Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Harford Stadium 401 Thomas Run Rd Bel Air, MD 21015 Harford Fighting Owls website Harford Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 1,000 The Fighting Owls of Bel Air Harford Community College is located in Bel Air, MD, roughly between Baltimore and the Delaware state line. They play in NJCAA Division I, the highest athletic level for 2-year colleges, and are a part of the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The Harford Stadium is in the same Thomas Run Park area as the Harford Varsity Baseball Field. and the Harford Varsity Softball Field. The nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena also opened in the last fifteen years. The stadium was built in 1968 and most recently updated with an artificial field turf surface in 2007. Harford has hosted various championship events at the stadium including the NJCAA District H Men’s & Women’s Soccer Championships, NJCAA Region XX Championships, and the Maryland High School Men’s and Women’s Soccer All-Star Games. In 2023 it was the host facility of the NJCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship and in 2024 it is hosting both the Men's and Women's  Lacrosse Championship. The Aberdeen Arsenal of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball played the 2000 season at the baseball fields at Thomas Run Park. The Arsenal departed to make room for the Aberdeen IronBirds, the affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles owned by Cal Ripken, Jr. Food & Beverage 1 There technically is no food offered at the Harford Stadium but with the nearby Wawa convenience store a short walk down the paved path between fields, I count it as the field’s concession stand. The food offerings vary from hoagies, soup, quesadillas, and hot dogs. The prices are better than most concession stands. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to Harford Stadium. There is a simple old-style set of seats and that is pretty much it. There is some grass you could also sit on but we did not see anyone do that. There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO-level lacrosse match game. The team does have a PA announcer who also plays some music. The field itself is a very well maintained field of play. Neighborhood 4 Harford Community College is suburban and has plenty of free parking. The area is safe and has many restaurants nearby. Naughty Dogs, like Wawa, is within walking distance and has a fun, cheap bar for pre and post-game refreshments, along with food such as pit beef. JD’s Smokehouse across the street provides another option for food and drinks and some pretty good barbecue. If you are in the mood for Mexican, La Tolteca is located just a brief distance away and is a consistently good food place. Travel into Bel Air and there are multiple chain and local options. Zen 16 Sushi Cafe and MaGerks Pub & Grill are some great options. A quick drive in the other direction is Aberdeen. Olive Tree is a local, better version of a well-known Italian chain, while Mamie’s Cafe With Love is an old-school Baltimore-style restaurant that offers free desserts with all meals. Super Chicken Rico is another choice with which you can’t go wrong. Fans 2 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. We did see some students which is surprising for a non-residential community college. Access 4 Harford is located just a few miles off of I-95, one of the largest highways in the northeast. But State Route 22 can be very crowded with commuters traveling between Aberdeen Proving Grounds (APG) and central Harford County. APG has become a large Army base after the last round of federal base realignment and closure activities. So leave some extra time getting to the campus. There is plenty of free parking. Towson University in Northeastern Maryland is an extension campus of the well-established state university that recently opened across from the Harford campus. Return on Investment 4 The match we attended was free for all to attend. There is a gate and they could charge if the game was big enough. Parking is free. Extras 1 The Harford Sports Complex also has two softball fields. a baseball field, as well as a convertible field that can hold softball and/or baseball games. If you get a chance to peek into the nearby APG Federal Credit Union Arena it is worth a visit as this is quite an impressive facility for a junior college. Final Thoughts The simple Harford Stadium does not necessarily impress, but it offers good sports action for the fans.

Author:  Dan Mansfield Publisher:  Pavilion Books Company Ltd Copyright 2022 Over the years, quite a number of books have been written about baseball stadiums and parks.  Some discuss their history, others explain the business of stadium construction including public funds and taxes to pay for them.  I was surprised that I have more than ten such books on my bookshelves. A good friend gifted me Remarkable Ballparks; it is part of the Remarkable series which includes Remarkable Cricket Grounds, Remarkable Golf Courses, Remarkable Racecourses, Remarkable Road Trips, Remarkable Football Grounds, and Remarkable Bicycle Rides. Remarkable Ballparks - Pavilion site (pavilionbooks.com) The vivid photos are well chosen, offering unique perspectives of the stadiums.  Many are credited to Alamy, Unsplash, and Getty Images. While the photos are excellent, the most interesting content is author Dan Mansfield’s selection of stadiums around the world and the story he writes about each one.  They are presented alphabetically from American Family Field to Yankee Stadium. MLB parks, of course, but he has selected great historical parks such as Rickwood Field in Birmingham, AL; Warren Ballpark in Bisbee, AZ; Wahconah Park in Pittsfield, MA; Simmons Field in Kenosha, WI; North Meadow Ballfields in New York City, NY; and McCormick Field in Asheville, NC and their evolution. The author chose to include a number of parks with incredible scenic backdrops such as Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola, FL on Pensacola Bay; Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, NY; Field of Dreams in Dyersville, IA, etc. His discussions of stadium architecture are highly informative.  Opened in 2019, the unique design of Estadio Alfredo Harp Helu in Mexico City, home of the Los Diablos Rojos, is spectacular. Mansfield chose 67 ballparks around the world for this book, including locations in Mexico, China, Taiwan, Japan, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Korea, and England. Some people might think of this as a “coffee table” book with its beautiful photographs but Mansfield’s writing makes it so much more. After reading Remarkable Ballparks, it just might be time for a few more road trips!

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey It’s an unseasonably warm February afternoon in Cincinnati around lunchtime. A few men sit at a counter at one of 250 chili parlors in town and engage in normal conversation about business and personal matters as they prepare to order their meals. One of the men orders a large 3-way chili and a coney with cheese on the side, while his friend sitting on the stool next to him asks for three cones with cheese, chili, and cheese on top. I begin eating my coneys with just a mound full of cheese on top and a few dashes of hot sauce. “I like it 80/20,” proclaims one of the workers at the counter. “I enjoy eating my coneys when I get home when just enough of the cheese has melted, roughly 20% of it.” Probably nowhere else in the world is anyone having this conversation, but this is the home of Cincinnati-style chili. Like many other regional foods, the brand of beef, stock, tomato, and spices is headquartered here in many parlors that dot the hilly terrain of the city and surrounding suburbs. Most Cincinnatians have pledged their allegiances to their favorite chili parlors. Gold Star Chili and Skyline Chili are the two major corporate chain parlors that have created division among residents, but others find solace at the copious independent locations that include Empress, Blue Ash, Camp Washington, Price Hill, or the Blue Jay Restaurant. The chili is poured over general amounts of spaghetti or miniature hot dogs on an oval-shaped plate and topped with amounts of finely shredded cheddar cheese.  The most popular combination is called a 3-way, which includes spaghetti, chili, and cheese; a 4-way adds onions and a 5-way has beans. The chili evolved and is now poured on top of French fries, macaroni, and cheese, open-faced burgers, or wrapped inside a tortilla with cheese and Frito chips. There is even the alligator coney in Northern Kentucky that features chili, cheese, half a pickle spear, and mayonnaise. However, something that is rarely ever heard of is eating the chili by itself in a bowl with a spoon.  Perhaps it was never intended to be a thick and hearty concoction like one would expect elsewhere in the States, but more of a topping for hot dogs. It is what Tom and John Kiradjieff did with their meat sauce in 1922 when they operated Empress Chili. The Macedonian-Greek immigrants added Mediterranean spices along with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to ground beef and stock. Little did the two men know, but they were inventing Cincinnati-style chili. Their first parlor opened adjacent to the Empress Theatre in downtown Cincinnati, and if you were to look at the first menu, the coneys and spaghetti did not include cheese. That wouldn’t be until sometime in the next decade when a customer came in and asked for cheese on his coney. Soon, other chili parlors opened throughout the area, incorporating their recipes and adding items such as triple-decker sandwiches and salads. The independent parlors featured open kitchens, bar stools, and plenty of conversation between employees and customers. “Each neighborhood had its chili parlor up until the 1960s,” said Dan Woellert, author of The Authentic History of Cincinnati Chili. “They created a food industry that’s a several million dollar industry, and it is as strong as ever.” Wollert also added that this was around the same time that Gold Star and Skyline first began franchising and gathering an allegiance of customers who are now as devout about their chili as they are with their sports teams, politics, and favorite soda pop. However, you won’t find a chili parlor outside of the area in many places. Skyline has franchised outlets in nearby Indianapolis, Indiana; Lexington, Kentucky; Dayton and Columbus, Ohio; and all the way south in Miami and Tampa, Florida. Unlike other regional foods served outside their area of origin, the chili parlor is destined to be 100 percent Cincinnati. Then again, the chili wasn’t the local phenomenon when introduced in 1922, according to Woellert. “It took some time for it to become accepted throughout the area. It wasn’t until the first Skyline was franchised that you saw its popularity grow. They tried to broaden Skyline Chili elsewhere, and it just didn’t click, but it took a while here in Cincinnati.” Coneys can also be found at Cincinnati area stadiums including Great American Ball Park, Paycor Stadium, Cintas Center, Nippert Stadium, Fifth Third Arena, TQL Stadium and Thomas More Stadium. At Heritage Bank Center, home of the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL, fans can enjoy chili on top of nachos and footlong hot dogs. If you find yourself traveling through the Queen City enjoying a Reds, Bengals, FC Cincinnati, Xavier Musketeers, or Cincinnati Bearcats game, make sure you visit a local chili parlor and spend some time soaking in the atmosphere and savoring the local tradition of chili. ---- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunterand his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 Doug Kingsmore Stadium 114 Baseball Dr Clemson, SC 29634 Clemson Tigers website Doug Kingsmore Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 6,272 Where's that Tiger? Just a relay throw away from the banks of Lake Hartwell, Doug Kingsmore Stadium has been the home of Clemson Tiger baseball since 1970. Initially known as Beautiful Tiger Field, the stadium was dedicated to Doug Kingsmore, a former Clemson baseball star and three-time Clemson trustee, in 2003. Baseball at Clemson dates to before the 20th century, with the first games played in 1896 at Bowman Field, in the shadows of Tillman Hall – this is where football legend John Heisman served as the head of both the football and baseball teams. Later baseball moved to neighboring Riggs Field, which now hosts the soccer stadium, but occupied the area now used for intramural sports. Clemson baseball started as members of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1896 and would go on to be founding members of the Southern Conference in 1921. In 1953 Clemson was among the founding schools of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), where they have played ever since. Food & Beverage   5 The concession options here are a mix of the usual fare like hot dogs and nachos, with a bit of an extended menu to include corn dogs, burgers, and smoked sausage, all available as combo meals. Additionally there are daily specials, which could feature items such as chicken tenders or iced coffee. For those looking for something different, secondary concession kiosks scattered around the stadium also offer kettle corn, Cheeto-dusted popcorn, Dippin’ Dots, and shaved ice. If standard concessions are not the call, the Tiger Bites stand along the left field line serves freshly grilled bacon cheeseburgers and chili cheese dogs. However, those in the general seating area might be a bit disappointed to find that the Cajun Cafe, offering a menu of Louisiana’s finest, is only accessible to those seated in the Cajun Cafe suites – this limitation may be understandable, considering the challenge of preparing a specialty menu for such a large crowd. Atmosphere   5 Doug Kingsmore Stadium would give many minor league stadiums a run for their money, in terms of both practical amenities and entertainment value for fans. The facility offers a diversity of seating options for just about any seating preference, including up-close field level seats and more unique, non-traditional viewing areas. The seating closest to the action spans ten rows deep and is divided into premium and field level sections between each dugout, while upper grandstand seating extends from first base and wraps around behind home plate and up to third base. Additionally, there are also individual sections of outfield seating available. Many fans opt to stand along the fences down each line, or on an elevated walkway leading from left field down the third base line; even the cutout of the left-center field fence attracts a crowd. In addition, if hillside seating is your preference, Doug Kingsmore Stadium has you covered with a grassy hillside on the left field side, where many fans spread out blankets to watch the game. Lastly, for those looking for more of an old school, Wrigley Field-type vibe, a handful of fans bring tailgating chairs and sit on the walkway of neighboring Jervey Athletic Center, which overlooks the baseball field. When choosing between any of the various seating options, it is hard to go wrong. The sun does set beyond the first base side of the field, however, so seats along the third base side and left field grandstand have a tough sun field to contend with in the early innings of evening games. The in-game presentation is built around fan engagement, keeping mid-inning events to a minimum other than ad reads and an occasional round of ball cap mix-up, finish the lyric, or name the year contests.  Clemson does use a lot of mid-at bat audio drops, but it is the combination of the drops paired with the player reactions that really garner the fan involvement – there are several of these musical insertions that elicit a reaction from the players in the dugout, but it is probably the Venga Boys “We Like to Party” clip that gets the biggest reaction. The song is played on repeat when the opposing pitcher is having difficulty finding the strike zone, and becomes so annoying it is difficult to hold back a smirk when it is played for the twentieth time in a half-inning, as it seems to rattle the pitcher enough to throw ball twenty-one. The stadium layout and wide variety of seating options are great, but from an entertainment standpoint the atmosphere created is so memorable that it becomes the backbone on which the fun of the whole game experience is built. Neighborhood   5 Clemson, South Carolina is a quintessential college town where the university is the center of most of what goes on in the area. College Avenue, the hub of activity on weekends and the scene of much of Clemson’s nightlife, is located just under a mile from Doug Kingsmore Stadium. Situated near the northern edge of campus, the area is heavily populated with an array of bars and restaurants, making it a popular destination for both pre or post-game gatherings. During the spring, as days lengthen and temperatures rise, College Avenue buzzes with visitors exploring its shops, bars, and dining spots. While College Avenue has the highest concentration of popular establishments, The Esso Club, a renowned Clemson watering hole, is just a short stroll from Doug Kingsmore Stadium's home plate gates. On campus, Doug Kingsmore Stadium is part of the athletics complex, which includes softball’s McWhorter Stadium, beyond the left field confines and just across the street from both Littlejohn Coliseum and Memorial Stadium. Fans   5 Fans here seem to pack every nook and cranny of available space to the tune of 4,000+ fans per game, one of the highest in the ACC and in the top 20 nationally. However, what sets Clemson's baseball experience apart is not just the sheer number of fans, but their active participation in creating an electric atmosphere that's among the best in college baseball. Give Clemson baseball fans a lot of credit, at a school with such a strong football following their fanbase shows up dressed specifically to support Clemson baseball. Fans dressed in football t-shirts or jerseys are the exception rather than the norm, which is not necessarily the standard at many other schools in college football strongholds. Much of the credit for setting the tone of the fan involvement in the stands needs to go to the Flamingo Gang, or at least an offshoot of the 2017 student fan group that would express its fandom by waving plastic or inflatable flamingoes about. When Clemson fans show up for a weekend series they are prepared for the full weekend, populating Jervey Meadow with pull-behind campers, RVs, and even what some might consider a tour bus – while many weekend tailgating encampments are modest, a handful go all out with elaborate tent set ups, some even including satellite television and live bands playing. Clemson fans are a passionate group regardless of the sport; they show up in large numbers to support their Tigers and are extremely involved and ready to burst into a round of “Tiger Rag” at the drop of a hat. Access   4 Located just about 15 minutes off I-85, Clemson’s campus is easily accessible for fans traveling from Charlotte or Atlanta, with a drive of about 2 to 2.5 hours from each. Once on campus parking is readily available around the stadium – for those parking in the handicap area, however, be alert for batting practice home runs that might leave the stadium. Visitors parking near McWhorter Stadium (softball) or in Jervey Meadow will likely access the stadium through the outfield gates, while those parking on the northern side of campus can easily enter through the home plate entrance. Regardless of the entry point, fans will find wide concourses that encircle the stadium. As you approach the grandstand the concourse splits into a field walkway and a concourse behind the grandstand, the latter which provides access to restrooms, concessions, and an apparel tent. With ample parking surrounding Doug Kingsmore Stadium and wide walkways, accessing the stadium is straightforward and hassle-free, limiting the size of crowds that might otherwise make the walkways difficult to navigate. Return on Investment   4 Midweek game tickets typically begin around $5 for a get-in-the-door price, with weekend games starting at $15 for standing room only and $20 for outfield tickets. Although these prices may seem a bit steep, considering there is no parking fee and that the game offers great entertainment value, it is a worthwhile investment. It might be a good idea to check the secondary market for discounted ticket prices, as lower priced tickets are commonly available. Extras   5 For fans of ballpark Easter Eggs, Doug Kingsmore Stadium has its fair share. A cluster of Crape Myrtles at the home plate entry are arranged in large planting beds designed to take the shape of the Clemson Tiger paw print logo. Also, a further inspection of the concourse pattern reveals striping reminiscent of tiger fur. As if any more hidden treats were needed, when you first look at the field there seems to be something off, but it might be tough to place a finger on it right away. Upon closer inspection, though, you may notice there is no warning track – much like the former home of the Cincinnati Reds, Crosley Field, rather than having a warning track, the outfield grass gently slopes to warn outfielders of a possible impending collision with the outfield fence. In yet another testament to the role the Tigers most passionate fans play in creating the elite baseball experience at Clemson, just beyond the right field foul pole are “The Cheap Seats”, a section of bleacher seating that was once a mobile fan club/tailgating set up, but has now become a fixture of outfield seating – the purple, orange, and white minibus has become synonymous with Tiger baseball fandom. The stadium is also a virtual history lesson of baseball at Clemson; Clemson greats Rusty Adkins, Seth Beer, Kris Benson, and Khalil Green, along with coaching legends Jack Leggett and Bill Wilhelm, are immortalized both with plaques at the entry point of the stadium, and with their numbers recognized on the outfield wall. The wall also boasts team championships and tallies of the number of MLB first round draft picks and players from Clemson who have gone on to reach the majors. The history lesson continues along the main entry concourse with displays of Clemson’s best teams, as well as the top players who have helped create the Clemson baseball legacy. It is always refreshing to see teams honoring the timeless traditions of their university – following the game’s last out, the Tiger players, coaches, and staff gather beyond first base to sing the Clemson alma mater, capping it off with the alma mater salute, extending their arms and shaking their hats as the song ends. Final Thoughts Clemson baseball might be one of the most interactive fan experiences in the country; there is a symbiosis between the players in the dugout and the fans in the stands that infects the stadium with a fun air that it is impossible not to get caught up in. Baseball at Clemson offers a delightful blend of entertainment and high-caliber collegiate play. The atmosphere is also organically festive, built around the fun-loving nature of the Clemson Tigers in the dugout but with spirited fans in the stands contributing to the experience. It would be hard for even the most hardened of baseball purists not to appreciate the humor and fun of it all.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 SMCC Baseball Field 7050 S 24th St Phoenix, AZ 85042 South Mountain Cougars website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 300 (approx) South of Phoenix South Mountain Community College (SMCC) Baseball Field is a very comfortable place to watch a ball game.  The venue has seating in both the shade and the sun, so sit where you want, depending on your preference.  The music volume is not obtrusive.  The fans are there to watch the game and, more than likely, their son or grandson. The South Mountain Cougars baseball team is an NJCAA – Arizona Community College Athletics Conference (ACCAC) member (also known as NJCAA Region 1 – D1).  People often refer to NJCAA as JUCO.  The baseball team began play in 1981.  Forty-six players have been drafted by MLB; four have played in the MLB.  The team won the regional championship in 2014. The conference plays its games with wood bats, so you hear the pleasant sound of a crack of the bat, not a ping. Food & Beverage 0 The Cougars do not have a concession stand at the ballpark.  Fans can bring in their own snacks and drinks. Atmosphere 3 The stadium has three sets of bleachers that run from dugout to dugout, with a smaller set just beyond the first base dugout.  A blue tarp covers the set behind home plate for fans wanting shade; the other bleachers are in the sun. The bleachers have steps to ascend to the seating; there are no ramps.  The third base set has a handrail up the middle of the seating; the other sets do not.  The bleachers are relatively new, installed in 2003. If sitting on the first base or third base bleachers, the dugouts block the view of the right and left field corners.  Sit behind home (in the shade) to see the entire game action. A medium-thickness net runs from dugout to dugout, protecting the fans in the seating area.  A section beyond the third base dugout is net-free, though the only seating there is a few picnic tables. The scoreboard is to the left of the batter’s eye and shows the basic line score.  It can be a tad difficult to read with the sun and the netting.   The field does not have lights, so only day games are played here.   The field is a lovely, green Bermuda grass turf. The game is not announced so print out rosters beforehand if you want that info.  The music person plays various tunes at an acceptable volume, as well as walkup songs for the Cougars. Intriguing tall palm trees line behind the right field fence. Fans can enjoy a lovely view of South Mountain Park/Preserve in the distance beyond the first base side. It’s genuinely about the baseball game played on the diamond. Neighborhood 3 The field is amongst the other South Mountain Community College athletic fields (soccer, track, softball, and tennis) in a complex called the Dr. Rául Cárdenas Athletic Complex. Several fast-food chains like Jack in the Box, Raising Cane’s, Five Guys, and Chick-fil-A are just south of the college.  Nearby restaurants include Pad Thai Kitchen (Thai), Sun Asian Kitchen (Chinese), Applebee’s, and Rubio’s Coastal Grill (Mexican). For other things to do in the neighborhood, the most prominent is South Mountain Park/Preserve.  The park has several trails (hiking and biking) and panoramic lookout points.  Legoland Discovery Center is five miles east, and the Raven Golf Club is just two miles from the school.  Downtown Phoenix is seven miles north. Most traditional lodging choices are at the intersection of I-10 and Baseline Rd, about four miles east:  Holiday Inn Express, Ramada, Studio 6, Springhill Suites, etc.  Check VRBO or Airbnb to see if they offer options if/when you plan on visiting. Other sports in the area include the Angels Spring Training (five miles east), the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Phoenix Suns (both about seven miles from South Mountain Baseball Field). Fans 2 Cougar fans are mostly family and friends of the players.  You’ll see plenty of parents and grandparents rooting their kin on.  Since several of the ACCAC schools are in the Phoenix metro area, plenty of visiting fans are in attendance, too. Access 3 South Mountain Community College is south of Phoenix, AZ, about four miles west of I-10, off Baseline Rd.   It is five miles south of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Fans can take Valley Metro Bus Route 70 right to the college. If arriving by automobile, two parking areas are available.  Once on campus, turn right after the line of palm trees and then left into a paved parking area.  This lot will have you walking behind the first base dugout to get to the seating area.  Or, you can continue past the line of palm trees and make a right after the softball field, and there will be parking along the roadside near the baseball field. Serviceable restrooms are available.  The seating area is not that conducive for fans in wheelchairs as there are no ramps up to the bleachers, and the backstop is quite high for someone in a wheelchair to see over. Return on Investment 5 Attending a South Mountain Cougars baseball game is free and worth a visit if you simply enjoy the game of baseball.  There’s no charge for parking and no concessions for sale.   You spend what you bring for snacks and the cost of transportation to the field.  That’s it. . Extras 2 The outfield wall has a memorial for two student-athletes killed in a van accident in March 1996.  It bears the number 7 above and the number 16 below two crossed baseball bats. The team has competed as a D1 JUCO member for the last 22 years. Even though it competes on the D1 level, the athletics program is funded at a D2 level. Final Thoughts If you enjoy the game for the game, watching a Cougars game at SMCC Baseball Field is a perfect spring afternoon out just south of Phoenix.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Santa Ana Star Field 1155 University Blvd SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 New Mexico Lobos website Santa Ana Star Field website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 1,000 Lobo Baseball The New Mexico Lobos baseball team is a Mountain West Conference (MWC) - NCAA D1 member.   The University of New Mexico was founded in 1889, and its first baseball game played was in 1899. The team played in the former Skyline Conference from 1951 – 1962, then moved to the WAC (Western Athletic Conference) in 1963.  The Lobos transitioned to the MWC in 2000 and have since seen several winning seasons.  The Lobos have made it to the NCAA Regionals six times, most recently in 2016.  Fourteen former Lobos have played in MLB. The Lobos play their home games at Santa Ana Star Field on campus in Albuquerque.  The aging field received extensive upgrades in 2013.  The organization installed lights in the fall of 2013, and a new clubhouse opened at the end of 2016.  It sits in a complex with the Lobo Softball Field and the McKinnon Family Tennis Stadium, making for a beautiful complex near all the other sports arenas in Albuquerque. It is a very pleasant stadium in which to watch nine innings. Food & Beverage 2 The stadium has a small food truck just across from the restrooms.  Lobo Louie’s Frito Pie ($11) and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches with chips ($11) are the main dishes.  Hot dogs, nachos, and popcorn run $5 - $7.  Soda (Pepsi) and water are $5.  Beers cost $11 - $14, with Bud Light being the official beer sponsor.  Only credit and debit cards are accepted. It’s a limited offering but enough to keep you hydrated and full. Fans can bring in a sealed bottle of water. Santa Ana Star Field Concessions, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 4 Bleachers run from first base to third base; the venue does not have seating down the lines or in the outfield. Two sections behind home plate are chairbacks. The sun sets behind home plate. The structure does not offer shade for afternoon games, so come prepared with sunblock and a hat. A thin net runs from dugout to dugout, protecting the fans in the seating area from foul balls. A standing area down the third baseline is net-free. The entire playing surface is FieldTurf®; only the pitcher’s mound is real dirt. The scoreboard is in left-center and shows the basic line score. It is pleasantly easy to read, even with the sun shining on it. Fans can see an amazingly spectacular view of the Sandia Mountains and the UNM football stadium beyond the outfield. Game day operations play walkup songs for Lobos players and music between innings, all at a comfortable volume (as it should be). Nice job. The announcer’s voice is clear and easily understood. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits adjacent to the UNM softball field and tennis courts.  It is next to The Pit (UNM basketball) and just down the road from Isotopes Park, where the Albuquerque Isotopes (MiLB) and the New Mexico United (USL-C) play.  It is a mile from the Nob Hill neighborhood, a vibrant area full of brewpubs, eateries, taquerias, pizzerias, local boutiques, and small art galleries.  Sounds from music bars fill the late-night air in this neighborhood. For breakfast, try Frontier.  A hidden gem for Korean food is Soo Bak Seoul Bowl.  For authentic, tasty New Mexico flare, visit Cocina Azul – even the rice and beans are yummy.  Unbeknownst to the rest of the country, Albuquerque is a hopping local brewery town.   Recommended breweries close to Santa Ana Star Field (though not necessarily within walking distance) are 377 Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, and Marble Brewery.  And there are plenty more to visit. Things to see and do while in Albuquerque include Sandia Peak Tramway, Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument, ABQ Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and, of course, a ride in a hot air balloon. For places to stay when in town, plenty of hotels are available at the intersection of Gibson Blvd and Yale Blvd (about a mile from the park), ranging from La Quinta to Marriott brands to Holiday Inns, many with shuttles to and from the airport. Fans 2 A good mix of fans attend the Lobos baseball games:  alumni, retired folks, students, and families. Fans howl when the Lobos score; some stomp their feet on the bleachers to make additional noise. The Lobos draw between 500 and 600 fans a game, with even more in attendance when they play in-state rival New Mexico State. Access 4 Approaching Santa Ana Star Field is relatively easy as it is less than a mile off I-25.  When entering the parking area, GPS will direct you towards the right field side.  The entrance is on the other side.  Follow the signs for the softball field and tennis courts (at the back side of The Pit). Bus Route 16 has a stop by the ballpark.  An Amtrak Station is about 2 miles from Isotopes Park.  The closest airport is the Albuquerque Sunport Airport, about a 5-minute drive to the ballpark. The ticket office and the gates open one hour before the first pitch.  The ticket office is at the back of The Pit across the parking lot.  Clear sports bags 12” x 6” x 12” are allowed, as are small clutches. Once inside the complex, the baseball stadium has a long high ramp that allows fans who can’t manage steps to get up to the seating area.  The ramp may be uncomfortable for those afraid of heights. The complex has clean restrooms with plenty of stalls. Santa Ana Star Field Ramp to Stands, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Return on Investment 3 Attending a Lobos baseball game is very affordable. First, there’s free parking. Second, tickets are $6 general admission; you can sit wherever you want. And kids under 12 get in free. A Lobo Pride Pass ($57) gets you into all NM Lobo women’s soccer, baseball, volleyball, track & field, and softball home games. The concession prices are what is to be expected. The game day experience is excellent: good announcer, decent play on the diamond, and supportive fans. It’s well worth your sports entertainment dollar. Extras 3 The team provides good-looking rosters and stat sheets. Throughout the season, the team also offers plenty of promotions: poster, pom-pom, and t-shirt giveaways, Bark in the Park, Kids Run the Bases, and more. Be sure to check the schedule for promotion dates. And, like most other athletic facilities on campus, a wolf (lobo) statue is present. Final Thoughts Attending a Lobos baseball game is a worthwhile and affordable day or evening out in Albuquerque, NM. Be sure to visit when in the area in the springtime.

