for a team to do any better?   Access 4 Day Air Ballpark is located in the Webster Station neighbourhood of Dayton, immediately south of the Miami River and surrounded by Monument, Patterson, Sears and 1st St.  Getting to the ballpark is not too difficult as it is less than a mile away from I-75, the main artery for the city.  There are some surrounding parking lots and garages within steps of the ballpark.  For fans wishing to take public transit to the game, there are buses on the streets surrounding the ballpark.  Fans should consult the Greater Dayton RTA  website for fares, schedules and maps. Inside the ballpark, numerous sellouts will make the concourses crowded, but it is not impossible to get around.  The 360 degree concourse helps a bit to alleviate crowding.  Concession lines can be long and the washroom facilities are adequate for the park. Return on Investment 5 There is tremendous value in a Dayton Dragons game.  Tickets go for $17 with general admission to the lawn for only $13.  Parking will run a couple of dollars in a nearby lot and concession prices are not out of sorts with other Minor League experiences.  The Dragons put together a great show and the fans come out in droves to support the team.  Great value from top to bottom. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Dayton Dragons holding the longest consecutive sellout streak in professional sports at over 1,500 games and 23 seasons.  It’s not possible to get better than this. An extra mark for a terrific affiliate arrangement with the Cincinnati Reds. It is just over 50 miles from park to park and having the nearby Reds as an affiliate for the entirety of the team’s life in Dayton is yet another drawing card for fans. An extra mark for the nod to Don Crawford with Don Crawford Plaza.  Don Crawford was a pioneer in race relations and the first African-American city commissioner of Dayton, and worthy of this honour. Final Thoughts The success that the Dayton Dragons have enjoyed at the turnstile is unprecedented.  For a High-A team to have such a tremendous supporting fanbase is a testament to what can be done in Minor League Baseball.  Baseball fans must take a trip to Dayton for a Dragons game at Day Air Ballpark.  It will not disappoint. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Deering Memorial Field 129 Ludlow Street Portland, ME 04103 Maine Footy Tide website Deering Memorial Field website Capacity:  5,200 Tide’s Rolling In The summer of 2023 saw semi-pro soccer come to Portland, Maine’s largest city – the Maine Footy Tide of United Women’s Soccer looks to fill the gap  in the development of female soccer players, from collegiate soccer and the professional ranks both stateside and overseas. Since its inception, the Tide has looked to make an impact both on and off the pitch. Not only has Maine Footy strived to put a highly competitive team on the pitch, but also to provide training opportunities for girls in Portland and the surrounding community.   Food & Beverage   4 Portland has an active food truck scene, which extends to the food options available at Maine Footy matches. Just inside the gates, numerous food trucks offer a wide selection of culinary delights. The Mainely Burgers truck offers eight different burger options, served on a choice of a potato bun, gluten-free bun, or bed of lettuce with beef or veggie patties. The truck also offers chicken and gourmet hot dogs, with sides including various types of fries, buffalo cauliflower, and onion rings. The PB & ME truck puts a creative twist on the childhood classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich; their PB tacos are a unique take on Uncrustables, made with flour tortillas. They also offer several grilled cheese and other grilled sandwich options. Local coffee shop Aroma Joe’s serves a variety of cold drinks, while other trucks provide seltzers, frappes, floats, root soda, and the uniquely Maine soft drink, Moxie. With food trucks, it is not uncommon for the selection to change throughout the season, but visitors can count on a well-rounded number of options when it comes to food here.   Atmosphere   3 Maine Footy has played both their seasons at Deering Memorial Field (also called Memorial Stadium), which is a no-frills public high school sports facility that has hosted high school football, soccer, and lacrosse over the years. The venue was also home to the Portland Phoenix of United Soccer League 2. Seating here consists of aluminum bleachers on each side of the field; the once well-manicured grounds now seem overgrown with trees and shrubbery, however, rendering one of the entrances nearly unusable. The far side bleachers offer relief from the setting sun behind the west-side (home) seating. Downtimes in the match, such as when the ball is out of play, when players are setting up for a corner kick, or when a player might need to be tended to by a trainer, are often filled with ad reads, acknowledgments of Maine Footy supporters, and announcements of post-match activities. Tide goals are celebrated with the familiar blast of a lighthouse foghorn, accompanied by Kernkraft 400’s Zombie Nation . As the summer sun sets behind the homeside stands, sitting in the nearside bleachers becomes nearly impossible. However, while the larger home bleachers provide relief from the setting sun, the swampy pond behind the main seating area harbors many mosquitoes as dusk turns to night.   