Surprise...  Nary a Pork Roll in sight, ‪ Marc  and ‪ Dan  return to discuss the latest twist in the new Sixers arena.  They are here to stay.  What happens to the Market Street location and will the Wells Fargo Center still stand? _________________________________________________________________________________ Audio versions of the Stadium Journey podcast can be found by searching HIAC Talk Radio   wherever you look for your favorite podcasts. Video simulcasts of all the Stadium Journey podcasts can be found on Stadium Journey's YouTube page . Join us live as we record every other Monday on our social media streaming channels.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Memorial Gym 18 Gym Drive Orono, ME 04473 Maine Black Bears website Memorial Gym website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 3,100 Shout ‘Til the Rafters Ring When discussing college basketball’s oldest venues, Memorial Gym on the campus of the University of Maine – Orono is often left out of the conversation. Built in 1933, Memorial Gym, lovingly referred to as “The Pit”, is one of the ten oldest Division-I basketball venues in use today. The Black Bears men’s basketball team played at “The Pit” for 50 years, however, the growing popularity of the women’s basketball team created a need for a larger venue than the 1,300-seat capacity of Memorial Gym. As a result, both teams moved to Alfond Arena , located across the parking lot and originally built as the home of UMaine hockey. Alfond would be the UMaine basketball home until 2011 when the Black Bears started bouncing between Alfond Arena  and Memorial Gym. Upon the opening of Cross Insurance Center in neighboring Bangor in 2013, however, the Black Bears would move almost exclusively off campus for its basketball games. Memorial Gym then underwent extensive renovations to update the facility, expanding its capacity to 3,100 fans, including being brought up to date with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements. Maine would continue splitting time between Cross Insurance Center  and Memorial Gym until the 2023-24 season, where except for the border battle with the University of New Hampshire , basketball would be exclusively played on campus. Then in January 2024, an $80 million gift from the Harold Alfond Foundation  was announced, which includes funding to construct Morse Arena, the future home of UMaine’s men’s and women’s basketball teams – the new facility is slated to be completed in time for the 2028 season. Currently members of the America East Conference, the Black Bears had previously been a part of the Yankee Conference dating back to 1947.   Food & Beverage   1 To say concessions are basic at Memorial Gym might be a bit generous – there are no hot food options; just popcorn, candy, cookies, and Maine Whoopie pie. Beverages include bottled soft drinks from the Pepsi line of products, along with Gatorade and Aquafina. In the name of transparency, this review was conducted over winter break, and signs did reference a second concession stand available inside the adjoining New Balance Maine Field House, but there was no sign of it being open.   Atmosphere   2 Memorial Gym is a relic when it comes to college basketball arenas, a true time capsule that brings back memories of the era of cagers.  At the time it was built, not a lot of thought was given to obstructed views created by steel beams that frame the center court section of seating. The historic nature of the building also creates some unique features – there are not many college basketball venues that still have wooden seats throughout, and still have a wood plank ceiling. A large HD video board is attached to the far end wall and provides a video feed of the game, cues for fans to get loud, and advertisements during breaks in the action. It also keeps track of individual player points and foul totals. In addition, smaller, more traditional scoreboards with basic time and score information hang from the wall on each end of the floor at the court level.  Timeouts are commonly filled with various fan cams that are popular with younger Black Bear fans, and while students are on campus, the pep band and cheerleaders fill the second tier of seating, which certainly adds to the overall college basketball experience. Memorial Gym is everything that basketball in Maine is – a small gym that can get packed and warm during the cold Maine winters. Despite upgrades to become a bit more modern and accessible, Memorial Gym still comes with limitations that make the environment a bit of a challenge when considering the overall comfort of the facility.   Neighborhood   4 Orono is a vibrant, small college town that, despite its somewhat remote location, gives visitors just enough food and beverage options in town to make it worthwhile to arrive a few hours before tip-off. The UMaine campus is separated from the Orono neighborhood of Marsh Island by the Stillwater River. Marsh Island is just over a mile from the athletics facilities and is home to a handful of bars, restaurants, and breweries. One popular spot, Pat’s Pizza on Mill Street, has been an Orono staple since 1931. Orono has a small town center but does pack a lot into that area’s relatively small size. One of the more popular pregame establishments is Orono Brewing Company – while their craft brews are their most popular attraction, there is also a strong food menu. The town of Orono also neighbors the better-known and more populous Bangor, which might be the best option if you are looking for lodging or entertainment to fill the time before or after a UMaine basketball game. On campus, Memorial Gym is clustered with the other UMaine athletic facilities – just across the parking lot is the aforementioned Alfond Arena , as well as Harold Alfond Sports Stadium , which hosts Maine Black Bears football, field hockey, and track & field.   Fans   2 Attendance at Black Bears men’s basketball tends to be a bit inconsistent at Memorial Gym, though in a bit of an oddity, on-campus games during school breaks tend to have larger attendance numbers than those that occur when students are on campus. The Orono community also does a decent job filling the seats at The Pit as part of weekend family plans- weekend games routinely draw over 1,200 fans, whereas typical crowds with students on campus have 500 to 700. While many of these are weekday games, with an undergraduate enrollment of nearly 10,000 the small attendance figures are a bit disappointing.   Access   2 The University of Maine campus, in the central Maine town of Orono, is a bit secluded from most of the population in the rest of the state. The main artery of travel up the eastern seaboard, Interstate 95, does pass through Orono, however, so it does at least provide a direct route to town. The UMaine athletic facilities are easily accessible from the interstate, and parking is directly in front of the main entry to Memorial Gym. Memorial Gym only has one entry point that is used to access the court, which is fine for early arrivers, but the closer to tip-off the more the long, narrow entry point can become backed up. The age of Memorial Gym also definitely creates some issues when it comes to simply accessing the gym’s seating areas – the floor seats have a direct route from the entrance, but navigating between the seating along the sideline and baseline requires going down one set of stairs and coming back up another set. There is an elevator to access the upper-level seating across from the team benches, but there does not seem to be the same access on the other side. The setup of Memorial Gym is a bit unfortunate in that the entire front of the building is used for visiting team access and is not accessible to fans. On the plus side, the lobby of the building is home to the University of Maine Athletics Hall of Fame, with photos and bios of its inductees.   Return on Investment   4 Balcony seating starts at $15 when purchased at the door, which seems consistent with schools at similar levels. However, even adding a flat fee of $2.25 per ticket, purchasing online is less expensive than waiting to buy a ticket at the door – the same $15 balcony ticket purchased at the door is just $12.25 when purchased online. Floor-level seats are available for under $25. There is no cost for parking, and prices at the limited concessions seem fair. In all, UMaine basketball is an extremely affordable entertainment option.   Extras   2 If you can access the main lobby at court level following the game, the University of Maine Athletics Hall of Fame shows the history of UMaine’s brightest stars throughout the school’s more than 140-year history of athletics in Orono – the Hall of Fame is a nice look at the athletes who have written the story of Black Bear athletics. Following weekend games, players are made available for an on-court autograph session; this is a nice way for the team to make connections with the community, as well as inspire the next generation of Maine hoopsters.   Final Thoughts Some of the inconsistencies with men’s basketball attendance could be tied to not just the struggles the Black Bears have had putting wins in the win column, but also that they have not had a consistent facility to call home for quite some time. Between playing at Alfond Arena , which was not designed for basketball, and traveling to Bangor, the Black Bears have not established a true home court in quite some time. The future does show promise, with facility upgrades on the way and an increased focus on drawing some of the top high school talent in the state to Orono. The coming years could see the Black Bears head back to Bangor for part of their schedule if crowd sizes spike as they are anticipated to over the next few seasons. If given the opportunity before Morse Arena is completed, taking in a game at The Pit might be a priority, while the historic venue is still accessible.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.84 Gerald J. Ford Stadium 5800 Ownby Dr University Park, TX 75205 First Responder Bowl website Gerald J. Ford Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 32,000 SERVPRO First Responder Bowl In the landscape of college football bowl games, the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a relative newcomer - it began with the name Ticket City Bowl in 2011, changed its name to the Heart of Dallas bowl in 2013, before settling in with the current name in 2018. It was originally played in the venerable Cotton Bowl located in historic Fair Park before moving to its current location on the SMU campus, in the more upscale University Park neighborhood of Dallas. Gerald J. Ford Stadium opened on the SMU campus in 2000, on the site of former Ownby Stadium. Named after alum and donor Gerald J. Ford, the stadium was built in the collegiate-Georgian architectural style that is prevalent on campus. As part of its 32,000 seats, expandable if needed, there are over 2,100 club level seats plus 2,000 seats in 41 luxury suites. There is a giant HD video screen perched at each end of the stadium – all fans, regardless of their location, are able to see one of the scoreboards easily to view replays, advertisements, and up-close pictures of on field special recognitions. The sound system is clear, and can even be heard one block away at the parking garage. Seating for the stadium is in a horseshoe, with the south end zone open; this latter end zone houses the newest addition to Ford Stadium, the $100 million Garry Weber End Zone Complex and Armstrong Football Center. Built in 2022, largely through generous donations from donors Garry Weber, Bill Armstrong, and Liz Martin Armstrong, the three-story complex houses SMU’s football performance facilities, coach’s and administrative offices, hospitality and recruiting areas, and Letterman’s Lounge. In addition, there are 1,200 exclusive suite level seats inside.   