Photos by Robbie Raskin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Meridian Centre 1 IceDogs Way St. Catharines, ON N7T 7W5 Niagara Ice Dogs website Meridian Centre website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 5,300 Niagara Through Thick and Thin Near Toronto, the world-famous Niagara Region offers a huge number of delights for visitors beyond the eponymous waterfall. It hosts a world-renowned wine country, with related fine dining, spas, and natural attractions. Nearby, the charming British village of Niagara-on-the-Lake, one time capital of Upper Canada, hosts the annual Shaw Festival of theatre amidst its historic homes converted into B&Bs. The Niagara Escarpment offers excellent hiking, and two Great Lakes feature sandy beaches.But for locals, the crowds of Niagara Falls and high prices in Wine Country are not what bring together the nearly half-million strong region, especially in the depths of winter. In the midst of all these tourist draws lies the locals’ favourite activity – the Niagara IceDogs. The OHL’s IceDogs play out of Meridian Centre in the city of St. Catharines, located at the urban heart of Niagara Region. Known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its mild climate and abundant gardens, St. Catharines is tucked in between Lake Ontario and the towering Niagara Escarpment. The city of 150 000 is the largest in the Niagara Region, and Meridian Centre has anchored its town centre since 2014. Although the arena is lovely, the past couple years on and off the ice have been difficult for the hockey club. In 2022, a human resources scandal rocked the club and forced the owners, the Burke family, to sell it. A new consortium, including the legendary Wayne Gretzky, purchased the club and restored hope for stability. But it wasn’t to be. Another scandal hit the club shortly into the new ownership’s tenure involving multiple players, bringing suspensions, fines, and forfeited draft picks. All the chaos has caught up with the club, who have struggled mightily on the ice. But the Boys in Red still have the support of Niagara, and it looks like that isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In the meantime, Meridian Centre is an excellent place to catch an IceDogs game, in a touristic paradise. Food & Beverage 3 Niagara’s stature as a wine region of global repute has been growing momentously for about two decades so far. With that comes a culture of gastronomy that flows through St. Catharines’ hip downtown core. The food inside the arena is fairly standard for a modern OHL rink, with a couple signature items but largely ordinary fare. Just about every concession offers the usual poutine ($10.75) and pizza ($7.50), with the standout savoury item being a Chicken Parm sandwich (16.50 for a combo). You certainly won’t go hungry, but Meridian Centre isn’t exactly a culinary destination either - enjoy the restaurants of nearby St. Paul and James Streets if you’re including a meal as part of your evening. Being in wine country, though, it’s the drinks selection that sets Meridian Centre apart, as well it should. Beyond the usual ‘cheap’ imports, craft beer cans come from Oast House and Bench Brewery, with cider from Niagara Cider Co. (all $13). But where the fun really begins is Niagara wine on draught, with a small variety of local wines from Vineland Estate on tap for $14. That’s the way to drink in wine country! Atmosphere 4 Meridian Centre is best described as clean, bright, spacious, and new-feeling, even though it’s now a decade old. It also manages to avoid the cookie-cutter bowl shape with many modern rinks; an asymmetrical layout keeps things interesting. The defining quirk of the arena is its topographical situation. The arena is located in a deep ravine, at the bottom of the high land upon which downtown St. Catharines is perched. In fact, the roofline of the arena is mostly even with street level of the surrounding neighbourhood, rather than rising above it. Fans don’t enter at ground level and climb up to their seats, as usual. Here you actually enter from the roof and descend into the arena. Two footbridges connect the top level of the rink to bustling St. Paul Street, though usually only one is open for hockey. Fans descend two or three levels to the seating bowl. Strange as it may seem, the design works efficiently. Emerging from the stairwell, fans enter a concourse that wraps all the way around the arena and is wide open to the ice, meaning no one has to miss any action when leaving their seats. At the west end of the rink, the open feel is particularly notable, with a double-height open terrace. Along here there are concessions, exhibitor booths, and the interesting St. Catharines Sports Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is small but features interesting rotating displays, and is open to the ice, rather than tucked away into a separate room. The seats themselves are steeply pitched and comfortable, affording good views. Unfortunately they are painted in the blue and orange colours of title sponsor Meridian Credit Union, rather than the IceDogs red and black. It isn’t too distracting, as the seats are usually quite full anyway. Upstairs at the club level, a tier of suites lines each side of the rink with a spacious hospitality area at the east end. At this end, banners hang commemorating the current club’s achievements as well as the historic Blackhawks and Teepees clubs who used to play in town. In-game presentation is focused, without too much obtrusive music or advertising. The IceDogs uniquely (for Canada) employ cheerleaders, but they are relegated to a corner of the seating bowl and dance in place to any music piped in. Neighbourhood 5 Few places offer as many tourist attractions in such close proximity as does Niagara Region. Niagara Falls is twenty minutes away from Meridian Centre, with its Vegas-level glitz as well as the famous waterfall. Minutes downriver is the genteel Niagara-on-the-Lake, a world away from the light and sound of the Falls, with postcard-perfect villages set amidst vines. Here, the crowds eschew casinos and theme parks for old pubs, fine dining, historic forts, and of course wineries. Just outside the doors of Meridian Centre, downtown St. Catharines has emerged as a trendy, somewhat bohemian locale centred on St. Paul Street and James Street. Fans looking for dining or drinks on either side of the match will do well to take a stroll up St. Paul Street or James Street, a couple blocks in either direction from where the footbridges deposit you. Not far away, in warm weather, the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta is reputed to be one of the top two rowing venues on the planet. The serene course is tucked away in the tony Port Dalhousie neighbourhood and has excellent walking trails alongside. Another spot for the enthusiast is the new Canada Games Park up the hill in Thorold, where Brock University’s hockey teams play. The brand new arena was built as a showpiece of the Niagara 2022 Canada Summer Games and is truly magnificent for Canadian university sport. Fans 4 The IceDogs have struggled mightily in recent years, and attendance has definitely fallen from pre-pandemic averages of near-sellout crowds. Still, a steady core of nearly 4000 have stuck it out at Meridian Centre, which puts them in the top half of the league. That loyalty is something to be proud of, given the shambolic state of the club in recent years. As is common with most hockey in English Canada, the real unfiltered boisterous fans remain in the junior leagues, with the spotless new arenas being a more family-friendly environment. Still, IceDogs fans are fairly loud and the generic ‘Go Dogs Go’ chants and Viking claps are common. When the arena is full for a big match, though, the crowd can be one of the better ones in the OHL. When the on-ice product improves, expect a rebound to sellout crowds quickly enough. Access 5 It couldn’t be easier to get to Meridian Centre from around Niagara, as long as you can handle a short walk as part of the journey. The ravine-bottom entrance of the arena is actually right alongside Highway 406, which connects St. Catharines with southern Niagara cities of Welland and Port Colborne. That said, parking at the bottom level is extremely limited. Drivers should go up to street level in the downtown and park there. There are two large city parkades on either end of the neighbourhood, within five minutes’ walk, and lots of private parking that will cost $15-$20 for the evening. Public transport is a great way to get to the hockey, given the St. Catharines bus terminal is steps from the rink.  All local bus routes pass through the terminal as do a number of regional routes from cities like Niagara Falls. Express bus service with GO Transit, Flixbus, or Megabus comes from Toronto, Hamilton, and Niagara Falls better than every hour. Similarly, GO Trains from Toronto pass through the nearby station (15 minute walk) en route to Niagara Falls. For the adventurous American fan, there are even trains from New York City that call in St. Catharines en route to Toronto. Within the arena, concourses are wide and there are ample washrooms as would be expected of a modern arena. Lineups for toilets are rarely an issue, even during intermissions. Return on Investment 4 Single match tickets range from $15-$30 and represent the typically strong value proposition of junior hockey. Season memberships begin at roughly $450 and rise to about $1300 for the ‘Club’ seats, with their private mezzanine above one end of the ice. Concession prices are average for the OHL, and there are regularly sales on for merchandise at the team shop. Extras 4 One aspect that stands out at Meridian Centre are the classy ushers, outfitted in their bespoke red suits. These folks do a great job assisting fans and are present at every section of the seating bowl. Another point for the history on display from previous St. Catharines hockey clubs including the Teepees and Blackhawks, as well as local NHL legend Stan Mikita. Despite the newness of the IceDogs in their current iteration, they’ve done a good job absorbing the history of previous teams in the city. An extra point is deserved for the richness of the surrounding area in terms of attractions for any visitor. StadiumJourney is about 'away days' and exploring new areas anchored by sport. There is so much more for any type of traveller, all within twenty minutes of Meridian Centre; few stadia on earth can compare in this regard. Finally, a point for the enjoyable Sports Hall of Fame, worth an intermission visit. Final Thoughts The IceDogs will get better some day, eventually it will be inevitable. Until then, strong support and a great arena make a trip here worthwhile. Meridian Centre still feels shiny and new after a decade, yet it also avoids feeling like a cookie-cutter modern venue. Coupled with a charming surrounding neighbourhood and world-class tourism draws beyond it, hockey fans should definitely consider OHL hockey in St. Catharines as part of a trip to Niagara.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Historic Sims-Galle Field 4000 Dauphin St Mobile, AL 36608 Spring Hill Badgers website Historic Sims-Galle Field website Year Opened: 1889 Capacity: 500 Oldest continuously used baseball park in the country Fenway Park and Wrigley Field – two legendary ballparks, each well over 100 years old, have both stood the test of time, and with no sign of slowing down either, they look like they will host baseball for many years to come. But neither of them can lay claim to being the oldest continuously used ballpark in the country; that title belongs to the field at tiny Spring Hill College. Located in Mobile, Alabama, the team is known as the Badgers – the school competes at Historic Sims-Galle Field, more commonly known as "The Pit". Spring Hill is a small Catholic, Jesuit college that opened in 1830 with an enrollment of 30 students – it was founded by French Bishop Michael Portier as a Jesuit seminary and boarding school. Today the college has about 1,400 students, and is the oldest institute of higher learning in the state of Alabama. In addition, it is one of the oldest colleges in the south, and is the fifth oldest Catholic college in the U.S. The Pit hosted its first official baseball game in 1889, which predates Fenway by 23 years. Even though it opened in 1889, baseball was believed to be played at The Pit dating back to the 1860s; in the early 1860s two Cuban students from Spring Hill returned to Cuba and introduced the game to the island, after they learned it playing at The Pit. These two students established the first Cuban baseball team, and are considered the fathers of Cuban baseball. Cannonballs have even been found at the field, from when Union troops seized Mobile during the Civil War – though no major battles took place here, federal troops stayed on the campus and used the field for training exercises. Spring Hill currently sponsors 16 men's and women's sports. In 2014 the Badgers moved to NCAA Division II, joining the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference to compete full time after previously competing in the NAIA Gulf Coast Athletic Conference. Since joining the SIAC the Badgers have won four conference championships and advanced to the NCAA D2 Regionals three times. The field is named after Frank Sims, a former coach of the Badgers, and Stan Galle, who had a stint with the Washington Senators in 1942, but was a long-time coach for the Badgers from 1956 until his retirement in 1982. Food & Beverage   2 There are no permanent stands open here, although fans are free to bring food and drinks into the seating area. Alcoholic beverages are allowed as well, and I saw many students and fans with beers in their hands walking along the first base concourse (more on that later). Out beyond right field they have Stonisch facility, which houses the weight rooms and clubhouse on the first floor, with the second floor having a party deck that overlooks the field – I saw a lot of fans watching the game from up there as well. Atmosphere   4 One of the things that makes Sims-Galle Field feel so special is that it truly is a throwback to ballparks of the past – the stadium, if you want to call it that, remains virtually unchanged. It is basically a field nestled in between some pretty historic buildings on campus. The Lucy Administration Building, a 3-story structure that opened in 1869, is used to house the University’s main offices. This imposing structure extends from home plate down the entire first baseline to right field, and the sidewalk in front of the building provides the concourse on that side. The field is sunken in, with a fence down the baseline covered in ivy, which adds a nice touch to the historic stadium. Also, the field faces the southwest, with the historic buildings on campus providing a beautiful backdrop to the field behind home plate. In addition, behind home plate you have the beautiful St. Joseph's Chapel (c. 1910) and Burke Library (c. 1931) providing the view. The field has a few rare features – it lacks a real backstop, as a six-foot wall serves that purpose. Another unique feature is the lights; where most stadiums would have their light towers set up outside the stadium, here the light towers are located along the foul line, meaning they are actually in play, as they stand in foul territory. These lights were only installed in 2002, so prior to then every game here was played during the day. The visiting bullpen on the third base side is also located outside of the field, under a huge live oak tree that is well over 100-150 years old. There is a small bleacher-style grandstand set up behind home plate which holds about 30 people, while down the first baseline there is no seating, but plenty of fans set up lawn chairs outside the entrance to the Lucy Administration Building, which also doubles as the makeshift concourse. There is one basic scoreboard in left field, and there is also a table set up behind home plate that represents the press box, and doubles as the location from which music is played between innings. At Historic Sims-Galle Field things are kept simple, which is part of the charm of The Pit. Neighborhood   3 The Spring Hill College campus is located on Old Shell Road in the Spring Hill neighborhood, about 6 miles west of downtown Mobile. The Spring Hill neighborhood was built as a summer retreat for the wealthy in the 1800s and is mostly residential, but features many historic antebellum home and old Creole cottages, with many available for touring – if you take Dauphin Street on the back side of campus, or Old Shell Road into downtown, you get to see many of these old houses. In terms of restaurants or attractions, just down the road from the stadium is a little tavern-style bar called The Post on the Hill, best known for its craft cocktails. You are also only a few miles west of downtown Mobile, and downtown has plenty of restaurants and nightlife options worth checking out; just take Dauphin Street east a few miles and you’ll run into downtown, finding all kinds of restaurants and attractions. Fans   4 Fans showed up in droves to the most recent game I attended – there was a large mix of alumni and students lining the right field concourse. In right field just beyond the outfield is the Stonisch Baseball Fieldhouse; the first floor is used for the team’s facilities and locker rooms, while the upper deck is rented out to groups to watch the game from the balcony overlooking right field. Many students tailgate around the fieldhouse drinking, playing corn hole, and grilling, so it is definitely a festive atmosphere with no ushers or staff working the game, leaving fans free to roam around the grounds wherever they want. At Spring Hill a baseball game is the thing to do on weekends, with many of the students showing up to support the Badgers – at Sims-Galle Field it’s almost like a party with a baseball game being played in the background. Fans definitely show their pride when coming to games. The old ballpark has kind of a neighborhood feel to it, and you can tell that many of these fans here have been coming to games for generations, with a mix of older folks and young children. Access   4 Finding the campus of Spring Hill College shouldn’t be a problem, as the campus is located right off the interstate. If traveling from the north or south, I-65 will be your best bet, as the campus sits just off the Old Shell Road exit to the west of the Interstate. There are two entrances into campus: Dauphin Street from the south, with a golf course you’ll have to pass on the winding road into campus, and Old Shell Road to the north. Once on campus the field itself can be difficult to find, as it sits nestled among some buildings. However, the campus is small enough that you should be able to find it. I also recommend getting there early and spending some time walking around campus – many of the buildings date back to the 1800s, and it really is an impressive site and an absolutely beautiful Southern campus. Return on Investment   4 There is no parking fee, no ticket cost, and no concessions, but you are free to bring your own food and drinks into the stadium, and you can’t beat getting to see a true hidden gem of a stadium and a beautiful college campus – it is worth the effort to come here just to see the country's oldest ballpark. Extras   4 Notable former baseball players for the Badgers who have gone to the Big Leagues include former Tiger and Braves all-star Mobile native Frank Bolling, and his brother Milt who played shortstop with the Red Sox and Tigers in the 1950s (in 1958 the Detroit Tigers two starting middle infielders were the Bolling brothers). In addition, former players at The Pit include Cubs GM and current Yankees assistant Jim Hendry, as well as former pitcher Blake Stein, who had a brief career for the A's (98-99) and Royals (99-02). The field has also had seen some Major League action, as the 1910 Chicago Cubs played Spring Hill in a spring training game. The Badgers came up just short in the rain-shortened exhibition game, as the Cubs won 4-1 in 5 innings. However, this would not be the last professional game at The Pit, as the venue would host the Cincinnati Reds three years later, with the Reds winning 11-3. In 1924, however, perhaps The Pit’s greatest historical feat would be accomplished as Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and several Yankees players visited Mobile – while in town the players made it a point to stop off at the college and take batting practice with the baseball team. Another extra for the town of Mobile's legacy with baseball; this town of a little less than 200,000 people is the birthplace of five players who have been enshrined in Cooperstown, which places it as the birthplace of more Hall of Famers than any other city in the world besides New York and Los Angeles. Hank Aaron, Satchel Paige, Willie McCovey, Ozzie Smith, and Billy Williams were all born and grew up playing on baseball fields around Mobile – Satchel Paige and Hank Aaron even played at The Pit while growing up. Another extra for the campus of Spring Hill College itself; very little has changed here since the days of the Civil War, and this campus reflects that very much with its beautiful buildings on campus. Get to campus early and take a stroll down Avenue of the Oaks – it is a stretch of campus with lively oaks stretched over the road, providing almost a canopy as you drive down the street. I also recommend just walking around the campus and viewing the architecture. Final Thoughts Historic Sims-Galle Field is truly a hidden gem of a ballpark, and one that I recommend a visit to if you are in the area, just for its scenic beauty alone. Walking the concourse at The Pit is like stepping back in time; it’s like watching a baseball game from the 1920s – baseball purists will be in heaven with a trip to The Pit.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 CCBC Catonsville Baseball Field 800 S. Rolling Road Baltimore, MD 21228 CCBC Catonsville Cardinals website CCBC Catonsville Baseball Field website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 250 Cardinals Baseball One of the largest colleges in Maryland is largely unknown outside of the area. The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has an annual enrollment of greater than 72,000 students. Created in the 1990s by a merger of Essex Community College, Dundalk Community College, and Catonsville Community, the new college kept each of those three main campuses, along with a bevy of extension campuses around the suburban Baltimore County area. The three colleges shared a common board of trustees for years but previously operated independently. Essex, Dundalk, and Catonsville have each kept their own distinct athletic identity. CCBC Catonsville began in 1957, operating out of nearby Catonsville High School. The college is located on the site of the historic Knapp Estate. There is still the manor house of the estate, as well as ruins of various historic buildings scattered around the hilltop campus. The school mascot is the Cardinals and they play ten sports. They are a member of Region XX of the National Junior College Athletic Association and the Maryland Junior College Athletic Conference. The baseball program runs out of the simply named "Baseball Field" which is next to the school's soccer and lacrosse field. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options at or near the baseball field. You are free to bring your own food. Atmosphere 2 There is not much else in terms of atmosphere as it is a JUCO level baseball game. The team does have a PA announcer and plays walkup music for players. There are two simple metal bleachers around the main part of the field. They offer decent views of the game, although through chain link fencing. Neighborhood 3 CCBC Catonsville is a suburban community college with its main neighbor being the high school and nearby University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). You will have to venture a bit far from campus for any food or drinks. Downtown Baltimore is roughly a 15 to 20-minute drive down I-95. Catonsville's main street, Frederick Road, is filled with many food and drink options. Nearby Arbutus will also be a good source of options. We like Sorrentos in the downtown section of Arbutus for a good sub or cheesesteak before the game. Fans 3 The attendees at most games are family members or other athletes. There may be a few local residents who attend the games. The fans are knowledgeable and friendly to visitors. Access 4 The CCBC Catonsville campus is easy to access, as it is located off Route 166 / Exit 47B of I-95. There is plenty of free parking on the campus. If classes are in session you may expect to park a bit further away from the field. Return on Investment 5 The games are free to attend. That, along with the free parking, means that you can attend a good-level JUCO program at no cost. . Extras 2 Walk around campus and see the solar panels that have been added to many parking areas on campus. All of the CCBC campuses have added these and expect to get more than a quarter of their electricity from solar. This 5.1-megawatt project is expected to generate 6.5 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year and joins the 16.1-megawatt array at Mount St. Mary’s University in an effort by local colleges to expand solar usage. There are many banners and plaques scattered around inside the nearby Jack Manley Wellness and Athletic Center displaying the various personal and team accomplishments of Cardinals athletes. Final Thoughts The CCBC Catonsville Baseball Stadium is a basic pleasant baseball field located in nice park-like setting. Although nothing fancy, it is a nice little stop for a baseball fan traveling along the I-95 corridor.