Neighborhood   3 Memorial Field is located in Portland’s Deering Center neighborhood – mostly surrounded by single and multi-family homes, as well as the neighboring high school’s athletic facilities, it does not lend itself to many major points of interest. However, there are a few local restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance where you can grab a quick bite or drink; Quality Shop, Pat’s Meat Market, and Rosemont Market and Bakery are all excellent options for a quick sandwich. Downtown Portland, the center of the city's attractions, is roughly three miles away on the Portland peninsula and features boutique shops, restaurants, and a handful of Maine’s renowned craft breweries and seafood dining spots. For craft beer enthusiasts, the epicenter of Portland’s craft beer scene can be found in the Riverside neighborhood on Industrial Way, which boasts no fewer than six breweries on its industrial loop.  For family-friendly entertainment, the Children’s Museum & Theater of Maine is located at nearby Thompson’s Point. Considering the overlapping seasons of Maine Footy and the Portland Sea Dogs , both can be easily paired for a weekend of sports in Portland.   Fans   3 Maine Footy draws a decent-sized crowd comprised of both families and community members. Portland has a strong soccer following, recently strengthened by the future United Soccer League member, Portland Hearts of Pine . Fans enthusiastically support the Tide, cheering for strong defensive plays, shots on goal, earned corners, and saves. However, the lack of a supporter group is somewhat disappointing. However, with the formation of Hearts of Pine  came its supporters group, Dirigo Union – it would be nice to see that group supporting soccer across the city, including Tide matches, to create a truly special atmosphere at Deering Memorial Field. The Tide’s youngest fans might be the most dedicated, bringing homemade signs to encourage their favorite players, and staying well after matches for pictures and autographs.   Access   3 With many homes around the stadium, Memorial Field is truly a neighborhood facility, easily walkable for many fans. As much as Portland tries to be bike and public transit-friendly, it just is not there yet (although they do at least try). For those arriving by car, there is ample street parking and a parking lot available at the north end of the stadium. Although the parking is far from optimal, given the seating is on the opposite side of the facility from the parking lot, at least the area around the field is paved, which does make traversing much easier. A wheelchair ramp adjacent to the fieldhouse makes the bleachers accessible for all, as well.   Return on Investment   2 Admission to Maine Footy matches costs $20, with the profits “supporting scholarships, community outreach, and other initiatives that benefit the Tide and the community”. Even with proceeds going to worthy causes, the price of admission can be a bit tough to swallow. For comparison, tickets to local summer collegiate baseball in the area run $5, and minor league baseball in the city starts at $15.   Extras   3 Flags representing the countries of origin of Maine Footy’s players are displayed at the entrance to the field. Fans are allowed to vote for the player of the match by scanning the QR code in the program to register their vote. Following the match, Maine Footy players host a meet and greet with their youngest fans; this goes a long way in establishing a strong connection with the community, and with those who come out to support the team and its players.   Final Thoughts The impact that teams such as the Maine Footy Tide can have on a community like Portland’s can never be underestimated. Maine Footy had a successful first season in Portland, building strong community support and furthering that success in its second season. Mainers are a highly dedicated group of backers of their own, and with a roster comprised of several former Maine high school stars, it is easy for the community to get behind the team. The Tide’s primary goal is to provide a platform for women to showcase their soccer talents, either to improve for their upcoming collegiate season or to use the experience as a stepping stone to a professional soccer career. In addition, however, Maine Footy also looks to play a role in inspiring and supporting the next generation of female soccer players in their soccer journeys, and all signs point to a strong future for both the team and its community impact.

Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views hits the BIG 5-0 and Dave and Paul are celebrating with a trip to one of the most iconic venues in the world. Grab a beer and join the boys as the get off the L-Train on the Northside and hit Wrigleyville for the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field! Thanks for joining us for 50 episodes and cheers to the next 50! You can find Stadium Journey's review of Wrigley Field and the Chicago Cubs game day experience here.