Food & Beverage   4 Concession stands and kiosks serving general foods are plentiful – there are 10 full-service concession stands plus at least 10 more drink only portable stands and walk-thru lines. Bagged snacks, such as chips and peanuts, are also available at the walk-thrus to take some of the traffic out of the full-service lines. Most foods you would expect are available in the general concession stands – the all-beef hot dogs and nachos are the heartiest items, costing $7 each. Giant pretzels ($7), giant popcorn ($8), peanuts ($6), cookies ($5), candy ($5), and chips ($4) are all options, while a couple of unique offerings include Takis ($5) or a cup of melted cheese ($1). In addition to regular snack bar items, there are some Dallas centric choices available; Mi Cocina offers MiCoRitas frozen margaritas, while Ferris Wheelers  and Rudy’s  both serve barbecue items, and Nutty Bavarian Nuts  has a stand for their snacks. Coca-Cola products are offered in 32 ounce souvenir cups, which cost $7. Other drinks include Powerade ($6), Dasani water ($5), Smart water ($7), and domestic beers ($11). Beer options included Coors light, Miller light, Modelo, and Michelob Ultra, as well as a local brew, Pony Pils. Pony Pils is an American Golden Lager brewed by local brewer, Lakewood Brewing, specifically for SMU. Lakewood donates $1 per case to a scholarship fund to be used for a STEM scholarship given to future brewers. SMU has posted numerous concession maps on the walls in the concourse for fans to reference. For the First Responder Bowl, this map proved very helpful but not 100% accurate – there were some specialty offerings listed on the map that were unavailable during the bowl game.   Atmosphere   5 The two teams playing in the game go a long way in determining the overall atmosphere. Since moving from the spacious Cotton Bowl, which seats well over 90,000, to Ford Stadium, the game atmosphere has been improved with crowds ranging from 10,000-28,000. The First Responder Bowl Committee strives to invite at least one team that is either a service academy or located in Texas to ensure local fan interest. Teams chosen to play since the move to SMU have included North Texas , Texas State , UTSA , Rice , and Air Force . Directly across Ownby Drive from the west side of the stadium, in the parking lot of the Meadows Museum, there is a free public tailgating area set up. Here, fans are offered free food and drink with donations being accepted for nonprofit agencies that are represented. In addition to the food and drinks, there are also children’s games and other giveaway items available for fans to take home as souvenirs. At the most recent game I attended, two Texas teams played and the crowd was electric, even though both teams had records that were barely above .500. Split almost evenly, half the crowd roared after each play while the remaining fans groaned. Both schools were able to bring full bands, dance teams, and cheer squads to support their team as well. With such large numbers of alumni in attendance, each school hosted large tailgates on The Boulevard, 50 yards apart from one another. This made for a great scene as the tree-lined street was filled with green and white on one end and maroon and gold on the other. Upbeat dance music pumped from both locations, and laughter and conversation could be heard between drum beats as the smell of the grills wafted through the oaks.   Neighborhood   4 Ford Stadium is located on the campus of SMU, which is in the University Park neighborhood of Dallas. University Park is a stable, upper-middle class neighborhood with numerous restaurants and shopping areas along Interstate 75. There are also many food choices along Hillcrest Avenue, which forms the western edge of campus – restaurant options range from Jimmy John’s and Bubba’s Cooks Country  to Kyoto Sushi , Torchy’s Tacos , Desperado’s Mexican , and Campisi’s Egyptian Italian ; this list only represents a small number of the numerous options available within a short walk of the stadium. Hotel accommodations are plentiful within 2 miles of the SMU campus. There are several luxury choices including The Lumen  and The Beeman . Other options that are less expensive but still highly rated include DoubleTree by Hilton-Campbell Centre , Hyatt House/Lincoln Park , and La Quinta Inn-Uptown .   Fans   4 Crowds for the First Responder Bowl are dependent on the teams playing and the weather. Usually scheduled for the first week of January, Texas weather can be fickle. With average high temperatures in North Texas normally in the mid-50s and a 60% chance of sunshine on the typical winter afternoon, fans consider this ideal football weather. With good weather, regionally relevant schools, and the intimate setting that Gerald J. Ford Stadium provides, the crowd is typically engaged and involved in the game. The most recent game I was able to witness seemed more like a long-running rivalry game than a year end bowl experience, based on the fan reactions. Both fan bases were out in force and cheered their respective teams on as heartily as possible.   Access   3 The Southern Methodist campus is easily accessible using the Mockingbird exit off I-75 (North Central Expressway). It is a short drive from either major airport, only 20 minutes from Dallas Love Field and 30 minutes from DFW International Airport. However, if taking public transportation is your preference, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) light rail Red, Orange, and Blue lines all stop at SMU/Mockingbird Station, which is within an easy half mile walk of the stadium. Traffic flow is marked with signage, which assists fans to find parking and entrances to the stadium. Prepaid parking passes are available for $20, which is a normal parking charge for parking in the DFW metro area. The neighborhood around SMU’s campus is fairly flat and well-marked which is beneficial for walking. Once inside the stadium there are many signs posted and friendly ushers available to help direct you to your seat, or assist with other issues if needed. There are also QR codes posted throughout the concourse with emergency access contact information should additional help be needed.  After dark, there is plenty of lighting in all public areas for safety.   Return On Investment   3 Tickets to the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl range in price from $33 to $177, but first responders can get up to 4 free tickets in appreciation for their service to their communities. Concession prices here are average for high-level college games such as this – light snacks and a drink can be taken care of for between $10 and $15, while heartier choices will cost more. Parking passes cost $20 if paid online prior to game day, increasing to $25 or more on game day. There is free parking available if you are willing to walk a few minutes, however, and public transportation has a stop within a half mile of the Gerald J. Ford Stadium. I would consider the cost of attending this event to be average for NCAA FBS college football, especially considering this is a bowl game in a Power 5 football stadium.                                                                                                                                                                                                           Extras   4 Thanks to generous sponsors, all first responders are eligible for up to four free general admission tickets to the game. During the game, first responders are also recognized and celebrated for their sacrifices and support of their communities. Special recognition, namely national honors, for individual first responders who have gone above and beyond the call of duty is an added bonus during the event. Having over twenty stations to purchase drinks and packaged snacks, including beer, water, and soft drinks is an extremely efficient usage of concourse space; this limits time in line and cuts down on time missing the action. The most recent SERVPRO First Responder Bowl I attended pitted two Texas Group of Five universities against one another – the battle that ensued created a rivalry-style game, which proved to be entertaining both on the scoreboard and for fans in the stands.   Final Thoughts The SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a great game to attend, even for the casual sports fan – it checks the box for sports travelers who want to experience different festivities in the sports landscape. Taking place in a newly renovated college stadium, Gerald J. Ford also presents an intimate venue for the action. With the express emphasis to recognize and celebrate first responders, this game’s mission is evident from the coin toss to the final whistle blowing. Community helpers who are in attendance feel appreciated by being personally being applauded, and many of their peers are recognized on the field with state and national honors. I believe the SERVPRO First Responder Bowl is a game that should be on your bucket list. With unlimited activities available in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area to add to a multiday trip, this game becomes a great destination for a January weekend.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Cross Insurance Center 515 Main St Bangor, ME 04401 Maine Black Bears men’s basketball website Cross Insurance Center website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 5,800 A New Den for the Black Bears For decades, the University of Maine Black Bears played their home games at the on-campus Memorial Gym, affectionately known as “The Pit”. Unfortunately, the team outgrew this 1,800 seat home, which required almost a total makeover to bring it up to building and safety codes. From 1988 to 1992 the team played their home games at the old 6,000 seat Bangor Auditorium. In 1992 the team moved back to campus to play their games at Alfond Arena, the home of the school’s hockey teams. That move proved to be a difficult one for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams, as four teams had to share the facility, and the hockey teams were given preferential treatment. With the completion of the $65 million Cross Insurance Arena in Bangor, the Black Bears basketball teams moved once more, this time back to downtown Bangor, 12 miles from the Orono campus on the site of the old Bangor Auditorium. The new arena aims to have the feel of a big-time basketball arena while being sized appropriately for the small central Maine market. A member of the America East Conference, the Black Bears have yet to appear in the NCAA Tournament. Jeff Cross, who played 21 games with the Clippers in 1984, is the only UMaine alumnus to play in the National Basketball Association. Food & Beverage 4 The Cross Insurance Center boasts a good array of concession choices for an arena of its size. There are several stands scattered around the concourse, which may or may not be open depending on the size of the crowd. Many of the stands feature local names and themes, including Queen City Gourmet, Blue Ox Grill, Tapas on the Penobscot, The Q Barbeque. Papa John’s Pizza also operates a stand here. Pepsi products are featured at the Cross Insurance Center. Alcohol is not sold at UMaine games. All the typical arena foods are present and accounted for here at the Cross Insurance Center, but some items stand out from the crowd. If you feel particularly hungry, try the Penobscot Pounder, a ½ pound angus hamburger topped with poutine (for those not familiar, poutine is a Canadian delicacy featuring French fries topped with cheese curds and other toppings) and homemade bacon. Several variations on the typical French fry are available here, such as sweet potato fries, poutine, crab fries, and pickle fries. Should you run out of popcorn at any time during a game, bring your bag back to the concession stand and refill it for only two dollars. My personal recommendation for a true central Maine experience is to try a W.A. Bean and Sons Red Snapper hot dog and a whoopee pie. Atmosphere 2 With the average crowd at a Black Bears game only filling about a quarter of the arena, the atmosphere at a UMaine game is understandably laid-back. While some fans will enjoy the understated experience, fans who are looking for a loud and lively gameday presentation should look elsewhere. All the typical college touches are here, including a (sometimes) rowdy student section, a pep band, cheerleaders and mascot. Videos are shown on the scoreboard located on the north end of the arena, with stats displayed on ribbon boards located at the top of the arena along either sideline. Fans who have visited the UMaine campus for a hockey game at Alfond Arena may be surprised and disappointed at the difference in atmosphere here. Neighborhood 4 The city of Bangor is located in central Maine, boasting a population of just over 