Photos courtesy of Gregory Koch Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Clarke Field Western Way & Fitzrandolph Rd Princeton, NJ 08540 Princeton Tigers website Clarke Field website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 850 Baseball in Scenic Princeton Located on the campus of Princeton University, Clarke Field is home to the Princeton Tigers' baseball team. The ballpark is named after former major leaguer Bill Clarke, who later became Princeton's first baseball coach. 2024 is likely the last season for Clarke Field, as it will be knocked down and replaced by the Quantum Institute on the same site. No plans for a new baseball stadium have officially been announced, but there have been reports that they will move to the other side of Carnegie Lake next to the new softball stadium. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Clarke Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 2 Clarke Field is built sunken into a hill right next door to the Princeton football stadium. There are some chairbacks down the first base line built into the hill, but many of these seats will have their view partially obstructed by the dugout. There are also bleachers located directly behind home plate, on field level up the first base line, and on top of the hill down the third base line. These offer a better view of the field, but do not have backs. A scoreboard in the outfield also shows the line score. Overall, a Princeton baseball game is a pretty basic experience. Music is played during breaks in the action, but not loudly, and other than that, it's really just the game. Baseball purists will love it, while some others may get bored. Neighborhood 5 Princeton has that feel of a small college town. but there is certainly plenty going on here. The Dinky Bar & Kitchen, named for the NJ Transit line that connects the Princeton campus with Princeton Junction, is located in a former train station near campus. There are many more options in downtown Princeton, ranging from hoagies to seafood to pizza and more. Parking may be a challenge downtown, but there is much to do there even if you have to walk a bit from your car. Fans 2 Princeton baseball only draws a few dozen fans per game, mostly friends and family of the players. The crowd here is not particularly loud, especially with them spread out over several sets of seats. While they may make some noise following big plays, for the most part it is almost completely silent here. College baseball in the northeast often doesn't have many fans, but Princeton has a small crowd even for this region. Access 3 Free parking is available in the Stadium Drive Garage about a five minute walk from the stadium. The procedure may be slightly different on weekday afternoons, so check the Princeton website if this applies to you. The Princeton Branch of NJ Transit, more commonly known as the Dinky, is a short commuter rail line (the shortest in the country in fact) connecting Princeton's campus with Princeton Junction on the Northeast Corridor. From the station, the stadium is about a 20-25 minute walk. There are no real restrooms at Clarke Field itself. A single port-a-potty is available down the right field line, or fans can head into Princeton Stadium next door and use the real restrooms there. While the port-a-potty may be occupied at times, there should never be a line in the football stadium as those restroom were designed to accommodate football crowds several orders of magnitude more than what you will see here. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Princeton baseball game, or any other expenses you will incur besides gas. This makes a Princeton baseball game a great value. Extras 3 One bonus star for the Bill MacCoy memorial down the right field line by the entrance. MacCoy was a star Princeton baseball player who passed up the opportunity to go pro to join the Air Force during World War II. He was killed tragically in a training flight a week before he would have received his pilot's wings. Next to the memorial is a flagpole showing not just the American flag, as you would expect, but the flags of Princeton and whoever their opponent is that day. Finally, check out the signage on the outfield walls honoring Princeton's Ivy League Championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. Final Thoughts College baseball is often not a huge deal in the northeast, and Princeton is no exception. Still, with the stadium closing after this season, fans only have one more chance to get down to Clarke Field before it's too late. For those with some connection to the program, or who just want to see free baseball regardless of where, Clarke Field is worth the visit. It is in a gorgeous setting on an Ivy League campus, and although the experience is barebones, it is still a nice play to take in a ballgame.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Mercedes-Benz Stadium 1 AMB Drive Atlanta, GA 30313 SheBelieves Cup website Mercedes-Benz Stadium website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 42,500 Mercedes-Benz Stadium – SheBelieves Cup The SheBelieves movement was launched in the months leading up to the United States Women’s National Team’s (USWNT) 2015 World Cup victory, a team that may have cemented U.S. women’s soccer as the elite team in international play. It was this team that many feel launched the USWNT into prominence as the face of female empowerment in the world of sports. The goal of the SheBelieves movement is to “inspire new generations of young girls and women to be better and strive for better”. It also strives to encourage “young girls to carve their own path” and “empower girls to reach their dreams”. United States Women’s National Team veteran forward Alex Morgan calls herself fortunate to play in the SheBelieves Cup, where she can empower the next generation. Those comments were also reflected by National Team newcomer Jaedyn Shaw, who recollects being inspired by the US team at the 2020 SheBelieves Cup in her hometown of Frisco, Texas. Considered an international friendly, the SheBelieves Cup results have the least impact on a country’s FIFA world ranking. Food & Beverage   5 When Mercedes-Benz Stadium initially opened, a priority was put on providing fans with a wide variety of concessions at the lowest prices possible. $20 can get fans all the following: a chicken tender basket with fries, a hot dog, a slice of pizza, pretzel, bag of popcorn, nachos with cheese, and a refillable Coca-Cola product. Wanting a bit more? Getting just a beer and hot dog will only set you back $7. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also gives fans what seems like an endless selection of high-end food options – there are nearly 35 different concession stands, and more than 25 bars throughout; choices run the gamut from Asian, BBQ, Jamaican, specialty burgers, pizza, and even vegan options, just to name a few. In addition, fans have the chance to experience several local and regional eateries all in one place – this includes Southern-Korean-Mexican infusion dishes at SO:KO:ME, Williamson Brothers BBQ, burgers from the legendary Holman & Finch and Farm Burger, and Papi’s Cuban Grill. Mercedes-Benz Stadium also recently partnered with Atlanta brewery Sweet Water Brewing Company, not just to sell Sweet Water products but also to establish two bars around the stadium, one located at the 100 entry level and a second on the upper 300 level. In addition, as part of the branding of the SheBelieves Cup, US Soccer has partnered with Truly hard seltzer for their product to be sold in SheBelieves Cup-designed cans. It would be difficult to ask for more when it comes to stadium concessions; Mercedes-Benz Stadium delivers on both by providing a wide variety of options at extremely reasonable prices. Atmosphere   4 With the popularity of soccer and the United States Women’s National Team being at an all-time high, the ability to fill a venue the size of Mercedes-Benz Stadium creates an exquisite atmosphere for an international event such as the Shebelieves Cup. Mercedes-Benz Stadium uses a series of overlapping triangles to create a modern feel, while complementing the eight-panel roof that can rotate open to become an open-air stadium (although the roof typically remains closed). Within the roof structure, the facing of its opening is used for the halo board that serves at the stadium’s scoreboard, and also provides an in-match video feed of the game that highlights fans and add other bits of entertainment around the concourse. Stadium architect HOK designed the stadium with a 16-story front window that serves as a “window into the city”, putting Atlanta’s skyline prominently on display, and the glass construction does just that – the eastern side of the building serves as the front door to the facility and gives fans amazing views of the area. As prescribed by international soccer standards, natural grass is installed for the SheBelieves Cup rather than playing on the synthetic sport turf that is standard in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The nature and flow of a soccer match doesn’t really lend itself to mid-match entertainment, but during half time and in the time between matches, the in-house DJ plays popular hits as fans, mostly the younger fans in attendance, dance on the “dance cam” of the halo board. The time is also used to feature pieces highlighting the SheBelieves Cup’s mission of inspiring young girls to envision their greatest imaginable life goals, and dream of realizing them. One of the issues with hosting two matches at this cup is that attendance takes a significant hit during the match which doesn’t involve the United States – it does seem rather counter-intuitive to have the US team play first, making the first match sort of the main event, leaving the stadium virtually empty for the second match. Despite the second match in such a large stadium having much of the energy sucked out of it, supporters of the remaining international teams are still every bit as passionate in cheering for the soccer heroes and legends of their home nation. Neighborhood   5 Mercedes-Benz Stadium, in the heart of downtown Atlanta, sits just to the west of State Farm Arena. The area is thriving with points of interest and entertainment; a short walk from the facility’s front entrance are Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium, the largest aquarium in the United States. Directly across from the aquarium is the World of Coca-Cola, a museum dedicated to telling the history the Atlanta founded soft-drink company. Given Atlanta’s role in the fight for civil rights, several points around the city pay honor to the struggle – the National Museum of Civil and Human Rights is on the northernmost edge of the park. Also, in the nearby Sweet Auburn neighborhood visitors can find the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center, Dr. King’s birthplace, and the Ebenezer Street Baptist Church. The area just outside the gates of Mercedes-Benz Stadium is currently undergoing a makeover, as the area known as “The Gultch” is being transformed into the $5 billion development known as “Centennial Yards”. With a projected completion date of 2028, two-thirds of the buildings will be ready in time for when the World Cup comes to Atlanta in 2026, and the rest will be under construction by that time Fans   5 When it comes to supporting your country, there is a level of pride and collectivism that brings communities together. The pride in our country, and the Women’s National Team that represents it, comes with an elevated sense of fandom. Soccer fans might be some of the most diverse and inclusionary of any of the major sports. What tends to be refreshing about fans of the USWNT is they are extremely supportive of team members, with a great deal of that support coming from the demographic that is the future of women’s soccer in the United States. A stadium with more than 50,000 fans holds their collective breath as the ball enters the penalty area, waiting to exhale and react depending on the outcome of the try. Fans also release a stadium-wide gasp for a ball that sails just wide of the goal, or erupt into celebration when the ball finds the back of the net. The United States National Team supporters, dubbed the “American Outlaws”, definitely are a supportive bunch, often starting up and leading many of the chants throughout the match. Their chants and drum beating throughout helps to add to the festive atmosphere of international soccer. The attendance of 50,644 for the 2024 semi-finals of the SheBelives Cup set a record for the largest attendance for a US women’s soccer friendly on US soil in history – Atlanta has proven that the American version of football is not the only one of interest in the city and its surrounding communities. Access 4 With Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s location in downtown Atlanta, it can create some hurdles getting to the area. In a city of this size, events here can be just one of several events happening around Atlanta that day.  Also, adding to the challenge is that there is only so much parking available at the stadium, and it can get expensive. Given these challenges, using Atlanta’s subway system, MARTA, might make the most sense - the availability of MARTA at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport even gives fans flying to Atlanta the flexibility of not needing a vehicle to enjoy the attractions in Downtown Atlanta. Bottom line is when bringing so many people to one location, inevitably it will create some headaches that require a bit of patience to deal with. Return on Investment   3 Tickets for the semi-finals give fans access to two matches and start at $40, but once Ticketmaster fees are applied the base ticket price jumps to nearly $60. For two matches this is a good deal, but it is disappointing that ticket prices get so inflated with fees. The best bet might be to look on the secondary market, where prices tend to be slightly lower than the face value. Parking in the area can get a bit pricy, adding to the cost. General lots around the stadium can run as much as $60 per car, with some discounted to $30. If you are willing to walk a bit, spaces around Centennial Olympic Park can be had for closer to $20, however. One source of financial relief can be found at the concession stands, which have a designated menu of highly affordable options. Each fan can probably have enough food to keep them full for under $20. Extras   5 In the weeks following the SheBelieves Cup finals, the USWNT hosts the SheBelieves Summit, which is designed to provide college students and young professionals with both networking opportunities and access to panel discussions, to help positively shape their careers. The importance of what the SheBelieves Cup represents for the youngest fans of the USWNT is not lost on the players. Many players discuss the impact the event has in encouraging young women and girls to reach their dreams, athletic or otherwise. The concourse at Mercedes-Benz Stadium does a good job of establishing a stadium feel that doesn’t make it feel like soccer is just being shoehorned into a football stadium – a series of soccer-specific displays and promotional features give fans the feeling that soccer has a home in this facility. The excitement created by the American Outlaws goes a long way in creating a fun, international soccer atmosphere throughout the stadium. In December of 2023, the United States Soccer Federation announced they would be moving U.S. Soccer’s training center to the community of Fayetteville, just south of Atlanta. In doing so, US Soccer is establishing roots in metropolitan Atlanta that will reach further than just the south Atlanta metropolitan area; an official groundbreaking occurred in April 2024, with the completion of Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center slated for 2026, in time for the World Cup coming to the city. Final Thoughts The chance for fans young and old to cheer on long time USWNT heroes Alex Morgan, Mallory (Pugh) Swanson, and Lindsey Horan, as well as the heroes of tomorrow in Jaedyn Shaw, Olivia Moultrie, and Sophia Smith, is an opportunity that can create everlasting memories for the youngest of fans. In addition, the experience of witnessing some of the top athletes in the word, while representing the soil on which they play, is an extremely special experience that can be difficult to turn down, even for the casual soccer fan.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.41 FirstOntario Centre 101 York Blvd Hamilton, ON L8R 3L4 Toronto Rock website FirstOntario Centre website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 17,383 Rock City In Hamilton, Ontario in 1985, Victor K. Copps Coliseum opened to welcome the National Hockey League.  They never came.  Over three decades later and still no NHL, Copps Coliseum is due for a massive renovation.  To say that this process has been smooth sailing in Hamilton would be a stretch at the very least.  Renamed the FirstOntario Centre in Honour of Victor K. Copps in 2014, the arena is set to close its doors for two years at minimum in a huge overhaul of the venue.  What it will reopen to is a bit of a question.  Three main tenants called FirstOntario Centre home.  The Hamilton Honey Badgers of the CEBL, the OHL’s Hamilton Bulldogs and the Toronto Rock of the NLL.  The Honey Badgers permanently bolted for Brampton, while an expected new building in Brantford is expected to make the rebranding of the Brantford Bulldogs, a permanent one.  Only the Rock remain, and the 2024 season will be the final one in Hamilton before they make a temporary move to Mississauga.  It is fully expected that the Rock will return to the FirstOntario Centre.  The much needed renovation of FirstOntario Centre will feature a reimagining of the exterior, more premium seating, a higher capacity and more creative use of space for social areas. Founded in Hamilton in 1998 as the Ontario Raiders, the Toronto Rock were purchased by a group consisting of former Toronto Maple Leafs Assistant General Manager, Bill Watters, Tie Domi, Bobby Orr and former President of the Toronto Blue Jays, Paul Beeston, and moved to Maple Leaf Gardens in 1999.  Rebranded as the Toronto Rock, lacrosse in Toronto was brilliantly marketed and became an instant hit, while simultaneously becoming one of the most important and influential franchises in the league.  The Rock enjoyed unprecedented success, winning the Champions’ Cup four of their first five seasons in Toronto, and a total of six championships.  The Rock were sold to Oakville businessman Jamie Dawick in 2009.  In an effort to control costs and have better control of home dates, the Rock moved down the Queen Elizabeth Way and made a return to Hamilton in 2021.  The move has been a good one for the Rock and they prepare to embark on another new chapter in team history. Food & Beverage 4 The concessions at FirstOntario Centre are solid.  Hot dogs, poutine, fries, chicken fingers, onion rings, popcorn and nachos are all on the menu.  Some specific stands that may peak interest include the Canadian favourite, Pizza Pizza.  Franks & Suds offers a variety of gourmet hot dogs and the Mill Street Brewery stand offers a few deli and artisan sandwiches.  Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice at FirstOntario Centre.  Beer options include Budweiser, Bud Light, Stella Artois, Corona, Mill Street, and Goose Island IPA.  A full bar with wine and spirits can also be found. Atmosphere 3 FirstOntario Centre is in definite need of some TLC and a renovation is definitely needed.  The exterior features what used to be white siding with markings for the arena name.  Plenty of old Hamilton Bulldogs markings can be found around the exterior and interior.  A large sign at the corner of York and Bay is also not really functioning and full of rust. At the entry points on York Street, fans are greeted with some large staircases in the eighties style that would be avoided today as much as possible.  The use of concrete throughout FirstOntario Centre is evident.  Fans ascend to the main concourse, which services both the upper and lower seating areas in the style of the old Palace of Auburn Hills.  A “pop-up” merchandise area is found in the concourse along with concession stands.  Some markings for the Rock can be found also, but nothing overly interesting. The seating bowl is a simple two tier design with a small number of suites separating the upper and lower bowls.  Seats in the lower bowl have been replaced in a previous renovation, however the upper bowl has the original, multi coloured seats from 1985.  Some sections in the upper bowl are curtained off for Rock games depending on the size of the crowd to increase the feeling of intimacy of the venue.  A large crowd for the game that was reviewed meant a number of upper bowl sections were open.  The floor runs from east to west with the best picture of the centre floor logo from the north.  A simple, four-sided video board hangs in the centre of the area.  The Bill Sturrup Memorial Media Gondola hangs from the north side of the arena and the banners are on the east side.  Along with the Championship banners from 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2011 are the three retired numbers of Colin Doyle, Jim Veltman and Bob Watson and banners honouring coaches Les Bartley and Terry Sanderson who have passed away.  It definitely feels like the home of the Rock inside. The gameday production of a Rock game is high energy and excitement throughout.  The Rock City Dancers perform before the game and during some breaks and mascot Iggy participates in the pregame ceremonies and promotions.  PA announcer Mike Hancock has a low-key, fan friendly approach where he is more conversing with the fans than making announcements.  Anthem singer Scotty Newlands is among the best, and his renditions of the national anthems will give fans goosebumps.  Players are introduced through pyro and smoke.  Music is played throughout the game, even during play, and is far better than what would be played during an NBA game, focusing on classic rock.  The Rock feature individualized goal songs, which isn’t bad, considering the volume of goals that box lacrosse tends to produce. Neighbourhood 2 FirstOntario Centre is located in Central Hamilton, a fairly depressed neighbourhood that could use a bit of revitalization.  There are some spots for pre and post game fairs.  Merit Brewing, Stonewalls and George Hamilton are all close.  Leaving the immediate area and heading to Hess Village might be the best idea.  Some of the restaurants on Hess Street include the Gown and Gavel and Electric Diner. Fans looking for other sporting options in town should consider the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the CFL and the Hamilton Cardinals of Intercounty Baseball.  McMaster University fields a number of athletic teams, most notably the Marauder football and basketball teams.  Also, visiting the Canadian Football Hall of Fame at Tim Hortons Field is a great idea.  Other tourist options include the Farmers Market, FirstOntario Concert Hall, Art Gallery of Hamilton and Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum.  The Sheraton and Homewood Suites are in Central Hamilton and options for fans who wish to stay close to the arena. Fans 4 At one point, the Toronto Rock were the toast of the league and dominated with regards to fan support.  Support has plateaued a bit and the Rock find themselves in the middle of the NLL according to average attendance.  In the 2024 season, the Rock averaged over 8,600 fans per game, good for 5th in the NLL.  In 2023, the Rock averaged over 9,400 fans per game and were 4th in the league.  Rock fans are loud and knowledgeable.  Their fanbase would fall more into the “die-hard” category.  It would benefit the Rock if they could attract more casual fans going forward.  However, moving to Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga for the 2024 season will see a drop in fans per game, but a huge increase in capacity filled with a much smaller building. Access 3 The FirstOntario Centre is located in Central Hamilton at the corner of York Blvd. and Bay Street North.  Getting there is not too difficult from the west.  It is only a couple of kilometers from Highway 403.  However, from the east, fans will have to traverse a significant portion of Hamilton.  There are a few surface lots near the arena and a couple of parking garages.  Scouting out parking before heading out is a good plan as a number of spots close to the arena are expensive at $30 for a spot.  There are bus stops along York Blvd. for fans who wish to take public transit.  Fans should consult the HSR website for fares, maps and schedules. Getting around the FirstOntario Centre is not the easiest.  There are plenty of stairs from street level to the concourse level, especially at the York Street entrances.  With a large crowd, the single concourse can get pretty crowded.  Washroom facilities are adequate for the venue. With security protocols and procedures in constant flux, Stadium Journey strongly suggests visiting the Toronto Rock and FirstOntario Centre websites for the most up-to-date security information before heading to the arena. Return on Investment 4 NLL lacrosse provides a good return on investment.  Tickets run from $43 to $76.  The opportunity to get close to the action for a decent price is far better in the NLL than in other professional sports leagues.  Concession prices are what one would expect.  Parking can be expensive, but cheap parking is available for those willing to look for it. The atmosphere at a Rock game is amazing and fans will definitely have a great time.  All for much cheaper than one would spend at an NHL game. Extras 4 An extra mark for the return of nicknames to the Toronto Rock.  A staple of the early Rock teams, every player had a nickname that was part of their introduction, a tradition that has returned to the team. An extra mark for the Toronto Rock closing Maple Leaf Gardens.  The final event at the venerable arena before renovation and rebranding by Toronto Metropolitan University was the Rock’s NLL Championship in 2000. An extra mark for the NLL everyman image.  The majority of the players in the league have other full time jobs and are lacrosse “weekend warriors.” An extra mark for the impact of the Toronto Rock on the lacrosse community in Southern Ontario.  With the building of the Toronto Rock Athletic Centre in Oakville, Jamie Dawick and the Rock have done a great job promoting lacrosse at a wide variety of levels, including the OJLL Oakville Buzz. Final Thoughts The Toronto Rock have arrived at a bit of a transition point in their successful existence.  After making a relatively successful transition to Hamilton, the Rock now face a few uncertain years as they temporarily move to a smaller facility in Mississauga awaiting the much needed renovation to the FirstOntario Centre.  Lacrosse fans will be anxiously awaiting the return of the Rock to Hamilton, hopefully sooner than later. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Preston Field 99 Stadium Dr Westminster, MD 21157 McDaniel Green Terror website Preston Field website Home of the Green Terror Located in Westminster, Maryland, you will find McDaniel College, home of the McDaniel Green Terror athletics program. McDaniel competes in Division III of the NCAA, in the Centennial Conference. The school was originally known as Western Maryland College, after the railroad, not the region, but changed its name in 2002 as the railroad is long since defunct. The Green Terror baseball team competes at Preston Field on the McDaniel campus. It is located adjacent to Kenneth R. Gill Stadium, home of McDaniel football, and several other McDaniel athletic facilities. There are several different possible stories for where McDaniel's unique nickname came from, but all stem around someone describing the athletes as "green terrors" or something similar in some long-ago media report. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or drink for sale at Preston Field, but fans are free to bring their own. Atmosphere 2 As mentioned above, Preston Field is located on a hill that makes up the McDaniel campus, surrounded by trees and several other McDaniel athletic facilities. There are several sets of bleachers at the field, although they are nowhere near each other. A couple of sets behind home plate are off-center at an odd angle and behind a metal fence, making viewing difficult. A few bleachers further down the line offer a better view, but may still be partially obstructed by the padded protector on top of the fence. It will be below eye level, but may still obstruct a portion of the field. Some fans choose to stand behind the backstop directly behind home plate. It offers a good view, but there is no place to sit A scoreboard is located in the outfield and shows the linescore. It is a pretty basic gameday experience. Music is played between innings and between McDaniel batters, but not between pitches or visiting batters. However, depending on what else is going on at adjacent fields, you may hear music from there at virtually any time during the game, including during live action, which is normally a major no-no. Neighborhood 3 Westminster is a suburb, or perhaps exurb, of Baltimore, but is quite a good distance from there. It is a small town, but that does not mean it has nothing to offer. Your best bet is to head downtown, a short distance from campus, where you will find many options. Rafael's Steak and Oysters and Maggie's are two local favorites, but there are plenty of other options as well. The downtown area is small, but certainly not empty. Fans 2 The crowd at McDaniel is mostly friends and family of the players, which is pretty typical for Division III. Those who do attend are knowledgeable about the team, coming to many games themselves. Unfortunately, the spread-out nature of the bleachers means the fans are even quieter than they otherwise would be. Access 2 If coming from Baltimore, you can take I-70 West to Maryland Route 97 north, or you can take I-795 to State Route 140. From the DC area, you will take I-270 to some local roads the rest of the way. However, you can often make good time on these local roads, so getting to the McDaniel campus is not hugely difficult. Once on campus, there are several lots near the stadium to park in, and some fans will park on the grass down the left-field line as well. There are no restrooms at the baseball field, but there are some in the football stadium down the hill that you can access during games. Return on Investment 4 Admission to McDaniel baseball games is free, and you will not incur any other costs except gas. However, there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 3 Look for the water tower with the McDaniel logo looming over the field. A second star for the chance to see multiple games on the same day nearby. It is even possible to see multiple games at the same time if you plan right, as the football/lacrosse field is visible from the home plate bleachers if you turn around. Finally, be sure to check out the Western Maryland Railroad box car. It is technically part of the football field, but is visible from the baseball field and you will probably pass it on your way into the parking lot. Final Thoughts Preston Field has a unique, if not completely ideal, setup for a baseball game, with many different vantage points to watch from. Unfortunately, however, baseball is just not a huge deal here (not unsurprising for a school of this size in this part of the country) and the facility and gameday experience reflect that. Still, baseball fans in the area may want to check out a baseball game here. It's hard to argue with free baseball, especially with a name as awesome as the Green Terror.

