Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 INTENNSE Arena at Assembly Studios 2582 Assembly Boulevard Doraville, Georgia 30360 INTENNSE Tennis website INTENNSE Arena at Assembly Studios website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 700 Tennis Turned Up A new form of tennis has arrived in the Atlanta area: INTENNSE, a coed team tennis league, debuted in 2025 and has quickly expanded. Entering its second season in 2026, the league has grown from six to ten teams and has continued to push the traditional norms of what professional tennis has been. Played inside a soundstage on the campus of Atlanta’s Assembly Studios, INTENNSE takes many of the traditions associated with tennis and flips them on their head. The league is built around a faster-paced, fan-focused experience where spectators are encouraged to be part of the action rather than simply observe it. Marketed as fast-paced, dynamic team tennis, INTENNSE condenses the sport into a more accessible format. An arc, the league’s term for a match, consists of seven 10-minute blots. More than 80 professional players compete across the league, bringing a high level of talent to a format designed to keep fans engaged from start to finish. Unlike traditional tennis, where silence is often expected during points, INTENNSE encourages fans to cheer, celebrate, and even boo the league’s “villains” from the coin toss through the final point. The atmosphere is closer to a live entertainment event than a country club tennis match. The goal is simple: transform fans from spectators into participants. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions menu takes a major detour from traditional tennis fare. While staples such as hot dogs and popcorn are available, quality is clearly a priority. Fans can choose from an extensive sandwich menu featuring items such as a portabella and edamame panini, smoked turkey Reuben, flatbread grilled cheese, cranberry almond chicken croissant, steak churrasco sandwich, and grilled chicken sandwich. Salads include Mediterranean and vegan garden options. Additional offerings include chicken tender bites served with garlic parmesan, sesame, buffalo, or barbecue flavors, along with Wagyu cheeseburgers and crispy steak fries. The emphasis on quality begins the moment fans enter the venue. An espresso station greets visitors with a menu that would feel at home in many neighborhood coffee shops. Dessert options include macarons, tiramisu cups, tres leches cups, Ghirardelli brownies, cookies, chips, and candy. Beverages feature Coca-Cola products, Vita Coco water, and multiple flavors of Red Bull. The beer selection may be limited, but quality remains a focus — Creature Comforts’ Bibo Pilsner, Classic City Lager, and flagship Tropicalia are all available, along with Guinness. Wine, well cocktails, and specialty cocktails round out the beverage menu. Atmosphere 4 INTENNSE is marketed as fast-paced, dynamic team tennis, and it largely delivers on that promise. The format condenses a sport that can often stretch for multiple hours into a 70-to-90-minute experience that places a greater emphasis on entertainment and fan engagement. What immediately stands out is the speed and power of professional tennis. Players have just 14 seconds to serve after a point concludes, creating a constant flow of action. Each blot operates on a 10-minute clock, with teams earning one point for winning a rally and two points for hitting a winner. The format creates a strong opening burst of excitement, though some arcs can experience a lull in the middle when one team builds what appears to be a comfortable lead. Fortunately, the closing blots often restore the drama as trailing teams scramble to make up ground before time expires. An in-house DJ provides a constant soundtrack throughout the evening, while choreographed lighting effects add to the entertainment value. The 30,000-square-foot soundstage places fans close to the action, creating an intimate atmosphere that allows spectators to appreciate the speed and athleticism of the players. Neighborhood 4 Assembly Studios sits just around the corner from Atlanta’s famed Buford Highway corridor, one of the region’s premier destinations for international cuisine. The area is filled with everything from food trucks and hidden gems to long-established restaurants representing cultures from around the globe. Nearby options also include Bluetop Restaurant & Bar and the Baby Blue Pizza trailer, which was recently rated by Barstool Sports as one of Atlanta’s top pizza spots. With a MARTA station within walking distance, visitors can easily access many of Atlanta’s other attractions without needing to drive across the city. Fans 3 Fan support remains a work in progress as INTENNSE continues to establish itself. The league has gained exposure through events such as the Atlanta Cup winter exhibition, while partnerships with organizations like Atlanta’s amateur tennis organization, ALTA, help introduce the concept to local tennis players and fans. As the league matures, the personalities of individual players will likely become a larger part of the experience. The development of recognizable “heroes” and “villains” should help create stronger emotional connections for spectators. One challenge is that the league’s team structure does not necessarily provide a hometown club for local fans to rally behind. Building stronger team identities may be key to creating larger and more passionate fan bases in future seasons. Access 4 Assembly Studios benefits from a convenient location directly off Interstate 285, making it relatively easy to reach despite Atlanta’s well-known traffic challenges. For those utilizing public transportation, the venue is just a short walk from the northern end of MARTA’s Gold Line. Parking is located directly outside the venue entrance. Unlike most of the soundstages located behind Assembly Studios’ security gates, Stage 5 can be accessed from outside the main studio complex, simplifying arrival for visitors. Once inside, some of the walkways can feel a bit narrow during peak periods, but nothing that a little patience cannot overcome. Return on Investment 3 Tickets start at $25 for upper-level Arena Pass seating. While not unreasonable, the price might give casual fans a reason to second-guess the decision. One factor working in the league’s favor is that admission includes two arcs rather than a single match. Viewed that way, the experience effectively costs about $12.50 per arc, making the overall value easier to justify. Concessions prices trend toward the higher end as well, but the higher quality food and beverage offerings live up to the higher prices. Extras 3 Several interactive elements help enhance the experience. Swing Shot allows fans to test their tennis skills by hitting a stationary ball toward targets displayed on a screen. The venue also includes numerous photo opportunities throughout the studio, beginning at the entrance and continuing around the concourse. Celebrity involvement has become another notable part of INTENNSE. Depending on the evening, fans may spot personalities such as NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, NHL Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur, or reality television star Shep Rose in attendance. Final Thoughts INTENNSE successfully reimagines tennis for a generation accustomed to shorter attention spans and more interactive sporting experiences. While the league is still developing its fan culture and team identities, the combination of high-level professional tennis, entertainment-focused presentation, and quality concessions creates a unique experience unlike anything else currently available in the sport. For tennis fans looking for something different, or sports fans who have never considered attending a tennis event, INTENNSE offers an entertaining alternative that is more rock concert than country club.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Credit Union of Texas Event Center 200 E Stacy Rd Allen, TX 75002 Allen Americans website Credit Union of Texas Event Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,275 Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Allen Americans The Allen Americans are a minor league ice hockey team currently playing in the ECHL (every coast hockey league – I made that up; it used to be the East Coast Hockey League but they rebranded to just the initials ECHL after the league expanded across North America). The Allen Americans began their play in 2009 as part of the now defunct CHL (Central Hockey League). When that league folded in 2014, the Americans transitioned to the ECHL. The Americans have a rich history of success in their short existence winning the Ray Miron Presidents Cup twice in the CHL and the Kelly Cup the two seasons they’ve been in the ECHL so far (both cups are comparable to the NHL’s Stanley Cup). They have always played in the Allen Event Center, in Allen, TX (30 or so miles north of Dallas, TX). The Allen Event Center also hosts indoor soccer Dallas Sidekicks as well as a variety of other concerts and entertainment shows. Editor’s Note: In Fall 2021, the arena name changed from Allen Event Center to Credit Union of Texas Event Center. Food & Beverage 4 The Allen Event Center provides a decent fare and then some. The concession stands each offer the basic snacks (hot dog, popcorn, pretzels, candy, peanuts, etc.) but each stand has different main entrees so be sure to walk the concourse and check them all out before ordering. One offers pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches, turkey leg, sausage on a stick, baked potato or a loaded spud ranging from $5 – $8. Another has Philly cheesesteak or chicken fried steak baskets, corn dogs and a variety of fries; and still another presents a diverse range of burgers and chicken sandwiches $6.50 – $7.75, and for $3 more add some fries. A CiCi’s Pizza provides slices, a whole pie, and garlic cheesy bread. Try the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or a Nestles Toll House cookie stand ($2.50 a cookie) for sweets. Even with all these choices, the recommended place is Savour Cantina serving delicious items such as fajita nacho grande, empanadas, crackling pork shank, taquitos, elote, and burritos ranging from $6.50 – $10. Across from the stand on the concourse, ambiance is provided with lights strung up and tables with red table cloths and chairs and umbrellas. Coca-Cola is the soda preference. Domestic draft beers go for $6/$8.25; a 24 ounce can is $9.25 and are sold at most concession stands. One beer stand (near Savour Cantina) has a variety of craft brews in a can. The souvenir/merchandise area is set up on tables on the concourse and has plenty of red hats, red shirts, red jerseys, some novelties like earrings and pucks but no hat pins or pennants. Atmosphere 3 The Allen Event Center is a fine facility to watch an ice hockey game; it has some nice features and others that can be improved upon. One level of seating is available with suites on a second level. It is a smaller arena so one can get a good view of the ice from all seats. Entering the seating area brings a visitor to row E or so, fans will walk up or down depending on their row level; the highest row is S. The steps are a tad steep but there are handrails for those who might have unsteady footage. To sit center ice facing the player benches, choose sections 116 (seat #’s 1 to 7) or 115 (seat #’s 11 – 18) or so to be within the blue lines. No center hung video board blocks the view of the other side (nice!); instead two huge flat screen displays are mounted above the seating areas on each side of the ice. Smaller score lines are located on the wall behind the goals. Pretty, young cheerleaders hand out game day rosters (the print is too small to read…) when entering the arena. To me, cheerleaders feel out of place at hockey games. Unless, they can ice dance, save them for basketball and football games. It is dark in the area so said rosters can’t be read. I, personally, don’t like the darkness but that’s a fans preference. It can get chilly at Allen Event Center for a hockey game (but not as bad as some ECHL arenas in the league). Bring extra layers if you’re one who tends to be cold. The music and announcements are way too loud to have any kind of conversation with neighbors between play of game. At the game of this review, one exceptionally nice between-period entertainment was displaying a full rendition of John Denver and his band actually performing ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ on the video boards interposed with fans in the stands. Neighborhood 3 If you or your significant other likes shopping, you will be a happy camper. Otherwise, there’s not a heck of a lot of things to do within walking distance of the venue. The arena is located within and close to three shopping outlets / malls. There are plenty of restaurants within the shopping mall closest to the Allen Event Center which include: BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Dodie’s Place Cajun Bar & Grill, Pane Vino, Pluckers Wing Bar and more. If a beer before or after the game is desired, Kelly’s at the Village Craft Tavern is recommended. It is steps from the arena and has a huge variety of beers on tap (30+) many local to Texas, as well as a complete menu. There’s seating inside and outside at Kelly’s. Both Kelly’s at the Village and Dodie’s Place Cajun Bar & Grill seem to be the most frequented by Allen American fans. For places to stay, a Courtyard Marriott is spitting distance from the entrance. A Hampton Inn is right under the highway (walking distance) but currently (Fall 2016) the sidewalks are closed due to road construction so walking from there is not an option. On a side note, the Hampton Inn is where the visiting team players stayed (during the weekend of this review). Fans 4 Fans are strong and ardent and show up in team jerseys and colors and are respective of the visiting fans and players. For the most part, no ‘make some noise’ prompts are needed. A select group of fans with drums sit behind one of the goals and get the fans cheering. The coolest tradition and chant the fans execute is when after an American goal, all fans stand up and pump their arms and shout Red! Red! Red! Red! at the appropriate time during the goal song, “Don’t Stop Living in the Red” by Andrew W.K. Average attendance is steady and near or above the 4,000 mark for both their CHL days and their current ECHL league. Allen American fans have a lot to be proud of. Access 3 Allen, TX is about a 40 minute drive from Dallas. And Dallas traffic is always horrific and roadways always seem to be under construction. Public transportation from Dallas Love Field Airport will take 3 – 4 hours depending on arrival time and day, so the Allen Event Center is not the easiest to get to for a sports stadium traveler. The arena is just east off of US-75 between McKinney and Plano, TX. Traffic is congested around the Event Center as it is in the midst of huge shopping centers/outdoor malls – The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview. Exiting the area after the game will take some time. The concourse is not overly crowded except at the two entrance areas. Not unique in minor league venues, one cannot walk the entire concourse but must circle back after a certain closed off area. It appears the only wheelchair accessible seating is on the glass level – this may or may not be a good thing depending on preference. Restrooms are plenty with no lines and are clean. Return on Investment 3 For a Saturday day game, tickets run $20 – $42 with an additional $2 – $8 charge when purchasing on game day. Ticket prices run a little less for weekday games (starting at $14). Parking is free; concession prices are not out of this world. There’s no need to purchase tickets beforehand (unless you’re particular about where you sit and/or want to save a few extra game day purchase fees). This recommendation could change when the Americans make it to the Kelly Cup playoffs in early spring. It’s a winning team and a decent facility so it’s worth the investment. Extras 2 If planned properly, a stadium journey traveler may find several doubleheader weekends of hockey/soccer at the Allen Event Center. The John Denver video delivery of ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ and the ‘Living in the Red’ goal celebration are worth an extra mention. Various jerseys the Allen Americans have sported are displayed on the walls behind the suites on the second level. Final Thoughts The Allen Event Center is a respectable venue in which to watch an ECHL game. It has above average food choices, is in the midst of an outdoor shopping mall and has hotels within walking distance. And the team wins. Check it out if in the area north of Dallas.

Photos by Dennis Morrell and James Hilchen , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Casey's Center 233 Center St Des Moines, IA 50309 Iowa Wild website Casey's Center website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 8,162 Wild Hockey Casey's Center is the biggest of three different arenas that comprise the Iowa Events Center. Opened in 2005, as the Wells Fargo Arena, it is located on the banks of the Des Moines River. The arena is a multi-purpose venue and home to three sports teams as well as concerts and other events throughout the year. The midern building replaced Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium as the main sporting and concert venue in the Des Moines area. Prior to the 2015-2016 season, the arena spent $1.6 million on a brand new video board. The HD board (sitting above center ice) has curved screens for easier viewing by fans all over the arena. The Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League began play in the 2013-14 season at the arena. The Wild were previously known as the Houston Aeros and are affiliated with the Minnesota Wild of the NHL. The inaugural game for the Wild was a 1-0 victory over the Oklahoma City Barons on October 12, 2013 before a crowd of 10,200. The Wild broke their attendance record on November 9, 2017, when 13,422 fans watched Iowa defeat the Rockford IceHogs, 5-3. Generally the arena set up for a hockey capacity of 8,162, but can hold about 17,000. The venue is also home to the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League and the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League. The arena is not new to hockey, having been host to the AHL’s Iowa Chops from 2005-2009. *As of July 1, 2025, the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa, was officially renamed Casey's Center. The 10-year, $18.3 million naming rights agreement with the Iowa-based convenience store chain includes upgraded concessions, such as Casey's pizza and a "Grab & Go" location inside Food & Beverage 3 The arena offers a decent variety of food and drinks. Stu’s Bar-B-Q is a popular spot to grab some good BBQ. The brisket sandwiches are tasty as are the Gaziano sausage sandwiches. Local restaurant Bordenaro’s serves pizza slices for $5. Cheeseburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, grinders, and Philly cheese steak are available for purchase,. Hot Dog Nation has numerous types of hot dogs. Snacks including popcorn and candy are also available. Coca-Cola products are the choice of soda (souvenir cup) depending on size. The recommendation for Cokaholics, such as myself is the souvenir cup; they come with $2 refills. Also available are Red Bull, water, and coffee. If you fancy ice cream and shakes, Moovers and Shakers has you covered with numerous flavors and options in the building, There are $9 cans of beer available (25 oz). Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Corona, and Mike’s are your choices. Head over to section 108 for the Bud Light Bar. It offers a full-service bar and a nice place to watch the game. Atmosphere 4 Stadium seating surrounds the ice and there are luxury boxes available as well. The brand new scoreboard hangs above the middle of the ice, making it very easy to see the score, statistics, and replays. There are no hindered views anywhere in the arena. Getting in and out of your seats to get something to eat or use the restroom is an easy task. Lines at the food concessions are usually very short but if you are in line for a moment, there are HD monitors near the concession areas so you won’t miss any action. The arena is set up for a capacity of 8,162 for hockey with other areas tarped off. It makes for a better, more exciting atmosphere. One note for larger fans; the upper deck has seats that aren’t as wide as the lower seating bowl. Generally, getting seats in the lower bowl isn’t an issue but if purchasing tickets in the upper bowl, make sure to get one on an aisle. Most aisle seats have arm rests that are adjustable, giving a little more room. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Des Moines is fabulous. The area surrounding the arena has every type of food imaginable and plenty of places to have a drink. One block south of the arena is Buzzard Billy’s. Serving Cajun food as well as some traditional bar fare, Buzzard Billy’s is a great place to go before or after the game. The catfish is great, there are plenty of drink specials and if you haven’t tried alligator before, this is your chance. A few blocks farther south, there is a litany of places for any type of food. If pizza is your thing, it doesn’t get much better than Fong’s Pizza. Fong’s is quite an eclectic place. A former Chinese restaurant, Fong’s kept all the ambiance of the former tenant, but with a pizza flair. The egg rolls are recommended as an appetizer and the pies range from the traditional to unique combinations such as crab Rangoon pizza. It is a popular hangout in Des Moines and super busy on some nights, but if you can get in, the food is great. There are plenty of other food and drink options as well as numerous lodging options. Comfort Inn & Suites is directly across the street (to the north) from the arena. The Des Moines Marriott is a few blocks south. If traveling with family, be sure to visit the Iowa Capitol Building and the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Both are great places to take kids and both are free. Fans 3 The Wild are in their fifth season of existence beginning the 2017-2018 season and have a decent fan following, generally finishing in the middle of the pack in AHL attendance. The Wild have their group of hard cores that attend every game, always rock their Wild gear, and try and make it uncomfortable for the opposing team. After the typical celebration for a Wild goal, the opposing goalie is serenaded with a chant of “it’s your fault.” With Des Moines being less than four hours drive to the NHL Minnesota Wild (the two teams are affiliated), it isn’t uncommon for fans to come down from Minnesota to take in a game or two and see the future of their hockey team. Access 5 It is located in downtown Des Moines and easily accessible off I-235. Parking is available in the arena lots for $8. Parking structures are a couple blocks away and cost $5. An added benefit of Des Moines is the sky walk. The sky walk links buildings via an enclosed walkway that makes it easy to get from parking structures to the arena without going outside. Once inside the arena, it is very easy to get around. The concourse is wide, plenty of clean restrooms are provided, and sections are clearly marked. Return on Investment 4 You can get in the door to see the game for just $10. Prices range from $10 on the second level up to $45 for a seat next to the glass. With the way the arena is set up for hockey, there are no bad seats and all sections are easy to get in and out when needed. A ticket combined with $5-$8 parking and average food prices makes for a fun night at the arena without breaking the bank. Extras 3 An extra point goes to the ushers who are consistent in wanting fans to wait to re-enter the seating bowl during play. It’s a small thing but it makes a big difference to the fans watching the game. One extra point goes to the Wild organization. They are making it a point to be very visible in the city and as fan friendly as can be. From post-game skates to post-game autograph meet and greets with players at Buzzard Billy’s after select games, the organization does a great job of providing extra perks for fans. A final point for the constant deals that the Wild give to their fans. There are discounted tickets offered to nearly every game, teaming up with companies such as Subway. Be sure and check the Iowa Wild website prior to coming and you will likely find a deal to save you a few dollars. Final Thoughts Casey's Center is a great venue for hockey. The organization cares about the fans, the price of attending a game is very reasonable, and downtown Des Moines has something for everyone. The AHL provides some quality hockey and taking in a game in Des Moines is a fun experience. Follow James Hilchen’s stadium journeys on Twitter @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Blue Arena 5290 Arena Cir Loveland, CO 80538 Colorado Eagles website Blue Arena website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 6,800 AHL’s Colorado Eagles - A Major League Success Story The American Hockey League’s Colorado Eagles have a rink that has hosted organizational success in its two decades. The Blue FCU Arena, the Eagles’ only home since the franchise debuted in 2003, has seen the team graduate from independent hockey to the ECHL in 2011 as a second-tier affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets, and then again to the AHL as an affiliate of the nearby Colorado Avalanche in 2016. Now, the Eagles are contemplating their future and have announced plans to leave “the Blue.” In July 2024, they announced that they intend to move into a new, yet-to-be-built arena approximately seven miles away in Greeley. Plans for the new arena are in their nascency and a tentative opening date has not yet been announced. But the new Eagles facility will be part of a 5,000-acre development that will include a mixed-use entertainment district that will include a transit hub, a water park, and a hotel. Franchises outgrow their facilities, particularly when evolving from a novel, unaffiliated team into the wildly popular hometown NHL franchise’s top minor league affiliate. But given the energy and enthusiasm the team has developed over its existence, the Eagles need to ensure that the new facility does not compromise a distinct home-ice advantage. A game at the Blue is one of the better AHL experiences. Food & Beverage 4 There are a lot of food and drink options available around the Blue’s concourse. Typical stadium fare can be found, most notably at the Snack Shack locations on the arena’s east and west concourses. Those locations have a couple of specialty items that merit mention: the NoCo Dog (a hot dog topped with green chillis, pickled onions, and garlic aioli) and chicken bacon ranch mac and cheese. A full bar serves cocktails, beer, and wine on the east concourse. What separates the Blue is the several kiosks throughout the venue. There’s frozen sorbet, mini-donuts, freshly baked cookies and brownies, specialty pretzels, smoothies, and margaritas. Most notably, a Dole stand serves pineapple and raspberry soft serve and these can be enjoyed in a float. The Blue also has a full-service coffee stand. Although it doesn’t offer traditional drip coffee, lattes, cappuccinos, and Americanos are available for those who need a warm fix of caffeine. Atmosphere 4 An Eagles game is loud. A first-class sound system is certainly part of the reason why. But fans are enthusiastic supporters and bring an additional depth to the roar. An Eagles game isn’t a social event so much as it is an place where people come together to cheer loudly for the Eagles. Despite being only an hour from the Avalanche’s home ice at Ball Arena, fans wore player-specific Eagles’ sweaters far more than Cale Makar or Nathan MacKinnon sweaters, displaying local pride and signaling where their passions lie. The Eagles matter to hockey fans in Northern Colorado; a game at the Blue is evidence of that. There is not a bad seat in the house. The seating bowl only has 18 rows, so no one is far from the ice. Fans remain in their seats during play and retreat to the concourses for reprovisioning between periods. The Voodoo Ranger Lounge behind the rink’s north end is a nice place to watch the game, with a full-service bar and standing room overlooking the goal the Eagles defend in the first and third periods. Blue Arena Interior, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Neighborhood 3 There isn’t really a neighborhood around the Blue, at least not in the traditional sense because the arena sits amidst a vast complex of restaurants, bars, and hotels. While the Blue’s location doesn’t have the feel of a “neighborhood,” it does provide a surprisingly good variety of non-chain options for pre- and post-game in the appurtenant commercial developments. Ruben’s Grill and Cantina is less than a mile south of the Blue and, since opening in April 2023, has earned strong reviews for its food and service. Other nearby eateries include Nordy’s BBQ & Grill and the Boot Grill, both of which are also less than a mile from the Blue. Numerous chain restaurants also surround the arena, with Qdoba, Fuzzy’s Tacos, Chick-fil-A, Subway, and Carl’s Jr. in the immediate vicinity. Astoundingly, a ski area is also nearby. Seriously. The City of Loveland, Colorado, sits at an altitude of 4,997 feet and, frankly, bereft of mountains (which can be seen several miles to the west). The city has a rich agricultural history of sugar beet and cherry farming. Despite the lack of altitude and, well, slopes, Hoedown Hill opened in 2024, approximately four miles east of the Blue. In addition to skiing on green (easy) and blue (intermediate) runs, it has a 1,200-foot, 10-lane tubing slide. It provides a Colorado experience without having to navigate Interstate 70’s notoriously heavy traffic into the mountains during ski season. All of this can be easily paired with a visit to one of the world’s largest gas stations/restaurants/stores. Travel stop juggernaut Bucc-ees’ only Colorado location sits about 10 minutes south of the Blue in Johnstown, CO. For some, nothing says “hockey” like brisket sandwiches, gasoline, and more beaver-themed merchandise than can be imagined. A sports traveler may be able to do a double header and/or see several events in a weekend by checking out UNC (Greeley) basketball, baseball, or football or CSU (Fort Collins) basketball or football. Laramie, WY (Wyoming Cowboys) is 80 miles northwest and the Eagles parent club (Avalanche) is 50 miles south of Blue Arena. Fans 4 The Eagles are in the middle of the 32-team AHL’s attendance list in 2024-25, with 4,974 fans per game. However, the Blue is the league’s fifth-smallest venue, limiting the team’s attendance. Home games regularly sell out, with few tickets available for most weekend contests. The fans who attend are die-hard hockey fans, devoted to the Eagles and very loud about it – with cowbells as the noisemaker of choice. A chorus of enthusiastic cowbells becomes a chorus of angry cowbells when an on-ice fight erupts. This level of enthusiasm makes an Eagles game well worth the hour’s drive from Denver or Cheyenne. Access 3 The Blue is equidistant between two state capitals: 50 miles from Cheyenne, WY, to the north; and 50 miles from Denver, to the south. There is no mass transit to take from either capital, so fans traveling to the game from these locations must drive. Most locals must also drive. The opening of the Eagles’ new facility in a few years will hopefully address this. Until then, the Blue is easily accessed from Interstate 25, which runs just to its west. Once inside, fans can expect a tight fit. The concourses seem narrow, particularly when fans empty into them between periods. Seating is also tight. Fans must contort themselves to allow other fans to pass through the aisles. There are restrooms placed throughout the arena, though lines for both the men’s and women’s restrooms tend to form during intermission. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices in professional hockey are not immune to inflation and tickets to an Eagles home game are not cheap. Face value on tickets ranges from $30 to $44 – if you’re sufficiently fortunate to buy them when the team releases single-game seats before the season. Otherwise, a limited number of pricier tickets can be found on the secondary market. The team charges $10 for parking, as well, using an app (fans who do not pay the parking fee risk receiving tickets). Fortunately, food and beverage prices are slightly lower than comparators. A cheeseburger runs $8.50. Adding a basket of fries will cost $4.50. Pizza slices run from $7 to $8.25. Beer prices vary throughout the Blue, depending on size and style. Domestic drafts tend to cost $10 and premium drafts cost $11. Domestic tallboys are $9.25 and premium tallboys are $11. Cocktails are $12 and $17.50 for single and double cocktails. For those not drinking alcohol, bottled water costs $5, while fountain soda costs $4. Extras 2 The Eagles promotions staff earns an extra point for their use of clips from “Seinfeld” during promotional breaks in the game. A clip of Kramer, asking Jerry in George if they “really want to have some fun” from the series’ 1994 classic episode, “The Marine Biologist,” extols fans to get loud. No David Puddy-style face or chest painting is required at the Blue. Thankfully. The promotions staff earns another point, as well, for the creative use of the “Hockey Night in NoCo” branding displayed before the game. It’s a play on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s long-running “Hockey Night in Canada,” localized for the Eagles’ northern Colorado presence. This branding could be used more, perhaps on gear in the team shop. Either way, it’s a clever adaptation of one of the sport’s greatest media institutions. Final Thoughts Particularly for a team that did not exist a quarter-century ago, the Eagles have created an outstanding experience. Fans are committed to the team and the franchise seems committed to the fans. While a new arena is likely imminent, here’s to hoping that the Eagles can carry over the great atmosphere and fan support that can be found in a game at the Blue.