33,000. This makes Bangor the third largest city in the state. Located 12 miles from the University of Maine’s campus in Orono, the city got its start as a lumber town (explaining the 31 foot tall statue of Paul Bunyan in front of the arena). Downtown Bangor has experienced a revival in recent years, with several small shops, businesses and restaurants taking up residence in what had become an abandoned downtown area. Today, the Hollywood casino is located right across the street from the Cross Insurance Center. Also, Bangor resident Steven King’s house is located not far from the arena, and is a popular stop for out-of-towners. Fans 2 Maine averages just over 1,400 fans per game for their home games in Bangor. Despite the Cross Insurance Center’s location 12 miles from the Orono campus, there is a decent turnout by the student body on most nights. As you would probably expect from basketball fans from Maine, those in attendance are, for the most part, laid back, although they can make their presence known when the Black Bears start rolling. Access 4 Bangor may be quite out of the way for any team traveling to the most northeastern corner of the United States for a game, but the Cross Insurance Center is very easy to get to. It is located just off of Interstate 395, which is a spur off of I-95. Located a block off the highway on Main Street, ample parking is located behind the facility. Most fans will enter the building via the Southwest Entry Plaza, which deposits fans right onto the main concourse. There is another entry plaza on the southeast corner of the building, which accesses the arena at the floor level. The building features wide, clean concourses and restrooms which are more than adequate for the typical Black Bear crowd. The concourse runs along the top of the seating bowl, which features individual red folding seats with cup holders. The seating bowl is laid out in a horseshoe fashion, with luxury boxes lining the top of the arena. All seats are close to the court and offer fantastic sight lines of the action. Return on Investment 4 Maine Black Bears games are very affordably priced. Reserved tickets (sections 104-105 and 115-116) can be purchased for $13, with general admission seating (all other seats) priced at $11. Seniors and youths are admitted for only $6. If you attend a Black Bears game with a group of 20 or more, your tickets will cost just $5 per person. Season tickets can be purchased for either the men’s or women’s teams for $120, or for both teams for $200 per seat. Parking in the lot directly behind the Cross Insurance Center costs $5, with the lots a little further away free of charge. On many chilly Maine winter nights, the five-dollar charge may be money well spent. With affordable concessions, a night of UMaine basketball is an affordable entertainment option for central Maine sports fans. Extras 3 An extra point is awarded for the UMaine women’s basketball teams, which are treated on an even playing field here, and generally draw bigger crowds than does the men’s teams. An extra point is awarded for the giant statue of Paul Bunyan located in the front lawn of the Cross Insurance Center. It provides a most unique approach to the venue, as well as providing a great photo opportunity before the game. A final extra point is awarded for the Maine Basketball Hall of Fame, located on the arena’s concourse. You may not think it, but basketball plays an integral part in the state of Maine’s sporting culture. The Cross Insurance Center hosts the Maine High School Basketball playoffs every year, and exhibits from Maine’s basketball history are displayed here. Final Thoughts Maine will never be thought of as a basketball hotbed, and the campus’ location in the far northeastern corner of the country hardly makes it a popular destination for traveling basketball fans, but the Cross Insurance Center is a solid, modern facility in which to take in Division One basketball. It’s worth a visit by any dedicated basketball fanatic.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 American Family Field One Brewers Way Milwaukee, WI 53214 Milwaukee Brewers website American Family Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 41,900 Baseball, Beer, & Brats at the Brewers Game American Family Field is the home field of the Milwaukee Brewers. Originally known as Miller Park when it opened in 2001, the ballpark is known for its tailgating before the game, its ballpark food of Wisconsin treats, and strong fan support. It houses a fan-shaped retractable roof that opens or closes in 10 minutes.  The ballpark received $500,000 worth of public funds to renovate the stadium. It resulted in a 12,077 square feet video board in center field, a 2,840 square foot board in right field, LED displays, and the creation of the 3rd Street Market Hall with 4 new restaurants in the right field loge level. Before moving into American Family Field, the Brew Crew called County Stadium home from 1970-2000. The ballpark is gone, but the field is now the site of a Little League baseball park, Helfaer Field. It is located near the AAF and it provides the opportunity for kids to run on the field before a Brewers game. The renovations will guarantee the Brewers will stay in town until 2050 (the club’s 80th anniversary since moving from Seattle) and enhance what many considered a ballpark to visit during the season.  Food & Beverage 5 American Family Field was named t he second-best MLB stadium for food by USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. This year includes the addition of four new eateries that are located in the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex in the right field loge level and include the following establishments: Kompali Tacos:  Steak tacos, Chicken tacos, Vegetarian Tacos, and Chips and Guacamole. Smokin’ Jack’s BBQ: Texan Sandwich, Pork Shoulder Sandwich, The Smokey Bird Sandwich, and Smoked Meat Nachos. KAWA (Asian fusion) : Crab Rangoon (3 pieces), Spring Roll (4 pieces), Godzilla Roll, and Chicken Fried Rice. Anytime Arepa (Venezuelan):  Brisket and Cheddar Arepa, Chicken and Cheddar Arepa, Black Bean and Cheddar Arepa, Mini Empanadas (3-piece basket – Chicken, Ground Beef, and Cheese) and Tostones and Mild Salsa.  The J. Leinenkugel's Barrel Yard (Loge area in right field) is a restaurant and experience overlooking the field. It features a three-barrel brewing system and brewmaster. The restaurant is opened all-year-round and offers a full menu of steak dishes, chicken wings, Wisconsin cheese boards, cheese soup, and a Wurst platter. Fans enjoy a patio view of the game on the concourse with a wait staff. However, more options specialize in Wisconsin favorites of sausages, burgers, brats, hot dogs, and sausages. A few highlights include the peppered brandy burger with melted Swiss cheese, bacon, and caramelized brandy onions; the Tipsy Polish with caramelized brandy onions, fries, pickled peppers, and Bavarian sprinkles; and the Top of the North hot dog with kraut, jalapeno mayonnaise, bacon, brown mustard, and Super Secret Stadium sauce. The options do not end here; the concession stands serve pizza slices, chicken parmesan sandwiches, giant helmet nachos, Vienna beef hot dogs, chicken tender baskets with fries, and fried cheese curds. The highlight of the beer selection includes the Local Brews bar, located on the lower level near section 207. It serves 24 beers from numerous Wisconsin breweries, including Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewery, Ninja Dust from One Barrel Brewing Company, and GumbSkull Sea Salt & Lime Lager from PetSkull Brewing Company. Atmosphere 5 Everything begins about 3 hours before the game in the ballpark parking lots. The birth of tailgating was born here when the Braves came to town from Boston, and the tradition continues today with multiple tables, tents, and grills serving up some of the best foods in the major leagues. The stadium is separated into four different levels. Fans enter through the field level (100), and the wrap-around concourse houses an abundance of food and merchandise options. There are also island bars allowing fans to enjoy the game from all four sides of the structure. There are also open views from many parts of the concourse, allowing fans not to miss the action on the diamond. The Loge level (200) is where you will find a few interesting sections that enhance the game day experience. As mentioned earlier, the 3rd Street Market Hall Annex was recently added. The Miller Lite Landing offers sweeping views of the field from above the left-field wall. The area also has a wait staff, drink rails, charging stations, and TV sets. When the roof is open, the view is ideal for pictures from this vantage point. The 300 level is where you will find club-level suites with a wait staff. A few more suite and all-inclusive areas include the Vizzy Loft, Johnsonville Party Deck, and the Association Bank Power Alley. X-Golf is located on the Loge level and features seven state-of-the-art indoor golf simulator bays over two floors – with three bays that offer expansive views of the playing field. Reservations are required. The Terrace level (400) offers some of the better views of the entire stadium.  The ballpark is known for several unique features: Famous Racing Sausages, Bernie’s Chalet, and the Bob Uecker seats in the last row of the stadium in the 400 level. The sausages race between the 6 inning, and featured five different sausage and mini sausage mascots racing from the left field corner to the first baseline. The team’s mascot, Bernie Brewer, will slide down from his chalet after every Brewer home run. The Aurora Health Care® Kids Zone is a special kids' interactive playground located on the Terrace Level behind home plate. The area offers slides, areas to test kid’s speed, pitching, and face painting. Fans can also look around the walls of the ballpark to see team logos, sayings, and murals honoring the Brewers history in the town. Neighborhood 3 American Family Field is 4.3 miles from downtown Milwaukee. It should not be surprising since it was built next to the team’s former home County Stadium. When County Stadium opened in 1953, it was designed with the motorist in mind and was the first major league ballpark constructed outside the city limits. It is best to drive to the game and visit downtown Milwaukee afterward. The Milwaukee Riverwalk is worth a visit on a warm summer day and is accessible to the Milwaukee Public Market which is located in the Historic Third Ward where cobblestone streets line up next to restaurants, shops, and bars. The city is home to the Harley-Davidson Museum and a few brewery tours that include Miller, Lakefront, and Specher. If craving more baseball, the Milwaukee Milkmen  and Lake Country Dockhounds  of the American Association play 15 and 30 minutes respectively from the stadium. Still, the Lakeshore Chinooks of the Northwoods League play less than 20 minutes north along the shoreline at Kapco Park . Fans 5 The Brewers are known for having some of the best fans in the major leagues. The club averages well above 15 other major league teams, and fans are decked in team gear from the powder blue shirts of the 1980s to the current navy blue jerseys. They support their ball club regardless of record on the field. Access 4 Being set outside of downtown, the ballpark is easy to access with multiple lots to choose from before the game. There are 8 preferred parking lots and 3 larger general parking lots that are a little further walk. Once inside, the main concourse is the hub of activities with escalators and elevators available to take you to your proper section. The Molitor Lot is the furthest parking lot but provides the quickest access to I-94. Several restaurants offer shuttle service from downtown Milwaukee, including Brewski's Sports Club, Paulie's Pup & Eatery, Jack's American Pub, and Who's on Third. Return on Investment 4 Brewers tickets are among the cheapest tickets in the major leagues. Based on the   website TickPick , tickets are as low as $5 during the week and as high as $20 during the weekend or giveaway nights. If the Chicago Cubs are in town, the price will be higher, and it's advised to purchase parking passes in advance for a steep discount. General parking Monday through Friday is $13, compared to $15. A preferred parking ticket for a weekend game will cost $20, compared to $40. The Brewers concession prices are in line with many major league ballparks. They are a tad on the high side; however, “The 414 Menu” offers four items a la carte for just $4 each – a junior hot dog, junior nachos, Cracker Jack, and 16 oz. soda is ideal for folks with little kids or on a budget. Extras 4 First, tailgating is among the best in baseball and is a tradition. Take time to arrive early to check out the scene or bring something to eat or drink. The Famous Sausage Race is a must-see at the game and among the team’s favorite traditions, along with Bernie Brewer sliding down his chalet after every Brewers home run. Another extra is when the roof is open, the best part of the ballpark might be the Miller Lite Landing, offering sweeping views of the field from above the left-field wall. Final Thoughts American Family Field is one of those major league ballparks that might not stand out to most, but after a visit, you might want to reconsider. It is known for its tailgating, loyal fans, great food, and racing sausages. Also, ticket prices are among the least expensive in the league, making it affordable for anyone looking to enjoy a game at a major league ballpark during the season. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