The Arena Football League is starting back up again, and Tim Capper joins us to give us the ins and outs of the new league, and what to expect. Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page. Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Whether it's junior, the minors, or the big leagues, hockey provides one of the best in-game experiences that any fan could ask for.  However, there is just something different about NCAA Hockey … something special.  The cozier venues make sightlines excellent and let the fan be right on top of the action.  The traditions that come with teams have been around for a long time and are unique to college hockey.  The student sections that in many places prove to be rowdier and more creative than their basketball and football counterparts.  Finally, the band puts that final touch on the experience to create that truly unique ambiance. Stadium Journey is proud to present the Top 25 NCAA Hockey Experiences (with a few extras included) according to our writers and FANFARE scoring system.  Our patented FANFARE rating system takes into account a venue's concessions, atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, value, and more. When two or more venues had the same score, a Stadium Journey Council of Elders was called upon to break the tie. To see any of the reviews referenced here, simply click on the link above the photo. With the 2023-2024 season coming to an end, fans are encouraged to get out to the rink and check out some of the greatest hockey experiences in the world in 2024-2025. Here are the Top 25 (+2) College Hockey Experiences of 2024. 1. Yost Ice Arena - Michigan Wolverines 4.57 Steve Ohnsmann - Surprisingly, the Yost Ice Arena was known as the Yost Field House and was first used as a basketball arena for both the men’s and women’s programs before the Crisler Center was built in 1967. In 1973, the building was converted into an ice arena and the Wolverines hockey team has been there ever since. This is the definitive “old school” hockey arena and should be on the bucket list for all hockey fans. 2. Ralph Engelstad Arena - North Dakota Fighting Hawks 4.43 Daryn Skjefte - The Ralph Engelstad Arena is unlike anything else in college hockey. The extreme detail that goes into every aspect is vibrant and outstanding. The excitement can quite literally be felt from a mile away, and regardless of the turn-out of the game, you will have a good time. The arena is truly the best in college hockey for several reasons. This should be a spot to see on everyone’s bucket list. 3. 3M Arena at Mariucci - Minnesota Golden Gophers 4.43 Dennis Morrell - Get here to see a game, you will be talking about for weeks and months after your visit. Witnessing a game here is very special. While the fans make up a huge part of the experience make no mistake, the venue and the university add a great deal to creating a magnificent live hockey experience. 4. AMSOIL Arena - Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs 4.43 Jared Townsend - AMSOIL is certainly one of the best college hockey game day experiences you’ll find in the state, if not the entire U.S. Midwest. It’s more than just getting your money’s worth, it’s an experience that’ll make you want to recommend attending a game here to others, even if they’re not UMD Bulldog fans. 5. Compton Family Ice Arena - Notre Dame Fighting Irish 4.43 Marc Viquez - The arena itself is a true spectacle because it looks like an older facility on the outside, but once you’re inside you see it is truly a modern and state-of-the-art venue that offers everything a fan needs in terms of food, comfort, and entertainment. 6. Kohl Center - Wisconsin Badgers 4.43 Paul Swaney - Time a visit in November and you may be able to see two games on your trip to Madison depending on the basketball and football schedules. College hockey fans should come to a Wisconsin game- it’s one of the finest venues in college hockey. 7. Baxter Arena - Omaha Mavericks 4.29 Nolan Searl - A fan favorite, and unique UNO tradition, happens after the first Maverick goal of every game as a fish gets thrown onto the ice. What started as a rogue operation was eventually embraced by the university and the fans. Once the fish is on the ice, a guy driving a mini-Zamboni with a wheelie bar comes out and scoops it up in a net. It’s pretty hilarious. 8. Agganis Arena - Boston University Terriers 4.14 Paul Baker - Boston is a hockey city at heart. And even though most of Boston bleeds the Bruins’ black and gold, there is a corner of the city along Commonwealth Avenue that proudly sports the red and white of the Terriers. In a city with no shortage of college hockey options, Agganis Arena offers an experience that may top them all. 9. Goggin Ice Center - Miami RedHawks 4.14 Marc Viquez - The Goggin Ice Center is the perfect venue for the Redhawks hockey team and provides an ideal canvas for its fans, students, and alumni to cheer on the club during the season. The program can hold its own against the best of them in the college hockey world and the Hawks fans won’t let you forget that when in attendance. 10. Magness Arena - Denver Pioneers 4.14 Matt Finnegan - A game at Magness Arena allows fans to enjoy some of the nation’s top college hockey at a reasonable price.  From families with children to rabid hockey fans, a Pioneer home game provides a great, overall experience for everyone. 11. John J. MacInnes Student Ice Arena - Michigan Tech Huskies 4.14 Paul Swaney - A journey (and it is a journey) to Houghton, Michigan to see the Michigan Tech Huskies is well worth the trip. Whether you live in the area, are a major hockey fan, or are just following your team on the road, you will enjoy what you find at MacInnes Arena. 12. Centene Community Ice Center - Lindenwood Lions 4.14 Lloyd Brown - The Lindenwood University men’s hockey program has finally leaped over NCAA Division I competition. Their home ice at the Centene Community Ice Center will immediately become one of the top collegiate hockey venues in the Midwest. 13. Tsongas Center - UMass Lowell River Hawks 4.00 Paul Baker - It’s easy to be overshadowed in the crowded Boston hockey scene, but the Tsongas Center remains as one of the better hockey rinks in the area, even after a quarter century of use. While professional hockey is no longer in the cards for this cozy mid-sized arena, The UMass Lowell River Hawks have a home that measures up to any college arena in the country. 14. Mullett Arena - Arizona State Sun Devils 4.00 Lloyd Brown - While Mullett Arena has been panned as an NHL venue due to its small capacity and lack of NHL-level amenities, it shines as the college-level home of the Sun Devils. It offers a great gameday experience for both players and fans. The Inferno student section adds to the college vibe in the on-campus arena. I guess you could say I’m the (Sun) Devil’s advocate for this new venue! 15. Matthews Arena - Northeastern Huskies 4.00 Paul Baker - Many buildings use the term “historic” as a synonym for “old”. Matthews Arena truly presents as the former, even as it continues to function as the oldest indoor rink still being used in the world. Renovations have kept the facility up-to-date without sacrificing the historic features of the rink. Matthews Arena is a must-see for any hockey historian. 16. Gene Polisseni Center - RIT Tigers 4.00 Dave Cottenie - A trip to Henrietta to see the RIT Tigers is an excellent experience that college hockey fans should consider undertaking.  Although probably not considered a bucket list venue, even among college hockey die-hards, the Gene Polisseni Center more than meets the expectations of the hockey fan and is easily competitive with other college hockey venues. 17. Martire Family Arena - Sacred Heart Pioneers 4.00 Greg Venuto - Martire Arena is a great venue to take in a hockey game.  Both families and local hockey fans should not pass up the chance to check out the impressive new facility and watch Sacred Heart as the program attempts to make its mark on New England hockey. 18. Mullins Center - UMass Minutemen 4.00 Paul Baker - The Mullins Center is an attractive on-campus facility that serves as a home for the UMass Minutemen basketball and hockey teams. Still going strong in its 30th season, the arena provides western Massachusetts hockey fans with a comfortable place to watch a recent national championship team do their thing. 19. Berry Events Center - Northern Michigan Wildcats 4.00 Paul Swaney - There is no doubt that college hockey fans should include a trip to Northern Michigan University as a spot to see great hockey. Whether you are following your team on the road or just looking for a new venue, you won’t be disappointed by what you find at the Berry Events Center. 20. Pegula Ice Arena - Penn State Nittany Lions 3.86 Paul Baker - The Pegula Ice Arena is already mentioned as one of the marquee collegiate hockey venues in the nation. Penn State hockey has likewise enjoyed a meteoric rise to be considered one of the premier programs in the nation. When you step into Pegula Ice Arena for a Nittany Lion game, be ready for one of the best game day experiences in the nation. 21. Cadet Ice Arena - Air Force Falcons 3.86 Matt Finnegan - The Air Force Academy is worth a visit for its beauty and tradition alone.  A game at Cadet Ice Arena is a different and fun way to experience the school.  The program is consistently competitive and, especially against Army or local rivals Colorado College and the University of Denver, things can get loud in Cadet Ice Arena. 22. Harold Alfond Arena - Maine Black Bears 3.86 David Welch - Hockey at Alfond Sports Arena had become a bit of an afterthought for the state since its glory days. While the fervor and passion from the students have been relatively consistent, interest from the community has ebbed and flowed with the ups and downs on the ice.  The pendulum is now seemingly swinging back to the positive, however, which has revitalized Alfond Arena into one of the more special college hockey experiences in the country. 23. M&T Bank Arena - Quinnipiac Bobcats 3.86 Paul Baker - One of the best sports stories of the last decade was the ascension of tiny Quinnipiac University to the top of the college hockey world. After a couple of down years, the Bobcats are back at the top of the polls and People’s United Center is filled with rabid Connecticut hockey fans. This hidden gem of an arena is a must-see for anyone who enjoys college pucks. 24. Silvio O. Conte Forum - Boston College Eagles 3.86 Paul Baker - If you were to Google “what an arena looked like in the 1980s,” there’s a good chance Conte Forum would top the search results. With Boston College's history oozing from every corner of the facility, Conte Forum has a cozy, intimate feel to it. With the Eagles, a fixture at the top of the national rankings year in and year out, a trip to Chestnut Hill is a must for any hockey fan visiting Boston. 25. Bentley Arena - Bentley Falcons 3.86 Paul Baker - The trend of Atlantic Conference teams moving away from local community rinks and into cozy on-campus arenas is a welcome one. Bentley Arena, with its intimate, eco-friendly design, is a great place to catch a game and a hidden gem in the crowded Boston hockey scene 26. Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center - Minnesota State Mavericks 3.86 Jared Townsend - Verizon Wireless Center isn’t as flashy as more modern hockey arenas, but the point is, it gets the job done. Whether it’s the game ticket ($16) or the concessions (all very affordable), you can have an enjoyable experience among the great fans at this arena without having to worry about spending too much. 27. Harry W. Lawson Ice Arena - Western Michigan Broncos 3.86 Steve Ohnsman - The students who attend Western Michigan University hockey games at Lawson Ice Arena are affectionately known as the “Lawson Lunatics” and visiting teams and their coaches know that they will face an additional challenge due to the Lunatics.  Lawson is the oldest and second smallest arena in its conference, but the general atmosphere is exciting and all the fans are into the game. Some of those exciting years include six appearances in the NCAA Tournament and two conference championships.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 RGCU Field at Isotopes Park 1601 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 Map It Albuquerque Isotopes website RGCU Field at Isotopes Park website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 13,279 Duke City Baseball Disclaimer: This is NOT a review of the Springfield Isotopes at Duff Stadium. For that, check this link. Albuquerque, NM (nicknamed the Duke City) has a long history of baseball, beginning as far back as 1880, with teams playing in various B, C, and D leagues until the mid-1950s.  Most teams were known as ‘The Dukes.'  In 1964, the Los Angeles Dodgers purchased the existing team and moved them from the aging Tingley Field to the Albuquerque Sports Stadium.  The team remained the Dodgers affiliate until the end of the 2000 season. In May 2001, city voters approved a $25 million renovation of the existing stadium.  Construction crews razed and completely rebuilt Albuquerque Sports Stadium on the same site.  Business individuals purchased the floundering Calgary Cannons and moved that team to Albuquerque for the 2003 season as the Albuquerque Isotopes (affiliates of the Miami Marlins).  The owners named the new venue Isotopes Park. The Isotopes again became affiliates of the Dodgers from 2009 – 2014.  In 2015, the team became the AAA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies when that team moved from Colorado Springs, CO. They are a member of the Pacific Coast League (PCL). Isotopes Park, officially known as Rio Grande Credit Union Field at Isotopes Park (RGCU Field), is nicknamed ‘The Lab,’ as an isotope is a science-related term.  It is a top-notch stadium to watch minor league baseball. Food & Beverage 4 The ballpark offers a decent variety of food.  Permanent concession stands and carts line the inner concourse.  Fans can carry one sealed bottle of water into the stadium. Permanent concession stands are: Batter Up! (burgers, chicken baskets, fries, nachos, flatbread, etc.) Pecos River Café (a variety of hot dog choices, Frito pie, etc.) Dions Pizza (pizza, salad, and more) Sante Fe Trail (green and red chile offerings, Hawaiian turkey leg, elotes, etc.) The Sweet Spot (ice cream, milkshakes, sundaes, etc.) Black Angus – Perico’s (New Mexican fare) All kinds of kiosks line the concourse offering Dippin’ Dots, pickles, snow cones, green chili and Philly, Bananas Foster, wild game sausages, noodles, beer, mixed drinks, and vodka lemonade. Most stands offer domestic beers and Pepsi brand sodas (beer $13.50 - $14.25, soda $6.50).  Craft Corner is a beer garden near the right field foul pole that sells several local New Mexico brews on tap. The concourse provides some drink rails to pause and watch the game.  The stadium could use a few more of them for those who like to wander. Atmosphere 4 The Isotopes organization does most things extremely well, starting with their friendly, helpful staff, the gorgeous mountain view beyond right field, and the superb public address announcer. Green fold-down seats run from foul pole to foul pole, with berm seating in right field and a picnic pavilion in left field.  The seats in the high rows behind home and third base get the shade first for day games.  The first base side seating does not get any shade and is in the sun for the entirety of day games. The Isotope dugout is on the third base side.  Nets run all the way down to just before the foul poles and are relatively easy to see through.  The only place to watch the game net-free is the berm in right field or the group picnic pavilion above the bullpens in left field. The team installed a new scoreboard in late 2022, which measures nearly 35 feet high by 110 feet wide and features a 15HD pixel layout.  It’s one of the largest in the Pacific Coast League.  It portrays a wide variety of statistics:  the lineup for the team at bat, player at bat and photo, player season stats and previous innings results, pitcher information, time, temperature, and plenty of advertisements.  Sadly, I didn’t notice any closed captioning, which the previous scoreboard offered. For the 2024 season, the team purchased two new LED auxiliary scoreboards which are situated along the Club level façade on both the first and third base sides of the ballpark.  TV monitors, just inside the first and third base entrances, list the starting lineups. The announcer’s voice is clear and loud, and it is especially helpful that music is not played over her calls.  The team game day operation does a really nice job with that.  More team organizations should take notice of how the Isotopes do it here. The batter’s eye is unusual – a cluster of live pine trees - rather than the traditional green wall.  Prior to the 2023 season, the organization had to remove the iconic center field ‘hill.’  The Isotopes did this at the request of Major League Baseball and the Colorado Rockies. Isotopes Park with Hill, Without Hill, Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The one thing that could improve the atmosphere is reducing the annoying noise snippets or songs between each and every single pitch when the Isotopes are at bat.  It’s not loud, but it’s certainly irritating.  It is more of a pleasure watching the visiting team bat because that doesn’t happen. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits adjacent to Central New Mexico College and the University of New Mexico (UNM) and across the street from The Pit and other UNM Lobo sports venues.   It is a mile from the Nob Hill neighborhood, a vibrant area full of brewpubs, eateries, taquerias, pizzerias, local boutiques, and small art galleries.  Sounds from music bars fill the late-night air in this neighborhood. For breakfast, try Frontier.  A hidden gem for Korean food is Soo Bak Seoul Bowl.  For authentic, tasty New Mexico flare, visit Cocina Azul – even the rice and beans are yummy.  Unbeknownst to the rest of the country, Albuquerque is a hopping local brewery town.   Recommended breweries close to Isotopes Park (though not necessarily within walking distance) are 377 Brewing, Gravity Bound Brewing, and Marble Brewery.  But there are plenty more to visit. Things to see and do while in Albuquerque include Sandia Peak Tramway, Old Town Albuquerque, Petroglyph National Monument, ABQ Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and, of course, a ride in a hot air balloon. For places to stay when in town, plenty of hotels are available at the intersection of Gibson Blvd and Yale Blvd (about a mile from the park), ranging from La Quinta to Marriott brands to Holiday Inns, many with shuttles to and from the airport. During baseball season, other sports in the area include New Mexico United (USL-C), and NM Lobos baseball and softball. Fans 3 Fans continue to come out in droves to visit Isotopes Park, especially on promotion days.  The Mariachis de Nuevo México promotion days get near-sellout crowds.  In 2023, the cumulative attendance total of 521,521 was the fifth most in all minor league baseball. Because of the history with the Dodgers, attend when the team plays the OKC Dodgers, and you’ll see many Dodger fans in attendance. Fans enjoy the game and the festivities at the ballpark. Access 4 Approaching and traversing Isotopes Park is relatively easy.  It is just a block off I-25 with plenty of nearby parking ($7) across the intersection.  Visitors or residents of Albuquerque may find it just as easy to get to via side streets versus getting on the interstate. Bus Route 16 drops fans off at the ballpark.  An Amtrak Station is about 2 miles from Isotopes Park.  The closest airport is the Albuquerque Sunport Airport, about a 5-minute drive to the ballpark. The gates open an hour before the first pitch.   Three entrances are available, with the one behind home used only for those with club or VIP tickets.   Fans are required to use clear plastic bags, no backpacks.  The concourse gets quite crowded behind home plate but opens up nicely down the lines.  Patrons can walk the entire concourse circumference.   Fans must cross a small bridge to complete the circle (fans afraid of heights and such things may find this difficult). Re-entry is not permitted. Local law officials do a fantastic job moving cars out of the parking lots after the game. All restrooms have baby changing tables.  The stadium has family restrooms on the first base and third base concourse and the Club level. Return on Investment 5 Ticket prices vary: Club level $28 - $33, Box level $18 - $23, Reserved level $16 - $21, Berm $10 - $13 (sold on game day only).  Save $4 and purchase tickets in advance.  Kids (ages 2 to 12), seniors (65+), and military get $2 off.  Add an additional $5 for Cinco de Mayo game day tickets. These prices are lower than some AAA teams and higher than others.   Buying tickets in advance and attending on weekdays will get you lower prices. Concession prices are about average as well.  And, if attending on a promotion day, fans may leave with a little goodie or see fireworks or mariachi. It’s a fun time here.   Attending a game is a great sports entertainment investment. Extras 4 Some other items are worth noting.  A Hall of Fame is inside the entry to the Club level.  It displays plaques and trophies of notable Albuquerque sports individuals.  Unfortunately, it is only available for those with Club level tickets. The remarkable Sandia Mountain view is one your eyes will be drawn to throughout the game. The history of the team’s name is unique.   It comes from the TV series The Simpsons in which Homer Simpson attempts to foil the fictional “Springfield Isotopes” baseball team’s plan to move to Albuquerque.  The concourse at Isotopes Park features four of The Simpson’s characters to tie in the theme. The Isotopes installed a new LED lighting system for the 2024 season.  The lights strobe white and red after an Isotopes player hits a home run.   It’s pretty cool.  New murals have been painted along the concourse wall and include several references to Albuquerque and New Mexico. Final Thoughts Isotopes Park is an amazing venue to take in a ballgame. The view is spectacular, the prices are reasonable, and the entertainment is enjoyable.  It’s close to the airport, so if in the Southwest, make a special trip to Isotopes Park.