Photos by Meg Minard and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Rocket Arena 1 Center Court Cleveland, OH 44115 Cleveland Monsters website Rocket Arena website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 10,025 Lock Erie Monsters Editor's Note: On Feb 18,2025, Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the home of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and AHL's Cleveland Monsters, rebranded to Rocket Arena. The change aligned with the brand restage of naming rights partner Rocket, which has unified its mortgage, real estate and personal finance businesses under the "Rocket" name. Professional hockey has been played in Cleveland since 1929. The Cleveland Indians, later renamed the Falcons and then the Barons, were members of the International Hockey League and then original members of the American Hockey League. The Barons won nine Calder Cups as AHL champions before being forced to move with the emergence of the World Hockey Association’s Crusaders in 1972. In 1976 the California Golden Seals relocated to Cleveland, taking the Barons’ name. After just two seasons, the team merged with the Minnesota North Stars, leaving Cleveland without hockey until 1992, when the Lumberjacks joined the IHL. When the Lumberjacks folded in 2001, the Kentucky Thoroughblades relocated to downtown Cleveland, and took the name Barons once again. In 2006 these Barons relocated to Worcester, MA. Dan Gilbert, who owned the Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena, purchased the defunct Utah Grizzlies and brought the Lake Erie Monsters to town in 2007. The Monsters won the Calder Cup in 2016. Quicken Loans Arena, originally named Gund Arena, opened in 1994 as part of the Gateway Sports and Entertainment Complex along with adjacent Progressive Field. The building is also home to the National Basketball Association’s Cleveland Cavaliers and the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League. In December 2017 plans to renovate Quicken Loans Arena were announced. The overall square footage of the concourse will be increased, open spaces will be added to the facility, and other improvements throughout the facility will be made. The project will cost $193 million, with $100 million paid for by county taxes. Note: In April 2019, Quicken Loans Arena name was changed to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Food & Beverage 4 While not every concession stand at Quicken Loans Arena is open for Monsters games, there is still a great variety of options available for hungry Cleveland hockey fans. All the arena basics can be found here, with combo meals available for younger fans. Bottomless buckets of popcorn are available for $7.50, and are a popular item at Monsters games. Souvenir cups of Coca Cola products are sold at these stands, which feature a free refill. Quaker Steak and Lube sells their legendary chicken wings both at a stand on the concourse and at a full-service, sit down restaurant behind section 133. The Za! Stand sells slices of local favorite Georgio’s pizza. Fans looking for nachos should head to Nacho Loco for a wide variety of this stadium favorite. Fans looking for more nutritious options will certainly head towards the Healthy for Life stand, where gluten-free options anchor a healthy menu. Monster fans looking for an adult beverage will gravitate towards the Jack Daniels or Cheers and Beers stands, which offer a variety of draft beers and mixed drinks. The Soucy Brew Works stands features craft brews from local favorite Soucy brewery. A complete listing of all of Quicken Loans Arena’s concessions can be found here. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Quicken Loans Arena is dominated by “The Humungotron,” Cleveland’s enormous video board. The board stretches beyond each blue line, and is put to great use throughout the game with replays, crowd shots, advertisements and game stats. Veteran minor league hockey fans will find much that is familiar here, from the mascot who roams the crowd interacting with fans to the Monster Hockey Girls, who perform throughout the game and lead some of the giveaways. Younger fans can get their faces painted and make signs at the Express Yourself tables on the concourse, and veteran fans will gravitate towards the booster club tables, where jersey raffles and 50/50 tickets can be purchased. Be sure to check out the arena’s pro shop. Despite sharing the arena with the NBA’s Cavaliers, a decent amount of Monsters gear can be found here. Neighborhood 5 In the late 1800s Cleveland’s Central Market area was the center of the city. Just a few blocks from the growing commercial district at the Public Square, Central Market was a bustling residential neighborhood with a busy bazaar. The entire neighborhood was destroyed in a fire in the 1940s. By 1990 the neighborhood consisted of mostly empty commercial buildings and surface lots. City leaders had long eyed this part of Cleveland for a new stadium project. In 1984 voters rejected a ballot issue to fund a 72,000 seat domed stadium for baseball and football. In 1990, the issue was again brought to the voters, and this time the measure passed, providing funding for Jacobs (now Progressive) Field and Quicken Loans Arena. The building of the stadia has spurred a complete revitalization of the Gateway district. There are close to 60 bars and restaurants within a short walk of Quicken Loans Arena, along with a number of major hotels. A few blocks from the arena is the JACK Casino. There are numerous historic structures in and around the area, including the Soldiers & Sailors Monument at Cleveland Public Square and The Arcade, which opened in 1890 as the nation’s first indoor shopping center. Check ClevelandGatewayDistrict.com for a full list of shops, restaurants and parking lots/garages in the area. The site also contains information on walking tours of the historic buildings located in the Gateway District. Fans 4 The Monsters are annually among the AHL’s leaders in attendance. However, sharing a home with a major league team in a large city means that the Monsters have more weekday games on their schedule than most teams in the circuit. Visiting fans will see a great disparity in the size of the crowd between weekday and weekend games. As is typical in minor league hockey, the games are marketed as family entertainment, and you will see many families mixed in the crowd with the diehard fans. Access 4 Located in downtown Cleveland at the intersection of Interstates 90 and 77, Quicken Loans Arena is easy to find. Parking in the area, designed to accommodate full-stadium Indians or Cavaliers games, is more than ample for any Monsters game. Getting in and out of the downtown area is fairly easy. Fans will enter Quicken Loans arena onto a wide concourse. Since the building is designed for much larger crowds than typically attend a Monsters game, getting around is not an issue, even during intermissions. The concourse empties about halfway up the seating bowl. All the seats in the arena are maroon folding stadium seats. Only the lower level is sold for Monster games, as the upper level is curtained off. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Monsters games range in price from $11-$42, with most tickets priced at $25 or less. A two dollar discount is given to AAA members at the ticket booth. Parking in the many garages and surface lots surrounding Quicken Loans Arena range in price from $10-$15. The Monsters offer many specials to reduce the cost of heading downtown, including 1-2-3 Fridays, featuring one dollar sodas, two dollar hot dogs and three dollar select beers. Kids Games, featuring free tickets for youths, and College nights, featuring discounts for students, also dot the schedule. Be warned that you will be paying major league prices for concessions at Quicken Loans Arena. Extras 4 An extra point is awarded for the banners honoring Cleveland hockey history, dating all the way back to the original Barons. A banner honoring Hockey Hall of Famer Johnny Bower is conspicuous among them. A free program is given to all fans who enter the game, which contains info on Cleveland’s hockey history, activities for the kids, quiet spaces and more. Interesting facts about Cleveland’s history are posted above every vomitory at Quicken Loans Arena. A final extra point is awarded for the Humungotron, the gigantic scoreboard which instantly makes every other scoreboard in the world obsolete. As large as it is, it doesn’t seem to interfere with enjoying the action on the ice. Final Thoughts You would think that sharing your home with a major league basketball team would be a less than ideal situation for a minor league hockey team. This hardly seems to be the case in Cleveland, where the Monsters are regularly among the American Hockey League’s leaders in attendance. While Quicken Loans Arena is clearly too big for the Monsters, the melding of major league amenities with minor league enthusiasm makes a trip to downtown Cleveland a trip worth taking. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker and Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Total Mortgage Arena 600 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Bridgeport Islanders website Total Mortgage Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 8,412 Land’s End The Bridgeport Islanders have played at the Total Mortgage Arena since their inception in 2001. Through team rebrands (the franchise was originally named the Sound Tigers) and arena naming rights changes (the arena was originally the Arena at Harbor Yard, then Webster Bank Arena), the team has been affiliated with the parent New York Islanders. The Sound Tigers reached the Calder Cup Finals in their inaugural season of 2001-2002 but have only won two playoff series outside of that season in their 25 years of play. Since the arena’s opening in 2001, the Fairfield Stags men’s and women’s basketball teams, the Sacred Heart Pioneers men’s hockey team and the Westchester Knicks of the NBA G-League have called the arena home in the past. On March 19, 2026 the American Hockey League made official what had been widely rumored since the beginning of the 2025-26 season. The Bridgeport franchise, after 25 years in the city, will be moving to Hamilton, Ontario and the newly remodeled TD Coliseum for the 2026-2027 season. Faceoff at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Food & Beverage 5 A strength of the gameday experience at Total Mortgage Arena is the quality and variety of concessions available. Several concessions stands line the inner edge of the concourse. All the arena basics can be found at these stands, including hot dogs, pizza slices, chicken tenders and burgers. Fans looking for a unique side may want to choose some loaded tater tots. Snacks including ice cream treats, pretzels, nachos, candy, and even baked goods can be found at the concession stands. Portable carts lined up around the outer edge of the concourse expand the menu with the presence of Isles Eats (Ice Cream), Spuds N’ Suds (Loaded Baked Potatoes, Walking Tacos) and The Sound Shack (footlong chili dogs, meatball subs, sausage subs). Coca-Cola products are featured at Total Mortgage Arena. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a nice variety of beers, highlighted by local favorite Two Roads Brewing Company, which operates a portable stand near the main entrance. Their collaboration with the team, Storm the Rink Lager, is featured throughout the arena. Fanatics Sportsbook has taken up residence in the bar area near the entrance of the arena. Visiting fans can enjoy food and beverages while placing wagers via the betting kiosks and watching the action on the numerous televisions around the bar. If you are looking for a less crowded alternative, seek out Mason’s Bar on the third floor above section 102, featuring a full beer and spirit menu, several televisions, and a view of the ice. Atmosphere 3 Veteran minor league hockey fans will find the gameday experience at Total Mortgage Arena a familiar one. All the typical elements are here, including an in-arena emcee presiding over various contests and giveaways, loud music over the speakers during play stoppages, a mascot roaming the stands (Storm the Sound Tiger survived the rebrand), and hockey games by peewees during intermissions. The most prominent feature of Total Mortgage Arena is the giant video board that hangs over the ice, stretching from blue line to blue line. It’s used to good effect here, showing game highlights, fan cams and some contests during play stoppages. Younger fans will gravitate to the inflatable games on the concourse, including a giant connect four game and shooting cage. Older fans will visit the booster club table for 50/50 raffles and chuck a pucks. Even with the smaller crowds at Bridgeport, be ready for your view of the game to be disturbed throughout the night. Even though the arena advertised a “wait for the whistle” movement policy, it is not enforced, and the crowd is in constant movement. Even after 25 years of play, Bridgeport fans need a serious lesson in hockey etiquette. Cornhole at the Kids' Zone at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey. Neighborhood 3 Downtown Bridgeport has suffered from a really bad reputation, and in the past it may have been a deserved one. However, like many other cities in the region, the city’s leaders have worked hard to revitalize the downtown area. The building of The Ballpark at Harbor Yard (since converted to an outdoor concert venue, the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater) and hockey arena were to be the anchors of this revitalization when they opened in 1998 and 2001, respectively. Unfortunately, the development of the Harbor Yard area never happened. The lots that were ticketed for development of a retail center next door to the sports complex remain empty to this day. They are presently used for parking at game events. While this development has not occurred as hoped for, the downtown area does have some things going for it. Downtown Bridgeport proper is located on the other side of Interstate 95. The area is home to many of the city's arts, entertainment and cultural offerings including the Bijou Theatre, the Downtown Cabaret Theatre, and the Housatonic Museum of Art. Visiting hockey fans looking for a pre or postgame spot to eat may want to check out Ralph N Rich’s for some fine Italian fare or Brewport, a brew pub serving up quality craft beers and brick oven pizzas. Meanwhile, on the other side of Bridgeport Harbor, the long-awaited Steelpointe Harbor development project is finally taking shape. Sharing space in the area will eventually be commercial and retail space, a marina, a hotel, residential space and an aviation center. Fans 3 Even though average attendance is up in Bridgeport for the 2025-2026 season, the Islanders have taken their usual spot in the bottom third of the AHL attendance rankings. With an average of just under 4,300 fans per game, the Islanders are currently 24th in the 32-team circuit in terms of attendance. Those fans who do frequent Total Mortgage Arena are hockey fanatics. Hockey fans in the Greater New York area know their stuff, are dedicated, and contrary to their reputation, are friendly and welcoming to visiting fans. As is the case at most minor league hockey games, much of the crowd consists of families and youth groups. National Anthem at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Access 5 Arenas don’t get any easier to find than Total Mortgage Arena. Located directly off Interstate 95, all one has to do to get to the rink is take exit 27 (whether traveling northbound or southbound), follow the signs for a block, and you are there. Parking is available in a surface lot across the street from the arena or in a parking garage next to the arena. Those looking for free parking can find on-street parking within a short walk of the arena. Despite downtown Bridgeport’s less than sparkling reputation, the area around the arena is safe. Getting to Bridgeport is a snap, as Interstate 95 passes directly through downtown. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind the arena, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the arena. Total Mortgage Arena’s concourse is on street level, and fans walk up from ice level to their seats in the seating bowl. This setup means that handicapped seats are located right on the glass. All seats at Total Mortgage Arena are blue folding stadium seats. With the sparse crowds present at Total Mortgage Arena, it is possible to move around and spread out if you wish. Likewise, lines to concession stands and restrooms never get very long, and the concourse is easy to navigate, even during intermissions. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Islanders games start at $23 for end zone seats and max out at $60 for glass seats at center ice. The majority of tickets can be found for $40 or less. With the small crowds present at Total Mortgage Arena, it’s possible to spread out and move around a bit. Parking costs $18 in the garage adjacent to the arena and the lot a block away. There is free on-street parking available for those who wish to search for it. Concessions are a bit on the high side, but in line with other venues in the New York City area. Fans wishing to save a few dollars can purchase a family four pack, which consist of four meals, chips, drinks and tickets for between $89-109. Warmups at Total Mortgage Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Extras 1 Total Mortgage Arena is a very attractive and clean facility. Banners honoring the Sound Tigers division and conference titles hang on the west end of the arena. Final Thoughts The Islanders/Sound Tigers were never a huge success during their time in the American Hockey League, either on the ice (in 25 years, they won only five playoff series) or at the gate (they never ranked higher than 21st in the league in attendance). But Total Mortgage Arena is a fine facility, and the south coast of Connecticut is a coveted, growing market. It would not be a surprise to see another team take the ice in Bridgeport someday. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

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

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

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Grand Casino Arena 175 West Kellogg Boulevard St Paul, MN 55102 Minnesota Wild website Grand Casino Arena website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 18,064 The Wild State Of Hockey Editor's Note - On September 3, 2025 Minnesota Sports and Entertainment announced they were entering into a 14-year naming rights agreement with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, owners of the Grand Casino properties. The Minnesota Wild continue to play before hockey-crazed, sellout crowds at Xcel Energy Center. The building, while 23 years old, continues to shine as fans rock out to Shout after every Wild goal. The team was born in 2000 following the departure of the original Minnesota North Stars who fled their home in Bloomington just outside the Twin Cities to relocate to Dallas in 1993. Minnesota has never had the privilege of seeing a Stanley Cup champion. The North Stars did reach the finals twice in 1991 and 81. The arena is situated in downtown St. Paul unlike the Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves who all play in Minneapolis. St. Paul, the capital of Minnesota, is home to Minnesota United FC of the MLS and the St. Paul Saints of the International League (Minnesota Twins AAA team). Food & Beverage 4 There is a wide array of food and beverage choices. The sit-down dining options include Flynt & Kyndie, The Reserve, and The Michelob Golden Light Tap House. Wild Greens, The Deli, Wrecktangle Pizza, and City Burger are some of the other choices. Unfortunately, all are located on the Club Level with the exception of the Tap House and Wild Greens. Some of the other options include local craft beer at MN Craft, local sausage at Market House Meats, Philly cheese steaks and pub chips, taphouse wings, Nordy’s Knots (traditional German pretzels), and Cookie Dough (JR’s Dough Shop). Just for an idea of beverage prices, a bottle of water is $6, Domestic Beer is $12, Craft Beer is $13 and a large craft is $16. The Xcel also offers fans convenient grab-and-go choices which are quickly coming to many stadiums. There is the Wild Market near Section 113 which features Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology so fans do not have to wait. Guests either insert their credit card to enter or hover their palm over an Amazon One device. The items selected are automatically linked to their credit card. Atmosphere 4 The State of Hockey theme is reinforced throughout the stadium.​​ The concourse takes on a Minnesota vibe with an angled roof and wood beams. On the West Side, the arena recognizes every boys and girls high school program in the state with a display containing each jersey.​​​​ There is also a tribute to the 1980 Miracle on Ice team. The concourse fills up well before game time and can get heavily congested. The Xcel Center offers four levels of seating with 74 suites.​​ There is a standing room section at the top of the lower and upper bowls with numbered countertops. The crowd is passionate and unlike some arenas, most fans are seated before the teams take the ice. There is a suite level and then two additional levels. The corners are broken up by a crow’s nest. The organist sits in one location and the other is a Lighthouse with a Fog Horn that lights up when the Wild scores. Fog billows out of the Lake Superior style Lighthouse and envelopes the arena leading up to the opening faceoff. The arena unfortunately favors loud rock music to organ music during stoppages. On this visit, the organ was only played once per period. The mascot Nordy is either in his perch or roams the lower bowl and bangs his drum to encourage the “Let’s Go Wild!” chant. Nordy at Xcel Energy Center, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey The current LED Video Board was installed in 2014. It is a typical center-hung scoreboard seen at most NHL venues. The only negative is it does not inform fans of the players who are on ice during the game. Neighborhood 4 The area around Xcel is probably the most vibrant part of the city especially at night with bars, restaurants, and hotels in the nearby vicinity. There is also the RiverCentre, Roy Williams Auditorium, and the Science Museum of Minnesota within walking distance. There are three hotels (Courtyard Marriott, Holiday Inn, and Hampton Inn) just across the street. The historic, luxury St. Paul Hotel completed in 1910 is also nearby. Two attractions worth visiting are the Cathedral of Saint Paul (the third-largest Catholic cathedral and sixth-largest church in the United States) and the Capitol Building. The Capitol offers free, 45-minute guided tours Monday through Saturday. The Minnesota State Capitol dome is the second largest self-supported marble dome in the world, behind Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. Fans 4 The Wild averaged 18,454 last year which translates into a sellout every night. The crowd is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and engaged. Fans turn on their cellphone flashlights at the end of the pregame ceremonies to illuminate the arena prior to the Wild taking the ice. Prior to the game and in between periods, fans flock to the Hockey Lodge to purchase souvenirs and merchandise of their favorite team and players. The stores even stock some of the past Minnesota North Stars colors as the team has a Stars alternate jersey that they wore on this visit. Each year in March, fans flood Xcel Energy Center for the state boys' high school hockey tournament. The overall attendance last year was a record-setting number of over 135,000 fans for 8 sessions. Access 4 Xcel Energy Center is nestled between two major freeways (Interstate 94 and 35E) making it easily accessible. The arena is serviced by two ramps: RiverCentre Parking Ramp and Kellogg Parking Ramp, both of which are directly connected to the complex. The building can also be accessed from several Metro Transit bus lines and the light rail Green Line. The light rail is about a 10-minute walk. Bags, purses, and backpacks are not allowed. Clutches, wristlets, and wallets sized 4” x 6” x 1.5” or smaller are permitted. The facility is cashless. There are 5 entry gates. Gate 1 is the largest and allows access to the main lobby. Gate 5 is reserved for the Bremer Bank Suite Level and RBC Wealth Management Club Level. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are in the middle of the pack for NHL teams. Tickets could be as low as $50 for early season games on weeknights for the upper level, but the lower bowl will run $100 or more before fees. Food prices are in line with the going rate for NHL stadiums these days. There is a $6 happy hour deal where food and beer are discounted (16 oz beers, fountain soda, hot dogs, and pretzels with cheese) up to 30 minutes before faceoff. Parking can be found for about $15-$35 depending upon how close the lot is. Park Wiz is always a good option to find less pricey parking thru advanced purchase. Extras 3 Xcel Energy also hosts the Minnesota State Hockey Championships and is home to the NCAA Frozen Four for the fourth time in 2024. A number of big performers have dates at Xcel. The Eagles, Jonas Brothers, and Madonna are some of the headliners in 2023-24. The crow’s nest is a nice feature. The third platform features a special guest yelling “Let’s Play Hockey” to culminate the game. The other highlight is the Peanuts Character statues clad in Wild jerseys as a tribute to Peanuts creator and avid hockey fan the late Charles Schultz (a St. Paul native). Snoopy at Xcel Energy Center, Photo by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts Despite being over 20 years old, the arena seems relatively modern and up-to-date. With enthusiastic fan support in a rabid hockey market, Xcel Energy Center is clearly worthy of a Stadium Journey.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 INTENNSE Arena at Assembly Studios 2582 Assembly Boulevard Doraville, Georgia 30360 Big League Wiffle Ball website INTENNSE Arena at Assembly Studios website Year Opened: 2023 Capacity: 700 Back Yard to Big Leagues As spring turns to summer, backyards come alive with the sizzle of hot dogs and burgers on the grill, friends and family gathering, and the timeless tradition of a Wiffle ball game. Few things capture the spirit of an American summer better than a white perforated ball and a thin yellow plastic bat. Now, that childhood pastime has found a new home in Atlanta, where Big League Wiffle Ball transforms the familiar backyard game into a professionally produced spectator sport, while still embracing the charm that made it a summertime tradition in the first place. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions menu goes well beyond what might be expected at a backyard Wiffle ball game. Traditional favorites such as Nathan’s hot dogs are available alongside Wagyu cheeseburgers, while the menu also features sandwiches, including a portabella and edamame panini, smoked turkey Reuben, flatbread grilled cheese, cranberry almond chicken croissant, steak churrasco, and grilled chicken. Mediterranean and vegan garden salads provide lighter options. Additional offerings include chicken tender bites tossed in garlic parmesan, sesame, buffalo, or barbecue sauce, along with crispy steak fries. Quality is evident from the moment fans enter, where an espresso bar offers coffeehouse-style drinks. Desserts include macarons, tiramisu cups, tres leches cups, Ghirardelli brownies, cookies, chips, and candy. Coca-Cola products, Vita Coco water, and multiple Red Bull flavors round out the non-alcoholic selections. The beer list is limited but well chosen, featuring Creature Comforts’ Bibo Pilsner, Classic City Lager, Tropicalia, and Guinness. Wine, well drinks, and specialty cocktails complete the beverage lineup. Atmosphere 3 Big League Wiffle Ball is far removed from the backyard version most fans grew up playing. Instead, games take place inside a production studio, creating a controlled environment with professional lighting and entertainment that simply would not be possible outdoors. While it lacks some of the nostalgia of a neighborhood game, the presentation gives the league a polished feel. Video boards display the score, hits, and line score, but counts are only shown on a small display behind home plate. Considering pitchers are limited to 75 mph, additional game information would improve the viewing experience. Between innings, fans are entertained with dance-offs and familiar minor league-style promotions such as dance, smile, and flex cams. While enjoyable, some of the breaks run a bit long and occasionally interrupt the pace of the game. Neighborhood 4 Big League Wiffle Ball calls Assembly Studios in Doraville home, sharing the complex with the INTENNSE tennis league. The venue sits just off Atlanta’s renowned Buford Highway corridor, one of the city’s premier destinations for international cuisine. Visitors can choose from countless restaurants, hidden gems, and food trucks representing cultures from around the world. Nearby favorites also include Bluetop Restaurant & Bar and Baby Blue Pizza, recently recognized by Barstool Sports as one of Atlanta’s top pizza spots. With a MARTA station within walking distance, fans can also explore much of Atlanta without needing to drive. Fans 3 The fan experience here differs from most professional sports. Although teams represent different cities, they all play in one location, leaving fans to gravitate more toward individual players and personalities than geographic loyalty. The biggest reactions come after spectacular defensive plays, towering home runs, or dramatic moments at the plate, regardless of which team is involved. Attendance energy remains solid early in the day, but noticeably tapers off by the third game of the five-game slate. Access 4 Assembly Studios sits just off Interstate 285, making it easy to reach despite its location near Atlanta’s infamous Spaghetti Junction, where even minor traffic issues can quickly create delays. Unlike most of the studio complex, Stage 5 is accessible from outside the security gates, with parking located directly in front of the entrance. Lines form before the doors open, but move efficiently. Inside, the temporary seating configuration creates a few narrow walkways, and some stairways can become one-way bottlenecks during busy periods. A little patience is all that’s required. Fans using public transportation will also appreciate the short walk from MARTA’s Gold Line. Return on Investment 5 General admission starts at just $7.50, making Big League Wiffle Ball one of Atlanta’s best entertainment values. The fast-paced format keeps younger fans engaged throughout the five-game session, making the price well worth the roughly three hours of action. Concession prices run a bit high, but the quality of the food more than justifies the added cost. Extras 3 Before the games, fans can step into the batter’s box and take a few swings themselves. Following the action, players stick around for an autograph session, and the league organizes a postgame gathering at a nearby restaurant for fans looking to continue the experience. Partial owners Julio Jones and Nelly are also known to attend games and are generous with their time, frequently posing for photos and interacting with fans. Final Thoughts Big League Wiffle Ball takes a game nearly everyone grew up playing and gives it a professional presentation without completely losing its backyard charm. While the studio setting can’t replicate the nostalgia of playing in your neighborhood, it creates an entertaining, television-friendly experience with quality production, surprisingly good concessions, and an affordable ticket price. The concept is still finding its footing as a live spectator sport, and some of the between-inning entertainment could be trimmed to keep the pace moving. Even so, the combination of accessible pricing, player interaction, and a unique atmosphere makes for an enjoyable outing, especially for families and anyone looking for something different on a summer weekend.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 EchoPark Speedway 1500 Tara Place Hampton, GA 30228 EchoPark Speedway website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 71,000 Real Racing… Real Fast EchoPark Speedway opened in 1960 as the Atlanta International Raceway. In 1990 it became Atlanta Motor Speedway and finally rebranded as EchoPark Speedway in June of 2025. The 850-acre facility features a 1.54 oval track, with a seating capacity of 71,000. The facility hosts two major NASCAR Cup Series races each season, the Quaker State 400 in July and the Autotrader 400 in October. It also hosts a wide variety of other races throughout the year. Food & Beverage 4 Fans are allowed to tailgate in the parking area, if you stay within the area of your parking space. Once inside the speedway, fans have a wide option of food and beverages to choose from. There are stands representing Papa John’s Pizza, Bojangles, Sonny’s BBQ, Jim N’ Nick’s BBQ, Moe’s Southwestern Grill and many race-themed stands with names like the Turn One Grill, the Infield Grill and the Pole Position Club. As you would expect of an Atlanta-area venue, Coca Cola is the official soft drink of EchoPark Speedway. A wide variety of beers and wines are also available throughout the track. Fans are allowed to bring in soft sided coolers up to 14X14X14 to the venue. No glass bottles are allowed in the coolers Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere on race days can best be compared to the county fair. It is an event that race fans look forward to each year. Families hold mini reunions with friends and other family members at the track. Like college football, fans are proud to wear the racing colors of their favorite driver. There are bands playing and a wide variety of games and giveaways taking place in the Fan Zone. A popular pre-race option at EchoPark Speedway is the pre-race Track Pass. This pass allows you to sign your name on the start/finish line on the track, check out Victory Lane and provides you with stage-front access for the driver introductions. These passes cost $91.12 on top of the cost of your admission to the speedway. Neighborhood 3 On race days, EchoPark Speedway literally becomes its own neighborhood. It spread out over 850 acres, and includes shopping options, bars and restaurants, an entertainment area, camping facilities and even residential condominiums. For those who need overnight accommodation, but do not want to use the camping option, the nearest hotels are the Home 2 Suites by Hilton-Griffin or the Holiday Inn Express-Griffin. There are several hotels, restaurants and a Tanger Outlet Mall located at the I-75 Exit # 218. These hotels include the Hampton Inn Locust Grove and the Holiday Inn Express and Suites-Locust Grove. Fans 4 Atlanta is one of the favorite stops along the NASCAR season due to the long and storied history of the track. It also offers easy access via multiple interstate highways, as well as flight connections from anywhere in the country through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson. Fans arrive hours before the race to enjoy the activities in the Fan Zone. The Fan Zone is located just outside of Gate 13, and it offers musical entertainment, exhibits from NASCAR sponsors, food booths, souvenir stands and fan photo opportunities. Access 4 EchoPark Speedway is in Hampton, Ga, a small town located 30 miles south of Atlanta via either Hwy 19/41 or I-75. Directions from I-75 North or South: Take Exit 218 onto Highway 20 West. Go 10 miles to the entrance of the speedway, which is located just west of the Highway 19/41intersection. You will then be directed to the appropriate parking lot by speedway south. You can also reach the speedway by traveling south from the Atlanta area on Highway 19/41 via Exit # 235 (Tara Boulevard). We advise you against using this route, as you will encounter heavy traffic and dozens of red lights before you reach the track. There are 10 major gates into the speedway stands. Be sure to check your tickets for the gate located closest to your seats in the grandstand. Each grandstand features the name of a NASCAR icon, including Petty, Earnhardt and Johnson. You are allowed to exit and re-enter the speedway during the race. However, you must rescan your ticket on the way out of the speedway, then have rescanned again to be readmitted. Once you park your car, free trams and shuttles will transport you to the gates of the speedway. Return on Investment 3 The cost of attending the Quaker State 400 is comparable to most of the other NASCAR Cup Series around the country. The standard admission for adults is $64.15, while children aged 12 and under get in for $11.25. Premium seating along the start/finish line and pit row are priced at $96.75. Another premium seating level is in the second level of the Earnhardt Stands, which provides you with an overview of the entire 1.5-mile oval, and costs $106.90 - $127.15. Camping spots in the track’s infield cost $105 per night. Parking is free in the grass parking lots outside of the speedway gates. EchoPark Speedway operates on a cashless basis. Wi-Fi is provided throughout the speedway at no cost. Extras 5 In 1992, Atlanta Motor Speedway hosted both Richard Petty’s last NASCAR race and Jeff Gordon’s first NASCAR race. EchoPark Speedway rents out scanners that allow you to hear the actual communications between the drivers and their pit crews during the race. The cost to rent a scanner is $81.44. Former Georgia Governor/U.S. President Jimmy Carter worked as a ticket taker at the Speedway in the 1960’s. He never the racing community, as he hosted reunions for track staff at both the Georgia Governor’s Mansion and the White House. The concourse underneath the stands offers some nice features, including exhibits about past races, and a checkered finish line running through the concourse at the precise location of the finish line on the track. The speedway has been used on several occasions as a Red Cross evacuation site for families affected by Florida hurricanes. Final Thoughts EchoPark Speedway has been one of the most popular NASCAR tracks for nearly 70 years. The facility is constantly adding new features to maintain its position as a favorite stop for NASCAR fans on their racing calendars.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Scarborough Arena Gardens 75 Birchmount Road Toronto, Ontario M1N 3J7 Toronto Beaches website Scarborough Arena Gardens website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 358 Displaced Sandbox In 2025, Toronto lacrosse was dealt a significant body blow. The board of the Ted Reeve Community Arena, in a controversial act, voted to keep the ice in the facility all year round. This displaced the programming for the Toronto Beaches Lacrosse Club and left the Toronto Beaches team of the OJLL homeless. Although the move was said to be a “hybrid model,” moving lacrosse to the bubble next door, which would allow lacrosse to continue, it was met with skepticism and anger by lacrosse patrons. Ted Reeve had been the home for the Toronto Beaches for over thirty years. In fact, the Beaches had just survived a short stretch where the team was displaced due to renovations at Ted Reeve. The history of the Toronto Beaches Lacrosse Club dates all the way back to 1915. The Beaches played at a Junior B level from 1979 to 1983 and then at Junior A from 1991 to 1997 and then from 1998 to the present. They have made two appearances in the Iroquois Trophy final, in 2002 and 2022. The solution for the homeless Beaches is Scarborough Arena Gardens. Built in 1951, Scarborough Gardens just completed a massive two-year renovation which saw the old building torn down completely due to structural and asbestos concerns. It is owned by the City of Toronto, but is further east than the Beaches community where Ted Reeve was found. The 2026 season is the first for the not-for-profit Toronto Beaches at the Gardens, their new Sandbox. Food & Beverage 2 There is a very limited selection of concessions available for a Beaches game. Concessions are sold at a temporary table along with merchandise and tickets at the back end of the lobby. Water, Gatorade, chips, cookies, chocolate bars, beer, and coolers make up the entirety of the menu. Prices are good, and there is enough for a light snack, but that’s about it. Atmosphere 3 Scarborough Arena Gardens is essentially a brand-new facility. The exterior is attractive with grey brick around the lobby and a canopy over the entrance with wood support beams and brown highlights. An updated exterior plaque provides a bit of history of the building, including the use of the old Gardens for exterior shots in the movie Youngblood. In the lobby, there is plenty of glass and the natural light floods in. A large trophy case provides more history of the building as well as some local hockey trophies. Large murals provide colourful highlights near the ceiling. Entry in the lobby is from the west and the east side of the lobby is a wall of glass that looks right into the arena. Just in front of the arena is a temporary table selling tickets, merchandise and snacks. On both the exterior and in the lobby, there is no advertising or markings for the Beaches. This could change in subsequent seasons with more prep time available. Inside the arena, the floor runs from east to west with the view of the centre logo, really the only Beaches marking in the building, from the north. Entry is from the west, and a simple hockey scoreboard hangs on the east side. Seating is on the north side with four rows of contoured, plastic benches. Protective mesh surrounds the entire arena floor. Unfortunately, the shot clocks are hung on the glass in the northeast and northwest corners and are difficult for fans to see. Behind the seating, on the north side, there are huge windows that allow plenty of natural light into the arena, creating a unique effect early in the game. Some of the windows need to be covered and are done so with temporary tarps. Permanent blinds definitely need to be installed to preserve the clean aesthetic of the arena. One of the real highlights in the arena is the wooden beam truss supports that hold up the corrugated aluminum roof. The gameday production at a Beaches game is extremely simple. The sound system consists of temporary speakers on stands behind the benches on the south side. Music is played for the warmups; however, none is played during intermission or for goals. The worst part of the sound system is that announcements are nearly impossible to understand. Neighbourhood 4 Scarborough Arena Gardens is found in the Birchcliffe-Cliffside neighbourhood of the Toronto borough of Scarborough. It is east of what most would think of as the tourist area of the city, where the Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena are found. There are a few spots for pre- and post-game food and drink that are not too far away; however, the immediate neighbourhood is fairly residential. Some options include Buster’s By The Bluffs, Henry Jollof, Blue Elephant Cuisine and The Quarry Cafe. The closest sporting option to Scarborough Arena Gardens is the Scarborough Shooting Stars of the CEBL, which plays during the same season as the OJLL. Other sporting options during the same general time include the Toronto Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs of the CBL. There are, of course, many more options when stretching into the fall and winter, including the Maple Leafs, Raptors, Argonauts, Marlies, Tempo, Sceptres and Toronto FC. The University of Toronto also fields several Varsity Blues teams, including football, basketball and hockey. Toronto is one of the top tourist destinations in North America. Other tourist options include the Scarborough Museum, Scarborough Bluffs, and Rosetta McClain Gardens, all found in Scarborough. A wider net cast brings tourists to the Hockey Hall of Fame, Casa Loma, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the iconic CN Tower. For fans who wish to stay near Scarborough Arena Gardens, the Super 8 Toronto is available as well as several BnBs and independent motels. A wider selection of international chain motels will require fans to journey closer to downtown Toronto. Fans 3 Assessing fans in the OJLL is challenging as the attendance figures are not published. At the game that was reviewed, there were around 150 fans in attendance. Due to the small capacity, this provided a decent fan experience with plenty of space for those in attendance without the arena feeling empty. The fans in attendance were supportive and fairly loud. Access 3 Scarborough Arena Gardens is located in the Birchcliffe-Cliffside neighbourhood of the Toronto borough of Scarborough. It is found in the larger Birchmount Park. The Gardens are at the northeast corner of Birchmount Road and Kingston Road. It is approximately 8 km east of the Don Valley Parkway and 9 km south of Highway 401. Fans driving to the game will definitely have to traverse a good chunk of city driving, and Toronto traffic is no joke. The Beaches seem to have addressed this issue with 8 pm start times for most home games. There is parking available at the facility, which could fill up depending on what other events are scheduled for Birchmount Park. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are TTC bus stops on Birchmount and Danforth. Fans should consult the Toronto Transit Commission website for fare schedules and maps. Getting around Scarborough Arena Gardens is not difficult, especially due to its complete rebuild. The washroom facilities are more than adequate for the venue. They are ultra-modern with cubicles with floor-to-ceiling doors. Security protocols are not really an issue for a Toronto Beaches game. Tickets are purchased at the door, and cash is preferred, with e-transfer as an option for purchases. Return on Investment 4 Toronto Beaches tickets are very affordable. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, and free for kids under 5 and Beaches Minor Lacrosse players and Toronto Beaches alumni. Parking is free, and concession prices are good. Addressing some of the gameday production issues will make the experience even better and raise the ROI score. Extras 3 An extra mark for Scarborough Arena Gardens essentially being a brand-new, squeaky-clean facility. An extra mark for the original Scarborough Arena Gardens making an appearance in the 1986 movie, Youngblood. Exterior shots of the Hamilton Mustangs home were of Scarborough Arena Gardens. An extra mark for the parking lot, which has a huge solar panel structure to park under. Not only does the facility generate clean energy, but it provides shade to park under. Final Thoughts After being displaced from Ted Reeve Arena, the Toronto Beaches have found a new Sandbox at Scarborough Arena Gardens. In their first season in their new home, the Beaches are finding their way. There is room for improvement, but the base lacrosse experience is solid. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Meg Minard and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Fifth Third Field 406 Washington St Toledo, OH 43604 Map It! Toledo Mud Hens website Fifth Third Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 10,025 Toledo’s All in With the Mud Hens The minor league baseball team Toledo Mud Hens is famously tied to the TV series M*A*S*H, thanks to Corporal Klinger’s frequent boasts about his hometown team. During the Korean War (the time period of the M*A*S*H show), the team played at Swayne Field. The Mud Hens played at Ned Skeldon Stadium during the TV show’s run (1970s/early‑1980s) and moved to the brand-new, downtown Fifth Third Field in 2002. Fifth Third Field is an admirable AAA park, located right downtown, with ornate gates, ample concourse room, plenty of between-inning entertainment, and good baseball. Baseball in Toledo dates back to 1883. Since 1987, the Mud Hens have served as the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers and are members of the International League. They’ve won the Governors' Cup (the baseball trophy awarded to the champion team of the International League), three times: in 1967, 2005, and 2006. Food & Beverage 4 Fifth Third Field offers a decent array of choices, with the better ones down the third base line. Grab & Go pre-packaged baskets, sandwiches (burgers, chicken, sausage, etc.), and a variety of beer and Pepsi product choices. Cleverly named Mudzarella’s provides the pizza choices at the park. Frogtown sells nachos, chips and salsa, quesadillas, etc. Glass City Cheesesteaks kiosk offers Philly steaks and brats. Gilhooley Sports Bar and Grill is named after former Hen’s broadcaster Frank Gilhooley, who broadcast games from 1953-2010. Photos of his career are plastered on the walls in a spot that resembles a restaurant. Burgers are grilled in front of the customers and have names such as the “BacHen” Burger and the Bloomin’ Bacon Burger. You can also order an all-beef hot dog or grilled chicken sandwich. Several draft‑beer kiosks line the concourse, pouring craft selections from Ohio and Michigan breweries such as Twin Oast, Saugatuck Brewing, Columbus Brewery, and Maumee Bay Brewing. Stop at Klinger’s Corner Bar, down the first base line for cocktails or a beer. Frozhen is the best place for dessert, offering ice cream bowls, pints, and cones. Get there early, as long lines appear on those hot summer afternoons and evenings. Next door, Frozhen Cocktails serves vodka‑based frozen drinks in flavors like blue raspberry, lemon, and margarita. Most stands sell traditional popcorn, peanuts, and pretzel snacks along with Pepsi-brand sodas, water, and domestic beers. The concessions have plenty to fill you up. Atmosphere 3 The Mud Hens provide a typical minor league game day experience with plenty of between-inning activities, unnecessary music and noise, and a well-played baseball game. The stadium holds a little over 10,000 fans with three levels of seats and tiered picnic-style seating in the outfield. For evening games, the outfield seats face into the setting sun, so bring sunglasses and a hat if sitting there. The infield seats get shade, though the downtown view is blocked from high-level rows (the ones nearer the concourse) due to the second-level overhang. Steps do not have banisters, so avoid those if you have trouble walking up and down stairways. The bullpen warm-ups are right on the field, in front of the seats just beyond the first and third bases. It’s pretty cool being so close to watch that. Between-inning entertainment includes a sausage toss, condiment race (ketchup, mustard, relish), freeze cam, kiss cam, and the like. The starting lineups are not posted, but fans can pick up a filled-in, printed score card at the customer service table. It even has a spot for ABS challenge results. While it’s a fantastic idea, some may find the print too small to read. The sound tech person must be very uncomfortable with silence; there’s some kind of 'noise' between every pitch, even while the announcer is talking. It’s such a treat on the rare occasion no noise is played, and fans can actually hear the sounds of the game. Fans with sensory issues should probably avoid attending a game here. Neighborhood 4 Fifth Third Field sits in downtown Toledo’s revitalized Warehouse District, known as Hensville, which features restaurants, bars, rooftop venues, shops, and Hensville Park for concerts and community events. For places to eat, The Blarney Irish Pub, Hannon's Block Restaurant (American Classics), Assembly American Brasserie, Ye Olde Durty Bird (Gastropub) come recommended, and all are less than a block from the ballpark. Right across from the home plate entrance is Quenched & Tempered Brewing Co. Taproom (excellent brews), and Ye Olde Cock n' Bull Tavern (local pub). For a fantastic view, try Fleetwood’s Rooftop; it’s one of the most popular rooftop bars in Toledo, but only open Fridays and Saturdays from 4 pm - midnight. When you’re in town, visit the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, and families with kids can head to the Imagination Station for hands-on science or burning off energy at indoor trampoline parks and playgrounds. Explore the developing Glass City Riverwalk along the Maumee Riverfront, where green space and an array of recreational opportunities are enjoyed. The Detroit Tigers, the Mud Hens parent team, are an hour’s drive north, or you can catch a Detroit City FC match as well. Fans looking to stay near the ballpark should consider the Homewood Suites by Hilton Toledo Downtown, right across from the park, or the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel, a little less than a mile from Fifth Third Field. Fans 3 Fans appreciate the Mud Hens, are mostly focused on the game, and make visitors feel comfortable. They cheer when their club scores a run or makes a great play. Many are there for the social aspect, which is an important part of minor league baseball, but crowds are in their seats and watching the action on the field. The Mud Hens have averaged over 6,000 fans per game, making them a popular team in the AAA circuit. Access 3 Driving is the best option. On select days, fans may be able to take the Muddy Shuttle from five areas in the Toledo suburbs. Click Muddy Shuttle for more information. TARTA route 27 has the closest bus stop to the park, but be sure to check return times as they may stop before the end of the game. Several garages and lots surround the ballpark: 15 S St Clair St Parking, Summit Street Parking Garage, and Commodore Perry Parking Garage are all close to the stadium. They tend to run $5 - $10, but some are as high as $20 (more than a ticket). Metered parking spaces are available in downtown Toledo, but they get taken quickly. Once inside, Fifth Third Field offers a wraparound concourse and easy access to concession stands and exits. The concourses are wide enough and only get crowded after the game. Unfortunately, the infield seating area does not have banisters; I recommend that fans needing that leverage and support purchase seats in the top row and handicapped areas. Several clean restrooms are scattered along the concourse, and the park has four family restrooms. Return on Investment 3 Tickets generally range from $13 to $15, $2 more for weekend games, so it’s an affordable evening out. Concessions are the typical higher-priced amounts, with alcohol running $11 - $17, soda $4.50 - $5, and snacks and entrees costing $5 - $15.50. Parking prices can run high. Take the Muddy Shuttle if you can, to save a few bucks on parking. Have a beer or bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the neighborhood pre-game to avoid the higher-priced stadium concessions. All in all, it is a decent return on your sports dollar budget. Extras 3 Mike Hessman Home Run Alley honors Mike Hessman, the all‑time minor league home run leader, a Mud Hens legend, and a longtime fan favorite known for his power, longevity, and clubhouse presence. He hit his record‑breaking homer (433) at Fifth Third Field. The Swamp Shop offers a wide range of team merchandise and is worth a stop. Toledo Mud Hens Swamp Shop, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The ballpark’s downtown setting creates a walkable neighborhood built around baseball, bars, restaurants, and renovated historic buildings. Final Thoughts The Toledo Mud Hens provide a decent minor league baseball experience that is entertaining, while keeping the game on the field as the focus of the experience. They just need to reduce the barrage of noise between pitches and let the sounds of baseball be heard more often.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 George Taylor Field 4 Seymour Avenue St. Catharines ON L2P 1A3 Niagara Ironbacks website George Taylor Field website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 2,000 Iron Baseball The Niagara Ironbacks were born in 2025. Filling a hole that Ontario normally ignores, the Ironbacks joined the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League, providing a true summer collegiate experience in the province. The dubious Intercounty Baseball League once provided a summer refuge for college baseball players; however, with the 2026 rebranding to the Canadian Baseball League and full professional focus, the Ironbacks are the lone summer collegiate team in Southern Ontario. The Ironbacks are owned by Mal Romanin, who is the former communication director of the Toronto Blue Jays. The team is named in honour of the “hard-working people of St. Catharines and the Niagara Region.” Home for the Ironbacks is George Taylor Field. Found in St. Catharines, George Taylor Field opened in 1986 and is the former home of the St. Catharines Blue Jays. The stadium saw such well-known Jays as Carlos Delgado, Pat Hentgen, Vernon Wells, and Jeff Kent play in the New-York Penn League. In 2012, it was rededicated and named after the former groundskeeper George “Clickey” Taylor, who also coached local baseball for over 35 years. It was originally known as Merritton Baseball Field, which has been in use since the sixties. The stadium was rebuilt in 1986 and named Community Park, to coincide with the arrival of the Blue Jays, who played here until 1999. Food & Beverage 3 There is one simple concession stand on the outside of the stadium. Burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, candy, and chips are all available. Items can be bundled in combos to save a couple bucks. Soda, slushies, and bottled water, along with CWench sports drinks, are the soft drinks available. Beer, seltzer, and wine are also available for those of age. The Ironbacks also have signature beers, Ironbacks Lite and Dead Red IPA, provided by Decew Falls Brewery. Atmosphere 2 George Taylor Field is a fairly simple venue but has received some improvements over the years. The exterior is very simple with no aesthetic entrance, just the backside of the stands. There is plenty of chain-link fencing around the stadium. George Taylor Field also lacks any real curb appeal as it is tucked behind what appears to be a vacant school. A temporary ticket table and merchandise table welcome fans entering the park. Before entering the seating area, fans will take note of a whiteboard with the day’s starting lineups right beside a large Ironbacks roster poster complete with profile pictures. The poster is a nice touch in promoting the players along with the free lineup sheets available at the ticket table. Behind the first base stands, cornhole boards are set out along with some picnic tables for fans. Entering the seating area, there are a variety of seating options. The first three rows consist of traditional, plastic, stadium seats, followed by three rows of aluminum benches with backs, followed by eight rows of aluminum benches. A small press box/operations box is behind the seating, covered in blue, corrugated siding. The seating area stretches from approximately first base to third base. The field is a well-maintained grass surface, which was one of the improvements made. There are plenty of full-turf fields in the PGCBL, and the maintenance of George Taylor Field appears to be one of the best options. LED lighting and an upgraded speaker system are also improvements that have been made at the ballpark. A simple baseball scoreboard stands beyond left centre field. The gameday production at an Ironbacks game is also fairly simple. Typical promotions include the beer batter, 50/50 draw and tracking the strikeouts with K’s on the outfield fence. Roster printouts are free and available at the ticket table. The in-game host is terrific and has a great balance of enthusiasm without being annoying. Neighbourhood 3 George Taylor Field is located in Community Park in the Merritton neighbourhood of St. Catharines, southeast of downtown. The neighbourhood is fairly residential, but there are a few spots fans can go to get pre- or post-game food and drinks. Some options include Ferraree’s Italian Lounge, Olee’s Ale House, Early Bird Restaurant, The Lucky Penny, Doughboy’s Diner, and Taqueria el Errito. There are a few sporting options in the summer in St. Catharines. George Taylor Field is also the home of Brock Badgers baseball in the fall. Brock also fields other athletic teams during the school year, including basketball and hockey. The St. Catharines Athletics and Niagara River Lions also play during the summer months. Other options include the Niagara IceDogs and St. Catharines Falcons. St. Catharines is very close to Niagara Falls, which offers a whole host of tourist options and is a must-do for all first-time visitors to the Niagara Region. Other tourist options include the St. Catharines Museum, Bruce Trail, Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and Canal Locks. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Stone Mill Inn and Four Points Sheraton are good options. Fans 2 The Niagara Ironbacks are still in their infancy, but are making headway when it comes to attracting fans. At the time of writing, during the 2026 season, the Ironbacks averaged 360 fans per game. This ranks them 10th in the 15-team PGCBL. This is also an improvement from the 109 fans the Ironbacks averaged the previous season. A school day game in June attracting over 1,100 fans does skew the results a bit. However, an improved product on the field is showing some improvement in the stands. Fans in attendance are fairly reserved, but do interact with the in-game host a bit. Access 5 George Taylor Field is located at Community Park in the Merritton neighbourhood of St. Catharines. It is just 1 km east of Highway 406, which is the main artery for the Niagara Region south of the Queen Elizabeth Way. It is on the southeast corner of Seymour Avenue and Merritt Street. Getting to the ballpark is pretty easy, and traffic should not be an issue. Parking is available in a lot off of Seymour Avenue past the former school. For fans interested in public transit, there are bus stops on Merritt Street. Fans should consult the Niagara Transit website for fares, maps and schedules. The ballpark is easy to maneuver, with not too many places to go. The washroom facilities are very good here, including a couple of family, gender neutral washrooms. A Niagara Ironbacks game is cash-friendly, along with cashless options. Return on Investment 4 The Niagara Ironbacks have three tiers of tickets that coincide with the different types of seats. Preferred seats are $16, Standard seats are $13.50, and General Admission is $8. Preferred seats are specific. Tickets are available online or at the gate. Parking is free, and concession prices are good. Combined, this offers great value for a solid baseball product on the field. More fans in the stands would provide a better spectator experience and improve the ROI. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Niagara Ironbacks as the lone Ontario team in the PGCBL and one of only two summer collegiate teams in the province. (The other is in Thunder Bay) An extra mark for the manager of the Ironbacks, Richard Griffin, for five decades in baseball. Griffin was, among other things, a baseball columnist for the Toronto Star for years and won the prestigious Jack Graney Award presented by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame for a media member making a significant contribution to the game. Final Thoughts Although still in their infancy, the Niagara Ironbacks are continuing to blaze trails in the Ontario baseball market as the lone Summer Collegiate team in Southern Ontario. George Taylor Field has become a good place to catch a game, and improvements to the ballpark are ongoing. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Vinny Martin and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 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 Hard Hittin’ New Britain New Britain Stadium opened in 1996 with a capacity of around 6,100. Located in Willow Brook Park, the stadium has a long history and has hosted a few teams at a few different levels of baseball. Currently, the venue is home to the New Britain Bees of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. New Britain Stadium is the second highest capacity ballpark in the Futures League, behind Dodd Stadium, home of the Norwich Sea Unicorns. The Bees were originally a part of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) from their inception in 2015 to 2019. The ballpark was formerly home to the New Britain Rock Cats of the AA Eastern League from 1996 to 2015, before the franchise relocated to Hartford. The Rock Cats, who were named the "Hardware City Rock Cats" after New Britain's nickname “Hardware City” for one season, were the AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins for a majority of their existence. Many notable names have played in New Britain, such as David Ortiz, Torii Hunter and Joe Mauer. Food & Beverage 2 New Britain Stadium offers minimal but serviceable food and drink options on game days. There are two open concession stands on the main concourse, one serving classic ballpark options like Hot Dogs, Chicken Tenders and Italian Sausage, with the other offering snack items like popcorn and cotton candy. There is a stand serving a variety of domestic beers located right behind the main entrance. Down the third and first baselines you will find the Alvarium Beer Hive and the Five Churches Brewing Skyline Sanctuary Beer Garden. Both are nice outdoor seating areas with great views of the game, but were not serving anything during this visit. It is possible that they open up for weekend games. Pepsi products are sold here at New Britain Stadium. In general, the food and drink options here will not blow anyone away, but they get the job done at a very reasonable price. Fans Line Up for Concessions at New Britain Stadium. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 2 The Bees game day presentation is extremely laid back and minimal. Most summer collegiate teams supplement the on-field product with between-inning games, contests, mascots, or fan interaction. Here, none of that exists. It is limited to PA announcements and music, which may create a somewhat boring experience for the more casual Bees fans. Being a former AA stadium, the venue itself is very large for summer collegiate baseball. The concourse is fairly large, and you can even hear the game being broadcasted in the concourse while you are stepping away from the game, which is a cool touch for this level of baseball. The stadium is also very well themed for its new tenant, as the entire concourse is covered in black and yellow. Although structurally in good condition, the stadium shows its age in several areas. There are a few major flaws of the stadium's design, one of which being the scoreboard, which is very small and very hard to see from any seat. The stadium also lacks shady areas, making a mid-summer game on a hot day pretty uncomfortable. Neighborhood 2 New Britain is a moderately sized city in central Connecticut, located about 10 miles away from the state capital of Hartford. New Britain is nicknamed “The Hardware City” as it contains the headquarters of Stanley Black and Decker. New Britain Stadium's former tenant actually used to go by the “Hardware City Rock Cats” for its first two years. The area surrounding the ballpark is mostly a generic commercial area with not much in the name of things to do. New Britain High School is located close by, with its facilities, Beehive Field and Veterans Memorial Stadium, located on the same grounds as New Britain Stadium. Central Connecticut State University is also located about 10 minutes away. New Britain Stadium Interior. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Fans 2 New Britain Stadium's biggest flaw is its size. A summer collegiate baseball team will usually not draw enough fans to fill a stadium of this size, so unfortunately the place was very empty. A good majority of fans in attendance were in suites, or congregated under a small, shaded area behind home plate to escape the sun. The fans who were in attendance made noise and seemed to be knowledgeable and passionate, but there definitely was no “buzz” in the stadium- no pun intended. Access 4 New Britain Stadium is conveniently located immediately adjacent to Route 9, which serves as an easy expressway to Connecticut's major interstates of 91 and 84. Depending on what direction you are coming from, traffic around the major cities of Hartford and New Haven could be a pain when traveling to weeknight games, but in general, New Britain is very accessible. New Britain Stadium has completely enclosed concourses that are very spacious. All walkways around the stadium are also very wide. The stadium is separated into a lower and upper bowl separated by that aforementioned walkway, with the lower bowl having folding plastic seats, and the upper-level having a mix of molded plastic seats and bleacher style seats. With the stadium typically being fairly quiet, it is easy to spread out and roam around to find a spot that works for you. The restrooms here are clean and very large. There are also ramps and handicap accessible seating on all sides of the stadium. New Britain Stadium Concourse. Photo by Vinny Martin, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 4 A Bees game is one of the most affordable sporting experiences in central Connecticut. General admission is $9, which gives you access to any seats in the ballpark. Parking is also free. Food is also very cheap, with almost all food items being available for $6 or less. Beer prices are a little on the pricier side relatively speaking, but also not bad with domestics being available for $8. Extras 2 The New Britain Sports Hall of Fame is displayed in the concourse next to the team store, and is a nice tribute to hundreds of familiar athletes to come through the city. Another point goes to the valiant effort to retheme the stadium around the Bees, with bold yellow and black concourse walls to a very nice indoor team store. You have to respect the investment which is rare for venues at the summer collegiate baseball level. Final Thoughts The Bees were dealt a unique situation with New Britain Stadium, having a much larger and more advanced facility than most other summer collegiate baseball teams. That creates a different but relatively unspectacular experience for summer ball. The emergence of Dunkin Park in nearby Hartford has taken professional baseball and maybe some general interest in baseball away from New Britain. With all that being said, New Britain Stadium is still a very affordable and easy night out at the ballpark that is worth a visit.