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Davis Wade Stadium Lee Blvd & Moore Rd Starkville, MS 39759 Mississippi State Bulldogs website Davis Wade Stadium website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 60,311 Gotta' Have More Cowbell On Saturdays in the fall, college football in the farmlands of Northeast Mississippi takes on a whole different meaning – this is SEC football at its best, as the small town of Starkville, MS turns into the third largest city in the state. Combine that with the sound of over 60,000 cowbells, and you have one of the top game day experiences in the country. The Mississippi State football program is one of the oldest programs in the country, first fielding a team in 1895. Honoring its farming and agriculture background, the school was once known as Mississippi A&M, with its teams o riginally nicknamed the Aggies and then the Maroons, until becoming the Bulldogs in 1961. Davis-Wade Stadium opened in 1914, which makes it the second-oldest college football stadium in the country – the facility was originally known as New Athletic Field, and the playing surface itself was named Scott Field, after Olympic runner and former player Donald Scott. Today, Davis-Wade Stadium is one of the loudest football stadiums in the country, with cowbells ringing so loud they can be heard miles away, not to mention a pre-game in The Junction providing one of the best tailgating spots in the South. The game day experience here rivals some of the best that college football has to offer.   Food and Beverage   3 Food options are plentiful at Davis-Wade Stadium, with over 30 concession stands located throughout the facility. Most of the food options are located on the main concourse at ground level, with over 20 points of sale on this level. You will find everything from the basics at the Hail State Eats stands, to specialty items like gourmet hot dogs at Dawg Express. For flat-grilled street tacos try one of the four Stark Tacos locations located on the ground and 300 levels, while for pulled pork sandwiches and BBQ nachos try one of the four Junction BBQ stands, also on the ground and 300 levels. For delicious custom burgers and deep-fried chicken tender sandwiches be sure to check out the two Drill Field Chicken and Burgers stands, and in addition, there is a stand selling flat bread pizzas located on the east side concourse. There are also several food trucks scattered around the ground level, including Dab's Chicken and Waffles, a Jackson, MS-based chicken joint, as well as an ice cream stand. Davis-Wade Stadium also features five climate-controlled market-style stands, set up like grocery stores where you grab your items, scan them, and walk out; these definitely speed up the lines. Mississippi State has a partnership with Coca-Cola for beverages, and there are over 20 stands for you to purchase alcoholic beverages. My one complaint with the concessions here is that most of the stands are located at ground level – it would be nice if there were more concession stands on the upper levels.   Atmosphere   5 There is nothing like a game day in Starkville, as the small college town nearly triples in size. The game day experience is centered around The Junction, just south of the stadium – what was once a railroad crossing on campus 100 years ago has been transformed into one of the premier tailgating spots in all of college football. Fans get out to The Junction early on gamedays, which is not a very big green space, but regardless you'll find a sea of maroon and white tents packed side by side, along with grills smoking and people playing various games such as cornhole, while big screen TVs show the game. Sometimes they even have pre-game concerts held in The Junction, and if you have kids, there are a few inflatables set up across the street from The Junction's west entrance. There are also various Bulldog statues set up, which provide excellent photo ops as well. As one of the founding members of the SEC, the Bulldogs have a great sense of pride in their football achievements. Giant banners of past players hang from the upper decks on the west side of the stadium, such as Eagles DB Darius Slay, Chief's DE Chris Jones, Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, and Eagles DE Fletcher Cox; as of the 2024 NFL season the Bulldogs have 24 former players on NFL active rosters. This sense of pride extends inside the stadium as well, as you'll find banners of big games in program history, as well as images of past bowl games the Bulldogs played in. Once inside the venue you could hardly tell that Davis-Wade Stadium is 110 years old, thanks in part to the many upgrades and renovations made over the years. Looming over the south end zone is the HD videoboard, installed in 2008 and measuring 152 x 135 feet – this is the fourth largest videoboard in the SEC. Davis-Wade Stadium received its most substantial upgrade in 2014 when the north end zone was filled in, with the stadium now resembling a horseshoe. The entire east side upper deck concourse is also covered and climate controlled; today Davis-Wade Stadium features 60 luxury suites and club levels. The club level includes the south end zone loge seats, an open-air seating area where you can be right on top of the action as the Bulldogs run out onto the field. In the north end zone is the Gridiron Club, a 15,000 square foot open bar area with seating at field level. Also in the north end zone, but at the 200 level, is the scoreboard club area, where they have a bar similar to the Gridiron Club, but the 200 level area has cabanas you can rent out and watch the game from. Another neat section of Davis-Wade Stadium is where they took out the seats in the northwest and southwest upper decks, originally known as the worst seats in the stadium – these were replaced by a premium seating area called The Balconies. This new area took tailgating into the stadium, with 22 covered balcony style areas complete with bar and loge seating, shade, electricity, and where fans are allowed to bring in their own food and drinks.   