Photos by Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mullett Arena 411 S Packard Drive Tempe, AZ 85281 Arizona Coyotes website Mullett Arena website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 4,600 Temporary in Tempe, Coyotes To Flee Arizona The story of Mullett Arena must be told in two parts: The first part is the impending departure of the Arizona Coyotes from not only Mullett, on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe, but from the state of Arizona and winding up in Salt Lake City, Utah to play in the Delta Center next season (2023-24). The second part is the actual review of Mullett Arena which may never host a professional game again and could soon turn back into a college arena for its original intended purpose. First let’s tackle the sudden departure of the Coyotes, who play in the NHL’s Central Division. A new arena was first turned down by voters in Tempe last May which scuttled a potential new home. Then, owner Alex Meruelo, announced a plan to bid on land off the 101 Loop in Phoenix on the border of Scottsdale to build a new majestic home which was planned to open in fall of 2027.  The NHL Board of Governors got impatient with a plan that included much uncertainly including the Coyotes having to first win an auction on June 27 to construct a new arena and entertainment district.  It gets even stranger as Meruelo is expected to have a five-year window to bring an expansion team back to the Phoenix area if they can win the auction on the 110-acre site.  Meruelo will keep the name and trademark for that time. It was a crushing blow for Coyote and Arizona hockey fans and stunned many of the team’s employees and players.  The Yotes have been a part of the Phoenix area for 18 seasons. For what it is, Mullett offers a charming setting for fans who can get close to the action and see and hear everything up close.  It is not an NHL venue, but seeing top-flight players in such an intimate setting is fabulous.  Mullett also hosts ASU men's and women’s hockey, women’s gymnastics, men’s wrestling, and occasional concerts and shows (5000 capacity). The facility is named in honor of Donald and Barbara Mullett, two of the university's benefactors. The building also houses the Mountain American Community Iceplex, offering public ice skating sessions. If the Salt Lake City plan goes forward, the Coyotes will be the first NHL team to relocate since the Atlanta Thrashers moved to Winnipeg in 2011. Food & Beverage 3 The food is basic fare since it is a college venue. Attendees can bring in one unopened water bottle.  Otherwise, a Dasani runs $5 and the price is $6 for bottled soda (Coca-Cola products). The food options include Sparky’s Hot Spot with Nachos, Bratwurst, and Philly Cheesesteaks, Big Chicken (founded by Shaquille O’Neal), Neighborhood Burger Joint, and a Pizza Place (Venezia’s).  Hot dogs run $6, beer is $14 and a burger costs $16. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere is all about the proximity to the playing surface.  Since the building is not large it can get loud. There's a drum corp behind sections 115 -116 all game, so it can get a bit loud if you're at the back of those sections. The howl of the Coyote and the Coyote's goal song “I’m Howling For You” by the Black Keys gets the joint jumping. The cheerleaders also contribute by dancing in the aisles during stoppages and attempting to energize the fanbase. Howler is the mascot and is often seen roaming the arena. One of the coolest parts is if you go through the main entrance, there's a large concession stand on the left and a merch kiosk on the right. On the left, there is a glass wall where fans can watch the visiting team enter/exit their locker room between periods up close and personal. One drawback is fans cannot go completely around the arena as there is restricted access to The Club area behind sections 119, 120, 101, 102, & 103. Sections 114-117, which is the ASU student section, is bleacher seating with no seat backs. The center-hung scoreboard seems so small compared to the typical big boards at standard NHL venues. Navigating the narrow concourse is a constant challenge since the venue was not designed for a professional team. Neighborhood 4 Mullett Arena is located in the city of Tempe which is a college town.  It is a great place for both pre and post-game activities with a plethora of bars, restaurants, shops, and hotels.  The bar/restaurant scene is most vibrant on Mill Avenue.  There are also two great places for burgers: The Chuckbox at 202 E. University Drive and In-n-Out Burger at 920 E Playa Del Norte Drive. A Marriott Residence Inn and Hyatt House/Place are just outside the confines of Mullett Arena. Another great activity is to Hike Tempe Butte which is just three minutes away from Mullett. The hike is only 0.7 miles up and back with great vistas at the top.  Remember to bring water and enjoy the majestic views of Tempe and downtown Phoenix (including Sky Harbor Airport and Chase Field). Fans 3 The Coyote fans who come to Mullett are enthusiastic but the problem is there are not enough of them in the building. With the inordinate price tag, the tickets are often bought by visiting team fans on vacation to the Phoenix area.  A good chunk of Coyote fans most likely sell their seats on the secondary market to make some money on the high-priced tickets. On this occasion, the arena was filled with probably 85-90% New York Rangers fans many clad in their traditional red, white, and blue. The Coyotes have developed a hard-core group of followers in the Phoenix area who will be following future happenings in hopes of a new iteration of their team returning soon. Access 4 Driving to Mullett Arena is easy with the ASU Campus located just off the 202.  Fans can enter off N. Scottsdale Road or Mill Avenue which runs north and south.  Parking outside the arena is $25 at an ASU-owned lot.  Another option is ParkWhiz, which Stadium Journey used for this visit and paid only $8.48 (booked in advance), for an indoor lot at 117 East 5th Street and was a 12-minute walk. The greater Phoenix area has one of the best light rail systems in the country, covering over 28 miles and going from north of downtown out to Mesa, with a stop just a few minutes away from Mullett Arena. The cost is only $2 per ride. Return on Investment 1 Ticket prices are astronomical since the Coyotes had to make up for a lack of revenue due to the size of the building.  Standing room ranges from $60-$100 depending upon the opponent. The benches behind the goal that the opponents shoot at during the first and third periods start at about $125-$170.  Center ice seats are $225-$400 depending on the opponent and how close to the glass one sits. Food prices are about average for the NHL maybe a little bit less. Extras 1 The only extra point goes to being so close to the action which is something that is never experienced at the NHL level. The arena allows all fans to feel in touch with the excitement and speed of the game. The other benefit is the arena is new but the highlights end there. Final Thoughts April 17 could be the last time Mullett ever hosts an NHL game as The Coyotes face the Edmonton Oilers. Mullett Arena was a great experience for NHL fans who had a chance to see a game there.  Still, Mullett is worthy of a Stadium Journey for college events and anything else held there in the future. Follow Greg Venuto’s stadium journeys on Twitter @VenutoGreg and Facebook.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 River Oaks Country Club 1600 River Oaks Blvd Houston, TX 77019 River Oaks Country Club website U.S. Men's Clay Court Championship website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 3,000 U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship The U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship has been a tournament on the ATP schedule since its founding in 1910. Throughout its history, the tournament has been won by a litany of all-time men’s tennis greats, including Arthur Ashe, Ivan Lendl, Jimmy Connors, and Andre Agassi. It is now the only ATP tour-level event in the United States to be played on a clay surface. Houston, the largest city in the Lone Star State, has been home to the tournament since 2001 when it moved from Orlando. In 2007 the exclusive River Oaks Country Club became host for the tourney – the club was founded in 1923 and resides in the eponymous River Oaks neighborhood near the center of Space City. Since coming to H-Town the tournament has been both popular with its patrons and successful for the tour and the club. I had never experienced professional tennis before and was unsure of what to expect on my visit; read on to learn more about what I experienced during this unique event. Food & Beverage 3 First things first – the food selection, variety, and costs at the tournament all range from great to very good. The food service company behind the event is one of the most revered in all of Houston, The Goode Company. This brand behind a chain of area barbecue joints and Tex-Mex restaurants offers up a variety of eats, including chips and queso or guacamole, brisket sandwiches, barbecue chicken sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Bottled water, sports drinks, and sodas are also on the menu. A full-service bar is on-site as well, offering up made-to-order cocktails, wine, champagne, and beer. Again, the drinks are all good and are reasonably well-priced. My sole complaint, if we can call it that, is that there is only one tent that offers up these concessions. While completely understand that the lush grounds of River Oaks don’t lend themselves to many more options, it is still an inconvenience. Atmosphere 4 I would be hard-pressed to imagine an event like a men’s professional tennis tournament taking place at a place more beautiful than River Oaks Country Club – when it comes to atmosphere, the location itself is the major selling point. Everything is immaculate, from the lush green grass to the classically styled clubhouse, to the gleaming luxury cars parked throughout the grounds on behalf of one of the tourney’s sponsors. Frankly speaking, the setting is gorgeous. The venue for the tournament, while a little outdated on the surface, still seems perfect for this type of event. Green wooden bleachers and member’s boxes look like they could easily be found at Wimbledon or Roland Garros; the facility has an old-school, luxurious charm, which I’ll discuss more in the Extras section. Neighborhood 4 The country club, as mentioned, is located smack dab in the middle of an upscale neighborhood. Once you turn on River Oaks Drive you’ll leave the rest of the city behind, and on the drive to the club, you’ll see nothing but street after street of houses and apartments. In other words, the usual dining, lodging, and entertainment options are not going to be near the immediate vicinity. However, the benefit of it being set in Houston is that tournament patrons are privy to everything that Space City has to offer. When it comes to places to eat, the immediate River Oaks neighborhood doesn’t have anything to offer. However, if you venture not too far from the venue, a wealth of options opens up to visitors. In keeping with the idea of not straying too far from the venue, dining options within a 10 to 15-minute drive include the State of Grace, chic seafood and Texas fare restaurant in the Lamar-River Oaks Shopping Center; dishes here range from freshly caught seafood, from the nearby Texas Gulf Coast to gumbo and enchiladas. On the opposite end of the spectrum is Barnaby’s Café, a neighborhood joint that is, as a bonus, pet friendly. Baby back ribs, burgers, and Barnaby’s signature French dip sandwich are just some of the highlights. In terms of entertainment, visitors might be surprised to know how many green spaces are located right here in the heart of Space City. Very close to River Oaks are both Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Park – millions of people visit Memorial Park each year, and for good reason. It has miles of hiking and cycling trails; food trucks; an award-winning municipal golf course; baseball, softball, and soccer fields; and volleyball and tennis courts. Buffalo Bayou, on the other hand, is a sprawling 160-acre park that very much keeps the terrain as close to natural as possible, and offers bike and kayak rentals, picnic areas, playgrounds, public art, and food trucks for visitors. For lodging, if you venture a short way from the club, your options run the gamut from five-star boutiques to affordable motels. Examples of this include St. Regis Houston and DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston - Greenway Plaza – you’re sure to find something that fits your budget and is fairly close to the tournament. Fans 4 I wasn’t sure what to expect on my visit to this year’s tournament. I’ve admittedly only ever watched tennis in the past when it was time for one of the major tourneys, and those events are hugely popular and highly attended, but I just wasn’t sure about a regular tour stop. To say I was impressed would be a bit of an understatement. The final weekend of the tournament saw the venue completely sold out. The grandstands were full and the grounds – as there were passes sold just to be on the grounds during the event – were crowded the whole day that I was there. In the stands, these were proper tennis fans, engaged and vocal at the right moments. There were, however, also quite a few folks who arrived late – though that might have to do with what’s discussed in the Access section below – and that’s the only reason I’m not giving the Fans section a 5. Access 3 Access is always a thorny issue for me when reviewing a venue in Houston. It is a great city with a tremendous number of places to visit, things to do, food to eat, games to watch, etc., and we can easily count the Clay Court Championship as one of these things to do. However, it becomes tricky for one reason: traffic. To get to River Oaks Country Club, you are going to have to drive or ride in some form of motorized vehicle. In all fairness, Houston has great public transportation, but you won’t be able to take that to get close to River Oaks. So again, you’ll need to drive or ride in a car most likely to get here, and Houston traffic is notorious. You will get stuck in it at least once; it is inevitable. You will need to consider that as you make your way to the tournament. Once at the club parking is very limited, and things bottleneck as you make your way up the main drive. Valet parking is an option, and you can get it right at the entrance if that’s a route you want to go. There is also a shuttle service running hourly for those who want/need to park outside the grounds. In addition, another nice perk is that free bicycle cabs are also provided. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to this event are a little on the higher end, especially for the grandstands on championship weekend. General admission tickets to just get onto the grounds run anywhere from $15 to $35, depending on which day of the week you want to attend. While you won’t be able to get to the court beyond walking through, there is quite a nice area, complete with tables, umbrellas, and benches, where the matches are broadcast to a large television. Tickets to sit in the stands will run you several hundred dollars or more, again depending on the day you attend. I preface this by saying I’ve never been to a professional tennis tournament before, but this seems commensurate with what you should expect for an event like this – you are getting high-level, competitive, professional tennis at prices that are about average for this sport. Extras 2 There isn’t much in the way of Extras at the tournament; the event is treated very much with reverence and class, which shows up in every detail of it. There are plenty of spots on the grounds perfect for photo ops, however, the giant tournament bracket is one of them. Fans can also shop for souvenirs at the tournament store, or for fine goods at a pop-up jewelry store. Plus, attendees get to stroll the grounds of this historic and regularly closed-off club. Final Thoughts I enjoyed my first exposure to professional tennis. The action on the courts was thrilling, and the athletes were even more impressive to watch in person. A venue like River Oaks Country Club is not one I get the chance to experience regularly, so I enjoyed the opportunity to take it in. Sports fans, especially those in this area of Texas, should make an effort to take in the U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Veteran’s Memorial Park 85 Eckhart St. Bridgeport, CT 06606 Sacred Heart Pioneers baseball website Veteran’s Memorial Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 500 Pioneer Baseball Sacred Heart University first fielded a baseball team in 1966. The Pioneers originally competed in Division Two, reaching the D-2 World Series in 1992. In 2000 the school elevated all of their athletic teams to Division One status. After spending more than two decades in the Northeast Conference, the Pioneers will be joining the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in the fall of 2024. Since joining the sport’s top level, the Pioneers have appeared in the NCAA tournament four times, most recently in 2015. Three Sacred Heart alumni (Troy Scribner, Zack Short and Jason Foley) have played in the Major Leagues. Sacred Heart played their home baseball games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard in nearby Bridgeport from 2001-2017. When the ballpark was closed in order to convert it to a concert venue, Sacred Heart was forced to play in several area ballparks until a suitable replacement was found. In 2019 the Pioneers found a field closer to home at neighboring Veteran’s Memorial Park, right across the street from the Sacred Heart campus. Founded in 1937 as Ninety Acres Park, the park was re-dedicated in 2005. The baseball field, built in 2009, is formally named the Perry Pilotti Field after the prominent Bridgeport resident and businessman. Also located within the park are several hiking trails, a disc golf course and soccer fields. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available here at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Visiting fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments to the game. Many fans stop at one of the food trucks that line up at Veterans Park along Park Avenue to pick up a snack for the game. Atmosphere 2 One wouldn’t expect an elaborate game day presentation here at Veteran’s Memorial Park. The Sacred Heart staff set up shop in a pop-up tent behind home plate. From here, the student interns play music between innings and keep the streaming services updated. The PA announcer does a nice job with lineups on surprisingly clear temporary speakers. A new scoreboard in right field displays basic game information. Fans fill up the small bleachers behind home plate or set up their lawn chairs on the hill on the first base side of the diamond. It’s a nice vantagepoint from which to catch a game, and many fans bring their dogs to bask in the sun on a warm spring day. It’s exactly the kind of low-key atmosphere you would expect at a small community ballfield such as this. Neighborhood 2 Sacred Heart University is located in the affluent Connecticut suburb of Fairfield. Veteran’s Memorial Park is located across the street, about a mile from the campus in the adjacent city of Bridgeport. While Fairfield is a really nice place to live (in fact, Money Magazine rated Fairfield as one of the top 50 places to live in the country), it’s not exactly what you would consider a destination city. Fans visiting Sacred Heart will not find many options for dining or lodging close to campus. To the north of campus on Park Avenue is a residential area, and a few miles to the south is urban Bridgeport. Fans looking for places to eat may have to drive a bit. The downtown areas of both Fairfield and Bridgeport have plenty of choices for the visiting Pioneer fan. Adjacent to the Sacred Heart campus is the Discovery Museum and Planetarium. This attraction features rotating exhibits and interactive educational displays. JP’s Diner, a 50s style full-service restaurant, is located on campus next to the William Pitt Center and Campus Field. If arriving early enough for a weekend game, locals rave about the breakfast sandwiches at The Tasty Yolk, one of many food trucks that set up shop on Park Avenue. Visiting fans looking for some physical activity after a Sacred Heart game can check out the disc golf course at Veterans Memorial Park or the zip lines at Discovery Adventure Park. Fans 2 The crowd at a Sacred Heart baseball game is a “friends and family” type of gathering. Crowds range in number between 100-200 people. Many of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players on the field and are vocal in their support of the home team throughout the game. With Sacred Heart’s schedule consisting largely of local opponents, it’s not unusual to see visiting fans mixed in among the Pioneer supporters. Access 3 Sacred Heart University is located in the affluent Connecticut suburb of Fairfield. Veteran’s Memorial Park is located across the street, about a mile from the campus in the neighboring city of Bridgeport. The area is easily accessed by either the Merritt Parkway or Interstate 95. Traffic in this part of the state is often heavy, even on weekends, so allot extra time to arrive at the ballpark. Parking is available adjacent to the ballpark at the John Winthrop Elementary school parking lot. From here paved paths will take you down a hill to the baseball field. Seating is available on some small metal bleachers located behind home plate. Many fans bring their own chairs to set up around the field. A most popular spot is the hill on the first base side of the field, which offers the best views in the park. Access to much of the grounds is blocked off to fans by ropes. Fans are only allowed to access the area behind home plate and the hill on the first base side of the field. Unfortunately, the dugout roofs and wrapping have the unintended effect of blocking views of the field from much of the seating area. No matter where you sit at Veteran’s Memorial Park, you will be looking through some thick chain link fencing while you watch the action. There is a building containing rest rooms at Veteran’s Memorial Park. Unfortunately, the doors to the men’s room did not completely close during Stadium Journey’s visit. Some port-a-johns nearby augment these permanent rest rooms. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Pioneer games is free of charge, as is parking in the elementary school parking lot next door to the ball field. With no concessions, visiting fans will not spend a single cent while at a Sacred Heart baseball game. Extras 1 The Pioneers honor their conference title teams and NCAA tournament appearances with graphics on the back of the visitor’s dugout and on the left field. The three Sacred Heart alumni who have reached the majors are honored on the right field fence. Final Thoughts Despite improvements in Pilotti Field over the course of Sacred Heart’s tenure here, this remains at best a nice community ball field. Rumors are swirling that the school is looking to build their own facility on or near campus. A permanent and dedicated home is long overdue for the Pioneers squad. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Don '63 and Chris '88 Cook Field 1073 North Benson Road Fairfield, CT 06824 Fairfield Stags website Cook Field website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 350 The More Things Change Baseball has been played at the site of the Alumni Baseball Diamond since Fairfield University first sponsored a varsity team in 1951. Aside from renovations completed in 2017, the facility has remained largely the same over its 70-plus years of use. However, big changes were announced in 2024. In January it was announced that the facility had been renamed the Don ’63 and Chris ’88 Cook Field in honor of former Athletics Director C. Donald Cook. The elder Cook served as Director of Athletics from 1971-1986. He was the first President of the MAAC and is a member of the Fairfield Athletic Hall of Fame. Cook was co-captain of the Stags baseball team in 1963 and served as head coach from 1966-1984. The field’s new name also honors Cook’s son, Christopher, who died in 2014 after a long illness. The younger Cook also played on the baseball team while a student at Fairfield. Fairfield competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, which consists mainly of teams located in the metro New York City area. The Stags have qualified for two NCAA Tournaments, in 2016 and 2021. One Fairfield alumnus, Keefe Cato, has played in the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions available at Cook Field. Veteran Stag fans will bring their own refreshments to enjoy during the game. During Stadium Journey’s latest visit, a food cart was parked outside the entrance to the ballpark, but it was not open. It looks like it’s only there for lacrosse games. Atmosphere 2 Baseball at Cook Field is a baseball purist’s dream. There are not a whole lot of bells and whistles here to distract from the action taking place on the field. The solid PA system at Cook Field is put to good use for between innings music and lineup announcements. A basic scoreboard in left field displays game information. For a more unique perspective at a Fairfield Stags game, take in all or part of the game from the outfield. Some dorms overlook Cook Field in right-center field, and you can find students enjoying the action on a nice spring afternoon, heckling visiting outfielders and unwinding from their studies with a few beverages. Mixed in with these students are several family members of Stag ballplayers. It’s a good-natured, fun time, and a much different experience than what you will find in the grandstand. Neighborhood 3 Fairfield University is located in affluent Fairfield, CT, a town with a population of about 60,000 located on Connecticut’s “Gold Coast” in the southwest corner of the state. Forbes Magazine rated Fairfield as the ninth best place to live in the United States, and the best place in the northeast. Fairfield University is a typical northeastern campus with lots of green space and a great college vibe. The University is located in a largely residential area, with not much for visitors to do in the immediate vicinity. Just a mile or two south of the campus is Route One, which is a commercial zone filled with restaurants and lodging options. Visitors to Fairfield will likely search out this area before or after the game. Within walking distance of Cook Field is The Levee, Fairfield’s on-campus sports bar. Serving a limited menu of basic Italian fare and beverages, it’s a decent option right after a Stags game. Also within walking distance of Cook Field are Fairfield’s other athletic facilities, including Leo Mahoney Arena and Rafferty Stadium. Fans 2 Crowds at Cook Field can be classified as “friends and family”, as attendance generally ranges from 100-250 people. Many of the fans in attendance have some kind of connection with the players on the field, and as a result are quite knowledgeable about the team and enthusiastic in their support of the Stags. Access 4 Fairfield University is located on a beautiful wooded campus in suburban Fairfield, in a region known as the “Gold Coast” of Connecticut. The campus is easily reached from Interstate 95, which travels just a few miles to the south of the university. Driving is the primary method for arriving at the Fairfield University campus.  Visiting fans will simply take exit 22 (North Benson Road-Route 135) off of Interstate 95 and head north for about a mile on North Benson Road. Fairfield University will be on your left. Be warned that the traffic in this part of Connecticut is often heavy, and traffic jams are routine. Out of town fans looking to avoid the legendary Connecticut traffic with alternative methods of transportation can take an Amtrak train to the Fairfield train station. From there, shuttle busses arrive regularly to transport students (and Stag baseball fans) to the campus 10 minutes away. More information can be found here. While Fairfield is a wonderful place to live, it’s not exactly a destination location. Fans coming to the area will most likely continue on to New Haven, located a half hour north on I-95, Hartford, an hour north on I-91, or New York, an hour south on I-95. The casinos of eastern Connecticut are located about 90 minutes to the east. The Cook Field’s grandstand seats 350 fans with a combination of chairback and bleacher seating. Fans who do not want to sit for the entire game can stake out some standing room along the top row of the grandstand. Additional vantage points are located along various points of the outfield. As mentioned above, many students will hang out here, where the dorms are located. There are plenty of parking options a short walk from Cook Field. A small lot adjacent to the ballfield and Rafferty Stadium fills up quickly, so it’s probable that you’ll have to park in either the lot beyond the left field fence, the lot on the opposite side of Lessing Field, or the garage across the street from the Leo Mahoney Arena. All are a short walk from the Cook Field grandstand. There are no bathroom facilities at the ballfield, but fans in need of rest rooms will find clean facilities at the neighboring Walsh Athletic Center, just on the other side of Rafferty Stadium. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for attending baseball games at Fairfield University. Parking in the lots nearby Cook Field are also free of charge. Fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments into Cook Field, meaning that an afternoon of Stags baseball won’t cost visiting fans a cent. Extras 1 There isn’t a whole lot going on at a Fairfield baseball game that can be considered extra. We’ll award one extra point for the beautiful Fairfield University campus, including the area around the ballpark. Tree-lined streets, interesting backdrops beyond the outfield fence, and Rafferty Stadium located beyond the right field foul line ensure that there is plenty to look at in Fairfield. Final Thoughts Cook Field is one of those simple, yet picturesque little ballparks that dot the college baseball landscape across the country. While not a fancy or enormous ballpark, it suits this small college perfectly. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos courtesy of MSG Network It was 1994 when legendary New York Rangers broadcaster Sam Rosen uttered the classic words “The waiting is over—the New York Rangers are the Stanley Cup Champions! And this one will last a lifetime”.  The Rangers had just completed a dramatic 3-2 Game 7 victory over the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup Finals to win their first NHL championship since 1940.  Fast forward 30 years and there are two constants.  