Photos by Steven Kee Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Hinchliffe Stadium 186 Maple St. Paterson, NJ 07522 New York Cosmos website Hinchliffe Stadium website Year Opened: 1932 (renovated 2023) Capacity: 10,000 The Cosmos are Back…Again! In northern New Jersey, a rich soccer history continues with the recent return of the New York Cosmos. The iconic team now plays in USL League One. They play at Historic Hinchliffe Stadium located in the Great Falls Historic District of the City of Paterson, New Jersey, on the N.J. Black Heritage Trail. The Cosmos join 16 other teams in USL League One. ​ Hinchliffe Stadium was built in 1932 and used for baseball, high school football, and auto racing before it closed in 1996. It then fell into disrepair and was abandoned, but in 1921, the ground was broken on a $94 million project to restore the stadium. ​ It was home of the New York Black Yankees and the New York Cubans of the Negro Leagues, and is also the home of the New Jersey Jackals of the Frontier League. It is one of the last remaining Negro League baseball stadiums still in existence. ​ This is the third incarnation of the Cosmos, a brand and name synonymous with soccer. The original Cosmos of Pele fame played from 1971 to 1985 in the North American Soccer League, while the second version played in the second NASL and National Indoor Soccer Association from 2013 to 2020. Those two incarnations of the soccer club captured 8 league championships. Food & Beverage 2 The current selections were limited to a snack shop setup offering burgers, hot dogs, skewers, pretzels, and a basic range of drinks, including soda, water, and select alcoholic beverages. ​ Cheeseburgers, hamburgers, nachos, pretzels, hot dogs, and the Cosmos Special: Double Cheeseburger are available between the prices of $5 and $18. Coca-Cola products are available, along with beer and hard seltzer options that include Bud, Coors, Corona, Sun Cruiser, and High Noons. There is an additional window for sweets and snacks. ​ The hamburger wasn't particularly hot, but it was fresh and tasted good. This seems to summarize the current experience: while the variety is small, the food is fresh and reasonably priced. Atmosphere 3 The match we attended was an international friendly between the Cosmos and Santos Laguna (Liga MX). The exhibition game drew a smaller crowd than a typical USL League One match, but Hinchliffe Stadium remains an inviting and charming venue. ​ Visiting the stadium feels like stepping back into the 1930s. It features a classic, elongated U-shaped design with bleacher seating. Since the bleachers do not have back support, it is recommended to bring a portable seat cushion for added comfort. ​ While the views are excellent from any seat, please note that there is a track around the field, which creates some distance from the action. Additionally, the Cosmos share this venue with the Jackals. This shared usage contributes to the patchy appearance of the field. Furthermore, a protective safety net is in place, which does obscure a completely unobstructed view. ​ A team store offers a nice selection of merchandise near the entrance to the facility. A video board is situated at one end of the stadium, and the Charles J. Muth Museum is open during the game, offering a collection of memorabilia from the stadium’s history in an air-conditioned environment. Fans can also purchase merchandise and learn about the many athletes who once played at the historic facility. Neighborhood 3 Paterson is a remarkably diverse city in every way. It is located about 20 miles from New York City and is known as the Silk City due to its production of silk products. While the surrounding neighborhood may appear a bit rough at first glance, it is encouraged to look past that to see the friendly faces and families visiting the stadium, the museum, and the Paterson Great Falls National Historic Park. ​ The falls are less than 100 yards from the stadium and worth a visit before or after the game. It is also a nice way to cool off during a hot summer game. The Paterson Museum offers a collection of items connected to the city that include a prototype submarine, silk machinery, the Paterson Colt pistol, and items from the Lenape tribe. The American Labor Museum details the history of the labor movement. ​ There are no restaurants within walking distance from the stadium, but the city is known for its Texas Weiners, said to have been invented in town. They are deep-fried hot dogs served with a meat sauce, chopped onions, and brown mustard. The best spots are now in neighboring towns and include The Hot Grill in Clifton and Johnny & Hanges in Fair Lawn. Fans 3 The fans from both teams are incredibly enthusiastic and engaged throughout the game. With noisemakers, drums, whistles, and constant chanting, the energy was nonstop. Both sides have green colors, and it was a sea of green at the stadium. ​ The Five Points supporters’ group is especially impressive. They provide a textbook example of passion, using drums, cowbells, and chants. Their use of green flares, smoke bombs, elaborate displays, and green and white umbrellas created a fantastic atmosphere to encourage their team. ​ One particularly charming moment was seeing a toddler in this section moving a giant green and white umbrella in time with the drumbeat. It perfectly illustrated that these fans, regardless of age, will do just about anything to show their support. Access 3 While the stadium is easy to access, the Cosmos staff strongly recommend reviewing the maps available at nycosmos.com. The stadium is wide open, and an inner concourse provides fans with access to concessions, merchandise stands, the museum, and restrooms. ​ Regarding parking, the Hinchliffe Stadium Parking Facility is located directly adjacent to the stadium and is the most convenient option. Street parking is limited, and the surrounding streets are narrow and curvy; therefore, parking on the street is not recommended. The parking garage was free during our visit. Return on Investment 3 While some ticket options were overpriced for the value, the entry-level tickets offer a great experience, especially given the amenities both inside and outside the stadium. The welcoming staff and fans further ensured the experience was well worth the investment. ​ Keep in mind that for this specific game, there was no fee for the Hinchcliffe Parking Facility. Some fans took advantage of this by bringing their own chairs and food to watch the game from that area for free. ​ Fans can expect to pay $5 for a pretzel or nacho, while a hot dog is $10. Beer prices are $10, and Coca-Cola products are $5. Some items are reasonable, while some were a bit higher in price. Extras 4 Charles J. Muth Museum is on the right side of the stadium; this museum is a must-visit. I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before kickoff, as it closes at halftime for non-VIP guests. ​ You can find beautiful views of Paterson and New York City looking past the scoreboard, which serves as an excellent backdrop for photos. ​ Paterson Great Falls National Park is just steps away from the stadium. If the game ends before dark, I highly recommend visiting the falls via the Mary Ellen Kramer Park entrance on the McBride Road Extension. ​ Hinchliffe Stadium Parking Facility offers a convenient parking option; the top floor offers an incredible view of the stadium and the surrounding skyline. Final Thoughts It’s pure nostalgia to attend a Cosmos match in 2026, especially for anyone who grew up loving the team in the NASL days of the 1970s and ‘80s. The experience reintroduces the club to a new generation of enthusiasts. Seeing the Pelé and Negro League exhibits in the museum was especially rewarding. The stadium feels frozen in time, complemented by a poignant museum, sweeping views of New York and Paterson, a friendly staff, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sal Maglie Stadium 1200 Hyde Park Boulevard Niagara Falls, NY 14301 Niagara Falls Americans website Sal Maglie Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 4,000 The American Way The Niagara Falls Americans were established in 2007 as the Niagara Power of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. Located in Niagara Falls, New York, the Power played in the NYCBL until after the pandemic. They returned in 2021 and moved to the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. All players in the PGCBL must have college eligibility to participate. The league played its first season in 2011 and included a number of former New York-Penn League teams. After a unique ownership situation where the team was owned by Niagara University of Lewiston, the team was sold to CAN-USA Sports and former NHL player Robbie Nichols in 2023. Nichols’ CAN-USA Sports company also owns the Elmira Pioneers and Batavia Muckdogs. When the team was sold in 2023, they rebranded to the current Niagara Falls Americans moniker. Home for the Americans is Sal Maglie Stadium. Originally known as Hyde Park Stadium due to its location, the stadium was built in 1939. It has been home to the Niagara Falls Pirates, Sox, Tigers, and Rapids, all of the New York-Penn League. In 1983, it was renamed for former MLB pitcher and Niagara Falls native, Sal Maglie. Maglie was known during his playing days as “Sal The Barber” because he tended to give hitters “close shaves” by pitching inside. The stadium is sometimes referred to as the Barber Shop. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand that is behind home plate on the outside of the stadium. It has a decent selection of food options including hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy, and ice cream. Pizza is from Sammy’s Pizza, just on the other side of Hyde Park Boulevard. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice, and coffee, hot chocolate, and water are also available. A separate line at the concession is where fans will find a small selection of beer and wine. The game that was reviewed was $1 Hot Dog Night, which was a bonus. Atmosphere 3 Sal Maglie Stadium is a fairly simple venue. The exterior is simple with a separate box office and entry gate behind home plate. The box office was not actually used for the game by the Americans, and a temporary table was situated just inside the gate. With a limited structure, the efforts to make Sal Maglie the home of the Americans do not go unnoticed, as just about everything that is not aluminum is painted red or blue. Fans are welcomed by an American-themed inflatable sock man and an old-school event marquee sign. Inside the seating area, the seats are elevated above field level to improve sightlines. The majority of the seating is aluminum benches. The VIP area is behind home plate and consists of traditional stadium seats. Seating goes all the way down to the fence on the third base sign, and there is an alternative press box at the top of the seating area right at third base, probably for other field sports such as football or soccer. First base seating ends around where the first base bag is. Behind the plate and seating is the Doug Smith Press Box, named after a former sports writer, statistician, and reporter for the Niagara Power. The entirety of the field is artificial turf, including the sliding pits and pitcher’s mound. A small videoboard and baseball scoreboard are just beyond the right center field fence. The gameday production at an Americans game is fairly simple. Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The USA” is played for player introductions, and key moments during the game are accented with a screeching eagle sound effect. The PA announcer does a good job of keeping fans informed and has a laid-back approach, even commenting on the relatively empty stands for the game that was reviewed. In-game host, Lady Liberty, interacts with the fans during the game and facilitates all of the promotions. Neighborhood 3 Sal Maglie Stadium is located inside of Hyde Park in Niagara Falls. There are not many options for food or drink within walking distance of the stadium, so a short trip in the car will be necessary. Some options that are close include Jon Fre’s Restaurant, The Craft, Simply Soul Savor, and the Anchor Bar. There are not many other options for sports in Niagara Falls proper. Sal Maglie Stadium is shared with the SUNY Niagara Thunderwolves and D’Youville Saints. A very short drive to the town of Lewiston will bring fans to the home of Niagara University, where the Purple Eagles field several athletic teams, including baseball, basketball and hockey. Niagara Falls is a decent tourist spot. It is definitely less famous than its Canadian namesake north of the border. Other tourist options include Seneca Niagara Casino, Goat Island, Cave of the Winds, Aquarium of Niagara, and Niagara Falls State Park. A trip to Niagara Falls requires a trip to see the Falls themselves. For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Cambria Hotel and DoubleTree by Hilton are good options. Fans 4 For the 2026 season, at the time of writing, the Niagara Falls Americans welcomed over 1,500 fans per game. This was up from 1,125 fans in 2025 and ranked them fourth in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. Unfortunately for the game that was reviewed, there were just under 500 fans as the announced attendance. However, it was a mid-week game in June, and the weather was poor. The fans in attendance were supportive and knowledgeable. Access 4 Sal Maglie Stadium is located on the east side of Hyde Park in Niagara Falls, right at Hyde Park Boulevard. It is 3.5 km west of I-190 and very easy to get to. Traffic should not be an issue when getting to the stadium. There is free parking on site that is free. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops south of Hyde Park, making it a bit of a walk from transit to the stadium. Interested fans should consult the Niagara Frontier Transit Association website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around Sal Maglie Stadium is not difficult. There is even an elevator that can bring fans to the top of the stadium. Washroom facilities are adequate for the facility. Being a small, summer collegiate team, the security protocols are not intrusive at all; however, the Niagara Falls Americans website does publish a list of prohibited items. Return on Investment 4 A Niagara Falls American game offers good value for the sports fan’s dollar. General Admission tickets are $10. VIP seating is $15, which comes with wait staff. VIP seating is not reserved in the section, and fans are also free to choose their seat. Parking on site is free, and concession prices are not too bad. The baseball on the field is pretty good, and PGCBL has some other fan-friendly rules, including a 10-player lineup which includes an extra hitter and a mercy rule. Extras 2 An extra mark for the Hyde Park Swimming Pool, which is behind the third base stands. It is not open and has a cover over it. It is comically a repository for numerous foul balls. An extra mark for the unique Niagara University ownership during the previous regime, which gave the school an outlet for students to run the operations and baseball athletes to participate during the off-season. Final Thoughts Niagara Falls Americans baseball offers fans a solid baseball experience at the college level. The PGCBL is not the most prestigious league of the summer, but the Americans will entertain fans at Sal Maglie Stadium with good value for the sporting dollar. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Mohegan Sun Arena 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd Uncasville, CT 06382 Connecticut Sun website Mohegan Sun Arena website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 9,323 The Sunset Season The Connecticut Sun franchise began their existence in 1999 as the Orlando Miracle. The team proved to be unsuccessful, and after only four years of play was purchased by the Mohegan Tribe and moved to their Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, CT, in an attempt to capitalize on the rabid following for the UConn Huskies women’s team. The team’s nickname is derived from its affiliation with the casino, and its logo is an interpretation of an ancient Mohegan tribal symbol. At the time of their debut the Sun were the first professional sports franchise to be owned by Native Americans. The Sun have qualified for the WNBA playoffs in 16 of their 23 seasons in Connecticut. They have made the league finals on four occasions, most recently in 2022. The Sun have yet to win the WNBA championship. During the 2024 season, reports surfaced that team ownership was exploring options to sell and relocate the team to a larger market in New England. On March 30, 2026, the Mohegan Tribe announced that they had reached an agreement to sell the team to the Tilman Fertita family, owners of the Houston Rockets, for $300 million. As part of the sale, the team will be moved to Houston and rebranded as the Comets. The deal came under much criticism, at least in New England, as there were deals in place from local ownership groups who had planned to keep the Sun local, moving the team to either Hartford or Boston. These bids, which were greater than the eventual winning bid from the Houston group, were rejected by the league due to “bylaws.” Thus, the Mohegan Tribe were forced by the WNBA to sell the team for less money to a group that would move the team. It was a lose-lose-lose deal for everyone, except for Houston fans. The team dubbed the 2026 campaign “The Sunset Season.” Food & Beverage 3 At a venue like Mohegan Sun Arena, where there are several world-class dining options just steps from the entrance, it would stand to reason that the concession options inside the arena wouldn’t try to outshine these options. And that is certainly the case here. While the concession menus do have highlights, they do not stray far from arena basics. Stands line the inner edge of the concourse as well as the atriums on either side of the facility. Arena standards such as hot dogs and nachos highlight the selections, along with a selection of snacks. Fans looking for something a bit more substantial will find subs and wraps available. The most popular concession item at Mohegan Sun Arena is undoubtedly the oversized slices of Frank Pepe pizza. Individual slices or entire pizzas can be purchased. Unfortunately for apizza connoisseurs, the slices here are a pale imitation of those found at the original restaurant in New Haven. Coca-Cola products are featured at Mohegan Sun Arena, offered in both bottles and fountain cups. Adult beverages are sold at Roadies Taphouse stands in both atriums as well as several concession stands. All stands feature an extensive selection of local beers, craft beers and canned cocktails, giving patrons plenty of quality choices. Roadies Taphouse at Mohegan Sun Casino. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Atmosphere 3 As you might expect during the Sun’s farewell season, there’s been a noticeable dip in the excitement level around Mohegan Sun Arena during the 2026 campaign. Having the team linger down at the bottom of the WNBA standings certainly hasn’t helped. Most of the popular aspects of the Sun gameday experience remain, but the energy and excitement is definitely dampened. As you enter the arena, you are likely to be greeted by Blaze, the team’s fuzzy orange mascot, who spends the beginning of its evening interacting with fans. Members of the Sun’s dance squad, Solar Power, also greet fans at the entrances. While you walk the arena’s concourses, you may notice that this facility looks different than most others you may have visited. The interior of the arena has been designed to mimic the overall esthetic of the casino and evoke the look of the local forest. As you enter the seating bowl, you’ll notice the scoreboard. While it’s got a crystal-clear picture and is put to good use with hype videos, replays and promotions, it’s absolutely tiny by today’s standards. On either end of the seating bowl are additional video boards that display game stats. The Sun staff do their best to keep everyone entertained during their visit to Uncasville. From pyrotechnics during player introductions to music played during the action to the presence of dance teams and an emcee who doesn’t stop exhorting the fans to make noise all night long, there’s plenty to see and do. Throw in fan contests during play stoppages, t-shirt tosses, and other giveaways, it’s almost sensory overload at Mohegan Sun Arena. It does seem that everyone’s volume has been turned way up this year to make up for the smaller crowds. Neighborhood 5 Eastern Connecticut is an area full of small towns and wooded countryside removed from the urban areas of southern New England. Still, Mohegan Sun Casino is centrally located within the region, and is located roughly an hour from Providence, Worcester, Hartford, and New Haven. Neighboring Foxwoods Casino is just over 10 miles to the east. Mohegan Sun is one of the largest casinos in the United States, with over 364,000 square feet of gaming space. For fans who come to Sun games and do not want to gamble, the casino also contains theaters, night clubs, 44 different restaurants with enough variety to satisfy any appetite, and 130,000 square feet of retail space, all located just steps from the arena’s front entrance. While the casino may not be your traditional neighborhood, the number and variety of entertainment choices available before or after a Sun game are impressive. More information about Mohegan Sun’s dining, entertainment and lodging options can be found here. Fans visiting the area during the summer months of the WNBA season may wish to visit nearby Mystic, a seaside town and tourist attraction known for its historic seaport, maritime museum, preserved sailing ships and aquarium. It's a popular destination for travelers in the area. The Norwich Sea Unicorns of the summer collegiate Futures League play at nearby Dodd Stadium. A Sun Fan Enjoys the Game. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Fans 2 Throughout much of their existence, the Sun ranked in the top half of the WNBA’s attendance rankings. Over the past couple of seasons, the Sun have dropped to the lower third of the league in terms of attendance. In this, their final season in Connecticut, the Sun rank 11th in the 15-team WNBA with an average attendance of about 8,200 fans per game about halfway through the 2026 season. This figure is greatly impacted by a sellout crowd of over 16,000 for a game played in Hartford. The team is only drawing about 6,500 fans for their games in Uncasville. This is a respectable figure, but a far cry from previous seasons. Even though the Sun play in a casino, where you wouldn’t figure to see a whole lot of younger fans, you will find a good mix of families here at Mohegan Sun Arena. The Sun’s staff do a great job in creating a family-friendly atmosphere, and their efforts show in the stands. Access 5 Mohegan Sun Casino is located just off Interstate 395, which runs north-south through eastern Connecticut. Interstate 95, which runs east-west parallel to the Connecticut shoreline, is just a few miles to the south. Route 2A (Exit 9) off of I-395 will deposit fans right at the Casino. There are several free parking garages surrounding the casino, none of which are more than a 10-minute walk to the arena entrance. If you can resist the bells and lights of the casino floor, you will be at the game in no time. Once inside the arena, fans will enter into a clean, attractive concourse that is more than large enough to handle a typical Sun crowd. Lines are a constant presence at the concession stands throughout the game, particularly at the Frank Pepe pizza stand. Restrooms are clean and more than large enough to handle a typical Sun crowd. The steeply-pitched seating area is octagonal and separated into upper and lower levels. All seats are individual padded stadium seats, colored maroon in the lower level and blue in the upper. The view from all seats is excellent. Game Action at Mohegan Sun Arena. Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices to Sun games fluctuate wildly, depending on the day of game and opponent. Weekday game tickets start at $25 and top out at $110 for center court seats. For selected games in 2026, the Suns have held “throwback” games, with ticket prices rolled back to their inaugural season levels. This writer sure appreciated that eight-dollar ticket. Follow the team’s social media pages and check in on the Sun website for flash sales and other deals. Parking is free in the garages that surround the casino. Concessions at the arena are priced similarly to other venues in the area. If you can resist the siren call of the gaming floor, you will find your visit to Mohegan Sun Arena to be a very affordable evening of entertainment. Who knows, you may even end up leaving the place with more money than you had upon arrival! Extras 3 Hanging from the rafters at the Mohegan Sun Arena are several banners honoring the team's conference championships, Billy Joel's ten consecutive sellouts at the facility, and the “Fight of the Century” between Mickey Ward and Arturo Gatti, which took place here on May 28, 2002. Other banners contain several Sun retired numbers and commemorate Mohegan Sun Arena’s “Venue of the Year” awards. The overall visual appeal of the Mohegan Sun Arena earns an extra point. The facility was designed to evoke the surrounding forests of eastern Connecticut and to fit in with the overall style of the casino. The muted colors and Native American decor are not often seen at a sporting facility, and make for a very visually pleasing venue. Just outside the entrance to the arena visitors will find an indoor waterfall, as well as several mechanical wolves atop faux stone towers. These wolves will sit back, wag their tails and howl from time to time. Just outside the Arena is a Walk of Fame which honors some of the bigger acts to have played at the arena. Also, just steps from the arena entrance is the Wolf Den, where up-and-coming artists, as well as some well-known names, play free concerts. Acts as diverse as Queensryche, Maxi Priest, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Los Lonely Boys have played free shows in this intimate, 300-seat setting. Final Thoughts The WNBA did New England women’s basketball fans dirty, there are no two ways about it. By forcing the Mohegan Tribe to sell to a Houston-based group when there were larger bids from potential ownership groups that would move the team to Boston or Hartford, the league guaranteed that one of the nation’s top women’s hoops markets will go dark for the foreseeable future and forces a popular team to abandon its home. It’s a shortsighted decision guaranteed to backfire. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sonoma Raceway 29355 Arnold Dr Sonoma, CA 95476 Velocity Invitational website Sonoma Raceway website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 47,000 An Artistic Blend of Car Culture and Vintage Racing Velocity Invitational is a unique event in motorsports. Held annually at Sonoma Raceway, this weekend features a unique setup that stands out from other races you may be used to. Gone is the paddock space filled with large 18-wheeler haulers and paddock setups. Instead, large green spaces with lounge chairs, art pieces, and VIP areas take up the majority of Sonoma’s main paddock. Most cars that are racing are in the garages or in a section of open-air white tents for fans to see up close and on display. This weekend is about more than just racing – it’s about appreciating the art of the automobile. Food & Beverage 4 The track has various concession stands and a large number of food trucks located in the main paddock during the weekend, complete with the likes of burgers ($17.99), grilled chicken sandwiches ($13.99), breakfast burritos ($7.99), and hot dogs ($12.99). The paddock cafe is also open on race weekends, giving everyone another option for food and beverages, with both inside and outside seating options. Other choices include the Philly Cheesesteak ($17.99), Super Nachos ($17.99), and Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog ($16.99). With the increase in the number of fans, concession stands are also open above the Esses with a light offering of drinks and small snacks. Atmosphere 5 This event is unique to motorsports in multiple ways. Firstly, the track’s standard viewing areas are all open to race fans as usual. Grandstands are plentiful for all viewing angles, and access around the track is helped by shuttles for fans to get to various parts of the circuit, but that is where the similarities end, as this event features numerous groups of vintage racing on track. Each car you see on track has a display sheet next to its paddock stall, featuring a detailed history of the car itself, as well as a history of the driver. The USAC Porsche West series also participates, bringing a more modern event into the fold. However, various supercars and rare machines also get their time to shine, with numerous parade and demo lap sessions scheduled throughout the weekend. Celebrities and autograph sessions are also seen at the track, with F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda and actor Sung Kang both hosting meet-and-greets alongside on-track demo runs of various cars. This event is a meld of both car culture and traditional concourse vibes, as well as vintage racing and sportscar fandom. Neighborhood 4 There is practically nothing immediately around Sonoma Raceway, but that makes for quite a nice location for a track. Sonoma is close enough to San Francisco and the Bay Area to make visiting one of the country’s most beautiful cities, with plenty to see and do, an easy task. However, it is just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and nestled away in the beautiful hills of California wine country, to give you the country feel you want when relaxing. To the west is Novato, and to the east is Vallejo – food options include In-N-Out Burger, a California fixture, as well as many more. Hotels are also plentiful in both areas, and attractions range from the Golden Gate Bridge and several national parks to the south, to wine country in the north. Fans 4 While the grandstands aren’t filled to the brim like during NHRA or NASCAR weekend, and parking isn’t filled up like SRO America weekend, fans no less pack the paddock area and various other spots around the facility. Due to the spread-out nature of the event and the goings-on, a large crowd can easily be spread around different areas of the track depending on what is drawing them there – vintage fans wander the paddock, while drifting fans gather outside the back section of the course. VIP areas at Turn 11 are featured during the weekend as well. Access 3 Easily the only downside to Sonoma Raceway is the location of the track in proximity to the highway. From San Francisco you need to take the 101, and from Oakland/Sacramento/Vallejo you must take I-80. Both highways will take you to the 37, which is the main highway to the track. The problem? Near the track it becomes a one-lane road that widens to two lanes at times, but no wider. Thankfully, when you arrive the parking is beyond plentiful around the facility, with many grandstands offering close parking spaces for those willing to drive around. The most recent event here seemed to offer a bit of a reprieve in congestion, perhaps thanks to updated construction work finishing up in various areas around the bay. Return on Investment 2 Tickets to Velocity Invitational are not cheap. Adult general admission tickets for Friday are $49 while Saturday or Sunday are $199, with two-day tickets at $249. Thankfully youth tickets are just a $5 add-on for anyone 15 years or younger with a paying adult. “Family Bundles” for two adults and two kids with preferred parking are $479 for Saturday or Sunday, and $579 for both days. A family weekend camping package includes two adult tickets and two youth tickets for Friday through Sunday, with a campsite and preferred parking all for $799. Couples packages for two adults that include Turn 1 suite access range from $899 to $1,099, while Driver’s Club VIP access is $1,999. Various other VIP and suite access packages are offered from $219 to $1,499 while camping ranges from $199 to $499. Unfortunately, with prices this steep the average fan may feel priced out, even with pre-event sales and discounts. That same value can be found numerous times over at other Sonoma events for far less cost. However, if you’re a car culture diehard and can afford the initial spend, you’re hard-pressed to find a more unique event in the Bay Area, if not the whole West Coast. Extras 3 There are several autograph sessions throughout the weekend with various celebrities that fans can attend. The podium is also located in the middle of the paddock, so you can get right next to the celebrations on Sunday. Finally, various other events like movie screenings take place during the weekend around the facility, to add to the on-track action. Final Thoughts Velocity Invitational may be one of the most unique race weekends of the year. That said, the cost to get in isn’t exactly affordable for the average race fan, so check to make sure this is the right event for you. But if you do decide to go, you will be met with one heck of a showcase that will make your heart rumble without a doubt.