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

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

Photos of Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Highland Fieldhouse 9135 Erie St. Highland, IN 46322 Highland High School Trojans website Highland Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 2,200 Highland High's Home Dome Highland High School is home to the Trojans basketball program. It is located in Highland, Indiana, in an area of the state known as “The Region” outside Chicago. Its home building has a distinctive circular dome roof that is separate from the rest of the school. The gym opened in 1970 with a seating capacity of 3,200 and has a similar design similar to other facilities at Benton Central , Greencastle,  and nearby rival Munster High Schools .  The fieldhouse construction began in 1968 and forced the Trojans to play home games at the middle school. This was due to the old high school gym being converted into an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Tons of steel and wooden frames towered over the construction site as students awaited completion. A carpenter’s strike forced construction to be delayed a few months until its grand opening in November 1970. In 2019, the gymnasium received $12 million in renovations to improve the court, seating, locker rooms, and offices. The Trojans are part of the Northwest Crossroads Conference. The boys have won five conference and four sectional championships, while the girls have had better success, winning 15 conferences and four sectional titles.  Food & Beverage 3 The concession stand serves a familiar selection, including hot dogs, popcorn, chips, soft pretzels, nachos, and soda pop. However, different items are worth mentioning. Visitors can order Polish sausage, walking tacos, spicy chicken sandwiches, nacho supreme, and street tacos. The price range starts at $2 for chips and $6 for a nacho supreme. Atmosphere 2 The Highland Holiday Hoopfest is an annual event held after Christmas. Eight high schools compete in the three-day event. However, with that being said, some of the charm of a regular high school game is missing. There are no cheerleaders, the sounds of the band, and the cheer sections at the event. There is also a lack of a crowd that definitely could add a nice backdrop to the atmosphere. The gym has an aura from its exterior; it is a dome facility that is easy to spot off the main road. Once you walk inside the lobby, you are practically inside the gym and staring at its wooden ceiling. A digital four-sided scoreboard breaks away from the standard electronic kinds, which are still popular in many parts of the state.  The school colors of blue and gold are everywhere, along with banners of multiple team championships against the walls. There is bleacher seating on all three sides, with one end opened up with a few rows of handicapped seating. Additional seating can be pulled out to accommodate larger crowds, perhaps games against rival Munster High School, but the open space is a welcome attraction to the spacious gymnasium. Neighborhood 4 The high school is in a residential area of Highland, Indiana, and a few miles away from the busy US-41, where many shops and retail chains exist. The average fan will find almost everything they want in these various spots.  Sophia's Pancake House, Kui Korean BBQ, Theo's Steak & Seafood, and Highland Gyros are on US-41, AKA Indianapolis Blvd. The Blue Top Drive-In is a throwback to the early 1960s, featuring burgers, fries, shakes, and a few muscle cars. It is a great spot for families.  The Highland Grove Shopping Plaza offers a variety of regional chains, including Chipotle, Panda Express, Dave's Hot Chicken, Noodles & Company, Tomato Bar Pizza Bakery, and Naf Naf Grill. Lou Malnati's is home to Chicago-style deep-dish and thin-crust pizza. About a mile north of the high school is a collection of restaurants in downtown Highland. Fuzzyline Brewing Company offers great craft beer, homemade burgers, and smashed potatoes with curry ketchup. Dan’s Perogies is a Polish restaurant that serves stuffed cabbage dinners, sandwiches, blintzes, and homemade soup. Fans 2 It is hard to judge the fan score based on the Holiday Hoopfest. It was not a typical Trojans game, and some holiday tournaments don't bring out a large number of fans. Many of the schools are within the area, but it is during the break when most kids are not thinking about anything school-related.  Access 4 The high school is within a few miles of US-41, the main road that connects to I-65. GPS is the best way to arrive at the school, but the gym is noticeable from Erie Street. There is plenty of parking for the game, and once inside, there is more room to move around to enjoy the view.  Return on Investment 3 The ticket price is $7 per person, and concession items are around $3 to $4 apiece. One can enjoy a night watching Hoosier High School hoops, and it can be a nice detour from the family functions taking place during this time of year.  Extras 2 The Polish sausage is hot and tasty, along with the walking tacos. The food is enough to keep fans more than satisfied until after the game. The gym’s domed ceiling gives the place its charm and adds to its character.  Final Thoughts In a state where there are plenty of great gyms to visit for high school basketball, Highland High might get overlooked. However, it's worth checking out when in the area, especially for a regular season game. It has all the charm and design to make it worth your time when in “The Region". ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter   @ballparkhunter   and his   YouTube channel .   Email at   Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Nationwide Arena 200 W Nationwide Blvd Columbus, OH 43215 Columbus Blue Jackets Website Nationwide Arena Website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 18,103 Nationwide is the Place To Be in Columbus The Nationwide Arena is the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets of the National Hockey League. The $175 million multi-purpose building seats 18,500 people and debuted for the 2000-2001 season. Its construction returned the NHL to Ohio for the first time in 22 years with the creation of the expansion franchise. The arena is of a brick design and is the centerpiece of The Arena district that was redeveloped with funding from Nationwide Reality Investors, The Columbus Dispatch Printing Company, private investors, and the city of Columbus. It includes office, retail, and living space in downtown Columbus. The district later included the home of the Columbus Clippers  Huntington Park  and Columbus Crew SC   Lower.com Field .  The building is named after the original minority owner, Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, whose world headquarters are across the street. Nationwide purchased the naming rights to Nationwide Arena in 2011 for $28 million. The deal is the only NHL sponsorship without an expiration date.  Food & Beverage 4 The game has many options, including standard food, local favorites, and specialty items to satisfy your taste buds. Schmidt’s Sausage stand offers its iconic Bahama Mamas, Fat Daddie’s, bratwursts, garlic knockwursts, and frankfurters. A few favorites from Cincinnati include Montgomery Inn which serves pulled pork mixed with its signature barbecue sauce, served with macaroni and cheese and homemade potato chips. The girl also serves burgers, cheese fries, and chicken tenders. Skyline Chili has a portable stand with coneys and nachos, and Whit’s Frozen Custard is an idea for your sweet tooth. Bacon on a stick sells out quickly at The Arena, grab one when you can. There are multiple Eastside Diner locations, offering cheesesteaks, and the building’s most iconic item is the giant slab of bacon on a stick. They sell out fast, so get them while you are there before the game. Jet’s Pizza and Bento Box at the Stix Cart in section 102 are a few more options. The box comes with chicken, beef, veggie meatballs, soba noodle salad, or rice and is served with a marinated egg, house-made pickles, and kohlrabi slaw. The drink options include the Wild Turkey Hat Trick Bar, which features tables and chairs in a relaxed atmosphere with a full-service bar. Popular beer choices include  Labatt Blue, Left Hand Milk South, Brew Dog Elvis Juice, Goose Island Haze Bear Hug, Rhinegeist Truth, and Columbus Brewing Company’s Bodhi IPA. Braxton’s Garage Beers come in a Light Lager (also in Lime) has been recently added. Atmosphere 4 Blue Jacket games on most nights have a boisterous atmosphere in the NHL. The local bars and restaurants are crowded before the game, and fans are decked out in Blue Jackets gear. Once inside the arena, the main concourse is alive, with sights and sounds of great food and activities for everyone to enjoy. The building is modern and spacious, offering great sightline views of the game from the seating bowl. There are a few open views of the ice from the main concourse where the cannon and pre-game show take place.  The club-level section of the arena provides some of the best views of the ice from the concourse. The Fan Zone is located at section 118, overlooking the OhioHealth Ice Haus, the team’s official practice facility. The tech-forward experience offers an eSports Lounge modeled after the club’s locker room. Fans can take shots on goal and block pucks virtually, while others can play NHL25 on Xbox gaming stations. Check out the blast from the cannon after every Blue Jackets goal Fans can take photos with a replica of an 1857 Napoleon cannon that is fired when the team takes the ice, scores a goal, or wins the game. The cannon pays homage to the ones used during the American Civil War and is as loud as a jet flyover at 1,000 feet. Nationwide Arena has a "no bag" policy, which prohibits all bags larger than 8”x 5”x 1” except diapers and medical bags. All children over the age of 2 are expected to have a ticket. Sensory packs are available and can be picked up at guest services at any time throughout the night if needed.  The official team shop gets crowded with fans during intermission, but a few satellite locations offer more room to pick up a jersey, shirt, or cap. Numerous hockey jerseys are hanging from the walls of every high school program in Ohio.  