Rosen, 76, is still behind the microphone and the Rangers are now trying to end another long drought of 30 years. The Rangers have arguably their best chance to win the Cup since 2015.  Rosen, who was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016 and the National Jewish Hall of Fame in 2008, quickly points out that eight to nine teams are probably in the mix in a balanced league. “In the East, you have Boston, Carolina, and Florida,” said Rosen. In the West, Vancouver, Dallas, Colorado, and Vegas. And of course, Edmonton is dangerous.  The Rangers are right there.  So much depends on the matchups.  The Rangers have the right mix: goaltending depth, high-end scoring, good defense, and physical players to win four rounds.” Rosen has been a constant for Rangers fans since 1984 but also honed his craft calling boxing, college and NFL football, soccer, college baseball, and Australian rules football. Rosen began going to Rangers games while in school. Photo By Greg Venuto, Stadium Journey “We had G.O. cards and could get into the Rangers games for 50 cents,” said Rosen.  We took the subway to the old Garden at 49th and 50th and raced up the stairs to try to get to the first two rows of the side balcony.” Rosen’s first desire was to be a professional baseball player.  Rosen was born in Ulm Germany but his family moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was 2 years old. He grew up playing all sports including baseball, stickball, softball, punchball, and basketball.  Rosen, a catcher, was the captain of his team at Stuyvesant High School in lower Manhattan and also a captain of his freshman team and varsity team at City College of New York. But Rosen did not earn a professional contract. “I did the next best thing in that ERA which was to broadcast games,” said Rosen. His training began in college when he did statistics for his mentor Jim Gordon (former voice of the NY Knicks/Rangers and Giants) during NY Knicks broadcasts from Madison Square Garden. In 1966, Rosen began working part-time for WINS Radio.  Rosen said Gordon hired him in 1970 for the NY Knicks radio network.  The Knicks won 18 consecutive games that season and ultimately the NBA championship. Gordon did the play-by-play and Joe Hassel was the color commentator.   Gordon eventually gave Rosen the microphone and said “They’re your stats, you do the stats at halftime and after the games”. In 1971 he moved to WNAB and then WICC-AM both in Bridgeport Connecticut. Rosen also spent two years as a newsman while serving as a weekend sportscaster for New Haven’s Channel 8 (WTNH).  He eventually joined UPI Radio Network in September 1973, where he worked until December 1980. Rosen was one of the first voices of ESPN from 1977 to 1988. He also called Jets and Giants preseason football for WPIX-TV and Cosmos soccer for WNEW-AM. Rosen joined MSG Network in 1977 as a part-time broadcaster before being hired full-time in 1982 to work as the studio host for Rangers telecasts and as a back-up radio play-by-play announcer. Rosen succeeded Gordon in 1984, joining former Boston Bruins/NY Rangers star Phil Esposito in the booth. After Esposito’s departure in 1986, Rosen was paired with former St. Louis Blues/Rangers goalie John Davidson for the next 20 years. When Davidson left in 2006 to pursue a management position with the Blues, Joe Micheletti joined Rosen in a partnership that continues today. Rosen, who has an impeccable memory, never had a chance to do a play-by-play of a Yankees game but was the studio host for the Yankees at MSG before the team formed the YES Network.  “One day Al Trautwig had a conflict and I had to go down to the clubhouse to interview Buck Showalter for the pregame show,” said Rosen.  “Buck looked at me and said ‘What do you know about baseball?’  I said ‘I know more about baseball than you do about hockey’.  He replied ‘1940!’ ” Rosen, who was named to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016 and the National Jewish Hall of Fame in 2008, interviewed for the Yankees job in 1986 but then MSG President Bob Gutkowski told him he could easily find a baseball broadcaster, but good hockey play-by-play announcers were rare.  Rosen decided to stay with the Rangers with no regrets. Rosen’s signature call “It’s a Power Play goal!” began in 1987-88 when the Rangers scored 111 goals with the man advantage. One night he blurted it out and it stuck. Rosen said while MSG is his favorite place to do a game he referenced many solid venues for broadcasters. “The Garden became an even better place after the transformation,” said Rosen.  We are closer to the ice and the sightlines are better. It’s a great workspace. Montreal is a great place with more room. The Canadian arenas are all great except Edmonton. The broadcast location is about as high as you can get.” Rosen said this year was his first time at Mullett Arena in Tempe Arizona for a Rangers-Coyotes game on March 30 and he loved the experience. “It’s so great to be so low to feel the hits and the speed of the game,” said Rosen.  “Both the broadcasters and the fans can appreciate the skill level and how fast the players can react and make plays.” Rosen was a celebrity before the game and during intermissions as he was mobbed by Rangers fans who took over the building.  He posed for numerous selfies, engaged in discussion, and signed some autographs. “Rangers fans are everywhere,” said Rosen. They’ve always had a passionate fanbase.  I see them in airports, hotels, and parking lots. When you go to Carolina (Raleigh) you might see 35-40% of fans in Rangers colors. It’s so great to see older fans passing down the tradition to their sons, daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters.” Rosen said he still enjoys going on the road and is hopeful he can still do the job for a few more years. “I have to stay sharp to get information and deliver information because there are so many more sources for information than before,” said Rosen.  “I often stay up late when I’m home to watch West Coast games to see all the teams and learn as much as I can.  I love what I do and I want to give the viewers a sense of the excitement I get from the game.” He said Chicago is one of his favorite cities to visit because it is the most similar to New York. “The LA area is great too,” Rosen said.  We often stay on Santa Monica Beach and you can walk down the beach and the boardwalk on an off day and enjoy the weather.  Vancouver and Seattle are beautiful cities. When the sun is shining, it’s as good as it gets.  Florida is a great trip too especially in late December like this year.  Phil Esposito had a vision for Tampa and it has come together with more restaurants, bars and hotels close to the Arena and the Convention Center.” Unfortunately, Rangers fans may only see and hear Rosen in the opening round of the playoffs due to contractual obligations. The National Networks take over the rights after Round 1 and should the Rangers advance Rosen will be heard on the radio only as a fill-in for Kenny Albert. Rosen, who calls hockey an underappreciated sport, said the 1994 Stanley Cup playoffs were the highlight of his broadcasting career. “There’s nothing like seeing the team you are covering all year go all the way, especially in New York City.  We broadcasted every game of the playoffs except the games at New Jersey in 1994 due to the contract,” said Rosen. Rosen has covered other memorable events including the 1980 (Lake Placid) and 2006 Winter Olympics, 12 NHL Stanley Cup finals for NHL radio, and numerous World Series and Super Bowls. “My goal is no matter what sport I am doing I try to do it at a high level,’’ Rosen concluded.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Quinnipiac Baseball Field 275 Mt Carmel Ave Hamden, CT 06518 Quinnipiac Bobcats website Quinnipiac Baseball Field website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 500 In the Shadow of the Sleeping Giant Many ballparks boast of stunning views beyond their outfield fences. City skylines rise beyond ballparks in Pittsburgh and St. Louis, ocean vistas in Brooklyn and Pensacola attract the eye, and spectacular mountain views can be seen in Ogden. Tiny Quinnipiac Baseball Field boasts its own natural backdrop. Even better, fans don’t have to spend a cent to take in a ballgame with this view. Located in the shadows of Sleeping Giant Mountain Park, Quinnipiac Baseball Field was built in 1966 by a group of students. For decades it served as home to Bobcat baseball. In preparation for the 2024 season, the entire park was redone. These renovations included the installation of field turf throughout the facility, new fencing and new dugouts. As part of these improvements, the field’s legendary right field berm was removed from the field of play. Quinnipiac competes in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference alongside several other schools located primarily in the New York City metro area. The Bobcats have appeared in two NCAA Tournaments, in 2005 and 2019. The team has yet to advance past the Regional round, although they did win one game in the 2019 tournament. One Quinnipiac alumnus, Turk Wendell, has played in the Major Leagues. Food & Beverage 0 There are no concessions sold at Quinnipiac Baseball Field. Fans are welcome to bring their own snacks to enjoy during the game (just no alcohol, please). If you need to grab something during a Bobcats game, there are vending machines in the nearby (well, maybe not so nearby) Athletic and Recreation Center. Atmosphere 2 The gameday atmosphere at a Quinnipiac baseball game is typical of other college ballparks in the northeast. The presentation is simple and understated. Frankly, anything more than the basics would feel terribly out of place here. The ball field is dominated by its backdrop, Sleeping Giant Mountain. In keeping with this most natural of ballpark sites, there’s not a lot of extras to be found. Ballpark noises not produced on the field or by the fans (i.e. music and PA announcements) are provided via a pair of temporary speakers set up behind home plate, where the Quinnipiac game day staff post up. All extraneous noise is kept to a minimum. A simple scoreboard in right field provides count, inning and score. Neighborhood 3 Right across the street from Quinnipiac Baseball Field is Sleeping Giant State Park, a popular destination for hiking and other outdoor activities. The mountain got its name due to its resemblance to a person laying down. If visiting the area on a nice spring afternoon, the many trails here are worth exploring before a game. While Hamden is a lovely community, once named as one of America’s “best small cities” by CNN Money, it is hardly a destination location. There are no dining or lodging options within immediate walking distance of campus. Nearby Whitney Street is filled with strip malls, which give visiting fans some options for pre- and postgame dining. Many visiting fans will instead opt to head into New Haven, which has a well-deserved reputation as a foodie hotspot. Whitney Avenue dissects the two Quinnipiac campuses. As mentioned before, there are plenty of eateries here if you wish to stay local. Eli’s on Whitney is a Bobcats sponsor and a popular choice of Bobcat fans. If you continue south on Whitney Ave. for a few miles you will find yourself in downtown New Haven on the campus of the Bobcats’ chief hockey rival, Yale University. Visiting fans will find plenty of lodging and dining options in this area, including Louis’ Lunch, the birthplace of the hamburger, Frank Pepe’s and Sally’s, the originators of New Haven-style apizza. Fans 2 Crowds at Quinnipiac baseball games can accurately be described as a “friends and family” type of gathering. Generally numbering between 100-200 fans, most of the people in attendance have a personal connection to the players on the field. As you can imagine, this means that they are knowledgeable about the game and enthusiastic in their support. With the compact geographic footprint of the MAAC conference, it’s not unusual to see strong support by visiting fans. Access 4 Quinnipiac is located in the New Haven suburb of Hamden. This town of just over 60,000 residents is located just to the north of New Haven. Quinnipiac University is located in the Mount Carmel neighborhood on the northern edge of town. The university is split into two campuses about a mile from each other on opposite sides of Whitney Avenue. Most of the school’s athletic facilities are located on the older Mount Carmel campus. The newer York Hill campus contains M&T Bank Arena, home of the Bobcat hockey and basketball teams. The university is easily reached via Interstate 91, which runs a few miles east of campus. Visiting fans will take exit 10 off I-91 to the Mt. Carmel Connector (Route 40). Travel just over a mile north on Whitney Avenue to Mount Carmel Avenue, and the entrance to the campus will be on your right. The construction on the ball field, along with the adjoining rugby field and tennis courts, was finished just before the baseball season started. As a result, not everything at Quinnipiac Baseball Field was 100% finished as of Stadium Journey’s visit. Most notably, there is a gigantic mound of dirt in between the parking lot and the field. There are plans to landscape this mound into a viewing hill, which will return some of the facility’s natural charm. For 2024, this area is roped off and inaccessible. Fans must walk around this dirt pile on their way to the field from the parking lot. The only seating at the ballpark is in the form of a pair of metal bleachers located well beyond first base. Look for some bleachers to return to their familiar spot behind home plate in the future. The field’s signature right field berm, while not in the field of play anymore, is still there beyond the fence. It provides a nice place for fans to sit and bring their own chairs to take in the action. Rest rooms are located in the Athletic and Recreation Center adjacent to the parking lot. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge for admission to a Quinnipiac baseball game. With free parking in the lot on the other side of the huge dirt mound and no concessions on site, you won’t spend a single cent when watching a Bobcats game. Extras 1 In 2024 Quinnipiac honored Class of 1970 alumnus, longtime baseball coach and Director of Operations Dan Gooley. Gooley holds the school’s strikeout record and racked up 439 wins during his tenure as the Bobcats’ head coach. His number 15 is posted on the right field wall. Final Thoughts While the renovations undertaken at Quinnipiac Baseball Field are undoubtedly great news for the players and for recruiting, it’s taken away much of the charm of this old ball field. Maybe this will change when everything is finished. For now, we’ll give QU Baseball Field an incomplete and look forward to our next visit. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Foley Field 1 Rutherford St Athens, GA 30602 Georgia Bulldogs website Foley Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 3,291 Glory, Glory to Old Georgia Established in 1886, baseball holds the distinction of being the oldest sport played at the University of Georgia, the country’s oldest public university. Initially games took place at Herty Field situated along Lumpkin Street on the western edge of the campus, but before the university joined the Southeastern Conference, Georgia baseball relocated to Samford Field, the focal point of university athletics, where they shared the space with football, who called the field home in the fall. The baseball Bulldogs remained at Samford Field for 31 years before transitioning through various fields in the Ag Hill area of campus. In 1966, however, the Diamond Dogs would finally find a permanent home at Foley Field, named in honor of Judge Frank Foley, who was a member of the 1908 Southern Conference championship team and a lifelong supporter of UGA athletics. As a founding member of the SEC, the Bulldogs have clinched seven SEC championships, including the conference’s inaugural baseball title. They also boast 15 NCAA tournament appearances, with five trips to the College World Series in Omaha and an NCAA championship title in 1990. In many southern states, college baseball might rank second only to football in popularity among men’s sports. However, despite well-rounded support for all of Georgia’s athletic programs, the Diamond Dogs do get a large amount of support from the UGA faithful. Food & Beverage   4 Concessions at Foley Field may not offer an extensive array of options, but they provide a variety of items at very reasonable prices. You will find the usual baseball game fare, such as popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, and personal-sized pizzas, but can also find combo meals featuring burgers or chicken sandwiches. Given Coca-Cola's presence in Atlanta, it's no surprise that Coke products are the soft drink provider on Georgia’s campus, although for a unique Southern treat, boiled peanuts are also on offer. Recently, BBQ sandwiches from Georgia-based Williamson Bros. have been added to the menu. The main concession stands operate on a grab-and-go basis, eliminating the need to place orders; simply grab what you want and take it to the cashier. In addition to domestic beers, the concession stands at Foley Field offer premium craft beers from Athens local brewery, Creature Comforts, along with High Noon seltzers. Atmosphere   3 Foley Field underwent significant renovations before the 2015 season, including enhancements to the front entry point, press box, upper and field level suites, and right field seating. The upgrades also gave the exterior a rather modern feel with the use of large, curved windows and a metallic-type finish. The exterior of Foley Field also nicely complements the nearby Stegman Coliseum. The stadium feels like it is part of the surrounding neighborhood, so much so that the limbs of the trees outside Foley Field creep over the upper rows of seats down the right field line, providing just a bit of shade for the uncovered seating area – this is a welcome relief since the stadium does not have much of an overhang to provide shade. When it comes to seating there are several different options; Foley Field’s seating ranges from club and suite seating to reserved and general admission seats in the grandstand. Note that the Garden Club Terrace seats in right field get fans into the stadium, but lack access to much of what the rest of the stadium has to offer – fans with tickets in these seats are sequestered in right field, unable to access the grandstand. In what seems to be becoming more of a rarity in college baseball, Foley Field boasts a fully grass playing surface, including the home plate halo, which is typically synthetic in college baseball. The natural grass is complemented by evergreen trees beyond the outfield wall. The main scoreboard at Foley Field provides fans with more than just the score; the HD-scoreboard displays a full rundown of both hitter and pitcher statistics, team lineups, and pitch speeds and exit velocities. For those seated in the right field pavilion, a basic scoreboard attached perpendicularly to the main scoreboard offers run, inning, and ball-strike-out information. Throughout the game, the UGA baseball marketing crew hosts games between innings, consistent with what one might see at typical minor league baseball games. Among the crowd favorites is a race featuring a milkshake, peach, peanut, and baseball. While the atmosphere at Foley Field is lively, given its full capacity, one might expect a more constant buzz in the air. Neighborhood   5 Foley Field is situated on the outskirts of Georgia’s campus, bordered by residential housing, an elementary school off-campus, and several other UGA athletic facilities. Across East Rutherford Street from Foley Field are Butts-Mehre Heritage Hall, housing the football command center, and Payne Indoor Athletic Facility – in the backdrop behind center field sits Dan Magill Tennis Complex, while Stegman Coliseum, home to Georgia basketball and gymnastics, can be seen beyond the left field fence. The bar and entertainment district on Broad Street in Athens is located just over a mile from Foley Field. With its high concentration of bars and restaurants downtown, along with the charm of the area, Athens is commonly recognized as one of the top college towns in America. A bit closer to Foley Field, Lumpkin Street has its own cluster of restaurants within walking distance – Cuban eatery Cali & Tito’s is worth a visit if looking for a bite to eat before heading to the game. Fans   4 Georgia sports fans are known for their unwavering dedication to the Dawgs, regardless of the sport; if it involves UGA in any capacity, Georgia fans will rally behind it. However, while this fervor is deeply rooted in their passion for football, evident from the multitude of Georgia football jerseys and t-shirts seen at baseball games, it extends to all sports. Fans are responsive to calls to make noise and engage in each pitch of a crucial at-bat, "oooh" and "ahhh" for each swing and check swing from their big bats, and voice their displeasure at close calls not favoring the Dawgs, much like any devoted fan base would. However, where Georgia fans truly shine is in their embrace of the songs and traditions synonymous with Bulldog fandom. Fans of the Georgia Bulldogs are known for their passionate embrace of traditions and cheers. Much as Alabama fans use “Roll Tide” as a greeting, the same is true for Georgia fans and their use of “Go Dawgs!”, ether the iconic chants of "Goooooo Georgia Bulldogs!" or synchronized clapping to "Glory, Glory". In addition, one of the newest traditions, occurring between the 8th and 9th innings, involves fans illuminating Foley Field with their phone flashlights during the "Krypton Fanfare" as the game moves to the final inning. Despite Foley Field being the smallest stadium in the SEC, Dawgs fans consistently fill the seats, creating a lively atmosphere; most SEC conference games are sold out or have limited seating options. Fan support for baseball also extends beyond the stadium to the houses atop the hill just beyond the right field fence, affectionately known as “Kudzu Hill”. These houses serve as gathering points for students and alumni, offering a unique game experience. Among them "The Green House" stands out, notorious for making things difficult for the visiting team's right fielder and creating a lively college atmosphere. Foley Field, though, does seem to lack the energetic atmosphere one would expect from its large student attendance. While students make up a significant part of the crowd, their impact on the game's atmosphere is somewhat subdued – the most supportive group of students, "The Spike Squad", recognizable by the spiked shoulder armor often seen at Georgia football games, adds to the college game experience by trying to rally the Dawgs to victory. Despite occasional ups-and-downs with on-field performance, Foley Field consistently draws fervent fans eager to support their Bulldogs. Access   3 Getting to Athens from the Metro Atlanta area on a weekday can be quite a test of patience; despite the relatively short 70-mile distance, the journey for a Tuesday or Friday game can take close to two-and-a-half hours for those coming from Atlanta. The most direct route is Interstate-85 to Georgia 316, which leads directly to Athens, while those coming from the north on I-85 may encounter slightly less traffic passing through Jefferson – accessing Athens from the east is most convenient via I-20 to US-441N. Parking for Foley Field is primarily located in the lot and parking deck behind the left field wall. While this surface lot is decently sized, it tends to fill up quickly. The Carlton Street parking garage is billed as free parking, but make sure to check signs for any parking restrictions. Be forewarned, however, that while parking spots behind left field might appear attractive, they are in a batting practice danger zone, as many home run balls find their way into the parking lot on the fly. Foley Field has three main entry points: the home plate gates and a gate along the third baseline provide access to the grandstand, while a right field gate leads to a small section of bleacher seating in the Garden Club Terrace. Remember that fans with tickets for outfield seats may find themselves sequestered in that area, which can be restrictive. Additionally, navigating the main concourse can be challenging, as the entry points to the field concourse only extend to the home plate side of each dugout, leading to congestion when accessing seats behind the dugouts or down the left field line. Overall, while getting to and around Foley Field is not overly difficult, it is just a bit more challenging than might be expected. Return on Investment   4 Tickets to games at Foley Field offer reasonable pricing – tickets in the right field pavilion start at $5 for non-conference games and $8 for conference games and matchups against rivals like Georgia Tech and Clemson, while seats along the left field line are priced at $20 for conference games. However, grandstand tickets are not readily available directly through UGA, unless purchased as soon as they go on sale in February. The best option for purchasing grandstand tickets would be through the secondary market, but they can be fairly pricey. Due to the seating limitations at Foley Field, tickets tend to sell out quickly, leaving sections in right field or down the left field line as the only options from the athletic department, if your visit is not planned well in advance. Extras   3 Georgia does a good job at keeping the traditions of college athletics as the focal point of the experience – while the chants, cheers, and songs are kept at the forefront during all of UGA’s athletic competitions, baseball is no exception. In doing so, this creates a baseball experience that is unique to the college game. The outfield wall recognizes the on-field success of the Bulldogs throughout the years – included are the Dawgs’ seven SEC championships, six College World Series appearances, and their 1990 National Championship. In addition, the internal concourse looks at the individuals who helped write the history of University of Georgia baseball, from the stories of James “Big Jim” Wheatley and Spurgeon Chandler to the courageous stories of Jonathan Taylor and Chance Veazey. Final Thoughts It can be difficult to compare Georgia’s baseball experience to some of the heavyweights of college baseball, simply because the gameday experience at those schools is nearly off the charts. What Georgia lacks when it comes to some of the fan amenities and spaces, however, it makes up for in the beloved traditions of the university that make it so special for alumni and others from around the state. By the start of the 2025 season, Foley Field’s grandstand will see upgrades along the left field line to include player development facilities, coaches' offices, premium seating, and a revamped entry point – these upgrades should go a long way in helping Georgia baseball catch up with the rest of the conference, which should also help in securing UGA’s spot in national college baseball relevance. Rendering courtesy of the University of Georgia Athletics