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium 501 W South St South Bend, IN 46601 South Bend Cubs website Four Winds Field website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 5,000 The Synagogue in Catholic Country When one thinks of South Bend, Indiana, the immediate link is to the University of Notre Dame, one of the most preeminent Catholic universities in the country. Notre Dame Fighting Irish athletics and more specifically football, is so dominant that it maintains its independence to facilitate their own national television broadcast deal with NBC. However, southeast of Touchdown Jesus and the beautiful Notre Dame campus is a synagogue. The Sons of Israel Synagogue was built in 1901 and is currently part of Four Winds Field @ Coveleski Stadium and the team store for the South Bend Cubs. Founded in 1988, the Cubs were originally the South Bend White Sox. In 1994 they became the South Bend Silver Hawks, named after the 1957 Studebaker automobile, which was produced in South Bend. Everything changed in 2015 when South Bend became an affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, rebranding and enjoying the financial success that comes with the Cubs brand. This affiliation was, no doubt, facilitated by owner Andrew Berlin who bought the team in 2011 and is a minority owner of the Major League team. South Bend plays in the Midwest League, a High-A affiliate league in Minor League Baseball. Home for the Cubs is Four Winds Field @ Coveleski Stadium. Built in 1987 with a capacity of 5,000, Four Winds Field is owned by the City of South Bend. Originally named Stanley Coveleski Regional Stadium after the Hall of Fame pitcher who once lived in South Bend. Naming rights to the stadium were purchased by Four Winds Casino in 2013 to give the stadium its current moniker. Food & Beverage 5 The concession options at Four Winds Field are top notch. The South Bend Cubs website has a full accounting of the concessions available for fans who wish to plan out their culinary adventure. Some highlights of the concession experience include the Chicago Dog at Franx; the BBQ Nachos, sandwich or Mac & Cheese at Smokey Joe’s; Cheesesteak Nachos at Steakadelphia; and the Mushroom & Swiss or BBQ Bacon Burger at SMASH Burger. Other options include the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, cheese curds and walking tacos. The expected ballpark fare including hot dogs, fries, pretzels, ice cream and popcorn are also available. Four Winds Field also features a good selection of beer and other alcoholic beverage options including some frozen concoctions at the Tiki Hut. Atmosphere 5 Four Winds Field is an excellent place to watch some Minor League Baseball. The exterior behind home plate consists of light brown brick and although it is not unattractive, it is on the plain side and not the best entrance for fans. The better entrance is on the complete opposite side of the stadium in center field, where fans can make their way through a path that goes through The Ivy apartment complex, culminating with the wrought iron gates and pillars that welcome fans into the stadium. The pillars have posters of famous Cubs. A curious addition is Ryne Sandberg, who is a famous Cubs Hall of Famer, but the link to South Bend is dubious at best. While walking around the stadium, fans should stop and take a picture or two of the Sons of Israel Synagogue, which has a much more aesthetically pleasing exterior outside of Four Winds than inside. Upon entering Four Winds Field, fans are welcomed by a bronze statue of Stanley Coveleski and a plaque explaining some of his career highlights. There is plenty to look at throughout Four Winds Field. A number of plaques and signs outline historic moments in South Bend baseball history as well as other interesting facts about the park. Inside the concourse fans will find the South Bend Baseball Hall of Fame with Cooperstown-like plaques and Cubs championship banners. A huge display with portraits of Cubs who made it to the majors along with their debut date is also worth checking out. The team store at Four Winds Field is a real highlight. As mentioned, the store is inside the former Sons of Israel Synagogue. Inside, among the team branded merchandise items, there are a number of trophies as well as some remnants of the building's time as a functioning synagogue. There are a number of different seating options. The typical green seats wrap around home plate and stretch from first to third base. Above them are the suites, which also offer some shade for the patrons in the lower sections. A couple of rows of seats are also beyond the left field wall. Patio seating is along the left field line and berm seating is along the right field line. A Kid Zone with inflatables is behind the berm. Centre field offers a large plaza. Another interesting seating aspect is the presence of rooftop seating, not dissimilar to those near Wrigley Field, on The Ivy. Fans may be interested in the Cubs Performance Centre beyond right field where fans can use the batting cages during the game. The gameday production at a Cubs game is what one would expect for a Minor League Baseball game. The in-game host runs a variety of promotions and fan interactions. Mascots Stu and Ivy interact with the fans and take part in promotions. Neighborhood 4 Four Winds Field @ Coveleski Stadium is located in Downtown South Bend. Now that construction on The Ivy is complete, a number of restaurants have populated the area. Some options include South Bend Brew Works, Ivy Alley Social House, Finnie’s Next Door, Salvation Bar and Fiddler’s Hearth. Other sports in the area are, of course, dominated by Notre Dame athletics. Fighting Irish football, baseball, basketball and hockey, among other sports, are all options. Other tourist options in South Bend include The History Museum, Studebaker National Museum, The Kizer House and The Oliver Mansion. Taking in some of the beauty of the Notre Dame campus is also a great idea. For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Courtyard by Marriott and DoubleTree are good options. Fans 4 The South Bend Cubs have a solid following. At the time of this Stadium Journey review, in the 2026 season, the Cubs were averaging over 3,400 fans per game. This is down from the over 4,600 fans they normally average. However, the game that was reviewed had over 4,000 fans in attendance and was early in the season, before the summer months. The Cubs typically rank 4th in attendance in the twelve-team Midwest League. The fans in attendance were supportive and knowledgeable, but definitely not over the top. Access 4 Four Winds Field @ Coveleski Stadium is located in Downtown South Bend. It is on the north side of South Street, between Lafayette and Taylor. The stadium is not too difficult to get to and 6 km south of I-90, the closest interstate. Although there will probably be some significant driving through South Bend, traffic should not really be an issue. There is some parking on site that can be prepurchased or there are a number of garages a few blocks northeast. For fans wishing to take public transit, there are bus stops to the north on Weston. Fans should consult the South Bend Public Transportation Corporation website for maps, fares and schedules. Getting around Four Winds Field is not difficult at all. It offers a 360 route that is ⅓ of a mile long. Washroom facilities for the ballpark are adequate. Although security protocols for the Cubs are not abnormal for Minor League Baseball, Stadium Journey recognizes that they are constantly changing. Stadium Journey highly recommends consulting the South Bend Cubs website before heading to the ballpark for the latest security information including prohibited items and bag policy. Return on Investment 5 A South Bend Cubs game offers tremendous value for the sporting dollar. Tickets for the Cubs start at $16.50 and go up to $27. Concession prices are what one would expect and there will be a charge for parking. The opportunity to see some solid baseball in an environment that is top notch makes the return terrific for the small investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Sons of Israel Synagogue being preserved and used as part of the ballpark. An extra mark for The Ivy apartment complex beyond center field. On a beautiful game day, this would be a highly sought after spot to live. An extra mark for the former South Bend Union Station, which is just across the road from the ballpark. A unique architectural structure adds to the neighborhood. Final Thoughts In the land of the University of Notre Dame, Minor League Baseball is alive and well. The South Bend Cubs offer one of the best baseball experiences a fan could ask for in Minor League Baseball. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

This summer marks the return of two new summer collegiate baseball teams to Indiana. The Richmond Flying Mummies (Northwoods League) and the Kokomo CreekChubs (Prospect League) are bringing the game back to communities that have been without baseball for the past few seasons. ​ The Flying Mummies played in front of a packed crowd at McBride Stadium. The home opener resulted in fans waiting in line 45-minutes before the game, and crowds large enough to make waiting for a hot dog or soda somewhat laborious. Still, many grabbed a seat along the fencing, underneath the wooded grandstand, or sprawled out on the giant grass hill down the left field line to view the game. ​ “I have never seen so many people at the stadium,” Zach Beeson said, who was there with his family. ​ That had not been the case a couple of years ago, when the Richmond Jazz were operating out of McBride Stadium. The Great Lakes Summer Collegiate club was in its 8th season, and games were sparsely attended. You could count the number of people on your fingers and toes at some games, and little promotion or entertainment was on display for those in the stadium. The Jazz quietly folded sometime after the 2023 season with little fanfare. Wilbur greets fans entering McBride Stadium, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. The vibe was different for the Mummies, which included plenty of on-field promotions, a friendly new mascot named Wilbur, and a man who interacted with the crowd and balanced everything from a baseball to a prosthetic leg on his face. It was baseball entertainment done right. The ownership group is led by Matt Bomberg and includes a star-studded lineup of actors, including Napoleon Dynamite stars Jon Heder and Efren Ramirez, as well as The White Lotus actor Jon Gries. They have a range of promotional nights that include fireworks nights and a Sunday Bracket Buffet for $25. A similar case could be made for the Kokomo CreekChubs, who brought back summer ball after only a summer hiatus. They replaced the Kokomo Jackrabbits, who played in the Northwoods League before they were booted from Kokomo Municipal Stadium after the 2024 season. The ball club's dismissal was met with shock, but that mood changed when the new team was announced. ​ The Chubs are owned by former Major League pitcher and Kokomo native Joe Thatcher, with Bullpen Tournaments and Prep Baseball serving as key partners in the organization. A group that is determined to make the city’s second go-around a well-run operation, according to Director of Community Relations, Jen Bingaman. ​ “The owners and leadership of this organization are well-versed in running great businesses and have incredible strategies in place to ensure we have great success. We’re bringing a new level of baseball to our community, and they deserve it. ​The CreekChubs name ranks up there with the best of other baseball teams and is named after a freshwater minnow native to the area. The colors of blue and green are also eye-popping, along with its own mascot, Hooks, who makes his way through the crowd posing for pictures. ​ The stadium was power-washed, the concession menu revamped, the CreekChubs signage lit up outside the stadium, and local businesses set up tables with free giveaways and other promotions. ​Players line up for the National Anthem in Kokomo, Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey. Opening night for the team drew a crowd of more than 1,500, with fans buying merchandise, grabbing a bite to eat, children frolicking in the play area, and friends and family mingling on the concourse. It was an atmosphere not always seen before and one that hopes to be a regular occurrence this summer in Kokomo. ​ However, this is not the same organization that used to play at the ballpark. It is a completely new organization, with new personnel and a new league. However, it will still take hard work and commitment to appeal to the hometown faithful, according to Bingaman. ​ “Most people, if not all, are very excited to have baseball back in our community and love the team's and ballpark's vibe and excitement. Our loyal fans have shown up for these games and shown their excitement and commitment, too.” ​ It is not good for anyone when a baseball club ceases operations, and for two communities in Indiana, they are getting another chance at baseball. The Flying Mummies and CreekChubs have ownership and branding that should make them mainstays for years to come. Fly Mummies Fly and Go Chubs Go! ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 The Oval Marcus Street Caernarfon, Wales, LL55 2HT Caernarfon FC website Year Opened: 1888 Capacity: 3,000 Mixing Modernity with Tradition Civic pride and sporting anticipation are on the rise in the royal town of Caernarfon. Their imposing waterfront castle, built to keep people out, is now looking forward to welcoming new visitors from across Europe. As the town's football club achieves European qualification for the 26/27 season, the summer will first see their Oval stadium receive a modern makeover to host the prestigious UEFA U19s European Championships. It’s not just the town and its football team that should entice visitors. The drive to Caernarfon via the A4086 is a simply stunning route. Drivers are advised to concentrate on the road whilst passengers get to witness the majesty of the Pen Y Pass, Swallow Waterfalls and the gargantuan Mount Snowdon. Food & Beverage 2 Before entering the stadium, pop into the adjacent supporters’ club... A traditional experience to meet weathered locals and buy a cheap pint of beer. Inside, the food outlet is in the northwest corner of the ground. A limited selection was available at the U19 championships: tea and coffee (£2), sweets (£1), and a pot noodle (£2)! No trip to Caernarfon is complete without looking up the Smoothie King @SwigSmoothies catering van. Parked in the stadium for special matches, a variety of delicious smoothies were available at £5 each. Atmosphere 4 Local fans have had a one-season break from attending home matches at the Oval as major renovations took place during 25/26. The improvements now provide a safe and well-appointed new look whilst retaining the unique charm and atmosphere the ground is famous for. With an elevated side of The Oval necessitating a built-up inner wall, there’s a coliseum-like intensity to matches that can see visiting teams shrink. Built on a hill, the home end has a delightful tilt which has only lost some of its character since new seats were added. The refurbished main stand and changing rooms dominate the lower side of the ground with new seats installed in the Eisteddle Hendra stand at the southern end of the stadium. A UEFA-compliant pitch, floodlights and dugouts complete the smart new appearance of this famous old ground. Neighborhood 5 Cafi Maes in the main square, opposite the castle, is a gem with an excellent food menu and good coffee. The Siopau shops are an attraction worth visiting. Housed in the old customs house by the harbour, it has a variety of artisan offerings from local creatives. Some excellent street art can be seen across the city. At the end of Garnon Street, there is an excellent Welsh football mural featuring star footballer Gareth Bale. Gareth Bale Mural, Photo by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Worth noting there’s a high percentage of Welsh language speakers in Caernarfon so you may want to learn a few local sentences. These two would be a good start: Un peint o gwrw oes gwelwch yn dda? Pa ffordd i’r stadiwm? The Visit Caernarfon website provides all the information you need to explore this attractive riverside town Fans 3 The Canaries, nickname of CTFC, have some loud and passionate fans. The club averaged over 450 fans at home games in 26/27. A huge 1,212 attended the Italy v Serbia U19s match in June 2026, a recent figure only matched by a Christmas fixture v Colwyn Bay in December 2025. Local rivalries include feisty encounters with Bangor City, Rhyl, and Porthmadog. Founded in 1937, the club has enjoyed much success over the years. An FA Cup run in 1986/87 is still fondly remembered. The Canaries achieved European qualification with a thrilling 3-0 Welsh Cup Final win over Flint Town United, their first ever success in this famous old competition. Access 2 Located in the far north west corner of Wales, the town is 100 miles from Manchester Airport. Train services from Manchester reach as far as Bangor, with the T2 bus service available to complete your journey. Arriving by car allows an unforgettable meander through Snowdonia, slower than the expressway A55, but awe-inspiring! Street parking is available near the stadium. The closest public car park is Penllyn Multi Storey Car Park, LL55 1NN Note the hillside location makes accessibility into the Oval a little bit more challenging for wheelchair users. Contact the club in advance to make necessary arrangements. Return on Investment 4 Prices in the area are often higher in the holiday seasons. Accommodation prices are certainly cheaper ‘out of season’. Prices in the Cymru Premier League are reasonable, and this is not a stadium journey that will leave large dents in your budget. Prices for the European campaign in 26/27 are £25 for adults and £17.50. Purchase via the CTFC ticketing website. Extras 2 Caerhun Farm provides value for shepherd hut accommodations just ten miles from the Oval stadium. You will find a warm welcome and an invitation to help feed the goats and donkeys too! After viewing the excellent Gareth Bale mural, grab a pint of the Eagle Hotel opposite, one of the nearest pubs to the ground and a chance to speak to local Canaries fans. Final Thoughts A visit to the Oval in Caernarfon, North Wales is recommended. Friendly locals, excellent local attractions and the wider area should definitely be explored. Achieving a modern twist on an old stadium is rare, but the Canaries now have a nest to be proud of.

Photos Courtesy of Marc Viquez When you enter through the main entrance of FNB Field in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, you are hit with a carnival of smells, sights, and sounds. Tucked away in the corner, just to the right of the entrance, is a small grill cooking hot dogs to the joy of the many who wait in line. This little cove is called The Spot, and it has been a local institution for close to 90 years. ​ The Spot opened on Market Square in downtown Harrisburg in June 1939 and was operated by Greek immigrants James and George Belehas. At the time, a hot dog was a nickel and a hamburger was a nickel. The vintage diner had curved windows instead of corners and a curved counter with 13 stools. The hot dogs cost a nickel, and the hamburgers were a dime. ​ The location was soon taken over by Jimmy Kaldes, James and George’s nephew, who continued serving grilled hot dogs tucked into a bun and topped with mustard, chopped onions, and a secret chili sauce. The location would move in 1980 to make room for a new city hall, which offered 46 seats to its customers. ​ Jimmy’s son, Billy, would take over the restaurant in the 1980s, but Jimmy would be a fixture until the restaurant closed in September 2007. The closure was due to the increase in rent and the cost of food, thus ending a 68-year-old tradition in Harrisburg, or was it? ​The Smeltzer Dog and the Spot Dog, Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey The very next year, The Spot moved locations for a third time to FNB Field, home of the Harrisburg Senators on City Island. All customers have to do is purchase a ticket to a game and follow the smells from the grill. The family tradition is alive, and they are open for all Senators games between April and September. ​ “I come here just for the hot dogs,” Glenda Richie said as she took two to go at a recent game. “They are legendary. If you leave here and you don’t have a Spot Dog, shame on you. ​ The Spot’s current owner, Eric Solomon, is Billy’s son-in-law. He can be seen on the grill introducing a whole new generation of Central PA fans to the famous Spot Dogs, which have been made the same way since 1939. Solomon is one of two people who know the secret recipe, and says that they sell between 1,500 and 2,000 hot dogs during a six-game homestand. ​ The location offers more than just chili dogs, but themed specials that this week included The Seltzer’s Slam, a hot dog with cream cheese, fried Lebanon bologna, grilled onions, and hot honey drizzle. However, make sure you stop by before the 7th inning; that is when they close up for the night. ​Eric Solomon handles the grill that produces close to 500 hot dogs a game. There is also the Rendel Burger, named after former Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendel, topped with Swiss cheese, grilled onions, sweet peppers, tomato, mustard, and stuffed in a pretzel roll. The Killin’ Me Smalls is a cheesesteak with marinara, mozzarella, and onions topped with grilled pepperoni. ​ “This is world famous, and they have been in town forever,” Shawn Spinder says, holding a couple of dogs. “Billy Kaldes has been such a great inspiration to the community. Spot Dogs is the way to go; they’re the best. ​ The locations might have changed, but the lines are still long for the Spot Dog, a local culinary tradition for the past 87 years. There might not be another concession stand that shares such a story across any other minor league ballpark across the country. The still family-owned business is still grilling up hot dogs the same way Jimmy Kaldes did so many decades ago. ​ However, folks get to enjoy a baseball game with their hot dog. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Central Park Denbigh Denbighshire, Wales LL16 3EW Map It! Denbigh Town FC website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 2,400 The Little Fortress The medieval town of Denbigh, translated as ‘the little fortress’, is home to Cymru North side Denbigh Town FC. Their Central Hall home was completed over 60 years ago, but recent investment has created a smart and modern stadium. The renovations have resulted in the stadium being selected to host three prestigious UEFA U19 European Championship matches in Summer 2026. The history of the town can be explored via the castle, cathedral and friary, all well worth a visit. Local accommodation options are available although harder to obtain in holiday periods. Once visitors are checked in, it’s time for some local sustenance… Food & Beverage 3 Once through the turnstiles of Central Park, the adjacent food outlet has a good selection of drinks and fast food. Prices are very reasonable, coffee (£2), cheeseburger (£4) sweets (£1). Upstairs you will find the clubhouse bar, where a variety of drinks can be purchased and consumed. Atmosphere 4 The UEFA U19 tournament fixture between Germany and Denmark brought additional branding and facilities that you will not see on a normal Denbigh match day. A mobile scoreboard was located behind one goal and the opposite touchline to the main stand given over to the press, including a large media gantry. On the same touchline there are two smart new 72-seater stands and modern dugouts. Behind both goals there are simply walkways and a couple of steps of standing provision. All the main structures are on the nearside touchline as you enter. A brand new two story community hub being the centrepiece, which attracted funding and support from the Cymru Football Foundation and various other partners. Further up the touchline is a large, older looking all-seated structure with wheelchair access and approx. 475 seats. This brings some character to the overall experience of visiting Central Park. The £200k playing surface is immaculate; at first glance appearing to be of the 4g variety rather than ‘real’ grass. Smart new floodlights add to the UEFA standard facilities. Neighborhood 4 In Denbigh itself you will find numerous options to eat and drink before heading to the match. To the south-east of the ground, on Ruthin Road, is the newly refurbished Brookhouse Mill. This converted mill brings a refined dining experience and is recommended by locals. For a more ‘British’ pre match routine, there are alternatives. Begin at the Con Amici, a smart Italian bar and restaurant with a pint of Poretti costing £6.30 and Italian culinary specials at around £25. Heading south towards the ground you will arrive at the Masons Arms, a fine sports bar showing cricket, F1, football and almost any sport where locals can cheer on their beloved ‘red dragons’. Next, as the crow flies to the stadium, you arrive at The Railway Inn, a local pub with a warm welcome and a little easier on the wallet than the higher end options. For those still thirsty, continue up Vale Street away from the stadium to the town centre where there are numerous cafes and bars. Follow signs to the Castle (Castell) for a peak into the history of this fortress town. It is a 15-minute walk uphill to the castle, worth the effort for stunning views and a modern café and visitor centre (entrance £6.80). Look up the Friary, too, and together with the castle, you can follow over 700 years of local history. Denbigh Castle, Photo by Chris Tuck, Sadium Journey Aside from the industrial estate, the tree-lined outskirts of the town are well kept, giving this town a civilized and peaceful feel (Saturday nights when the town’s two night clubs kick out may bring a different vibe…) Fans 3 Average attendance for Denbigh Town fixtures is around 300 spectators per match: a number swelled when playing the local sworn enemies of Ruthin Town FC. Other games of interest against Rhyl and Bangor can also see the locals come out in force. Away fixtures are popular as fans head to the coast for some classic ‘awaydays’. Attendees for the UEFA championship games included local children’s teams, overseas fans, groundhoppers and locals either attending or volunteering. The club and volunteers were a credit to the town, friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable; they managed the occasion really well. Access 2 Arriving at Manchester Airport, a hire car would get you to Denbigh in around 90 minutes. Arriving by car increases flexibility for visiting the whole of North Wales including the Snowdonia National Park. Train services are available, but only to Rhyl and an additional bus journey is needed to arrive at Denbigh itself. Alternatively, a local bus from Wrexham (Arriva T51) takes around 80 minutes. From the south, the drive from Birmingham Airport can take you via the M6 or a more aesthetically pleasing route takes you past the Mere Lake in Ellesmere where you can grab a coffee and stroll around this award-winning lake and parkland. Arriving at Central Park, the stadium and surroundings are very flat with no steps, ensuring accessibility levels are very good. Sadly, this Central Park does not have a famous zoo. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Denbigh home matches are around £8 for adults with concession prices available. Buy at the gate or in advance. Accommodation is cheaper out of season. The Tyn Yr Eithen has camping facilities and some excellent shepherds’ huts for under £50 a night (book direct with the site for cheaper prices). Overall, your biggest costs will be getting to Denbigh, once in town all facilities come at good value. Extras 2 Denbigh Town continue to produce printed programmes for tier home matches; this tradition is getting increasingly rare so make sure you buy one! The best kebab shop according to locals for ‘after match fuel’ is the Townsend Takeaway. The fast-food venue sits in close proximity to Central Park and it even has a drive-through option! Final Thoughts As Denbigh Town FC invest to get into the top tier of Welsh football, do not be surprised if they succeed. The medieval town of Denbigh is well off the beaten track, but for many these stadium journeys can be the most rewarding. You may choose Wrexham AFC, Liverpool or Manchester United for attractive football experiences in this area, however a visit to Denbigh will give you an experience that only now is European football waking up to.