Neighborhood 4 The Arena District DORA is activated three hours before the start of every event or game taking place at all events. The Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area allows for alcoholic beverages to go from 12 different establishments in the area, including Boston Pizza, Nada, Betty’s Bar, Whistle & Keg, and the R Bar. On certain nights, Party on the Plaza takes place with music, vendors, and other activities along Battelle Plaza. The dining options include Se Señor Peruvian Sandwiches, Creole 2 Geaux, Ted’s Montana Grill, and Agave & Rye, where fun decor, creative tacos, and a giant whiskey and tequila section take center place. Post-game options for a drink include Fanatics Sportsbook, Moran’s Bar & Grille, and the R Bar Arena. The R Bar is where the Blue Jackets fans go after the game, but don’t be surprised to talk with a few visiting fans over a couple of Labatt Blue cans. The R Bar Arena is within walking distance of the arena and a favorite spot after the game. The North Market is a dining hall near the district that houses numerous places to eat and shop. Visitors can choose from sinfully dedicated ice cream at Jen’s Splendid Ice Cream, succulent barbecue at Barrel & Boar, fried chicken at Hot Chicken Takeover, and perogies and stuffed cabbage at Hubert’s Polish Deli. The Barrel and Bottle is a full-service bar serving Ohio craft beer, cider, Belgian specialty beers, and wines from around the world. Fans 4 Blue Jacket fans have supported their team for the past 25 seasons and made Central Ohio the home of NHL hockey. Most games are sold out at around 82 percent and will sell out when certain big visitors from Chicago, Detroit, or Pittsburgh. Fans will chant “LEO!” when the PA announcer introduces Leo Welsh to sing the National Anthem. Access 4 The Nationwide Arena is easily accessible inside and outside of the main concourse. Two main concourses are empty to the seating bowl with staircases, escalators, and elevator access. The main concourse is vast, while the upper one is narrower. However, proper signage throughout the arena makes it easy to find your seat. Arriving at the game is easy for a downtown venue. There are around 18,000 parking spots within distance of the Arena. Prepaid parking makes it simple to get into a garage or lot for the game, and traffic flows steadily when the game lets out. Return on Investment 5 The ticket prices depend on the opponent but can be as low as $15 or as high as $50. Parking can range in price a few blocks away from $10 to $20 nearer the arena. There are options for free street parking when available. Depending on other NHL venues, a game at the Blue Jackets is one of the best values in the league. The price of food and beverage is slightly less than in other NHL arenas, while merchandise prices are on par with other teams.  Extras 4 The Blue Jackets earn extra points for the following: the 1857 replica Napoleon cannon, the interactive Fan Zone overlooking the practice rink, and the DORA beverages to-go before the game. These three extra points give Lastly, the memorial for Johnny Gaudreau, who was tragically killed with his brother in August of 2023 while riding his bike near his home in New Jersey by a drunk driver. His two years in Columbus were short, but his legacy will impact many others for a long time.  Final Thoughts The Nationwide Arena is a fine place to watch an NHL game. The sightlines, food and drink, and neighborhood provide the opportunity for a wonderful night watching hockey with friends and family. The easy access by car, foot, and mass transit makes this a must for any sports traveler. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos courtesy of Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bill Greehey Arena 1 Camino Santa Maria San Antonio, TX 78228 St. Mary's Rattlers website Bill Greehey Arena website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 3,800 St. Mary Serpents Founded by the Society of Mary in 1852, St. Mary’s University is a private Catholic institution of higher learning that has the distinction of being the oldest Catholic university in both Texas and the U.S. Southwest. When the university achieved senior college status in 1925, they began their formal athletics programs. The school was an all-male college until admitting its first female students in 1963. The St. Mary’s Rattlers – named in honor of the many serpents that were removed when clearing the way for their athletics fields – first fielded a basketball team in 1926. They achieved a great deal of success under legendary Head Coach Buddy Meyer while members of the NAIA. The Rattlers would make the leap in time for the 1999-2000 season to NCAA Division II. As members of the Heartland Conference, they would win conference titles in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013, and 2015. Now, members of the Lone Star Conference, St. Mary’s are looking to repeat that success. Since 2000, in time for the school’s big leap up in divisions, the Rattlers have played at their on-campus gym, Bill Greehey Arena.   Food & Beverage   3 Bill Greehey Arena boasts two concession stands in the main lobby; however, during the last game I attended, only one was open. The offerings are your standard hot dogs (plain or with chili and cheese), nachos (regular or with chili), popcorn (honestly some of the best I’ve had outside a big-time pro sports venue), chips, candy, bottled sodas, sports drinks, and water. The one fun outlier I found at the stands was being able to buy Pop-Tarts if I so chose – I like Pop-Tarts, and it wasn’t something I was expecting. By and large, this is pretty much the standard that you’d expect for a program the size of St. Mary’s. Nothing is outstanding, but it will get the job done while you’re watching a Rattlers game.   Atmosphere   3 By and large, the atmosphere at Bill Greehey Arena is pretty good – the facilities look fantastic for being a quarter of a century old. There isn’t a bad sightline in the building, and most of the seats are chairbacks and not bleachers, which is always a plus. The walls are adorned with championship banners from every sport ranging from golf to baseball. In addition, the rafters behind the goals are filled with the retired jersey numbers of great Rattlers of the past. Furthermore, in the lobby, you can find trophy cases with the school’s athletics hall of fame. My one gripe, if it can be called that, is that there isn’t anywhere in the gym that sells St. Mary’s merchandise; that would add a little more to the atmosphere and allow fans to purchase a souvenir.   Neighborhood   4 The St. Mary’s University campus is situated in the inner city of San Antonio, on its historic west side. It is close to a 15-minute drive from the city’s vibrant downtown area, which is where most visitors to the city go, as that area is home to the Alamo , HemisFair Park , Tower of the Americas , and the San Antonio River Walk . This area is going to be your best bet if you’re looking for things to do before or after Rattlers games at Bill Greehey Arena. As discussed in a previous review of Our Lady of the Lake Saints , the St. Mary’s campus is also near one of San Antonio’s hidden gems: Woodlawn Lake Park . Known for its distinctive lighthouse, the park has been a favorite for residents for over a century. Loaded with walking and biking trails and docks for boating and fishing, it is also celebrated for its fireworks displays during the New Year’s and Independence Day holidays. When looking for spots to eat either before or after your Rattlers game, you’re in luck – just a short drive from campus is the satellite location of Henry’s Puffy Tacos . One of the claimants to the throne of the originator of the puffy taco (read all about those here ), this spot is a local institution and should be visited by everyone. Also nearby is La Sorrentina Italian Restaurant ; if you’re in the mood for Italian comfort food – spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, etc. – it doesn’t get much better than La Sorrentina. In terms of lodging, you’ll need to drive a little further away from the campus to find something. Unless you’re booking a vacation rental, finding something near downtown is your best option.   Fans   2 This was a puzzling one for me to rate. I came early to the gym to catch a little of the game that the women’s team had before the men’s. While the crowd wasn’t enormous, maybe 100 to 125 or so in the stands, they were loud and energetic, and they only got more so as the game went into overtime. Almost as soon as that game was over, that crowd exited. Those who stayed or came for the men’s game displayed only a fraction of the energy. This made a difference in how empty the gym felt. It kind of sucked the life out of the game. I also noted just a sparse number of fans wearing the yellow and blue of the Rattlers. This could tie back to the lack of a merchandise area. I don’t want to be too overly critical, however. I’m sure the time of year I last attended a game here played greatly into the attendance numbers.   Access   4 The St. Mary’s University campus and Bill Greehey Arena are located in the inner city of San Antonio, but not too far from Interstate 10, if you choose to drive in. It is just under a 20-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport. Once there, as mentioned earlier, the parking is ample and free. If you choose not to drive, VIA Metropolitan Transit, the city’s public transportation option, offers routes to the campus. My one caveat when going to games here is that you’re going to be going through multiple residential neighborhoods, which means you’ll be hitting lots of stop signs and stoplights on your trip. Plan accordingly if you want to ensure you’re in your seat by tipoff.   Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets for Rattlers games at Bill Greehey Arena can be had for as low as $10 per person for general admission seating. Parking is plentiful and free in the area around the athletics complex, and I didn’t see anything on the concessions menu that cost more than $3.50. While the Rattlers rarely bring in any big-name opponents to their home court, this is still a very affordable way to catch a college basketball game. The Rattlers have a tradition of winning, so this is a great way to see some hoops without putting too big a dent in your wallet.   Extras   2 There is not much to write about in terms of Extras – there are no cheer nor dance teams, and the school’s mascot appears at baseball games only these days. There is also no band to listen to. The only thing keeping this score from being lower was the ball boy/floor sweeper/unofficial flag waver. That young man was working hard throughout the game ensuring the court was dry, and he would also carry a St. Mary’s flag the length of the court during breaks, as well as waving it furiously during halftime.   Final Thoughts While I was a little disappointed by the atmosphere – the energy of the fans – and the lack of Extras, I still enjoyed myself in what was my first visit to a Rattlers game; it’s basketball at a purer level. If you’re a hoops fan, you’re going to enjoy yourself, and if you’re looking for a way to spend a free afternoon or evening in San Antonio, you can’t beat the price. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Hegler and Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 SAP Center 525 W Santa Clara St San Jose, CA 95113 San Jose Sharks website SAP Center website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 17,562 The Shark Tank Ever since the San Jose Sharks were founded in 1991 and moved into the newly-built San Jose Arena two years later, their hometown has wholeheartedly embraced them. By the time the playoffs roll around, the vast city of San Jose, California is very much a Hockey Town.  The SAP Center is perfect for the Sharks as it represents the city’s culture while providing impeccable views in all corners of the arena. Of course, the arena hosts much more than Sharks hockey. In the past, it has hosted the Golden State Warriors, the Arena Football League’s Sabercats, and the Indoor Football League’s Bay Area Panthers as well as a plethora of concerts. As a result of its history, the SAP Center is a staple in the San Jose community. Food & Beverage 4 San Jose is a melting pot of all sorts of nationalities and cultures, most of which are represented in SAP Center’s food court. It has virtually everything from the Smoking Pig BBQ, The Hula Truck, Umai Sushi, and Launch Test Kitchen. The only culture that the arena doesn’t embrace is the rich Indian culture that has richly enhanced the city’s eatery landscape.  If you’re looking for something sweet, then Sweet Treat just might be for you. They offer ice cream sundaes topped with sugary cereal such as Cinnamon Toast Crunch. There is a wide variety of alcoholic beverages available. Coors Light and Modelo are the main beers available throughout. Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks available at the arena. Atmosphere 3 As of this writing, the Sharks sit near the bottom of the NHL. You wouldn’t know it if you saw their entrance. As the players run through the giant shark head and onto the ice, the crowd roars its approval, no matter the record.   