Photos by Gail, Dan, and Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Estadio de Roberto Walker Clemente 65 Avenida Infanteria Carolina, Puerto Rico 00985 Gigantes de Carolina website Year Opened / Año abierto:  2000 Capacity / Capacidad: 12,500 Estadio Clemente La frase tan utilizada “El béisbol es vida” sigue siendo cierta en Puerto Rico. El Estadio de Roberto Walker Clemente lleva el nombre del nativo de Carolina, Roberto Clemente, quien se hizo famoso entre todos los fanáticos del béisbol como un gran jugador y, más aún, un gran humanitario. A finales de la temporada de 1972, se convirtió en el undécimo jugador de la MLB en registrar 3.000 hits. Lamentablemente, el 31 de diciembre de 1972, insistió en volar a Nicaragua para asegurarse de que los suministros en el avión fueran entregados adecuadamente a los sobrevivientes del terremoto de Nicaragua. El avión, muy cargado, despegó de San Juan, falló un motor y se estrelló frente a la costa al intentar regresar al aeropuerto. El Estadio Clemente fue construido en el año 2000 y está ubicado a 18 millas al este de San Juan y 11 millas al este de SJU (Aeropuerto de San Juan). Las áreas residenciales y comerciales rodean el parque, aunque está ubicado próximo a la autopista 3. Cuenta con un hermoso exterior con una enorme estatua de Clemente en la entrada y un amplio estacionamiento. Clemente Stadium Entrance, Photo by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey El huracán María causó grandes daños a Puerto Rico en 2017. FEMA financió $18,400,000 para reparar y renovar el estadio. El Estadio de Roberto Walker Clemente ha sido un sitio de partidos de la MLB y, si los fanáticos puertorriqueños se salen con la suya, este se convertirá en el hogar de un equipo de expansión en el futuro. Es un estadio de usos múltiples, y sede de los Gigantes de Carolina. Food & Beverage / Bebida y Alimenticia 3 El estadio ofrece comida tradicional puertorriqueña “criolla”, que incluye múltiples versiones de pollo frito con papas fritas ($12), hot dogs cubiertos con palitos de papa en un combo ($8) y palomitas de maíz ($5). Los productos de Coca-Cola y la agua embotellada cuestan $3. Miller Lite es (lamentablemente) la única cerveza que se ofrece: una por $4 y tres por $9. Las bebidas con licor comienzan en $10; los dobles cuestan $13. Durante la serie de campeonato, las colas eran largas y requerían paciencia. Los camareros deambulan por el estadio para vender bebidas alcohólicas pero no comida. En general, los precios son muy altos para muchos nativos. Atmosphere / Atmósfera 4 Primero: ¡el ruido! Los partidos de playoffs con un estadio lleno de fanáticos con silbatos, bam bams, bocinas y cencerros crean MUCHO ruido. Si te sientas en el nivel inferior, la configuración del micrófono del locutor PA debe estar configurada al MÁXIMO y, junto con la música grabada, el volumen literalmente duele los oídos. Nuestra solución fue trasladarnos al piso superior, donde la vida era más tranquila; sin embargo, allí no hay baños ni puestos de comida; un ascensor en el lado de la tercera base ayuda a evitar subir las escaleras. El estadio tiene asientos de plástico en todas partes, sin portavasos. Es tiempo de reemplazar los asientos ya que la pintura se ha desgastado de los brazos metálicos. Las vistas del atardecer en el jardín derecho son magníficas. El marcador muestra información útil sobre los jugadores durante todo el partido. Lo inusual es que el estadio está orientado al sur. Roberto Clement Stadium Sunset, Photo by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Neighborhood / Barrio 3 El Estadio Clemente fue construido en un área abierta al este del Río Grande de Loiza, con edificios comerciales más cercanos y luego áreas residenciales a un cuarto de milla de distancia. Disfrutamos de una cena en Taco Riendo (Mexicano) al sur del estadio, junto con Sorriso Pizzeria, que ofrece pizzas creativas y un bar de servicio completo. Los hoteles/alojamiento son muy limitados alrededor del estadio; la mejor opción son los hoteles cerca del aeropuerto de San Juan. Estadio Yldefonso Sola Morales está a unos 50 minutos en auto, así que si estás en la isla, visítalo también para ver más "El béisbol es vida." Fans / Aficionados 5 ¡En Puerto Rico abundan los fanáticos apasionados y conocedores del béisbol! Durante la serie de campeonato de liga, la experiencia sube un nivel más. La tradición local es "cuanto más ruido, lo mejor." ¡Incluso las bocinas de aire que funcionan con baterías son disfrutadas y respetadas! Varios fanáticos comen en el estacionamiento antes de los partidos. Access / Acceso 3 Conducir hasta el área del estadio es bastante fácil, ya que hay dos autopistas principales justo al sur. Entrar al estacionamiento ($4) puede ser un poco arduo: dos o tres carriles. Los mapas muestran una línea de autobús con una parada aproximadamente a ¾ de milla al oeste del estadio. El aeropuerto de San Juan (11 millas) es el aeropuerto más cercano. Cuando hay mucha gente, los pasillos suelen estar abarrotados. La taquilla se encuentra en la planta baja, justo a la derecha de las escaleras. Un pequeño remolque cercano ofrece souvenirs, gorras y camisetas. Los baños son aceptables. Los Gigantes de Carolina no tienen programas a la venta. Return on Investment / Retorno de la Inversión 4 Puerto Rico tiene una larga historia de honrar a las personas mayores que pueden comprar boletos a mitad de precio, ¡incluso para la serie de campeonato! Recomendamos las entradas generales como mejor valor. Los precios de los alimentos son elevados, según los estándares Puertorriqueños. . Extras 4 Puerto Rico tiene una larga historia de honrar a las personas mayores que pueden comprar boletos a mitad de precio, ¡incluso para la serie de campeonato! Recomendamos las entradas generales como mejor valor. Los precios de los alimentos son elevados, según los estándares Puertorriqueños. Final Thoughts / Pensamientos finales El Estadio Clemente es de lejos el más atractivo de todos los estadios de béisbol puertorriqueños. Después de descubrimos que los asientos del piso superior eran mejores para mis oídos, disfrutamos de los cuatro partidos de la serie de campeonato. Los fans son geniales. ¡Definitivamente vale la pena una visita! Muchas gracias a Jim Minard por su ayuda con la traducción.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Don Brandon Field Graceland Ave. Anderson, IN 46012 Anderson University website Don Brandon Field website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 500 The Boys of Spring in Anderson Dan Brandon Field is the home of the Anderson University Ravens baseball team. The field features a natural grass outfield and a synthetic turf infield. The grandstand offers seating for 500, along with a grass berm area down the left-field foul line, 80-foot dugouts, a brick press box, and a concession stand. The field received a new synthetic infield and foul turf for the 2024 season. The new playing field was installed by Maumee Bay Turf and paid for by numerous donations from baseball alumni and other supporters, including lead gifts from two estates. The outfield remains natural grass. The turf hopes to reduce weather delays and cancellations along with less maintenance. The ballpark was renamed in 2010 after former coach Don Brandon. Three years later, a new brick press box was installed before the start of the 2013 season that also included a brick backstop and dugouts. The old press box was relocated a few yards away to the softball field. Brandon coached the ball club from 1972-2010. During his 38 seasons, the Ravens amassed 1,110 victories, 13 conference titles, 12 NAIA District titles, 5 NAIA World Series, and one NCAA National Championship in 1991. The Ravens are members of the Division III Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Brandon also played for Anderson under another famous coach, hometown hero Carl Erskine. Erskine, who passed away less than a week after our visit, was one of the last Boys of Summers of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers World Series championship team. He coached the Ravens for 12 seasons and won the 1965 NAIA World Series. Erskine managed the Ravens when they played at Memorial Stadium, 3 miles from campus. Food & Beverage 3 Brandon Field has a concession stand. The volunteer staff grills all-beef hot dogs and cook a batch of Spanish sauce (think of a Manwich sauce) in a crock pot for hot dogs and sloppy joes. The sloppy dog is a popular choice among visitors and is spooned over a hot dog. Cans of Coke products, water, chips, and candy are also available. Atmosphere 3 Don Brandon Field is a simple brick stadium with three sets of wooden bleachers. The grandstand is 10-rows high and separated into three sections with a lower concourse for easy access. The design is ideal for the Ravens and offers everything a fan would need for this level of baseball. The baseball banter can be heard from the respective dugouts. Fans are close to the action on the field and line up the left and right field foul lines with lawn chairs, blankets, and dogs on leashes. It is a simple atmosphere but reminiscent of other levels of college baseball throughout the Midwest and Northeast. The outfield fence is lined up with pine trees to provide a pleasant backdrop for the game. Banners hang from the back of the grandstand with images, team history, and mottos. The concession stand sits below the press box. The only complaint might be the scoreboard, which makes it hard to read the score and strikes and outs from the grandstand. Neighborhood 2 There are no restaurants or retail stores within walking distance of campus, but less than a mile from the ballpark is Gene’s Root Beer Stand. It has been an intuition since 1964 and serves Spanish dogs, burgers, sandwiches, and homemade root beer. A few miles down the main road towards the interstate are chain restaurants and fast food joints. However, visit The Lemon Drop, a hot spot since 1953 known for its onionburgers, homemade onion rings, chocolate Cokes, and old-fashioned milkshakes. Fans 3 The fan base consists of family members, friends, and curiosity seekers checking out the game. Parents call out their kids by name when they are at bat, fans clap when there is a hit, and the crowd roars when a run crosses home plate. Access 3 The ballpark is a simple structure with easy access to the grandstand by a small staircase and a concession stand in front of the main grandstand. There are port-a-potties located a few yards away from the main entrance and some of the freshest-smelling ones I have used. Parking can be confusing for the first-time visitor as the only way to access the parking lot is to drive behind the football field grandstand when the gates are open. If that is not available, fans park in front of the football stadium and walk around the perimeter. Return on Investment 4 All games are free of charge, hot dogs are $2 to $3, chips are $1, and cans of sodas are $2. A weekend game brings a warm crowd into the game, and the dugouts create a lot of noise. The backdrop of pine trees and warm spring days creates an ideal way to spend an afternoon at the ballpark. Extras 3 The ballpark earns an extra point for its sloppy dogs, which are $3 and well worth the price. The second point is for the fan who hands out free Blow Pops to everyone in the grandstand. The final point is for the synthetic infield that creates fewer rainouts during the spring season. Final Thoughts There are some great Division 3 ballparks in Indiana, and Anderson University has one of them. It's a very inexpensive way to spend a spring afternoon watching baseball and perhaps a chance to appreciate the game at a different level than the minor leagues or Division I. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter, and Instagram.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Tiger Tennis Complex Auburn Dr Towson, MD 21204 Towson Tigers website Tiger Tennis Complex website Year Opened: n/a Capacity: 100 Towson Tennis Towson University is the second-largest public university in the State of Maryland. Located just north of Baltimore, it is home to approximately 21,000 college students, of which 18,000 are undergraduates. Their football team played for the 2013 Football Championship Subdivision National Championship, falling short to North Dakota State. The basketball team has also had scattered success over the years, most notably in the early 1990s under coach Terry Truax, with guards Kurk Lee and Devin Boyd in the old East Coast Conference. The Truax-led teams made it to two straight NCAA tournaments in 1990 and 1991. Towson is also known for their impressive gymnastics program. They have been the 1968 AIAW Division II National Champions, 1995 and 1998 USA Gymnastics NIT Champions, 3-time Calloway Invitational Champions, 15-time ECAC Champions, and 2007 USA Gymnastics National Champions. The Tiger Tennis Complex, home to the Tiger tennis team, is located behind TU Arena and adjacent to the TU Field Hockey Complex and Tiger Softball Stadium. There is only a women's tennis team at Towson. Food & Beverage 1 There is a simple concession stand located at the nearby Tiger Softball Stadium that sells basic options such as soda, water, chips, and candy. It is a simple affair and you will want to eat elsewhere for a real meal. This will only be useful if softball is going on, and the stand is open, at the same time as a tennis event. Atmosphere 1 This is a basic setup with a small set of bleachers and a small, covered picnic area. There is no PA or scoreboard to keep track of action. Neighborhood 3 Besides Johnny Unitas Stadium and SECU Arena, nothing is right by the complex. Even though you may have to drive to most places, Towson is a semi-urban environment with a very large shopping mall and numerous restaurants in the area. Try the Charles Village Pub in the heart of downtown Towson for good food and drinks. Some other great options are Glory Days Grill and Sushi Hana. Baltimore is also a quick drive away. Check out the Federal Hill neighborhood, south of the Inner Harbor. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Fans 2 There will be very few fans at most meets as the complex is behind 3 other athletic facilities and is not very well known to most fans. Access 3 Towson is located right off the Baltimore Beltway/I-695. The only negative is that Towson is a maze of roads getting to the Osler and Auburn locations of the sports complexes. The Tiger Tennis Complex is hidden behind SECU Arena and may not be easy to find. Parking is free and plentiful, but be careful to check regulations for weekday matches. Return on Investment 4 There is no admission charge so the return on investment is quite good. Extras 1 The only real extras are the unique location (hidden by an arena, the nearby loading dock, and two other fields). Final Thoughts The Tiger Tennis Complex is not a place you will normally search for an amazing sports experience, but if you happen to be in the area it is a cheap way to enjoy a game of tennis.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Scotiabank Arena 40 Bay St Toronto, ON M5J 2X2 Toronto Raptors website Scotiabank Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 19,800 Time for New North The recent news that Vince Carter was elected to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is big for the city of Toronto and the Toronto Raptors.  The location of the very first NBA game with the Toronto Huskies and New York Knicks is finally getting a member of the Hall of Fame. Although Vince Carter played for seven other teams and was technically not drafted by the Raptors, his formative years in the NBA were wearing purple.  Carter’s arrival in Toronto coincided with the moving of the team from the gargantuan SkyDome to the sparkling new Air Canada Centre.  Many Raptor fans credit Carter for helping build basketball in Toronto as well as the rest of the country. In 1999 the Raptors, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, also owned by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, moved to their current home, now known as Scotiabank Arena.  The building was once the Canada Post Delivery Building and the arena has been renovated several times.  Located in the heart of Toronto, Scotiabank Arena provides the Raptors with a premier venue to play in and has become one of the best experiences in the NBA. Food & Beverage 5 Scotiabank Arena provides a premium array of concessions that will allow fans to enjoy just about anything they can imagine at the arena.  The Scotiabank Arena website does a pretty good job of outlining the culinary options allowing fans the opportunity to plan.  Also very handy on the website is the Specialty Food Guide which outlines vegan, kosher, halal, and gluten-free options. Some of the stands that fans may wish to consider include Hot Stove Carve for prime rib sandwiches; Mac & Cheese for a variety of macaroni and cheese concoctions; Noodle & Bao for Asian noodles and sandwiches; Poutinerie for a variety of different poutine options; St. Patties for burgers; Panini Sandwich Shop for a variety of deli sandwiches; Wicked Carib for the Caribbean fare; Edo for sushi; Hogtown for a huge selection of unique hot dogs; and Canadian favourite brands Tim Hortons and Pizza Pizza. All of the expected arena items like popcorn and pretzels are also available.  The new “grab and go” areas that are popping up in stadiums and arenas can also be found in Scotiabank Arena.  Designed to get fans in and out quickly, the gated areas offer a quick selection and fast exit.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink selections.  There are several locations for fans to get a huge variety of alcoholic beverages.  The Molson Canadian Brewhouse on the 100 level is one of the most popular bar areas. The Coors Light Chill Zone on the second level, above the pregame location, is another great spot to hang out pre-game.  The beer selection is as good at Scotiabank Arena as anywhere else in the NBA and full bar service is available in many areas also.  There is not much that a fan could want and not find at Scotiabank Arena. Atmosphere 5 Scotiabank Arena was originally the Toronto Postal Delivery Building.  The original facade is found at the “front” on Bay Street, however, most patrons will enter from either the north, where the arena is joined to Union Station at the Galleria, or the west where Maple Leaf Square can be found.  The “Search Light Star Light Spot Light” structure is an iconic piece of art that was also part of the original Air Canada Centre logo and is one of the exterior highlights. A massive video board is found on the building exterior and is a major piece of “Jurassic Park,” the once innovative gathering area that is electric for Raptor playoff games.  Legends Row, a collection of bronze statues of Toronto Maple Leaf greats, is also found in Maple Leaf Square. When fans enter the Scotiabank Arena, they are greeted with a decent-sized concourse.  If there is a “main” entrance, it would be through the Galleria on the north side and empties into the largest interior gathering area.  The area where the pregame shows for television are shot is just to the right of the Galleria entrance.  The walls of the concourse are plastered with either ads or framed photos of Raptors, Maple Leafs, or concert moments. The seating bowl is two-tiered and although fans are bombarded with Maple Leafs nostalgia, there are a couple of Toronto Raptors nods.  The court is east-west oriented and the spot to get that perfect centre court logo picture is from the south.  A huge, yet not overwhelming, state-of-the-art video board hangs above centre court.  Raptors banners hang in the centre of the arena with the Inaugural Season banner to the east and Atlantic Division Champions, 2019 Conference Champions, and 2019 World Champions banners to the west. The gameday production at a Toronto Raptors game begins as soon as the gates open.  Members of the promo team can be found parading around the lower concourse and interacting with fans.  Leading cheers, dancing with a circa 90’s boombox, and allowing fans to shoot a novelty basketball in a shoulder-mounted basket, the team’s goal is clearly to raise the energy and excitement of the fans entering the building. Digital interactivity is one of the biggest changes in the last decade with fans having the opportunity to participate in live polls displayed on the video board, order food, and purchase 50/50 tickets.  The video board is used to the max with ads, pregame analysis, and interviews before the tip-off even happens.  That push for energy continues throughout the game where it is non-stop action, even when the game pauses. The Northside Crew, one of the first diverse dance groups in the NBA, performs during the pregame and throughout the game.  The Raptor, Toronto’s mascot, is among the most underrated in the league and his antics are legendary locally.  The Raptors’ presence is felt throughout the game and he is very visible.  It is probably not possible for the Toronto Raptors to pack anything else into the time from pregame to the final buzzer. Neighbourhood 5 Scotiabank Arena is located in the South Core neighbourhood of Downtown Toronto, immediately adjacent to Harbourfront.  It is hard to argue that there is an arena that is better located in the entire NBA.  There are a plethora of pre and post-game options for food and drink, whether on Front Street or on the streets that cross it. Some of the options include The Loose Moose, Kelly’s Landing, Real Sports, e11even, Taverna Mercatto, Hoops, Miller Tavern, The Fox, and NBA Courtside, to name a few.   There are also several fast food and chain restaurants in the area.  The hot dog carts, which are scattered near the arena, are among the best anywhere and should also be considered for a quick bite before or after the game. For other sporting options in the city, fans are almost overloaded with options.  Scotiabank Arena is also home to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL.  Heading west, fans will come to the Rogers Centre, home of the Toronto Blue Jays of MLB.  Further west is BMO Field, home of Toronto FC of MLS and the Toronto Argonauts of the CFL.  BMO is also a host of the next World Cup.  Heading north of Scotiabank Arena will bring fans to the University District. The Toronto Metro Bold play hockey and basketball in the former Maple Leaf Gardens, as do Toronto’s PWHL team.  The University of Toronto campus is nearby and the Varsity Blues field a full complement of teams including football, hockey, and basketball.  At the northern edge of the city is York University, home of the Lions football, hockey, and basketball teams. Also on the York Campus are the National Bank Open Tennis Tournament and York United FC and Toronto FC II soccer teams.  That doesn’t even include Horse Racing or Auto Racing. Of course, there are also a ton of tourist options in the city.  Fans should consider hanging out at Harbourfront, the CN Tower, or Ripley’s Aquarium.  A must when in Toronto is a trip to the Hockey Hall of Fame. Fans 5 The days of the championship-caliber team in Toronto are over for now. With that, Raptors fans have proven to be resilient, remaining among the strongest supporters in the NBA. The drop in fan support from the 2022-2023 season is less than 100 fans per game. The Raptors have averaged over 19,600 fans per game in the 2023-2024 season, good for 7th in the competitive NBA. Raptor fans tend to be more rowdy and loud than Maple Leaf fans, although they are not over the top.  The Raptors also tend to have a more diverse fanbase.  In the playoffs, inside and outside Scotiabank Arena is truly special and Jurassic Park is a sight to be seen. Access 4 Getting to the Scotiabank Arena by car will force fans to traverse the Toronto traffic, which can be a real challenge.  The Lakeshore is quite far from Highway 401 in the north, so using Lakeshore Blvd or the Gardiner Expressway to travel east or west along the lake will be required.  There are plenty of parking options around which can be found for $20 or more. The real travesty is that the City of Toronto has not taken any lessons from other cities when events are put on.  Upon exiting Scotiabank Arena, Toronto Police are not present aiding in the movement of traffic, leaving drivers on their own to get out of downtown.  On the plus side, public transit downtown is very good. Union Station is attached to the Scotiabank Arena.  TTC subways and GO Transit trains along with Via Rail trains can be found here.  Fans should check the TTC or GO Transit websites for maps, fares, and schedules. Getting around the Scotiabank Arena is not difficult, however, fans need to keep in mind that there is rarely less than a full house in the arena and intermissions will be congested.  Washroom facilities are more than adequate but will have lineups during intermissions as well. With security protocols and procedures in constant flux, Stadium Journey strongly suggests visiting the Toronto Raptors and Scotiabank Arena websites for the most up-to-date security information before heading to the arena. Return on Investment 3 As with most NBA experiences, taking in a game is not a cheap experience.  Tickets for the Raptors are available starting between $50 and $75 on the secondary market.  Demand remains high for tickets, although finding them may not be too hard, the price may not be what fans are looking for.  It will be interesting to see if ticket prices on the secondary market drop as the Raptors have jumped into rebuild mode with both feet. Parking will run at least $20 and concessions are on the expensive side.  According to media reports, the Raptors had the 12th most expensive tickets and were 11th in Fan Cost Index in the NBA in 2022.  Fans will have a great time at a Raptors game and it is wall-to-wall entertainment and energy, however, they should be prepared to pay for it! Extras 4 An extra mark for Toronto’s claim to the very first NBA game, which was played at Maple Leaf Gardens with the Toronto Huskies and New York Knicks in 1946. An extra mark for Toronto’s celebrity factor where Nav Bhatia has become a local celebrity sitting courtside for every game since day one.  Fans may also get a glimpse of Drake, who often sits near the Raptors bench. An extra mark for Herbie Kuhn, the PA announcer, who has been with the Raptors since the SkyDome days and brings energy and excitement to the experience. An extra mark for the Raptors embracing their role as Canada’s team. Final Thoughts Taking in a Toronto Raptors game is an event that fans will love.  The entertainment is top notch and the Scotiabank Arena is an excellent venue with a terrific location in one of the most dynamic, tourist-friendly cities in the world.  Basketball fans should not shy on the Raptors because of their relative youth as a franchise.  They are one of the best experiences around. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube, Twitter, Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Stadium Journey endeavors to visit each college basketball arena at least once every four years to keep our reviews current for those of us who love sports travel. Our correspondents have visited 338 (93%) of the 359 D-1 college basketball arenas. Unfortunately, there are still 21 D-1 teams missing from our database that our team has yet to reach. We are actively working hard to fill in these gaps in our coverage. We are ranking the top 25 college basketball arenas according to our patented FANFARE rating scale. This scale considers a venue’s concessions, game day atmosphere, surrounding neighborhood, fan support, access, return on investment, and more. Therefore, our rankings are much different than many others, and often our scale creates much debate. However, that is the main reason to make lists like this to create debate and discussion, right? As mentioned, our rankings are based solely on our FANFARE score. However, as you read through the list, you will see several ties. In the case of a tie between multiple venues, a council of Stadium Journey elders is consulted to break the ties. We encourage you to share your input on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. To see the entire review of any of the venues on this list, click the link above the photo. Without further ado, we are proud to present our top 25 college basketball arenas of the 2023-24 season! 1.     Hinkle Fieldhouse – Butler: 4.57 Marc Viquez - There are college basketball arenas and then there are its cathedrals. The Hinkle Fieldhouse is the latter and entering its eleventh decade the atmosphere gets only better. The Bulldog program continues to rank high on the AP Top 25 and provides its fans with winning basketball and an atmosphere that is loud, energetic, and exciting. Hinkle is what college basketball is meant to be and how wonderful is it that near the end of this current decade, the building will be celebrating its 100th anniversary? 2.     Finneran Pavilion – Villanova: 4.43 Richard Smith - Finneran Pavilion is one of the most unique-looking arenas around. It offers a great place to see some very high-quality basketball in a fun environment. In a world where some basketball arenas are getting larger and more corporate, it is good to know there is a building in Philadelphia that is a true classic hoops hall. 3.     Moody Center – Texas: 4.43 Michael Davis - Overall I want to say Moody Center is the best new basketball arena in the country, and it just might be a true statement. It is a venue that any sports fan should visit, whether it is for a University of Texas event or a non-UT event. Texas Basketball has an amazing new home, a venue that will bring in recruits, and fans, and give a home-court advantage like no other. Moody Center has already shown that the price was worth the investment for the city of Austin; now it is only time to see if the new culture of Texas Basketball will bring in championships. 4.     Thompson-Bolling Arena – Tennessee: 4.43 David Welch - About a full court’s heave from the banks of the Tennessee River, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center has served as the home court of the Tennessee Volunteers men’s and women’s basketball programs since 1987, replacing the Stokley Athletic Center. With a capacity of 21,678, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is the fourth-largest college basketball arena in the country. 2007 would see major renovations that added a wall of suites and club seating to the arena, decreasing the capacity from over 24,000 to the current 21,000+. 5.     Edmund Joyce Center – Notre Dame: 4.43 Brian O'Sullivan - Even though Notre Dame is not located near a major city, heading to campus on a non-football weekend is a great way to catch a basketball or hockey game and see the campus with far fewer people. In short, attending a game at the Joyce Center is well worth the cost of admission. 6.     Qubein Center – High Point: 4.43 Lloyd Brown - The Qubein Center is a stunning addition to the High Point University campus. The arena offers fans a professional level of amenities, including comfortable seating, an above-average video board, and an impressive set of dining options. Qubein Center also serves the High Point community through concerts, appearances by notable speakers, and other events throughout the year. 7.     Dee Glen Smith Spectrum – Utah State: 4.43 Tyler Huskinson - Attending a game at the Spectrum should be on every sports fan's bucket list. Although the venue is nestled in a location very much out of the way for non-locals, it is well worth the trip. 8.     UD Arena – Dayton: 4.29 Marc Viquez - The UD Arena is quite the experience for college basketball and goes somewhat underneath the radar to most fans. However, you will never have to tell a Dayton fan, alumni, or student what an experience is like during a home game. UD Arena is as advertised, it gets LOWD. 9.     Phog Allen Fieldhouse – Kansas: 4.29 Cory Sims - Simply put, nothing matches the atmosphere of the Fieldhouse. In 2017, the arena set a new Guinness World Record for the loudest indoor stadium at more than 116 decibels, louder than a jet or chainsaw. And, that's not with piped-in crowd noise or speakers blaring music, that is pure fan jubilation 10.  Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion – Baylor: 4.29 Michael Davis - The 2023-24 basketball season for the Baylor University programs is historic and has a footprint on the future of Baylor basketball. The teams said goodbye to the Ferrell Center, the program’s home for the last 35 years, on December 22, 2023. Two weeks later, on January 2, 2024, the program opened its new home, Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion, with a win versus Cornell. 11.  Memorial Gym – Vanderbilt: 4.29 David Welch - Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium is an arena that is a must-stop for stadium enthusiasts. Beyond the rarity of the raised court and the quirks of the building itself, the whole experience of a basketball game at Vanderbilt is extremely fan-friendly and has a great college basketball atmosphere. 12.  Mizzou Arena – Missouri: 4.29 Sean MacDonald - Overall, this is an impressively designed venue that looks much younger than its 20 years and it was rocking for the game I attended, making it one of the best college basketball experiences that I have enjoyed. 13.  Gallagher-Iba Arena – Oklahoma State: 4.29 Michael Davis - Gallagher-Iba Arena is one of the best basketball facilities in the nation. Every sports fan should visit Stillwater, and visit the arena once known as “The Madison Square Garden of the Plains.” Oklahoma State University does a great job with the venue, as Gallagher-Iba Arena continues to make history while staying connected to its past. 14. The Pavilion at Ole Miss – Ole Miss: 4.29 Paul Donaldson - When you think of Ole Miss athletics, the first thoughts that come to mind are probably the Manning Family, Rebel football, Hotty Toddy, and the entertaining tailgate atmosphere at the Grove. Ole Miss Hoops, however, has the opportunity to earn a place among these popular experiences with their brand new, state-of-the-art basketball arena, The Pavilion at Ole Miss. 15.  Breslin Center – Michigan State: 4.29 Steve Ohnsmann - This is one of the holy grails for college basketball fans. If you are lucky enough to attend a Big 10 game vs one of MSU’s traditional rivals such as Michigan, Indiana, Purdue, or Wisconsin, you will have a memorable experience. 16.  CHI Health Center – Creighton: 4.29 James Hilchen - CHI Health Center Omaha has great food, and a fabulous atmosphere, and the fans are tremendous. It is rarely thought of among the elite arenas in college basketball, but the arena combined with a fabulous downtown Omaha makes any effort to attend a game here well worth the trip. 17.  