Photos Courtesy of Marc Viquez Gant Stadium in Zanesville, Ohio, looks different these days and may soon transform into a modern ballpark that Mayor Donald Mason says could be the best baseball stadium east of Columbus. ​ The renovations include a $62,000 demolition project that removed the football bleachers along the left-field line. Gone are the locker rooms and restrooms, which were nearly 87 years old and did not function properly, according to Mason. ​ “We have invested about $1,100,000 over the last five years in Gant, with electric and light improvements being a major investment. We have also added protected fencing to screen foul balls from the parking lot, a pitching cage, and new outfield fencing.” The upgrades are part of the stadium's modernization for future development. According to The Times Recorder, the demolition was facilitated through Ohio's Building Demolition and Site Revitalization grant program and a portion of the $3.2 million the county received in the 2024 cycle. The electrical system is located underneath the grandstand. Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez However, a section of the old football stands remains in place because it houses the control boxes beneath the seating. Those boxes contain the $700,000 lighting and electrical systems installed in 2024. ​ Other parts of the stadium have also seen improvements in recent years, including $50,000 for netting on the first-base side of the venue and $50,000 for a new roof and netting over the bleachers. In contrast, the demolished grandstands had plumbing and mechanical issues beyond repair and had not been used for the past 15 years. ​ The expanded parking area is expected to accommodate larger crowds and is scheduled for completion in spring 2027. The project will also include modern restrooms for men, women, and people with disabilities. Gant Municipal Stadium was constructed in 1939 and dedicated on September 20, 1940, with a football game between Zanesville and New Philadelphia, with more than 5,000 people in attendance. The following year, the Chicago Cubs placed a Class C team in the Middle Atlantic League at the stadium. Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez They would play for two seasons, taking a hiatus with the league for World War II. The Zanesville Dodgers (1944-1948) and the Zanesville Indians (1949-1950) would later call the stadium home. The Zanesville Greys of the Frontier League brought professional baseball back from 1993 to 1996. Although there are no plans for a summer collegiate baseball team at Gant Stadium, the mayor said that there had been interest in organized baseball. ​“About two years ago, we were approached by an individual who asked if he could locate a semi-pro team in Zanesville. I would love that, as we had a team 35 years ago. It was great baseball.​" However, there is plenty of baseball played from March to August by Bishop Rosecrans High School and the Muskingum Valley Old-Timers Baseball Association. The nonprofit group was formed in 1954 when several local baseball players were concerned that Zanesville wouldn't have organized ball due to the surge of interest in softball. The city contemplated turning the diamond at Gant Stadium into a softball field around this time. The group is responsible for developing diamonds and keeping programs running, not for profit, but for the love of the game. It operates multiple levels of baseball, including the Junior and Senior Legion teams, comprised of 25 teams of 13- and 14-year-olds. They also operate the Junior Pioneer (ages 16-20) and the Senior Pioneers (no age limit) “We play seven days a week with up to six games on Saturday and Sunday,” said Pat Bollinger, president of the MVOTA. “For our younger players, it’s like walking into a major league stadium. It has helped a lot of people. We have one player who just retired at the age of 62. The youth baseball program is very good and draws crowds of around 100-200 people.” Photo Courtesy of Marc Viquez Bollinger added that MVOTA has put in over $50-$60,000 alone this year for new sod, basepaths, and dirt. High school football has not been played on the field in over 15 years. The mayor states that there is room to develop an adult soccer field or similar to create a positive atmosphere for citizens in the evenings after work. The stadium was renamed in 1996 for Nelson T. Gant, a former slave who arrived in town in 1847 and became the city's first African American millionaire. He purchased the stadium land and then leased it to the streetcar company in 1888, which developed a park and later bought the land from him. The stadium was then built when a WPA grant provided matching funds for a new stadium and swimming pool. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 EverBank Stadium 1 Everbank Stadium Dr. Jacksonville, FL 32202 Taxslayer Gator Bowl website EverBank Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 67,814 80 Years of Gator Bowl Of the plethora of end-of-the-season NCAA College Football Bowl Games, the Gator Bowl stands out as one of the longest-tenured. Established in 1946, the Gator Bowl enjoyed its 80th edition in 2025. Normally played after the hustle and bustle of the New Year's Day games, the Gator Bowl has been a staple in Jacksonville, Florida, and is among the most prestigious of the second-tier Bowl games. Since 2012 the title sponsor for the game has been TaxSlayer.com and there was even a short tenure when the bowl was titled the TaxSlayer Bowl. The game currently features teams from the SEC, Big Ten, and/or ACC. The 2025 edition pitted the Duke Blue Devils against the Ole Miss Rebels. Home for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl is EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, home of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Built in 1995, EverBank Stadium replaced Gator Bowl Stadium and was built for the NFL. EverBank Stadium is due for a $1.4 billion renovation and should be ready for the 2028 NFL season. For the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the field is renamed the Bill Gay Grounds, making the official home of the Gator Bowl, Bill Gay Grounds @ EverBank Stadium. Bill Gay was the founder of W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractors Inc. and the former chair of the Gator Bowl Association. Food & Beverage 3 The concession selections at EverBank Stadium are okay, but not over the top for an NFL facility. The majority of items fans will find on the menus are typical stadium fare including burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, chicken tenders, pizza, and fries. There are several stands in the main concourse that serve alcoholic beverages and the beer selection is focused on major domestic brands. Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice here and there are a few spots with self-serve options. Atmosphere 3 The main entrances for EverBank Stadium are from the east and west. The west entrance is the most significant as it has the largest gathering area in front and the statue of the Jaguar for the NFL team. The exterior gives off 1990s-era vibes with huge ramps visible from the outside. It is not unattractive and there is some glass at the main west entrance. Before heading to the stadium, checking out the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Wall on the west side is a good plan. The Gator Bowl makes good use of the facilities in the area. Flex Field is the practice facility for the Jags and hosts the pregame tailgate, which is free for fans to enter. Once inside, fans can head to Daisy’s Place, the covered pavilion that is home to the pre-game pep rallies for each team. There is little in the way of markings for the Gator Bowl inside the stadium, and it is clear to fans that this is the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Inside the seating bowl, fans will find two tiers of seating, with a massive lower level. For the 2025 edition of the Gator Bowl, the upper deck was closed off. The field runs from south to north, and the best spot for the 50-yard line logo photo is from the west. However, when choosing seats, fans will want to do some research and ensure that they are on the side of the team that they are supporting. It is not critical but will aid in the enjoyment of the game for fans who have a horse in the race. At the north and south ends, there are massive video boards, which are used well throughout the game and are crystal clear. There is a small pool that is glassed in at the upper level of the north end, but it was not in use for the 2025 game. The seats are ready for replacement as they are faded and from a vintage where making seats smaller and cramming more in was the order of the day. The gameday atmosphere at the Gator Bowl is solid. The pregame tailgate is in the Flex Field practice facility across the parking lot. Fans who enjoy the school bands will love this game as the bands perform three times, once each at the pep rally in Daisy’s Place, pre-game, and halftime. Other events take place during the week that are part of the Gator Bowl festivities. A 5K race and pep rallies at Jacksonville Beach are highlights of the week’s events. Neighborhood 4 EverBank Stadium is located in Downtown Jacksonville. There are a number of spots for fans who want some pre or post game food or drink. Intuition Ale Works, Tailgate Bar & Grill, Flavorikan, All American JAX, Chart House, Southern Grill and Avenue Gril are all options. There are other sporting options in Jacksonville and some may even coincide with the Gator Bowl. EverBank Stadium is also the home of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Just west on Adams Street are VyStar Ballpark and VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, homes of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Jacksonville Icemen respectively. UNF Ospreys basketball or JU Dolphins basketball may also be of interest for fans. Other tourist attractions in Jacksonville include the Fairgrounds, USS Orleck Naval Museum, MOSH museum and Southbank Riverwalk. Jacksonville Beach is also a good option. For fans wishing to stay near the stadium, the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville is a good option. Fans 3 Second tier bowl games are often dependent on the matchup that they can secure. The Gator Bowl is no different. The 2025 version of the game featured the Duke Blue Devils and the Ole Miss Rebels. The attendance for the game was just over 31,000. This was well below what would be considered a normal Gator Bowl crowd. This lead to the upper deck being completely empty. Access 4 EverBank Stadium is located in Downtown Jacksonville, just north of St. John’s River and encircled by Gator Bowl Blvd. The junction of Highway 115 and Highway 1 is just north of the area and I-95 is about 3.5 km to the west. Getting to the area, therefore, is not that difficult. There are a number of surface parking lots in the area. Pre-Purchasing parking using a parking app is a good idea, especially for fans from out of town. For fans who wish to take public transit, there are buses on AP Randolph Blvd. Fans should consult the Jacksonville Transit Authority website for fares, schedules and maps. Getting around the stadium is not terribly difficult, although the concourses are a bit on the narrow side. The washroom facilities are adequate at the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl start at $50 and go up to $165. When purchasing bowl game tickets, patience is a virtue and the secondary market can offer good deals closer to the game, especially if the matchup is not involving high demand teams. Concession prices are what one would expect and parking will cost some money. The gameday atmosphere at the Gator Bowl is great and fans will definitely enjoy the experience. Extras 3 An extra mark for the longevity of the Gator Bowl, with the 2025 edition marking the 80th Anniversary of the game. An extra mark for the charities that the Gator Bowl foundation has donated money to. An extra mark for the 2010 edition of the Gator Bowl, which marked the final game in iconic Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden’s career. Final Thoughts The longevity of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl shows that the organizers must be doing something right. Although a second tier bowl game, fans will still enjoy the atmosphere at Bill Gay Grounds @ EverBank Stadium. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for the Gator Bowl once the renovation of EverBank Stadium commences. The game will temporarily be bumped to a different site and will definitely offer a different atmosphere upon its return to Jacksonville. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Princess Auto Stadium 315 Chencellor Matheson Rd Winnipeg, MB R3T 1Z2 Canada Winnipeg Blue Bombers website Princess Auto Stadium website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 33,500 The Loudest Fans in the CFL Editor's Note: In January 2024 the Winnipeg Football Club agreed to a 10-year stadium naming rights deal with Princess Auto. The name of the Stadium was changed to "Princess Auto Stadium" in April 2024. This review, written in 2018, refers to the stadium by its previous name, Investors Group Field. Investors Group Field in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada) is home to the CFL’s Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Colloquially known as “Home of the CFL’s Loudest Fans” (this moniker is proudly on display inside the stadium), the facility opened in 2013, and has a capacity of just over 33,000, but can be expanded to hold 40,000 fans. Located on the University of Manitoba’s campus, Investors Group Field is also used by the school’s football team for home games, as well as by the Winnipeg Rifles of the CJFL, which is a national amateur Canadian football league, from which some players “graduate” into the CFL after proving their skills. Food & Beverage 5 Investors Group Field has everything you could expect in terms of food and drink at a sports stadium. There are plenty of concessions stands behind the seats on each sideline, as well as additional options on the plazas behind each end zone. Food options at Investors Group Field include chicken tenders (regular or spicy), vegetarian perogies, turkey wings, chicken and waffle sandwiches, fried fish, multiple types of hot dogs, chili, butter chicken and rice bowls, several types of burgers (including turkey and chorizo), falafel, shawarma, salads, and pizza, plus all manner of snacks such as popcorn, peanuts, nachos, sunflower seeds, soft pretzels, samosas, vegetarian spring rolls, fries, chips, packaged candy, donuts, cotton candy, and even veggies with dip. And of course, what Canadian sporting event would be complete without poutine on the menu? If you are visiting from out of country, this is definitely a dish you should try at least once, but even if you are a local, you can’t help but be impressed by the sheer variety of items available at Investors Group Field, with options available to suit any budget. Individual items start at $4 and run all the way up to $13, with combos starting at $12. Drink options are not quite as numerous, but there is plenty to get you by for a couple of hours. Selections include bottled or fountain soda, bottled water, and coffee or hot chocolate ($2 to $9 for non-alcoholic drinks), as well as beer, wine, and plenty of liquor and mixed drinks – beer starts at $7, liquor starts at $8, wine is $9, and mixed drinks are $16. Atmosphere 5 Investors Group Field is a great place to take in a football game – the fans are loud, thanks in part to the cantilevered roofs over both sidelines, and all the seats are chair backs, so you can sit in comfort and style. In addition, the Blue Bomber staff brings in plenty of entertainment to keep fans engaged during breaks in the action. First up are Buzz and Boomer, the two bird mascots decked out in Winnipeg jerseys and helmets, who keep fans entertained along the sidelines. Next is Captain Blue, the Blue Bomber pilot who drives his biplane onto the field before the game and after every Bombers score. You will also hear cannon blasts throughout the game, courtesy of the silvery-blue cannon above the end zone, which is fired after every Winnipeg score. And in addition, some lucky fans are treated to free t-shirts, fired from a Gatling-style gun sponsored by Boston Pizza. The Winnipeg Blue Bomber players even get into the act, running and jumping into the end zone stands when Winnipeg scores, for high fives and pats on the back from fans in the front row. And then of course you have the ubiquitous fan contests, in this case weight lifting competitions and fans racing each other while inside giant inflatable hamster wheels. The crowd noise is even loud when the stadium is only half full – the decibel level inside Investors Group Field was once measured at the max level of 108. Neighborhood 4 Winnipeg is a large, sprawling town with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and things to do if you are in town for the day or for the weekend. Being on the University of Manitoba’s campus means there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity of Investors Group Field except parking lots and campus buildings, but there are plenty of restaurant and lodging options within a few minutes’ drive. And if you are coming in from out of town, there are lots of hotels and restaurants near the Winnipeg airport, about 10 km north of the stadium. If you have time before or after the game, Fort Whyte Alive is a great place to visit in Winnipeg – not far from Investors Group Field, the keynote attraction at Fort Whyte is the Bison Safari on Wednesdays thru Saturdays at 1:30 or 2:30 pm, where you can take a shuttle ride right up to within a few feet of the magnificent animals (Fort Whyte has a population of between 30 and 35 bison on site). There is also a small Interpretive Center on site, which features tons of activities for the kids, and if outdoor activities are your thing, there are several hiking and biking trails on the property, as well as activities on the water such as sailing. Another popular attraction in Winnipeg is touring the National Mint, where coins from around the world are made. The mint has daily tours every half hour starting at 9 am – reservations are not required but are helpful if you want to schedule a specific time. Note that the tours are better on weekdays, however, since the productions lines are turned off on weekends, but you can still tour the facility on weekends if you choose (the tour is exactly the same, except that the machines are off and the line workers are not there). Fans 4 Winnipeg Blue Bombers fans get credit for being as loud as they are, but sadly the facility does not always sell out – at a typical game you might only see half to two-thirds of the seats filled. On the plus side, however, a high percentage of fans are decked out in team gear, so you will definitely feel right at home if you choose to show up in your Bombers gear. Access 4 It is easy enough to get to Investors Group Field, and you can see its distinctive outline from kilometers away – the highways around Winnipeg (and much of Canada) are actually really well done, with lots of six and eight-lane divided roads laid out to speed the traffic flow; credit goes to the local city planners, it is obvious they planned ahead when building the streets here. Unfortunately the parking situation at Investors Group Field leaves a little to be desired – as expected, the stadium being on campus means there are lots of parking restrictions, and not many side streets too park along in the vicinity. Cash parking is available in the Gold and Blue lots for $20 on the east side of the stadium (or you can park in the Black value lot for $10 further away to the east), but for the closer in lots will need a pass. However, once you get inside the stadium it is really easy to move around – there are giant plazas behind each end zone you can use to get from side to side, so you can enter at any gate and still find your seat with ease. There are also plenty of bathrooms inside Investors Group Field to accommodate the size of the crowd, although as with most sports venues you may face lines at the concessions during peak periods like halftime. Return on Investment 4 Single game ticket prices for Winnipeg Blue Bombers games start at about $32 CAD, which is in line with professional sports throughout Canada, and is slightly lower than pro football games in the US. Parking is reasonable at $20, and if you are careful with your spending, you can do okay at the concessions as well. That said, with a large group you may end up spending a bit more than you would like (assuming you are picking up the whole tab), but the cost per person at Investors Group Field is a pretty good value for professional football. Extras 5 How many sports venues can boast three mascots? A lot of stadiums feature twin mascots like Buzz and Boomer, but adding Captain Blue and his biplane to the mix is really above and beyond. Furthermore, having the players themselves interact with fans by jumping into the stands when the home team scores really takes Investors Group Field to a whole new level. And don’t forget the cannon either, blue in color for the Bombers and fired after every score – again, while lots of sports venues might have one or two of these elements, very few have all three. Being the loudest stadium in the CFL is also a plus, and the staff really deserves credit for having so much fan interaction in terms of contests and giveaways. Final Thoughts CFL games are a lot of fun, thanks in part to having only 3 downs instead of 4, giving every snap the potential to turn into a big play. So if you have never been to a CFL game, or if you have but have never seen one in Winnipeg, I would encourage you to check out Investors Group Field – you won’t be disappointed.