Their guest service representatives do a fantastic job of inspiring positive energy throughout the game. All through the game, the video board shows employees giving gifts to lucky winners throughout the arena, keeping the audience engaged. Neighborhood 3 In general San Jose is a pretty safe place to visit and the same can be said about the surrounding neighborhood of the SAP Center. It’s a relatively unique setting with residential neighborhoods directly surrounding the arena and various restaurants outlining the general area.  If you’re willing to walk a couple of blocks, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Mexico Lindo Y Cantina, La Cuevelas Restaurant and Five Guys are all to the right of SAP Center on the Alameda. The closest eatery to the arena is the Botanero Bar & Grill, which is directly across Julian St.  The closest hotels are right down W. Santa Clara St., the Hotel De Anza: A Destination by Hyatt and AC Hotel San Jose Downtown, both four stars. If you’d like to catch a minor league hockey or college football game, both the San Jose Barracuda hockey and San Jose State football teams are less than three miles from the SAP Arena. Fans 2 The fans know that good things are just around the corner for their team. All through the game, they cheer and groan as loud as possible, living through each moment of the contest. Still, the empty aisles are noticeable. At a glance, the arena was 65% full at the game of this review, which was fuller than expected. Access 3 Located just four miles south of the San Jose-Mineta Airport, there are several viable options to getting to SAP Arena. Both Uber and Lyft are popular options in this part of town and bus stops are all along the Alameda and W. Santa Clara Street (they’re the same street but change names at the arena).  Fans should check out the Valley Transportation Authority  website for fares, maps and schedules. There is also parking at the arena, which goes for between $25 and $35.  Security is pretty standard for a pro sports facility, with a bag check and bomb sniffing dogs, but it’s not congested. Return on Investment 3 The neat thing about teams that are stuck at the bottom of the league is that the tickets tend to be cheaper. I sat in the second to last row of general admission and paid just $41 with a good bird’s eye view. The more expensive seats in the lower bowl go for $90 to $320. Despite being so far from the action, I could still hear the pop of the pads and always had a clear view of the action. This is an arena where there is no bad spot to watch the action. Extras 2 You may have noticed numerous lights that seem to be flashing onto the ice in one of the pictures. Those lights are not fans. Instead, the arena has fitted each seat with a set of lights that flash three different colors throughout the game. I’m sure other arenas throughout America have this feature, it’s just my first time seeing it firsthand.  Another interesting feature in the arena is the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame. All along the arena’s walls, you can see plaques depicting the greatest athletes and sports figures that have hailed from San Jose. It’s always neat to have a free history lesson.  SAP Center Sports Hall of Fame, Photo by Dave Hegler, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts San Jose loves its hockey. Whether it’s through the trauma of another playoff exit or the joy of finally winning a game, the city’s love for the sport has been forged through fire. It’s a passion that you can’t truly understand unless you go to a game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex 1 College Street Worcester, MA 01610 Holy Cross Crusaders hockey website Hart Center at the Luth Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 1,600 The Hart of Holy Cross Hockey The Reverend Francis J. Hart Center is part of the Luth Athletic Complex, a multi-purpose facility located on the campus of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA (pronounced “Woostah” by locals). Reverend Hart was the guiding force behind intramural athletics at the College for more than 40 years, and his legacy is honored in this athletic center. John E. and Joanne Chouinard-Luth donated $32.5 million to the College to help finance major renovations to the facility in 2016. The Hart Center houses not only the Holy Cross hockey rink, but a 3,600-seat basketball arena , a six-lane swimming pool with a separate diving area, rowing tanks, racquetball and squash courts, and the college’s strength and conditioning facilities. Hockey has been played at Holy Cross since 1966. Today the Crusaders compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association, where they have won three conference championships. Holy Cross has qualified for the NCAA Tournament twice, most recently in 2006. That year, the Crusaders pulled off what is considered to be one of the biggest upsets in tournament history by beating Minnesota 4-3 in overtime. It was the first time a number 15 or 16 seed had beaten a number one or two seed. Two Holy Cross alumni (Pat Rissmiller and Jim Stewart) played in the NHL.   Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand in the main lobby of the Hart Center. A very basic menu is available here, with hot dogs and chicken tenders the anchors of the menu. In a refreshing change, tater tots are sold here rather than french fries. Pretzels, nachos, and popcorn are among the offerings should you just be looking for a snack.   Pepsi products are featured at the concession stand. Fans looking for an adult beverage will be pleased to find brews from local craft brewery Greater Good sold at this small stand, as well as Harpoon Rec League, Blue Moon, Coors Light, White Claw, and Angry Orchard.   Atmosphere 2   If you haven’t visited the Hart Center recently, the pair of large video boards that were installed at the rink in 2021 will certainly catch your attention. These boards, one at each end of the ice surface, are put to great use with replays, graphics, and game information. In a nice touch, Holy Cross plays videos of local first responders dancing after each Crusader goal.   The Hart Center Rink enjoys a nice sound system, which is put to good use throughout the game, but oddly, the PA announcer sounds much quieter and his voice murkier than the music.   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit to Holy Cross occurred during the semester break, so there was no representation from the student body on this night. Based on several previous visits, there’s generally not a huge turnout by the Holy Cross students, anyway.   Neighborhood 3   Worcester is the second largest city in all of New England but has never enjoyed much of a reputation as a destination location. That all began to change when the city announced that the Pawtucket Red Sox would be moving to the brand-new Polar Park , located just 2.5 miles from the Holy Cross campus.   Holy Cross is located in southwestern Worcester about three miles from downtown. There isn’t much in the immediate area of campus in terms of dining or lodging options, but the city of Worcester contains many excellent options.   Worcester’s acclaimed “ Restaurant Row ” on Shrewsbury Street is home to over forty different eateries, shops, and salons. It’s a favorite destination for locals looking to enjoy a night on the town. Fans will find additional options in the downtown area around the DCU Center . The up-and-coming Canal District, anchored by the new Polar Park , is rapidly growing and worth a look. Likewise, fans looking for lodging options should head downtown, as there is nothing around Holy Cross.   Traditionally overshadowed by its neighbors in Boston and Providence, Worcester is carving out its own niche as an affordable, attractive alternative to those cities. For fans visiting during ski season, Wachusett Mountain  is located just ten miles outside of city limits.   Fans 2     Holy Cross annually ranks near the bottom of the nationwide attendance rankings for Division One hockey teams. About halfway through the 2023-2024 season, the Crusaders are reporting an average attendance of just over 800 fans per game. While this figure marks a significant increase over the previous few years, it still places Holy Cross in the bottom ten nationally.   As mentioned earlier, Stadium Journey attended a Crusader game during the semester break. Still, there was a representative crowd on hand on a snowy Saturday night. Consisting of many family members, close friends, and die-hard Holy Cross fans, this crowd was enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the team on the ice. A quick scan of games during the school year did not reveal a huge increase in attendance figures, leading to the assumption that not a lot of students show up for Crusader hockey games.   Access 3    The Holy Cross campus is located in southwestern Worcester, at the junction of Interstate 290 and Route 146. The Luth Complex is located at the southern edge of campus atop Mount Saint James, adjacent to many of the school’s athletic facilities. There is a large parking lot adjacent to the arena. The College of the Holy Cross’ location gives it spectacular views of the city below.   2016 renovations greatly expanded and modernized the facility. Fans enter into a bright, modern lobby that houses the ticket booths. The basketball arena and hockey rink share a concourse, which is where you’ll find the concession stands, restrooms, and Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame. Long gone are the 70’s style carpeting, trophy cases, and stained-glass windows of the old Hart Center.   The hockey rink is located to your right as you enter the facility. Fans enter the rink at the Hart Center on the near side of the rink, and all the seating is located on the far side of the ice. All seating is metal bleachers, with center sections containing cushioned seating. Standing room is available atop the seating area as well as at ice level. The steeply pitched seating area ensures excellent views of the action from virtually all points. There is minimal netting here to obstruct views.   With the small crowds present at the Hart Center, lines at the concession stand or restrooms are not an issue.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Holy Cross hockey games are very affordable, priced at $15 for reserved center ice sections and $10 for general admission seating. Parking is free in the large lot adjacent to the facility.   Concessions are reasonably priced, with most items costing six dollars or less. Even the craft beers sold here will only cost you nine dollars. It’s tough to find a similar value at a game these days.   Extras 2   Holy Cross was a national power in the sporting world for a significant portion of the 20th century. While their glory days are far behind them, Holy Cross honors its athletic past at the Luth Complex. The Holy Cross Athletic Hall of Fame is located in the building’s lobby. Several notable names can be found among the honorees, including Bob Cousy and Tom Heinsohn. Speaking of Cousy, there’s a statue of him just outside the entrance to the Luth Center.   Plaques in the Hart Rink commemorate significant individuals in Crusader hockey history and banners hang in the rink honoring conference titles and tournament appearances.   Final Thoughts   Many smaller schools in NCAA’s Division One have built shiny new arenas for their hockey teams. Meanwhile, Holy Cross soldiers on in the Hart Center. While not as flashy or modern as many area rinks, it’s a solid place for the Crusaders to call home.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Toyota Stadium 9200 World Cup Way Frisco, TX 75034 Frisco Bowl Website Toyota Stadium website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 20,500 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is one of the earliest college football bowl games of the post-season. The game is played at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, home of the Major League Soccer team, FC Dallas . The bowl game started in December 2017 and has been hosted by a few corporate sponsors; DXL was the original sponsor in 2017, followed by Tropical Smoothie Café, before moving to the current sponsor, Scooter’s Coffee. Toyota Stadium has a capacity of only 20,500, which is plenty, as the bowl attendance is well under the capacity. The highest attendance for the Frisco Bowl is 15,801, achieved in 2021 when the University of Texas-San Antonio  defeated San Diego State 38-24.   