Neighborhood   4 The Cotton District is the main area of town for nightlife in Starkville – located just off campus within walking distance of Davis-Wade Stadium, the District, as it is known, is home to multiple bars and restaurants. The Cotton District is unique in that many of the neighborhood’s buildings resemble buildings you’d see in New Orleans and Europe, as the developer of the neighborhood traveled there for ideas during the mid-1990s. Bin 612 in the Cotton District is a late-night favorite among college students, who flock to the bar for its famous cheese fries – when the bars close around 1 am, you can find a huge line of college students stretched the whole block waiting to get the famous dish. In addition, Two Brothers Smoked Meats has really good smoked wings and its signature white BBQ sauce, while Bulldog Burger has a huge selection of different burgers. The Cotton District is a small one block area that gets really packed with a lot of college students, especially on weekends, so the older crowd of alums may want to venture more towards downtown if they want to avoid hanging out with the younger college students. Just a short walk down University towards downtown you’ll encounter more bars and restaurants, such as Little Dooey – this BBQ joint prides itself on its smoked BBQ, fried catfish, and other Southern favorites. Right next door to Dooey’s is Stromboli’s; this tiny rinky-dink looking Italian eatery doesn’t look like much from the outside, but the pizza being cooked can be smelled from across the street. Right behind Stromboli’s is Central Station Grill, which is built into an old milk plant – the Grill is known for its  brunch and drinks specials, while yet another favorite in the area is Dave’s Dark Horse Tavern, a pub-style bar famous for its pizza, located on the side of a sketchy looking motel. If you come here on your birthday you get a free 24-inch pizza for every fourth person you bring. This dimly lit tavern also has really good live music, and is the place that attracts the mid to late 20s crowd. Besides the above eateries, a couple of bars and restaurants in downtown I recommend checking out are The Beer Garden at Hotel Chester, which is an outdoor bar in the courtyard of an old historic hotel, and the State Theatre, which is a 3-story club type bar. Restaurant Tyler is my favorite restaurant for lunch, however, as it has a really cheap seafood blue plate special, and in its basement there is a bar called Downstairs at Tyler, which is located in a former speakeasy that was used during prohibition. Oby’s is another favorite of mine and features some of the best seafood, sandwiches, and po’ boys in Starkville. A popular Sunday morning tradition in Starkville is to have breakfast at Starkville Café – the tiny cafe located downtown often has a line wrapped around the building starting early on Sunday morning, with people waiting to come in and get the best southern homestyle breakfast in the area. In addition, after breakfast make sure you walk upstairs to Hobie's on Main.   Fans   4 College football is a part of the culture in the south, and in Starkville it's no different. With over 100 years of football history and playing in the toughest conference in college football, Bulldogs fans are just as passionate as any team in the country. This fan base has been through so much over the years – what was once a dormant program in the early and mid-2000s, with a record that was atrocious, Dan Mullen would turn the program around in 2009, and in 2010 begin the streak of 13 consecutive bowl game appearances. State fans would see the pinnacle of success in 2014 when a Dak Prescott led Bulldog team would spend five weeks ranked as the number 1 team in college football; the highest-attended game in stadium history occurred during the 2014 Auburn  game. Fans began to be spoiled during that time period, and now every year the Bulldog faithful expect to have a winning season and go to a bowl game. However, the past few years have been rough on the program, due to the untimely passing of coach Mike Leach, leading to the team missing out on a bowl game in 2023 for the first time in 13 years. Nevertheless, the Mississippi State program hopes to turn things around this year, thanks in part to a new head coach and a newly re-vamped SEC. There are also several traditions that are unique to Mississippi State, most noticeably the cowbells – legend has it that a wandering cow strolled onto the field during a game against Ole Miss in the 1930s. The cow became a good luck charm when the Maroons would ultimately defeat the Rebels, and the cowbell has been a symbol of the university ever since. In fact, Mississippi State is the only Division I school where fans are allowed to bring artificial noisemakers to games. With 61,000 people ringing cowbells, this makes Davis-Wade Stadium one of the loudest stadiums in the country. Continuing the theme, before every game they play the Will Ferrell "More Cowbell" SNL skit over the videoboard, right before players and the Famous Maroon Band take the field. Other popular traditions include The Junction, which is the center for Mississippi State game day activities – on Friday afternoons before each home game, fans line up with their tents so they can have them set them up right at 4 pm, the time the area officially opens. The west side of The Junction is where many of the students and fraternities tailgate, so there will be a mob rush of people waiting to lay claim to their spot right at 4 pm, while the east side of The Junction is a little more reserved and not as chaotic. Lastly the popular Dawg Walk, where the players walk through The Junction on the way to the stadium, occurs 2.5 hours before kickoff before each game as well.   