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fortera Stadium Henry St Clarksville, TN 37044 Austin Peay Governors website Fortera Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 10,000 Welcome to the Fort Named after a former governor of the state of Tennessee, Austin Peay University first took to the gridiron in the city of Clarksville as an independent team in 1930. They joined their first conference in 1947 as a part of the Volunteer State Athletic Conference before moving into the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) in 1963, where they spent the better part of the next half century. During that time, the Governors played first as a part of the NCAA College Division and then NCAA Division II until 1973, when they transitioned to the then I-AA level in 1978, long before it became the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) in 2006. After a short run in the Pioneer Football League in the early 2000s, the program returned to the OVC. Austin Peay captured the conference title in 2019 and made a run to the FCS tournament semi-finals. That success helped lead the Governors into their best stretch of success in school history, which included back-to-back championships in the ASUN (2022) and United Athletic Conference (2023), the first time the Governors have ever pulled off consecutive conference titles. With that rise in performance, football Saturdays in Clarksville now bring a renewed sense of excitement that surrounds the game day experience at Fortera Stadium. Let's find out how the gameday vibes and pre-game activities are at the home of the Governors. Food & Beverage 3 There are two traditional concession stands, one on each side of the stadium, offering a straightforward lineup of burgers, hot dogs, and nachos with cheese sauce. The home side adds a slightly wider selection with BBQ sandwiches, chili dogs, and fries, perfect for making chili cheese fries or other topped-up variations. Typical snacks like candy, chips, popcorn, as well as the always popular stadium pickle round out the snack menu. Beverages come from the Coca-Cola family, including Powerade, Bodyarmor, and Dasani water. Around the concourse, smaller vendors help break up the routine with sno cones, gourmet popcorn, and fresh-squeezed lemonade. Beer sales are limited to a single location on the home side of the stadium, but it is a highlight of local flavor; alongside standard domestics, Star Spangled Brewing’s Austin Peay-branded Governors Golden Ale and The Struggle Bus Southern IPA add a selection of Clarksville’s local brewing. Atmosphere 3 Even with a smaller enrollment, Austin Peay does an excellent job of not just filling seats, but creating a game day atmosphere many larger programs would be proud to call their own. From pregame tailgating to the energy inside the stadium, the Govs deliver an outstanding college football experience. Game day at Fortera Stadium begins when Tailgate Alley comes to life three hours before kickoff. Just west of the stadium in Lot 6, tents rise, the smell of grills fills the air, and you can hear music from a DJ. Food trucks line the lot, offering an alternative to home-cooked tailgate spreads, while two and a half hours before kickoff, fans gather along the route for the Gov Walk, cheering as the team makes its way into Fortera Stadium. Inside the gates, Fortera’s split-bleacher design creates a larger, shaded west-side grandstand topped with suites and club seating, while the east side holds visiting fans and the press box. Though the field is surrounded by an eight-lane track, the stands sit close enough to maintain intimacy, avoiding the detached feel common in multi-use venues. The home side rises about ten feet above the playing surface, combining aluminum bleachers, temporary seatbacks between the 40s, and molded chairbacks on the second tier. The north end zone features converted shipping containers turned into field-level suites, while the south end hosts a beer garden and Buffalo Wild Wings tents. The west side’s shade and amenities make it the clear choice for comfort and atmosphere. Tradition anchors the experience. A hand-crank siren signals the start of pregame, and on third downs, fans are implored to “Stomp the Fort,” the echoing of aluminum bleachers reverberating throughout the stadium. The Governors Marching Band performs during pregame and at halftime, while during breaks in the action, a mix of pop music and in-game hosting keeps the energy up. The lone scoreboard at the south end provides a video feed of the game with basic game stats of time and score, along with down and distance information. Neighborhood 4 Fortera Stadium sits on the northern edge of Austin Peay’s campus, just over a half mile from downtown Clarksville. The surrounding area has seen significant growth, blending the small-town Tennessee charm with modern development. One of downtown’s newest spots is Shelby’s Trio, a three-level building featuring the motor-themed Joe’s Garage, upscale Italian at Trattoria Di Cat’s, and the rooftop Skyline 500 Bar overlooking the Cumberland River. A few blocks away, local favorites such as Strawberry Alley Ale Works, Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, and the Taproom keep downtown lively well into the evening. For a look at Clarksville’s history, the Custom House Museum and Cultural Center, less than a mile from the stadium, highlights Clarksville’s heritage, while Liberty Park along the riverbank features a statue honoring Olympic legend Wilma Rudolph, who grew up in the city. For those looking to get into nature around town, Dunbar Cave State Park, just outside town, offers scenic trails and guided cave tours. Visitors coming to Clarksville for the weekend will find the DoubleTree by Hilton conveniently located behind F&M Bank Arena, home to Austin Peay basketball. The hotel is within walking distance of the area’s shops, restaurants, and cafes. Travelers preferring easy highway access can find a range of options near the I-24 / US-79 interchange, though that area sits several miles from Clarksville’s downtown energy. Fans 4 Average attendance at Fortera Stadium sits around 6,500 fans per game, a strong showing for the university's size. The home stands are typically more than three-quarters full, creating a lively atmosphere, especially during competitive matchups. While there does not seem to be a clearly defined student section, a cluster of fans along the field-level fence line brings energy and personality, often giving the venue a rowdy edge. Given the wide dispersion of teams in the United Athletic Conference, visiting fan turnout can be light. Access 3 Interstate 24 runs locally from Clarksville to Nashville, making the trip to Austin Peay’s campus rather simple. From the interstate, it’s roughly a 15-minute drive to Fortera Stadium. Parking is available in campus lots and streets, in accordance with typical university parking regulations. Inside the gates, the facility’s split-stand layout can make it slightly tricky to move between the home and visiting sides. For most home fans, this is not much of an issue, as that side of the stadium includes the majority of concessions and amenities. Visiting fans, however, may find that the limited food and beverage options on their side require a bit of extra navigation around the south end, to reach the main concourse. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices start at $15 for general bleacher seating, plus a $1.50 service fee. Reserved midfield seats are priced at $20, offering one of the best views in the stadium at a very reasonable rate. Concession prices are equally affordable, making it easy for fans to enjoy the full game-day experience without overspending. Parking is also free throughout campus, adding even more value to the outing. All told, attending a Governors game remains one of the better bargains at the FCS level; a family of four can enjoy tickets, food, and drinks for under $100. Extras 4 The exterior of Fortera Stadium recognizes Austin Peay’s conference championships, including titles from the Volunteer State Athletic Conference (1948), the Ohio Valley Conference (1977, 2019), and back-to-back crowns in the ASUN (2022) and inaugural United Athletic Conference (2023) season. Inside, the facings of both the press box and suites honor the program’s nine retired numbers, while the concourse offers a deeper look into Governors football history. Large displays feature biographies of retired players, photos of championship teams, and a tribute to College Football Hall of Fame coach James “Boots” Donnelly. In addition, at the southwest end of the facility, within Blake Jenkins Plaza, stands the Fox Walk of History, a series of concrete obelisks recognizing each of the more than 1,700 players who have represented Austin Peay football. Game days are brought to life by “The Gov,” Austin Peay’s energetic mascot. He begins the day weaving through the tailgate lots, posing for photos and hyping up fans before kickoff. During the game, he’s a constant presence on the sideline, urging fans to get loud or taking aim with his t-shirt Gatling gun, sending shirts flying into the crowd in rapid-fire bursts. Final Thoughts From the moment you enter campus until you place your backside in your Fortera Stadium seat with as good a vantage point of campus as the view of the field, you’ll be surrounded by college life and surroundings. College football is as much a part of the southern college experience, and it's proudly on display in Clarksville. It's a fun, fun football experience at reasonable ticket prices. Austin Peay provides an enjoyable environment. The Governors have built a college football experience that has grown into something special in Clarksville.

Photos by Lloyd Brown and Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Daytona Stadium 3917 LPGA Blvd Daytona Beach, FL 32124 Bethune-Cookman Wildcats website Daytona Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 10,000 The Wildcats Lair Bethune-Cookman University is in Daytona Beach, Florida. It was founded in 1904 as the Daytona Educational Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. In 1923 it merged with the Cookman Institute. In 1941 it became a four-year college, changing its name to Bethune-Cookman College. It finally achieved university status in 2007. The school is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Bethune-Cookman University is renowned for its work in the field of education. It now offers 39 bachelor’s degree programs and six master’s degree programs. The school has a student body of just over 3,700 students. The athletic teams at Bethune-Cookman are known as the Wildcats. The school has had a football program since 1925. They are members of the SWAC Conference, playing at the FCS level of competition in NCAA football. Over the years the Wildcats have won two Black College National Championships (2010, 2013), as well as seven conference titles. They have participated in five FCS playoffs but have yet to win a game. More than thirty Wildcats have gone on to play in the NFL. They include Boobie Clark, Larry Little, and Eric Weems. Larry Little is also in the NFL Hall of Fame. The Wildcats play their home schedule at the off-campus Daytona Stadium. The stadium is located seven miles from the Bethune-Cookman campus. The city-owned stadium was built in 1988 and has a capacity of 10,000. The field at Daytona Stadium is known as Larry Kelly Field, in honor of the late Daytona mayor who spearheaded the building of the stadium. Food & Beverage 2 After enjoying the pregame feasts among the tailgaters in the parking lot, the food and beverage offerings sold inside the stadium seem like an afterthought. The concession stands are located along the concourse beneath the stands. They offer the stadium standards, including burgers, hot dogs, fries, popcorn, chips, and Pepsi brand sodas. If you fill yourself up in the tailgate lot, you probably can get by with some bottled water or a soft drink during the game to quench your thirst on the often-balmy days and nights. Atmosphere 4 Bethune-Cookman football games are a sporting event, a family reunion, and a concert all rolled into one. Fans, family, alumni, students, Greeks, and locals arrive early to set up their tailgates in the grass parking lots outside of Daytona Stadium. It is a sea of maroon-clad fans and maroon tents to protect against the hot Florida sun. After the food, fun and good conversations are over it is time to head into the stadium. Daytona Stadium is a traditional stadium, with stands on both sides of the field. The home side is on the eastern side of the stadium. This side is populated by the parents, the student body, and the Marching Wildcats. It features seating for most of the crowd, with a very small suite at the top of the stands near the press box. There are three concession stands located underneath the stands at ground level. The visitors’ stands are on the west side of the stadium, with a much smaller set of bleachers. The playing surface is artificial turf, as there are multiple games played on it every weekend. This is because both Mainland High School and Seabreeze High School also call Daytona Stadium home. There is a 33’ X 16’ videoboard behind the end zone. It features replays of major plays during the game, as well as statistics at the end of each quarter. Anytime we talk about the atmosphere at a SWAC football game we must highlight the school’s band. They play a major role in how the game feels, whether you are 20 points ahead or 20 behind. Bethune-Cookman’s band is known as The Marching Wildcats. The band has over 300 members, making it the largest student organization on campus. The band also includes the Sophisticats Flag Corp and the 14-Karat Gold Dancers. The band plays nonstop throughout the game and is known for its halftime shows. Many fans come just for the band alone, leaving after the halftime program. In addition to Wildcat football games the band has performed at several NFL halftime shows, the Orange Bowl Parade, the Walt Disney World Holiday Parade, and the Honda Battle of the Bands Showcase. Neighborhood 2 Daytona Stadium is located several miles from the school campus. Daytona Stadium is owned by the city of Daytona Beach, and most of the neighborhood surrounding the stadium is part of the civic complex for the city. This includes office buildings, as well as the city’s water treatment plant. There are no restaurants, hotels, or shops along LPGA Boulevard. The stadium is just west of I-95, and there is very little in the way of shops and restaurants. However, just east of I-95, there are a great deal of restaurants, shops, and attractions to choose from. We found BJ’s Restaurant to be an excellent choice for a pregame or postgame meal or drink. This corridor also includes the world-famous Daytona International Speedway. It offers a wonderful tour and has a great gift shop. You can’t visit Daytona without stopping at the track! The closest hotels to Daytona Stadium are just east of I-95. They include the Homewood Suites and the Courtyard Marriott, which are both located along International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92). Our low score for this section reflects the fact that the Wildcats play more than 12 miles from the Bethune-Cookman campus. Football games always suffer when they are played away from the campus of the school. Fans 3 Bethune-Cookman fans make a full day out of a Wildcats game. They arrive very early, as BBQs in the stadium parking lot are a cherished tradition. Many of the fans will decorate their tailgate in the maroon and gold colors of the Wildcats. Many of the fraternities and sororities will have tents set up for their members. You can’t be a Wildcats fan on an empty stomach! One of the traditions at Bethune-Cookman games is the Legacy Walk. This begins 90 minutes prior to kickoff. The Wildcats team bus parks outside the stadium, and team members walk through the crowds to their locker room. A team captain leads the Legacy Walk, and he holds a portrait of Mary McLeod Bethune, the school’s founder. Once inside the stadium, the fans create a sea of maroon and gold. They are energized by the combined efforts of the Wildcat cheerleaders and the Marching Wildcats. The school fight song is sung after each Wildcat score and the crowd also cheers for any major defensive stops or takeaways. The fans are also entertained by the antics of Dr. Wyld D Catt, the school mascot. They also wildly applaud the Marching Wildcats after each fabulous halftime show. We found the crowds to be very welcoming of any visiting team fans. Access 2 It is very easy to get to Daytona Stadium from either I-95 or I-4: From I-95: Take the exit for International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92). Go west on I-92 for two miles. Turn right at LPGA Boulevard and go two miles. The stadium will be on your right. From I-4: Take Highway 92 exit on go east on Highway 92. Turn left at LPGA Boulevard and go two miles. The stadium will be on your right. If you are flying in, the Daytona International Airport is less than 6 miles from the stadium. You would just head out the airport exit to International Speedway Boulevard (Highway 92) and head west until you hit LPGA Boulevard. There are more than 2,100 parking spaces at Daytona Stadium. These are located on a grass lot just outside of the stadium. Tailgating is very popular at Wildcat games, so parking opens two hours prior to kickoff. You pay for parking on site. The main drawback in the accessibility of Daytona Stadium is getting in and out of the venue before and after the games. This is because there is only one way in and out of the stadium complex via LPGA Boulevard. Return on Investment 3 Attending a Wildcat game at Daytona Stadium will not break the bank, as the ticket prices are in line with what most college football games cost. A basic General Admission ticket costs $40. Tickets along the 50-yard line cost $60. The most expensive seats sold are in the VIP section atop the stands along the 50-yard line at a cost of $70. The VIP section receives special perks, including free food and beverage service and more comfortable seats. Parking at Daytona Stadium is $10. Probably the biggest cost of attending a Bethune-Cookman is related to how big a tailgate feast you want to have before the game. Many families split these costs with other members of the family. Extras 5 Daytona Stadium hosted the NAIA Football National Championship Game from 2014 through 2016. Another extra must go to the Marching Wildcats, as they play a major role in creating a high energy level in the stands at each game. The 2023 season marked the 100th year of Bethune-Cookman football. Numerous observances of the centennial were held before and at halftime of each Wildcat home game. Former UNLV and NBA basketball star Reggie Theus is the Bethune-Cookman Athletic Director and head basketball coach. Daytona Stadium is less than 6 miles from Daytona International Speedway. Even if you aren’t a race fan, it is well worth a visit. Final Thoughts Bethune – Cookman home football games are always an event to circle on your calendar. They begin with a food fest and a family reunion outside the stadium. The party continues inside Daytona Stadium with great Wildcat football on the field and a second party in the stands as the Marching Wildcats play nonstop tunes.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Pete Hanna Stadium 800 Lakeshore Dr Homewood, AL 35229 Samford Bulldogs website Pete Hanna Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 6,700 Bobby Bowden Field at Pete Hanna Stadium – Samford University Bulldogs Note that the stadium name changed from Seibert Stadium to Pete Hanna Stadium in 2023. Tucked away on the back side of Red Mountain in the Birmingham, Alabama suburb of Homewood is the campus of Samford University. The southern Baptist-based university with an enrollment of just under 6,000 students has been a member of the Football Championship Series (FCS) Southern Conference since 2008. Despite the smaller setting, game days on Samford’s campus come with all the feel of college football game days in the south. Food & Beverage 5 Pete Hanna Stadium has little in the way of in-house concessions stands except a couple of Coca-Cola trailers on each side of the stadium – rather they make use of several local food trucks from the surrounding area, which provide fans with a wide variety of choices. Cricket’s Sweets & Treats with different flavors of lemonade is a popular option on hot afternoons, and other food trucks serve many high-quality options. Dog Nation specializes in combination hot dogs, sausages, and burgers, while another popular truck is Hollywood Grill, which serves Philly sandwiches, burgers, wings, and variations of fries. Taco Tuesdays serve to build your tacos and quesadillas, and Blacktop Bistro also has a well-rounded menu. Overall, the food choices at Pete Hanna Stadium are wonderful. Not only do they give fans a great variety of options, but a high level of quality. Samford does not permit alcohol consumption on its campus, so needless to say, there are no sales of beer, wine, or other spirits. Atmosphere 3 Pete Hanna Stadium blends seamlessly with the surrounding buildings. The use of brick archways at the entry points is consistent with the architecture that is a common theme around campus. The stadium itself is a bit on the small side but has a very cozy feel, right down to miniature hedges along the stands. The smallness of the stadium does help put fans on top of the action and provides great views of the play on the field. Stadium seating is comprised of two main sections of bleacher seating, built into the hills surrounding the stadium. Seating runs between the 15-yard lines on each side of the field. The west, home side of the field has a small section of nine rows of individual seat backs between the 40-yard lines. Throughout the game, most of the dead time during timeouts is filled by engaging fans in Samford football trivia, player-centered pieces, and advertisements. The marching band does play in response to big plays and scores, but for the most part, the scoreboard features play the bigger role in the game day entertainment. With the eastern stands facing directly into the setting sun for most of the game, the best bet is to go with a seat in the western bleachers. This will not only eliminate the constant distraction of the blinding sun but will also drop the temperature considerably. As of the 2023 season, the north end zone is amid major stadium upgrades which will see $65 million in renovation that will include a walkway that connects the east and west stands. Academic, student recreation and student-athlete services will also be part of the project. Neighborhood 3 Samford’s hilly campus is directly off one of the major thoroughfares through Homewood – Samford serves as a buffer of sorts between State Route 149 and the surrounding residential areas. Homewood is also full of beautiful neighborhoods and seemingly endless miles of running and walking trails. Samford is less than four miles from Homewood’s city center and has a well-rounded choice of restaurants and shops. Visitors looking for legendary Birmingham barbecue can find Dreamland BBQ just 5 miles away. A bit of what might be a controversial take: while Dreamland is a well-known, exceptionally good barbecue spot throughout the southeast, locals might point you to SAW’s Juke Joint for the best in Birmingham. There are plenty of attractions within a 15-minute drive of the Samford campus. Along with the miles of trails in the area, the Vulcan Monument sits atop Red Mountain and overlooks Birmingham. The Birmingham Zoo is also conveniently located near the Samford campus. Fans looking to make an overnight or extended stay near the Samford campus can find a Courtyard by Marriott less than 2 miles away. A bit further, but still in the area, is Aloft in the Homewood city center. Fans 3 Game days on the Samford campus have the feeling that this is the only thing of interest for the entire university on those days. As the morning moves on, the university’s quadrangle fills with what feels like the entire Samford student body. As game time gets closer, fans flock to the entrance of the University Center building in anticipation of the Bulldog Walk. The walk is the unofficial ending of tailgating on the quad, as fans begin picking up and the quadrangle's population begins migrating to Pete Hanna Stadium. Samford fans do a great job packing the house. While they may not create an intimidating football environment for the visiting team, they are into the game and react accordingly to key moments throughout the game. It is typical for Samford to nearly fill the 6,700-seat Pete Hanna Stadium during each home game. This near-capacity crowd week in and week out helps create an atmosphere that makes college football game days such a special event. Access 4 Getting to Homewood and Samford from the north or south on Interstate 65 is a relatively straight shot to campus. Those coming from the east or west on Interstate 20 must navigate a couple of bypasses before reaching Samford. It is not necessarily difficult; just a few extra off-highway miles to navigate. Upon arriving at Samford, parking is free at any of the several parking lots around campus. These can fill up fast, so the best bet might be to head to the parking deck at the back of campus and look for a shuttle bus toward the stadium and tailgating area. Pete Hanna Stadium has two entry points for general admission fans, with the third point of entry for students to easily access the student section. The eastern entry point past the statue of Bobby Bowden allows fans to access the seating behind the visiting bench, while Gate F allows fans to enter the western stands. Given the current construction, fans are not able to access the opposite side of the stadium, so fans will need to enter through the gate where their seat is located. As the renovations are completed the two sides will be connected by an arched, brick walkway, allowing fans to go between the east and west sides of the field. In all, getting to and around Samford is rather simple, but with a limited number of access points to campus, getting back on the road following the game can be a bit of a challenge. The inaccessibility of a whole side of the stadium is also a bit of a letdown, especially when it limits access to certain food trucks. Return on Investment 3 General admission tickets run $15 to $30, depending on ticket availability for each game, with reserved seating going for between $30 and $40. Games with the $15 general admission tickets are a great deal, but ticket prices increasing by 100% for more sought-after games do seem to be a sizable hike. Concessions prices at the handful of concessions trailers are inexpensive when compared to what most stadium concessions run. Food truck prices are a bit higher, but fans are getting a much better quality of food than they would at most other stadiums, so a couple of extra dollars is well worth it. With free parking, the overall investment into a day of college football is worth the cost. Extras 4 Samford has been the starting point for many successful FBS coaches. Jimbo Fisher, Terry Bowden, and Pat Sullivan, to name a few, but none has been more notable than the two-time National Championship coach Bobby Bowden. Not only has Bowden been honored with the field being named after him, but a statue outside of the main entry point welcomes fans to the stadium. Hillside seating along the berm in the northeastern corner of the stadium is a nice option for fans looking for something different than typical bleacher/bench seating. Three to four hours before the start of the game, the Bulldogs offense has a walkthrough in the quadrangle among fans; this draws the interest of a handful of attendees. The second floor of the neighboring Pete Hanna Center is home to the Samford Sports Hall of Fame. The display honors the athletic heroes of Samford and the history of the teams that represent the Bulldogs. Final Thoughts Regardless of the size of the campus, football at southern schools has a different feel to it. While many schools of comparable size as Samford in different regions of the country may have the feel of “just a football game day”, the whole feel of game day at Samford is that a whole day is an event. From the pre-game tailgate setup in the campus quad to the Bulldog Walk, the overall experience is one of enjoyment, from the pre-game festivities to the final whistle of the game.