Food & Beverage   3 The concessions at the Frisco Bowl are decent – Toyota Stadium has a good variety of options at its concession stands, including alcohol selections, but at major sports-level prices. The main stands offer most of your typical stadium fare, such as hot dogs, nachos, burgers, brats, chicken tenders, pretzels, peanuts, packaged candy, and cinnamon-glazed nuts, but they also throw in a bunch of less commonly found items, such as chicken tinga nachos, buffalo cauliflower bowls, hot garlic sausage, and a brisket hot dog. The stadium’s drink selection provides Coke products throughout the Frisco Bowl. The alcohol selection is also abundant, due to the stadium being a major sports venue, with plenty of choices throughout the stadium at the concession stands or from the mobile carts – you can find alcohol ranging from both canned and draft beer to wine and high-end specialty cocktails. Just be prepared to pay high prices for alcoholic drinks.   Atmosphere   3 The atmospheres at smaller bowl games are usually similar to each other, as the teams are traveling to a venue outside their familiar pre-game set-ups. Therefore, the team’s traditional entrance into the stadium, as well as the tailgating on weekday evenings, is less common. At the most recent game, for example, West Virginia  just held a small pep rally with fans in the parking lot. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl has plenty of seating, as attendance is historically small with this bowl. Toyota Stadium only has seating along the two sidelines – the north end zone has a bare stage, while the team bands are seated behind the south end, where the National Soccer Hall of Fame is located. During the most recent version, both participating schools brought their bands, along with their mascots and spirit squads – for this Frisco Bowl a large shout-out goes to the University of Memphis band. Their high energy throughout the night kept the atmosphere going, as the play on the field was lackluster until late in the game.   Neighborhood   4 Toyota Stadium is located about 30 miles north of Dallas in Frisco, Texas. Outside the stadium is a small, quaint area of restaurants and shops, but the city of Frisco is much bigger with an approximate population of 165K. Some fans may recognize the Frisco name as having one of the nicest minor league baseball stadiums; nearby Riders Field  is home to the Frisco Roughriders. The restaurants outside Toyota Stadium are plentiful – a couple of great options close to the stadium include Green Gator and Blue Goose Cantina. Others are within a short drive; for BBQ you can’t go wrong with Hutchins, and there is also Babe’s Chicken for a unique family-style dining experience. There are a few things to do and see while you are in Frisco, helping to keep your trip local. Toyota Stadium is home to the National Soccer Hall of Fame, which can be entered by using the Main Street side of the stadium. Frisco is also home to the National Videogame Museum, which features a huge collection of game consoles, all of which are playable, including a classic video game arcade. In addition, a few miles south on the tollway in Dallas is The Star, namely the headquarters, practice fields, and home of the Dallas Cowboys . This facility can be toured daily and has plenty of restaurants and shops to explore. There are three hotels close to Toyota Stadium: Courtyard Dallas, Holiday Inn, and Comfort Suites, but other options are abundant within driving distance.   Fans   3 The fact that fans travel to watch their team play bowl games that don’t matter outside the college football playoff says a lot about them. The loyalty, dedication, and love of the fans are what truly make the bowl games special. The Frisco Bowl is usually played on a weeknight and is one of the first bowls of the bowl season. The fans in attendance at the most recent game were solid, which is expected when it comes to bowl games – very loud and engaged in the game.   Access   3 There are two airports, Dallas-Fort Worth International and Dallas Love Field, which are both about the same distance (25 miles) from Toyota Stadium in Frisco. The city is a city of about 225,000 in population, about 30 miles north of Dallas, and part of the DFW Metroplex. That said, there is no direct public transportation from either airport, so you will likely have to drive to get to Frisco and Toyota Stadium. The best plan is to stay up in the Frisco area, as the Frisco Bowl is played at 7 pm on a weeknight; coming from outside the Frisco area in the early evening can be time-consuming for travelers. Toyota Stadium is not far from the Dallas Tollway, and the stadium and parking have plenty of signage, so the ingress and egress are fast once you get there. Due to the small attendance, walking around the stadium to restrooms and concessions takes little time away from your seat. However, the stadium’s security does cut off the National Soccer Hall of Fame end zone from other ticketholders, so most fans don’t have full access to the stadium. Return on Investment   3 The Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl is at a perfect venue – if your team is one of the participants, then the investment may be worthwhile. Otherwise, it is a little high in cost for the casual local fan who doesn’t care about either school. Tickets range from $30 for the end zones to $65 for midfield and $55 for sideline seating (there is an ESPN Zone VIP ticket that starts at $149, but I don’t know what that entitles a fan to experience). The cost of VIP parking is $20; otherwise, parking is free. The cost of concessions is really where the ROI hits a negative. However, this is a bowl game and most people have spent a lot of money to travel here, so the Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is on par with other ESPN bowls in terms of return on investment.   Extras   2 The Frisco Bowl is played in a top sports venue and makes good use of the facility – holding the FCS National Championship here, as well as various high school football games, helps the operations team prepare to make this event almost perfect. The Frisco area also has a lot to offer, without fans feeling the need to spend time in the larger city of Dallas. Final Thoughts The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl is part of ESPN Events, a division of ESPN, which owns and operates a portfolio of 34 collegiate sporting events nationwide, flooding the college football scene with college bowl games that the majority of football fans don’t care about, let alone would get excited by. The Scooter’s Frisco Bowl may be wonderful for the teams/fans that participate, and a wonderful boost to Frisco’s economy, but a must-see bowl game it is not. Disclosure: Due to the renovations of Toyota Stadium for the MLS tenant, FC Dallas , the FCS National Championship will move away from Frisco in 2025; how this will affect the 2025 Scooter’s Frisco Bowl remains to be seen.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Raymond James Stadium 4201 North Dale Mabry Highway Tampa, FL 33607 ReliaQuest Bowl website Raymond James Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 69,218 The Security of a New Year's Bowl One of the second-tier College Football Bowl Games that traditionally takes place on New Year's Day, the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida, is a sneaky good destination for college football fans.  The first bowl game in Tampa took place in 1986 at the “Big Sombrero”, Tampa Stadium, and was called the Hall of Fame Bowl.  The Cigar Bowl was played in Tampa in the late 1940s into the 1950s but featured smaller colleges.  In 1995 the game took on a corporate sponsor when the Tampa restaurant chain, Outback Steakhouse became the title sponsor of the Outback Bowl.  Unfortunately, this started the trend where the name of the bowl game also featured the name of the sponsor.  After 27 entries, the title sponsor of the game shifted to cyber security company, ReliaQuest to become the ReliaQuest Bowl. Currently, the ReliaQuest Bowl features teams from the Big Ten Conference and Southeastern Conference squaring off. Since 1999, the home of the Outback Bowl and ReliaQuest Bowl has been Raymond James Stadium.  Built in 1998, Raymond James Stadium was built in the shadow of Tampa Stadium and has a current capacity of over 69,000.  Raymond James Stadium has also been the host of the Super Bowl on three occasions. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions at Raymond James Stadium are solid with plenty of variety for fans.  All of the typical stadium options can be found at the stadium.  Burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels can be found at many stands.  The Little Caesars stands offer pizza options and the PDQ Chicken stands offer excellent chicken fingers and waffle fries.  Some more unique options include pulled pork sandwiches, burnt-end sandwiches, burnt-end mac and cheese, BBQ Bacon dogs, and citrus chicken nachos.  Coca-Cola products are the soft drink of choice.  There are several spots all over to purchase a variety of alcoholic beverages including the north and south ends. Atmosphere 4 Raymond James Stadium is of a nineties vintage and fairly simplistic in its design.  The exterior of the stadium is fairly simple but not unattractive.  There is plenty of concrete on the exterior, but plenty of markings for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, making it clear who is the main tenant.  Although there is no main entrance, one would consider the south entrance as the one most fans will want to enter.  The south entrance features Bucs Beach, a large gathering area complete with beach complements such as sandy areas, decorative surfboards, Adirondack chairs, and a lifeguard tower.  This is the location of the Pregame Bowl Bash, a pregame party with food trucks, music, and promo tables. Upon entering the gates, fans will need to ascend to the main concourse which is behind the lower bowl seating.  The concourses are wide and fairly simple with plenty of concession stands and some Bucs markings.  Large gathering areas at the north and south are out of the concourses and open to the field.  The north end has a large picnic area with umbrellas and tables for fans to meet at.  The south end offers a bit more and is the signature area of the stadium.  A large pirate ship is at the south end but is roped off and not used as part of the game.  The concession stands at the south end also have facades to make them look like an old port town that seems to be right out of Pirates of the Caribbean.  Massive video boards are at both the north and south ends, with secondary boards in the four corners of the stadium that offer more in the way of ads and stats during the game.  The upper decks are separated into east and west sides and give the stadium an open feel.  There are no coverings over the upper seating areas.  The east side offers the best picture for the 50-yard line logo; however, both the east and west sides are typically sold specifically for each participating team. The gameday production for the ReliaQuest Bowl is typical of a college bowl game.  Pregame tailgates in different parking areas offer a preshow by the band and a gathering area for supporters and alumni.  The pregame production offers the opportunity for each team’s band to perform.  Both bands also perform at halftime as well as a halftime show with more than 2,000 performers and a mass high school band.  Cheerleaders and flags, typical of college games, are also part of the production.  Bands play from opposite corners of the stadium during stoppages. The ReliaQuest Bowl also offers several other events as part of the game.  Busch Gardens hosts the Battle of the Bands the day before and a pep rally in the Ybor City District happens in the evening before. Neighborhood 3 Raymond James Stadium is located in the Drew Park neighborhood of Tampa.  The stadium is a bit isolated and surrounded with parking options, making it a good spot for tailgating.  