Access   3 The one drawback to coming to a game in Starkville is that the city is located in kind of a secluded area of the state. The closest major cities of Tupelo and Meridian are both located over an hour away, and the closest major airport is over an hour and a half away in Jackson (although there is a smaller Golden Triangle Regional Airport located in nearby Columbus). Only two roads come into Starkville, which are Highway 82 which runs east to west, and Highway 25 which runs north and south. Starkville has recently become more accessible to other areas in the state thanks in part to the upgraded Highway 45, which is located just outside of town, and is the main road you would travel on if coming from the coast or central Mississippi. Make sure you fill up on gas before embarking, however, as there aren’t many stations on the roads heading into Starkville – it’s more of a peaceful rural drive through the backwoods. Once in Starkville prepare for lots of traffic congestion, however, as the town is small and the roads are not exactly the nicest. There is also not a lot of parking around Davis-Wade Stadium, as most of the lots around the facility are reserved for season ticket holders and Bully Club members. There are several lots that charge on the east side of campus near the dorms, and there is also some grass parking for $20 located just south of the stadium. For free parking, go across the street from campus to the Vet School, also called the Wise Center – you can find limited parking around Wise Center, but be sure to get there early, as this lot fills up quickly. You will also have about half a mile walk from there to get to the venue. Once inside Davis-Wade Stadium, the people traffic flows smoothly. There are plenty of concession stands to accommodate the 60,000 people, and the grab and go markets definitely help the lines. The only place in the stadium where you might run into some congestion is on the west side upper deck, which is quite a narrow concourse.   Return on Investment   3 The ticket market fluctuates substantially for every Mississippi State game, but State still has one of the cheapest overall game day experiences in the SEC – for non-conference FBS games, or games against FCS opponents, you can easily find tickets in the upper deck for as low as $20. Night versus day games tend to play a factor in pricing as well, as night games are routinely more popular than day games. For games against Alabama , LSU , or Ole Miss you'll have to resort to the secondary market, and you could be paying anywhere between $75 and $200 a ticket depending on how each team is doing at the time. I consider this a good return on investment, as for an SEC night game David-Wade Stadium is one of the loudest atmospheres in college football. The only issues you may run into are traffic congestion and the lack of parking – it took me over an hour just to get out of the parking lot after the most recent game I attended. There is also a noticeable lack of hotels in Starkville as well, with the few hotels in town usually filling up before the season even starts (for cheaper place to stay I recommend making the 30-minute drive east and staying in Columbus, MS).   Extras   4 The current English bulldog that can be found roaming the sidelines at every game is Bully XXII, also known as Dak. A bulldog named Ptolemy began roaming the sidelines here in 1935; his twin brother Bully also came to a game here when State beat Army  in West Point back in 1939. The first Bully was struck and killed by a campus bus in 1939, and is buried on the sidelines on the 50-yard line under the team benches. Davis-Wade Stadium hosted College GameDay once in 2014, for perhaps the greatest game in school history, when a third-ranked Mississippi State team defeated Number 2 Auburn , to advance to Number 1 in the polls for the first time ever. State was also the first team in the history of the college football playoff to be ranked Number 1, and the first college football game after the attacks on 9/11 was played here against South Carolina on 9/20/01. Davis-Wade Stadium has even set a Guinness Book World Record when over 15,000 came to a pep rally here in 2015 – of the 15,000 people, 5,748 of them rang cowbells at the exact time for 30 seconds, which broke the record for most people simultaneously ringing a cowbell (the old mark was set in Switzerland when 640 people rang cowbells). And of course, one extra for Davis-Wade Stadium being the second-oldest D1 college football stadium in the country – only Georgia Tech's Bobby Dodd Stadium  at Grant Field is older, having opened in 1913.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 ABC Supply Stadium 217 Shirland Avenue Beloit, WI 53511 Beloit Sky Carp website ABC Supply Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 3,850 A Beautiful Setting along the Riverin Beloit The Midwest League has been part of the Beloit, Wisconsin, community since 1982 when the Milwaukee Brewers placed an affiliate at Pohlman Field. The team would change names to the Snappers in 1995 and shuffle affiliates from Milwaukee to Oakland until 2020 when it was painfully obvious that a new facility was needed to save baseball in Beloit. ABC Supply Stadium was built along the Rock River downtown for $37 million through private funds. The 3,850 seats and grandstand contain concessions, larger clubhouses, and a 5,000-square-foot stadium club that can be converted into banquet space for non-baseball events. The difference between the two ballparks is night and day and with its proximity to downtown shops and a restaurant, an ideal way to spend an entire day in town. With the new ballpark, came a new name for the ball club. The Sky Carp name was chosen from a set of five finalists that honed in a local colloquialism. It is a slang term for a goose that does not migrate in the winter and prefers to stay in its home city. The Sky Carp name represents the city of Beloit as a flourishing town that is so vibrant that no one wants to leave. The ball club also became an affiliate with the Miami Marlins and includes many of the styles and colors of the parent club. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark has plenty of food that reflects the state’s brand of cuisine from brats, cheese curds, and favorites from Chicago. All four main concession areas are located on the main grandstand behind home plate next to each other, while other carts and kiosks are sprinkled throughout the stadium down the left and right field foul line. The Pohlmans Stadium Grub offers burgers, Italian beef, Chicago dogs, brats, and hot dog baskets with french fries. Fans in large groups can order a supper box that includes 2 Italians, 2 Chicago dogs, and a pound of fries and cheese curds. A few feet away is El Jefe Street Tacos which features birra and chicken tacos, loaded chicken tacos, and mango margaritas. Wisco on a Stick brings the atmosphere of the state fair to the ballpark. Ribs on a stick, bier braised brats, chicken tender baskets, corn dogs, loaded baked potatoes, funnel cake fries, and cheese curds are all on the menu. Fans can also select from boozy milkshakes, frozen sangrias, and margaritas, along with canned and draft beer. The Deck Deck Goose is located along the first baseline and offers a great place to enjoy the game while engaging in an adult beverage.  The full-service bar offers draft domestic and craft beers, along with mixed drinks. Fans can enjoy favorites from Goose Island IPA or a Spotted Cow, along with frozen Old Fashion or Blue Mule.  Atmosphere 3 The ballpark is a vast improvement over old Pohlman Field and is situated in a better location. It’s constructed in a manner that allows easy access for fans, provides a wrap-around concourse, and has an interior design that is quite different from other venues of its kind around the minor leagues. It was a slow night when we attended the game, but there was plenty of room for movement including drink rails and tabletop seating for various views of the field and socialization. The seating in the grandstand is the typical green color, but there is a turf berm area in front of the party deck behind the outfield walls for additional space to view the game. The ballpark has a pleasant setting along the Rock River and at the steps of downtown. It is also near the border of Illinois and Wisconsin. A giant water tower can be seen from beyond the right field wall to add to the small-town charm of the facility.  Sadly, the ballpark does not offer covering behind the backstop of the grandstand. However, the gift shop is nearly 1,000 square feet in size and offers an array of team merchandise. The Goose Island Party Deck (right field) and Coors Light Chill Zone (3rd 3rd baseline). The Chill Zone is a blend of patio seating, turf lawn, and an all-you-can-eat buffet. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located in downtown Beloit, a city with a population of 40,000 (163,000 in the metro area). Downtown is historic and an attractive place to visit before or after the game and includes several restaurants a few blocks from the ballpark. Lucy’s #7 Burger Bar and Hatley’s Pub are across the street and recommended by locals. The Wisconsinite combines all of the state's favorites into one burger: cheddar cheese, fried onions, brat slices, and beer cheese sauce. Hatley’s Pub’s food is toned down a bit and includes ribeye steak, chicken, and Italian beef sandwiches. Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Truk’t: Street Tacos, Tequila, & Whiskey is a fun little place to grab tasty tacos and something to drink. The tacos include chicken tinga, al pastor, short rib, Korean barbecue, and shrimp curry. The cocktails include a smoked Manhattan, cucumber cilantro margarita, and a bourbon peach smash. If you desire a brewery, CheezHead Brewing is your destination for a wide selection of Wisconsin beers and their very own varieties.  A note to ballpark travelers, the home of the Rockford Rivets, Rivets Stadium, is a 20-minute drive south of ABC Supply Stadium on I-90. It is possible to take in two games easily if the schedule permits. Also, Warner Park, the home of the Madison Mallards, is a bit further up the interstate at an hour’s drive. Fans 2 The team currently ranks last in average attendance in the league and that is unfortunate because the ballpark has almost everything a person would need at a stadium of its kind. The food, views, locations, and hospitality are all here waiting to be explored by the local population of Beloit and surrounding towns. Access 5 The ballpark is located in downtown Beloit and off of I-90. There are 900 spaces of free parking outside the stadium and 100  more spots within a 7-minute walk of the stadium off of Mill Street (for a $5 fee). There is a clear bag policy for Sky Carp games, so pack accordingly. The crowds are sparse and movement around the concourse allows easy access to all parts of the stadium. Photo