Colonial Life Arena – South Carolina: 4.29 David Welch - South Carolina Gamecock basketball is an incredible college basketball experience, but one issue might be that, at a capacity of 18,000, Colonial Life Arena may be a touch too big. While the passion of the crowd does not waver, it does seem like a smaller arena might magnify that excitement even more. 18.  Huntsman Center – Utah: 4.29 Lloyd Brown - Jon Huntsman often serves as the site for regional tournaments due to its large city capacity and the large inventory of hotel rooms in downtown Salt Lake City. The Utes play a crowd-pleasing up-tempo game that has brought them success since the championship days of the late Rick Majerus, a time when the Utes were regulars in the NCAA tournaments. 19.  McCarthey Athletic Center – Gonzaga: 4.29 Eric Moreno- Alright, I hope the enthusiasm I had for my visit comes through in this review. This is easily the best college basketball venue that I’ve gotten to visit; I am confident in the assumption that if you are to somehow find yourself able to go to the Kennel to see a Zags game, you’ll come away feeling the same. Go Zags! 20.  Don Haskins Center – UTEP: 4.29 Jason Bartel - The 1966 Texas Western College men’s basketball team is arguably the most important college basketball team in the history of the sport. That Texas Western team took down Adolph Rupp’s Kentucky Wildcats to win the NCAA National Championship and became the first team to start five black players. Though they didn’t play at Don Haskins Center (opened 10 years later), the presence of that team is felt throughout the arena. 21.  McLeod Center – Northern Iowa: 4.29 Chuck Utech - A trip to Cedar Falls to see a Missouri Valley Conference basketball game can be rewarding. With the 2018 trip to the Final Four by Loyola of Chicago, “Hoosiers” images were conjured for folks dreaming of the smaller school defeating large universities. The McLeod Center houses those dreams and passionately puts them on display. 22.  Betty Engelstad Sioux Center – North Dakota: 4.29 Daryn Skjefte - The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center is truly a work of art that deserves to be recognized. College basketball is often a tradition for families and friends and this location does not disappoint. The ticket prices are hard to beat, the parking is easy and priced appropriately, and the in-game experience is second to none. I would recommend checking out The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center if you find yourself in Grand Forks. 23.  Madison Square Garden – St. Johns: 4.29 Greg Venuto- Madison Square Garden is a must-see location for sports and entertainment fans alike. It’s an action-packed venue both inside and out. It can be loud and crazy, but always an exciting and worthwhile Stadium Journey. 24.  Walsh Gymnasium – Seton Hall: 4.29 Jon Hart - The Hall plays a select few games at its on-campus facility, the historic Walsh Gymnasium, which opened in 1941. Walsh is very small, extremely loud, and just a magnificent place to watch a college basketball game. It’s big-time basketball in a very small place, a wonderful combination. Think Cameron Indoor or Allen Fieldhouse, except much smaller. 25.  Cameron Indoor Stadium – Duke:  4.14 Joseph Oakes - Even though Cameron Indoor Stadium is old, small, and cramped, the experience of attending a Duke game is like one you won’t experience anywhere else. From the sellout crowds to the Cameron Crazies to the product on the floor (which is always good) a trip to Cameron is a must for any college basketball fan.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Lynn Family Stadium 350 Adams St Lousiville, KY 40206 Louisville City FC website Lynn Family Stadium website Year Opened: 2020 Capacity: 11,700 Louisville's Home for Soccer Lynn Family Stadium opened in 2020 as the home for Louisville City FC of the United Soccer League Championship. The 15,304-seat stadium was designed by HOK for $65 million and can expand to 15,304 spectators. The venue is one of a handful of soccer-specific venues in the league and provides fans with an up-close and personal view of the action on the field. Before the opening of the new venue, the club operated a few miles down the road at Louisville Slugger Field, dubbed Slugger Field for soccer matches. The Triple-A ballpark is intended for the Louisville Bats minor league club, and the club averaged close to 8,000 fans per game; it was the objective to build its venue and avoid certain situations during the playoffs. The stadium features seating on all three sides of the pitch, with the open end facing the interstate and the Ohio River. A 40-by-72.5-foot video board greets motorists from the outside and fans on the inside. When the sunset for evening games, the beautiful red hues sparkled up above as the sunset in the west. Louisville fans have been lucky since the club established a winning tradition from day one. The club advanced to two conference finals in its first two seasons and then hosted the next three USL Championship Finals. The team was displaced for two years due to the Festival of Trees and Lights taking place at the ballpark. Lou City opted for the University of Louisville soccer field, which sat about half the amount of people. Those days are now over if the club does indeed continue its winning ways. Food & Beverage 4 There are various concession stands and portable kiosks that provide an ample amount of food and beverages at the match. Customers should take notice that it is a cashless stadium - please bring a credit or debit card. Now that we have that taken care of, let’s see what they have to eat and drink. The I Love Taco Truck and Franks is in the open area waterfront section of the stadium. The taco truck offers shrimp, tinga, al pastor, chorizo, and brisket tacos on corn tortillas. Franks features a hot dog of the month and also serves Italian sausages. Concession stands feature a “Burger of the Month”. During our visit, it was a 7-ounce patty and spicy Italian sausage with peppers and onions served on a hoagie roll. Other items are the hot brown poutine with fried cheese curds and mornay sauce, a Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and loaded barbecue nachos served in a souvenir soccer bowl. Pizza slices, ordinary nachos, chicken fingers, and pizza slices are also available at the match. There are plenty of alcoholic beverages, cans of Mom water, fruit juice infused with vodka, Fall City, and Noble Funk beer served on draft; wine, bourbon, rum slushies, and cocktails are also available for purchase. The Yuengling bar offers drafts and a selection of wine and cocktails. Photos Courtesy of the Louisville City FC There are plenty of bars that spread out along the concourse serving bourbons from Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, and Cooper’s Craft–each brand also creates its signature cocktail. The highlight is the Modelo Scoreboard Bar on the south end of the stadium. The 72-foot Modelo bar is located under the video board and features several tables where people can stand around. For pregame festivities in the future, we’re excited about the adjoining 1020 beer garden. Fans can purchase Fall City Beer, Yuengling, and Miller are among the brews to choose from while you watch the action. Atmosphere 4 Lynn Family Stadium offers seating for 11,700 and can be expanded to 15,304 fans. Well before the match begins, fans tailgate in the parking lot east of the stadium. RVs, tables, TVs, and flags can be seen up and down the lot. Just north of the stadium is the Fan Zone which offers pre-game festivities and a miniature soccer field for younger fans. The area includes a miniature-sized soccer pitch and a giant “LOU CITY'' sculpture where fans can pose for photos in place of the missing “I”. The Coopers, the official supporter group of Lou City, made its presence with drums, costumes, banners, and plenty of purple smoke, and on the opposite side of the stadium, a few more fans let off some smoke of their own after the two goals scored on the night. The stadium lights flash vividly before and after the game, and also when a goal is scored by the home team. The roof of the seating area is colored and shaped like the sides of a bourbon barrel. The lights are slanted and can be adjusted for color, depending on the match. The concourse aisles are somewhat narrow, its walls decorated with Lou City art and players’ photos on the west side of the stadium. The opposite side is much more open and features a small table of merchandise. Also embedded inside the stadium are 18 luxury boxes and 250 Premier Club seats. The gift shop has that brand-new smell and plenty of team merchandise from official jerseys, scarves, caps, t-shirts, and women's and children's gear. Racing Louisville also has a section of shirts that feature the club’s colors of deep purple and mint green. Several TV monitors are on display, and so are the team’s USL Championship trophies from 2017 and 2018. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the Butchertown section and within walking distance from the main plaza and Copper & Kings American Brandy Company. The up-and-coming neighborhood has renovated many of its meatpacking warehouses into shops, bars, and restaurants and provides an ideal spot before or after a match. However, less than a mile from the stadium is the affluent East Market District, also known as NuLu. You will find everything from vintage clothing stores, gourmet eateries, and restored furniture shops. A few recommendations would include La Bodeguita for Cuban cuisine, Royals Hot Chicken, Grind Burger Kitchen, and Feast BBQ for a bite. A few spots for a drink include the Old 502 Winery, Akasha Brewing Company, and the West Sixth NuLu which offers live music tucked away off the main street and surrounded by other shops and balcony seating. The Rabbit Hole Distillery and Garage Bar are other recommendations, but they were temporarily closed during our visit. Fans 5 The Lou City crowd is one of the more boisterous in the league. There are two supporter group sections at both ends of the pitch. The Coopers, Ledgehogs, LouCity Ladies, and The Sheep’s Pens make their presence felt by chanting, flag waving, and drum playing. During a goal, purple smoke is released into the air to celebrate the score. The team has averaged over 10,000 fans per game this season and ranks number 2 in the league in this category. Access 4 Lynn Family Stadium is located off of I-64 and is easily visible to motorists on the interstate. There are four lots for parking and must be pre-paid for $10. There is additional parking, when available, along the Louisville Waterfront Park and west of the stadium on Witherspoon Street. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket for a soccer match costs as low as $15 at the time of this writing. There are four surface parking lots (Purple, Green, Gold, and Gray) that are pre-paid on the east, west, and south sides of the stadium. Additional parking is available along the Louisville Waterfront Park and west of the stadium on Witherspoon. The price of food will include certain items such as cheeseburgers and chicken tender baskets fetching $11.99 and beer prices ranging from a 24-ounce domestic for $11.99 to a 24-ounce premium for $12.99. The best option is the loaded BBQ nachos served in a plastic soccer bowl for $11.99. It is big enough to feed two children. Extras 4 Louisville City's stadium earns points for the pre-game festivities in the kid's zone that features a small soccer field and entertainment. The stadium earns another point for the variety of food and drink options from local favorites to old standards. The third point is for the design of the soccer-specific venue that is among the classiest in the league. A final point is awarded to the sunset view of the city's skyline at evening games. Final Thoughts Lynn Family Stadium is a wonderful addition to the league and a harbinger for the future of soccer-specific venues in the country. The bright and bold venue is what soccer stadiums should look like and what they could be to both team and fan. Lou City fans have been spoiled with the success on the pitch from their club and now they have an excellent venue to enjoy for many years to come. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Fair Grounds Race Course 1751 Gentilly Blvd New Orleans, LA 70119 Fair Grounds Race Course website Year Opened: 1837 Capacity: 10,000 Road to Kentucky Derby runs through Louisiana Every year since 1894, with a few breaks in between, the road to the Kentucky Derby has run through New Orleans via the annual Louisiana Derby. Run every year in late March, the Grade II sanctioned race with a purse of $1,000,000 is one of the last major prep races ran before the Kentucky Derby. The self-proclaimed 'Road to the Kentucky Derby' is a series of prep races that begin every year in September, using a points-based system scheduled over 36 races. The series has 14 major races which are part of the Championship Series, run from February through April every year. The horses must gain points to qualify, with the Championship Series races worth more points and having bigger purses – there are important stakes on the line during the Louisiana Derby, as the race garners 100 points and automatically qualifies the horse for the Kentucky Derby, the annual Run for the Roses at Churchill Downs the first Saturday in May. The Louisiana Derby is one of the more prestigious races that is not part of horse racing's Triple Crown, and is also one of the oldest stake races, with the 2024 running marking the 110th anniversary of the Louisiana Derby. This annual race takes place at historic Fair Grounds Race Course, where racing began on the site in 1837, making it the second-oldest site for horse racing in the country. Like the city itself, historic Fair Grounds Race Course has had its share of historic moments, like in 1924 when Black Gold won the Louisiana Derby six weeks before also winning the Kentucky Derby, or in 1988 when the son of Secretariat, Risen Star, took home the Louisiana Derby trophy en route to winning that years’ Belmont and Preakness stakes. Horse racing was held here during the Civil War, and after the war welcomed such names as General Custer, Ulysses S. Grant, and Jesse James, who all owned horses or visited the track. The grounds also hosted boxing matches, and the track hosted a car race here in the 1920s. But despite the track's good days, there have also been some dark days, such as on Dec 18, 1993, when a 7-alarm fire completely destroyed the grandstand, or in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina caused extensive damage to the facility, shutting down racing for over a year. However, after over 150 years, Fair Grounds Race Course still stands strong today, and is nicknamed "Horse Racing's Winter Capital" due to the number of races run here from November to March. Food & Beverage   4 Part of what makes Louisiana Derby day so special is the expansive food and beverage options – the indoor grandstand on the second level has several stands, while the street level has the majority of the options here. Twin Spires Casino is also located on the property, and houses two restaurants as well as several bars; Gentilly Grill and P.J.'s Coffeehouse are the two restaurants located in the casino, near the main entrance to the track. The paddocks are the first area you come to when you enter the facility – this is the showcase area for horses before they race, and the area features several food options. Star Guitar Bar is located here, and is named after Louisiana's winningest thoroughbred, Star Guitar; the outdoor bar features several of his saddles, as well as a horse-themed custom guitar on the wall. Another popular stand near the main entrance to the paddocks is Tailgate Tigers, a non-profit competitive cooking team from LSU that raises funds for childhood cancer illnesses. Louisiana Derby day is their biggest fundraiser of the year, raising over $20,000 annually on this day alone – you'll often find the Tailgate Tigers staff smoking a pig or alligator while a big ol' pot of gumbo cooks nearby. Upstairs you'll find several more concession stands, such as Italian Stallion offering different kinds of Italian sausage, as well as deep dish pizzas. Another popular stand is Gourmet Shack, offering Creole menu items such as Cajun chicken alfredo, crawfish spinach dip, and crab de la creme. Oaks Grill is also up here offering a full menu of different burgers, with views overlooking the paddocks, but if you want to keep things simple and just order nachos, popcorn, or a hot dog there are five basic concession stands located on the property, while for drinks, Pepsi is the official provider at Fair Grounds Race Course. Another part that makes the Louisiana Derby so special is the broad selection of alcohol on site – you can find a multitude of different bars set up offering everything from domestic to premium beer. There are also two daiquiri stands set up on the property, as well as a craft beer stand selling beers from local Port Orleans Brewery. But to get the full Louisiana Derby experience you have to try a mint julep; outside on the concourse is High Horse Bar, offering the Derby tradition mint julep. High Horse also serves bloody Mary's and their famous Southern Oaks drink, which is vodka mixed with lemon and cranberry juice. There are also several food trucks lined up along the final stretch on the outdoor concourse, including Daddy Hot Bird for New Orleans style chicken, Tasty Treat serving soft serve ice cream, and Knee Deep Seafood Company offering their favorite dishes of alligator sausage and Cajun hibachi. It's tempting to get full on food and drinks here; just make sure you save some room for dinner so you can hit up the French Quarter for some of New Orleans' finer restaurants. Atmosphere   5 Even if you know nothing about horse racing, all the prestige and grandeur you would expect at the Kentucky Derby is on display in New Orleans, along with many of the traditions of the Run for the Roses. Mint Juleps, big ornate hats worn by women, a garland of roses awarded to the winner; it's all on display here. The only thing missing is the playing of "My Old Kentucky Home" before the race, but you may hear an old school New Orleans brass band playing instead. You have three main entrances into Fair Grounds Race Course – you can enter through the casino on the grounds, through the main entrance near the paddocks, or you can enter at street level near the first turn and be right up on the action. The paddocks are where you can get one last look at the horses before placing a bet; it can get kind of cramped in the paddocks, however, as it is also the main gathering area where the horses are presented for display, including a three-story overlook for viewing. I recommend entering at the paddocks, as you can find a ticket office there as well as a Derby store there, where you can find plenty of memorabilia. You are also free to walk down the jockey quarters hallway to view plaques and photos on the wall showing the history of the track; the simulcast booth is also set up in the paddocks, with pregame coverage and expert picks for the day's races. Fair Grounds Race Course features an enormous four-story grandstand that extends down the final stretch into the first turn. The track itself is a mile long oval facing east and west with a dirt and turf track, approximately 7 furlongs; you are not allowed on the infield during race days. The Louisiana Derby is one of 12 races run on Derby day, run at 1 and 3/16th miles. There is a small grandstand outdoors at street level which features metal bleachers, as well as a concourse separating the track from the grandstand – the concourse can get quite crammed with patrons wanting to be right up on the action as the horses approach the final stretch. The walkway at the far west end of the track features all the pop-up bars and food trucks, as well as a tent hosting a private party sponsored by the New Orleans Pelicans. The first floor of the indoor grandstand and the outside concourse is general admission, while the third and fourth floors of the grandstand are the club access points. Neighborhood   4 Fair Grounds Race Course is located about 3 miles north of the French Quarter in the Fairgrounds neighborhood of the mid-city area. This area is mostly residential, and is not where most of the tourists would venture to if coming to visit, so more than likely you'll come to the track for the day and stay overnight elsewhere in the city, as the area around the track isn't exactly the safest after dark. However, there are a few local spots worth checking out if in town on Derby day – the great thing about Fair Grounds Race Course is you can come and go all day, so you are free to walk around the neighborhoods and then come back and watch the races. Liuzza's at the Track is about two blocks south of the course. Famous for its BBQ shrimp po’ boys, and voted the best gumbo in New Orleans, it is almost impossible to get a table at Liuzza's during the Louisiana Derby, as it is always packed. However, another popular local spot is Parkway Tavern about a mile south of the track – this local dive bar has been open for over 100 years, and is famous for its “Good Food, Poor Boys” sign above the main entrance. Other popular spots near the course include the French bistro Cafe Degas, which makes a great brunch spot, while across the street to the east on Gentilly Blvd is Seahorse Salon, which makes for a popular spot to grab a cold beer in between races. Across the street to the south is Santa Fe Restaurant, which makes a great spot to grab a margarita, and is a popular post-race hangout for the jockeys and horse owners. Another popular place to visit nearby is City Park; the 20th most visited public park in the U.S. is located a stone's throw away from Fair Grounds Race Course, over the scenic Bayou St. John. City Park makes for a great stroll and includes countless museums and walking trails. Also make sure to visit Cafe du Monde in City Park, which is always less packed than the more famous French Quarter location. And of course, the French Quarter is where you can find plenty of additional attractions that New Orleans is known for. The French Quarter also has plenty of hotels to choose from including historic Hotel Monteleone, built in 1886, which remains the official host hotel of the Louisiana Derby. This hotel is famous for its rotating carousel bar, which I recommend checking out if in the city. Fans   5 Derby Day at Fair Grounds Race Course attracts a wide range of different patrons – the grandstands have seating for about 10,000 people, and you'll find another 5,000 or so patrons just walking the outdoor concourse or standing in the paddocks. You'll also find the regulars who come to the track almost every weekend to bet on horses, so they usually know their stuff. The facility has over 200 available kiosks for you to place bets, but the lines back up substantially the closer to post time of the Louisiana Derby itself, around 5:30 pm. The track has electronic kiosks, or you can place your bet with a bookie who will help explain the process if you are not familiar with wagering on horse races. Fair Grounds Race Course runs 12 races on Derby Day, with races every hour beginning at noon. A lot of the horses running in the earlier races are local horses, so the regulars may be familiar with some of them. Former NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme owns some of the horses racing earlier in the day, so Saints fans at the track may want to watch his horses. The Tom Benson Stakes, named after the late Saints owner, is also a popular race run earlier in the afternoon, and his wife Gayle is usually on hand to deliver the trophy to the winning jockey. You'll also get a lot of the preppy college aged folks dressed in different suits – picture a college fraternity party and that's the kind of preppy vibe you can get here. I did see a few kids, but for the most part this is not an event that caters to families. As mentioned earlier the theme at the Louisiana Derby is to dress nice and go over the top, and you'll find a lot of that here with the fancy hats and dresses worn by the ladies, while a lot of the men are decked out in flashy and outlandish suits with bow ties and fedoras. Cigar smoking is about as common here as people drinking, and they even have cigars for sale at the front desk at the main entrance, should you forget to bring yours. But the great thing about attending the Louisiana Derby is that even if you know nothing about horse racing, you are bound to have a good time. Track announcer John G. Dooley does an excellent job giving the play-by-play of the action on the track; he has been the track announcer here for 20 years. When the horses go onto the backstretch after turn 2 you can no longer can see the action from the grandstands, so it is up to you to visualize the horses based on John Dooley providing the play-by-play, until the horses get to the final stretch. When the horses come back into view on that final stretch, however, it can get quite exciting, with Dooley providing his thrilling play-by-play over the PA system – you’ll get to see why this is called the fastest 3 minutes in sports. Access   3 Getting to Fair Grounds Race Course shouldn't be bad depending on which direction you are coming from; if coming from out of town the track is conveniently located near the I-10 and I-610 interchange, the two main interstates into town. From I-610 take Exit 2C onto Paris Ave, then take the first right onto Gentilly Blvd, and you can't miss the facility about a mile south after exiting the interstate. If you are coming from the French Quarter or the Central Business District, it might be a little more difficult if you are not familiar with the rhythm of the city. New Orleans doesn't exactly have the nicest roads, and you'll be navigating side roads that can go from pleasant to scary really quick, so the best way to get here from the Quarter is by Uber or Lyft. There is gated and secured parking for over 10,000 cars on property on the south and east sides of the track. On a regular race day this shouldn't be a problem, but on Derby Day the parking lot fills up quick, so I recommend getting here as early as possible – the gates open at 11 am and the first post time is at noon.  Unfortunately, there are no public lots around the grounds, so if you don't get here early your only option is parking on the street. You may get lucky and find some street parking on Ponce De Leon Street, a couple of blocks south of Fair Grounds Race Course, and you may also find people who live on the streets offering paid parking in their yards. Once inside the venue, the earlier you arrive the better chance you'll have of getting a good view right up at the finish line. The Louisiana Derby is run every year around 5:30 pm, so around 3 or 4 it starts to get pretty crammed, with people flooding the paddocks and attendees walking shoulder to shoulder on the outdoor walkway. The betting lines and kiosks also back up around late afternoon as well – the earlier races are a little more laid back, however, making a great time to get a bookie to help you place a wager on a horse if you are unfamiliar with the process. Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $10 for general admission, which includes access to the outdoor concourse and indoor grandstand on the second level, while $25 gets you access to the club level on the third and fourth floors of the covered grandstand. The club levels feature more betting areas, slot machines, and several sit-down dining options. You cannot find a better return on investment than attending the Louisiana Derby, as you are guaranteed to see at least several horses that will race in the Kentucky Derby. I also recommend just coming for the experience of attending a major horse race – though it's the fastest three minutes in sports, the events and festivities, combined with the spirit and atmosphere of New Orleans, make this an all-day affair. Extras   4 One extra for all the historical figures who visited this track, which is almost as old as the city itself. From General Custer, who owned a stable of horses here shortly before he was killed at the Battle of Little Bighorn, to Ulysses S. Grant, who was a frequent attendee during the spring races of 1880, as well as the outlaw Jesse James, a frequent bettor at the track when his brother Frank was Commissioner of Gambling here. The Track has changed substantially over the last 150 years, but if you want to see a part of the track that hasn’t changed, check out the two twin spires, which were built in 1860, flanking the Gentilly Street entrance. This entrance is just north of the main entrance, and though it is currently closed, it is only about a five-minute walk around the track to get to the gate. Another extra for the three horses buried in the infield at Fair Grounds Race Course – perhaps the most famous horse to race here was Black Gold, who won the 1924 Louisiana Derby en route to winning the 50th running of the Kentucky Derby a couple of weeks later. Black Gold collapsed on this track in 1928, and was euthanized and buried here; Black Gold had a fitting name for a city synonymous with the Saints, and the horse also had a movie based on his life, as well as a book. The horse buried next to Black Gold is Pan Zareta; nicknamed Queen of the Turf, she won 76 races throughout her career, but contracted pneumonia and died in her stall on Christmas Day 1918. The Pan Zareta Stakes is run at Fair Grounds Race Course every year on Thanksgiving weekend, and the winner of the Stakes places a wreath on Pan Zareta’s grave. The third horse buried here is the local horse Tenacious, a popular fixture at the track in the 1960s. Another extra for the events the facility hosts throughout the year – as the sports’ Winter Capital you can expect to find horse racing at the track every weekend here, starting with the Thanksgiving Day Classic up until the Louisiana Derby. The Gun Runner Stakes are held Christmas weekend, the Lecomte Stakes in January, and the Risen Star Stakes in February, all of which are prep races with qualifying points towards the Kentucky Derby. Fair Grounds Race Course also holds the Exotic Animal Races twice a year, where you can bet on camel, zebra, and ostrich races; the Weiner dog races are also a hot ticket each year as well. And of course, an extra for Fair Grounds Race Course’s biggest event every year, and it has nothing to do with horse racing. Every year since 1970, as soon as racing season ends, the grounds are transformed into the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, better known as JazzFest, which takes place for two weekends every year at the end of April. One of the most famous music festivals in the world, the event attracts over 450,000 attendees and has attracted some of the biggest name in music – The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Christ Stapleton, and Widespread Panic are just some of the names playing at this year’s festival.