by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices depend on the time of year you attend a game. The range from $14, S17, to $21 if you are there between April to May. For the rest of the summer months, the prices are $16, $19, and $23. These prices are somewhat on the high side for a Midwest League club, but parking is free near the stadium. Food and concession prices also reach a bit on the high side for games, but isn’t that the case at most newer stadiums across the country? However, there are certain nights where one can save a few dollars including Thirsty Thursdays where prices on drinks are discounted and Wednesday nights include a ticket, a hot dog, and soda for $18. If with the family, Saturday nights are firework nights and kids run the bases and play catch on the field on Sunday afternoon games, Extras 3 Poopsie is the official mascot of the Sky Carp and he earns a point for his contribution to the game. The ballpark itself earns a point for its design and location in downtown and along the Rock River. A third point is awarded for a veteran raising the flag before each game. Final Thoughts The history of baseball in Beloit almost came to an end, but the construction of ABC Supply Stadium helped save the franchise from relocations or being ousted by Major League Baseball. It is located in a beautiful setting in Beloit and has a charm that is not found at many minor league stadiums across the country. It has all the bells and whistles any fan would desire at the ballpark and perhaps they will find their way there soon. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Regency Furniture Stadium 11765 Saint Linus Dr Waldorf, MD 20602 Southern Maryland Senators website Regency Furniture Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 4,200 Senators Baseball The Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League is a summer collegiate baseball league featuring eight teams in the Washington, D.C. metro area. The newest club in this league is the Southern Maryland Senators, who play their home games at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland, also home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Atlantic League. At 4,200 seats, Regency Furniture Stadium is by far the largest ballpark in the Ripken League, although it is never even close to capacity. Food & Beverage 1 None of the concession stands at Regency Furniture Stadium that is open for Blue Crabs games are open for the Senators. Instead, there is a table on the concourse near home plate that offers only a few basic options. Chips, candy, soda, Gatorade, and bottled water are all you will find here. The good news is that nothing is more than $2. Payment is accepted via cash, PayPal, or Venmo, with QR codes you can scan for the latter two. Atmosphere 2 A Southern Maryland Senators game is a very basic experience, though at least it is in a sleek, modern stadium. All seats are chairbacks, and seating is general admission. Given the small crowds, you should have no problem sitting wherever you want. There is a board in right field that is capable of displaying video, but for Senators games, it simply displays the score. Smaller scoreboards are located on the top of the seating area and also show the count. There is a manual scoreboard in left field, but it is not in use for Senators games. Instead, it showed the score of the prior Blue Crabs games, with several of the panels missing. If a batter hits the ball through the gap created by the missing panel, it is a ground rule double. There is not much going on here besides the game. Music and sound effects are played between innings and even between pitches. Sound effects include things like the "Foul ball" audio from the Wii Sports baseball. They are also fond of playing SpongeBob songs while the visiting team is batting, for some reason. Neighborhood 3 Regency Furniture Stadium is located in a residential neighborhood in between Waldorf and La Plata. Many businesses are located along Route 301 in both towns, although they are mostly chains. You will have to drive a couple miles to get to either one as well. La Plata seems to have more non-chain options, including Marie's Diner and La Tolteca. Fans 1 The Southern Maryland Senators average only a few dozen fans a game in a ballpark that seats 4,200. As a result, it will barely be at 1% of capacity. Unfortunately, this low attendance, combined with a ballpark that is way larger than this team needs, are not conducive to the stadium experience. At most times, the ballpark will be almost completely silent other than whatever is playing over the sound system. At least this means you get to hear a lot of the chatter on the field. Access 4 Regency Furniture Stadium is located a few miles off of US Route 301. Parking at the stadium is in a spacious lot that is more than big enough for the few dozen fans the Senators draw. You should have no trouble finding a space close by. There are several sets of restrooms in the stadium, as well as a family/gender neutral restroom. Given the small crowds compared to Blue Crabs games, these are more than sufficient. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Senators games are $10, which certainly won't break the bank but is on the high end for the experience you are getting. Concessions, while limited, are very affordable, which helps this rating out. Extras 2 Free roster sheets are available at the entrance. Look for the team store selling Senators gear. Note that several extras for Blue Crabs games, including the kids' play area and bumper boats, are not open for Senators games, so we will not award those extras here. Final Thoughts At its core, a Southern Maryland Senators game is a very basic experience in a ballpark that is way too big for the crowds it draws. Hopefully as the team begins to establish itself, it can draw more fans, but for now, there is not much going on here.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Indianapolis Motor Speedway 4790 W 16th St Indianapolis, IN 46222 Indianapolis Motor Speedway website SpeedTour Series website Year Opened: 1909 Capacity: 257,325 A Vintage Weekend at Indy Indianapolis is synonymous with racing in America – the likes of IndyCar, NASCAR, and IMSA all compete here. While events like the SRO Indy 8 Hours and the SCCA Runoffs have been held here in recent years, none of these offer the uniqueness of watching vintage racing on track. SpeedTour Weekend at Indiapolis Motor Speedway is chock full of unique run groups, but also lacks some of the touches of other events on the track’s road course.   Food & Beverage   3 The standard fare is available throughout the infield thanks to various concession stands. The basics like burgers ($13.50), chicken fingers ($12), pork tenderloin baskets ($16.50) etc. are all available, as well as soda ($8), water ($5), and beer ($9.25). Fans can also expect a variety of food trucks and independent vendors in the infield Pagoda Plaza.   Atmosphere   4 Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the literal definition of a motorsports mecca in the United States. Every inch of the track oozes with history – this in itself should be enough to elevate the track’s profile. However, thanks to the recent purchase of the facility by Roger Penske, some ups and downs can be noticed during SVRA weekend. Various upgrades and renovations have made the track even better than it was before, such as a new LED display behind the Pagoda and other smaller displays around the track, which offer fans a chance to see the action no matter where they are. Renovated bathrooms and common areas are also featured in the latest upgrades as well. Nevertheless, there is no access for fans to watch the action from the main grandstands on the outside of the circuit, and certain run groups like the pre-war era cars are no longer permitted to run exhibition laps on the track’s 2.5-mile oval.   Neighborhood   3 Speedway, Indiana is a unique setting, as you will see both the past and future of the area in a few blocks. Located literally in the middle of a neighborhood, the IMS facility is massive, rising above the rooftops of nearby homes. Across the street from the southwest corner of the track is Main Street; here various restaurants and shopping destinations mix with newly constructed apartments and several IndyCar race team HQs. Thursday night before race weekend begins, a fan festival is held here with various race cars on display, driver autographs and Q&A sessions, and live music taking place. In addition, a mile west of the track along Crawfordsville Road are more shopping and dining options. Hotels are plentiful and nearby as well, with downtown Indy just a short drive east, and multiple hotels just west of I-465 and the track.   Fans   2 The fans at Indy are among the most sport-knowledgeable in racing; you would be hard-pressed to find any others in the US who can top this. Many fans have been going to Indy for various races for decades. However, the attendance here for SpeedTour Weekend is significantly lower than that for other races at the circuit’s road course, such as IMSA and SRO.   Access   4 To get to the track you can just follow the signs, literally – there is no shortage of signage on the way to Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The nearest highway is I-465, with I-74 meeting up with it just north of the track’s exit. Parking on-site is plentiful both inside and outside the facility, though many of these lots require pre-purchased parking passes. With that said, various homes in the area also offer up their driveways for paid parking, as do some of the businesses nearby.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets to SpeedTour Weekend at IMS are relatively well priced; access for Saturday costs $30, while Sunday tickets are just $20. Free infield parking is included with each ticket, and access to the paddock area is also included.   Extras   3 Though still under construction, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is located onsite in the infield, and should usually be open during race days once the renovations are completed. Fans of the sport will no doubt enjoy looking into the past, and enjoying the history of the sport of racing. The Formula Regional race on Saturday also features a pre-race grid walk for fans to get up close with the cars and stars of tomorrow. Finally, the Ragtime Racers group of pre-WWI era cars are a big draw, offering a view into the past with cars that have stood the test of time.   Final Thoughts Fans still flock to Indianapolis Motor Speedway no matter what is racing here, and SpeedTour Weekend is incredibly affordable compared to other events. Couple that with the nostalgia factor that Indy injects directly into your soul, and it is hard to skip this now annual stop on the SVRA calendar. Sportscar fans will have plenty to watch throughout the weekend, with no less than four racing series taking to the speedway during the event thanks to International GT, SVRA, Formula Regional, and BMW USA all visiting the circuit for this event.