There are a few options for pre or post game fair that are not too far including Kona Grill, Miller’s Ale House, La Teresita and Armature Works.  There are some other sporting options in the area.  Raymond James Stadium is mainly the home of the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers .  The Gasparilla Bowl is also held at the stadium and it is also the home of the South Florida Bulls  until their new on campus stadium is built.  Across the parking lot from Raymond James Stadium is George Steinbrenner Field, home of the Tampa Tarpons  and the New York Yankees Spring Training .  For at least the 2025 season, it will also be home to the Tampa Bay Rays .  Other sports options include the Tampa Bay Lightning  and USF Bulls  basketball.  There are a ton of other Tampa tourist options including Busch Gardens , Zoo Tampa , Florida Aquarium and Tampa Riverwalk.  Hotels near the stadium include the Country Inn and Suites and Holiday Inn. Fans 4 As with most second-tier bowl games, fan support is driven by the teams that are signed to the game.  The game reviewed, the 2024 edition, welcomed over 51,000 fans, nearly 20,000 fans more than the previous season.  The 2024 edition, which is the one reviewed, benefitted from a huge Michigan and Alabama matchup.  Each team’s fans typically congregate on a specific side, helping create a better atmosphere.   Access 4 Raymond James Stadium is located in the Drew Park neighbourhood of Tampa, northwest of downtown, east of the airport.  It is surrounded by North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa Bay Blvd., and North Hines Ave.  It is 3 km north of I-275 and south of US Highway 92 and not terribly difficult to get to.  There are plenty of parking lots surrounding the stadium, perfect for fans who make tailgating a part of their football experience.  The negative side of the tailgating parking lot coin is that getting out of those parking lots can be difficult and take a significant amount of time.  The city does a good job of controlling the flow of traffic once out of the stadium, however, getting to the street could take the most time.  For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are HART buses that travel Himes Ave.  Fans should consult the Hillsborough Transit Authority  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Inside Raymond James Stadium, it is not terribly difficult to get around, however, fans with seats in the upper decks need to be aware that the decks are completely separate and it is impossible to get from one side to the other without going down to the main concourse.  Raymond James Stadium is also a cashless facility so bringing some plastic is a necessity.  The washroom facilities are decent for the stadium and closed captioned announcements are printed on the corner videobaords.  The security protocols to get into Raymond James Stadium are significant and should be reviewed before heading to the game.  Stadium Journey encourages fans to consult the Raymond James Stadium  and ReliaQuest Bowl  websites before heading out for the latest security protocols including bag policies and prohibited items list. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for the ReliaQuest Bowl are $80 with club seats being sold for $170.  The ticket prices are pretty steep.  The secondary market can definitely help in the right scenario for fans who are patient enough to wait for ticket prices to fall.  Concession prices are consistent with NFL teams, expensive, and parking will go for at least $35.  The return for the investment is strong, especially if fans benefit from a good matchup with teams that travel well. Extras 3 An extra mark for the charity arm of the ReliaQuest Bowl, which claims to have donated over $4 million since 2016. An extra mark for the extra importance of a bowl game on or right before New Years Day. An extra mark for the strong matchups of the ReliaQuest Bowl with the Big Ten and SEC facing off. Final Thoughts As far as the second tier of college football's Bowl Games, the ReliaQuest Bowl is a solid entry.  A great location combined with the possibility of a great matchup at a great time is an equation that offers a great time for those fans in attendance.  When in the area, making the ReliaQuest Bowl part of the Christmas vacation plans is a great idea. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Hetland Arena 310 Hathaway Blvd New Bedford, MA 02740 UMass Dartmouth Corsairs ice hockey website Hetland Arena website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 1,500 Walk a Frozen Plank The University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (better known as UMass Dartmouth) is one of five campuses in the University of Massachusetts system. It is located on the South Coast of Massachusetts, in between the cities of Fall River and New Bedford. The university has an enrollment of over 9,000 students, about half of whom live on campus. The school offers 61 undergraduate programs and 32 graduate programs. Hetland Arena is a public skating facility located in New Bedford, MA. Operated by the Department of Conservation and Recreation, it has been the home of the UMass Dartmouth Corsairs hockey team since the mid-70’s. The rink was dedicated in memory of Steven Hetland, a local youth who played peewee hockey there during the 1970s. The UMass Dartmouth Corsairs compete in Division III’s Massachusetts State Collegiate Athletic Conference (MASCAC) with other schools in and around the state of Massachusetts. The Corsairs have been a regional hockey power through the years, winning 12 league championships and appearing in four NCAA tournaments, reaching the national quarterfinals in 2006 and 2007. Food & Beverage 1 A lot of times community rinks like Hetland Arena have great variety and surprising quality in their concession stand menus. Unfortunately, the snack bar here is not always open for Corsair hockey games. When it is open, the menu can vary from snack bar standards like hot dogs, nachos, chicken tenders and pizza slices to a simpler menu of snack foods, candy and pretzels. Hot drinks, Pepsi products and slushies are featured here. While the food served here is decent and the prices are affordable, the uncertainty and variability of the snack bar keeps this score low. Fans are welcome to bring in their own snacks at a Corsairs game, and in this chilly rink, hot beverages from the local Dunkin’ Donuts are a popular choice. If you happen to visit Hetland Arena on a night when the snack bar is closed, there are several vending machines in the lobby. Atmosphere 2 At a small community rink you wouldn’t expect an over the top game day presentation, and you won’t get one here at Hetland Arena. The UMass Dartmouth staff does do their best to put on a good show for the fans that do show up. Classic rock blares out of a portable speaker set up on the far side of the rink during play stoppages. For big games the pep band will show up and fill this tiny arena with music, which automatically elevates the game day atmosphere (hey, I don't make the rules, it's just a fact). A small scoreboard on the north end of the rink provides basic game information, and the PA announcer does a good job keeping fans informed on the goings on down on the ice. Neighborhood 2 Hetland Arena is located next door to New Bedford High School, close to Paul Walsh Field , the former home of the New Bedford Bay Sox of the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Hetland Arena is located in a residential area, without a whole lot of businesses or attractions in the immediate area. Visiting fans can find a few eateries on nearby Route 6, but to get the best bang for your buck while visiting New Bedford, head downtown, a few short miles away from the rink. New Bedford is another New England city which has suffered through some hard times and is struggling to rebuild both their infrastructure and their reputation. Thanks to a great deal of investment from civic leaders and local businesses, downtown New Bedford has a great National Historic Park, a number of museums, shops, galleries, restaurants, and bars. It’s a nice place to visit, and improving all the time. New Bedford isn’t really considered to be a destination city, especially with popular tourist spots such as Cape Cod, Newport and Providence all close by. Still, New Bedford is not the dangerous wasteland it is sometimes made out to be. Check it out, you will be pleasantly surprised. Fans 2 UMass Dartmouth draws between 100-200 fans per game at Hetland Arena. A Corsair crowd can accurately be described as a “friends and family” crowd, as most of the fans in attendance have a personal connection with the players competing on the ice. With UMass Dartmouth’s schedule made up almost entirely of local teams, it’s not unusual to find many supporters of the visiting teams in the stands as well. Unfortunately, even though Hetland Arena is only four miles from the UMass Dartmouth campus, there’s not much of a turnout by the student body. Access 4 Hetland Arena is located on the campus of New Bedford High School, four miles from the UMass Dartmouth campus, near the intersections of Interstate 195 and Route 140. It is easily accessible by car, which is the preferred method to arrive at a Corsairs game. There is ample parking in the lot adjacent to the rink. Fans will enter Hetland Arena on the west (Hathaway Boulevard) side of the building. There is a small lobby fans will pass through on their way to the rink. This is a popular spot for fans to hang out during intermissions as an escape from the chilly rink. Seating at Hetland Arena consists entirely of wooden bleachers on either side of the rink. Netting runs the length of the rink on both sides, obscuring views from all points. Restrooms are located on the north corners of the rink, and are large enough to handle a typical Corsair crowd. Return on Investment 4 Admission to a UMass Dartmouth hockey game costs seven dollars, with free parking in the lot adjacent to the rink. Should the concession stand be open, food is reasonably priced. An evening at a Corsairs hockey game is an affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Extras 1 There’s not a whole lot at a community rink like Hetland Arena that can be considered extra. There are banners hanging around the rink representing all the local teams that use Hetland Arena. And for UMass Dartmouth games, there is a free digital program for all fans containing lineups and stats. Final Thoughts Hetland Arena can hardly be considered a destination location, particularly in a part of the country like Massachusetts, which has no shortage of notable hockey venues. Still, hockey fans looking for quality hockey at an affordable price can do much worse than a visit to New Bedford for a UMass Dartmouth Corsairs game. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Bridgewater Ice Arena 20 Bedford Park Bridgewater, MA 02324 Stonehill Skyhawks men's hockey website Bridgewater Ice Arena website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 500 Stonehill Hockey On April 5, 2022, tiny Stonehill College, a private Catholic school located in Easton, Massachusetts with an enrollment of 2,500 undergraduate students, announced it was moving all of its athletic teams to the NCAA Division I level, effective in the fall of 2022. Prior to 2022, Stonehill was a member of the Northeast-10 Conference in NCAA Division II. The hockey team would begin life in Division I as an independent, as Stonehill’s new home, the Northeast Conference, does not support hockey. While in D-II, Stonehill won three NE-10 conference championships Both the men’s and women’s hockey teams play their home games at the off-campus Bridgewater Ice Arena. This public rink, located 12 miles from the Stonehill campus, features two NHL-sized rinks, a full-service café and seating for 500. The complex also plays host to numerous high school teams as well as the Bridgewater Bandits of the USPHL. Stonehill’s athletic teams competed for years as the Chieftains. In 2002 the school decided to change its nickname. After considering several options, Stonehill officially changed its nickname to the Skyhawks in 2005. This name has no connection to a bird or animal but does have a connection to the school’s history. After the school’s property was purchased by the Congregation of Holy Cross, an airfield on site was leased to the Navy during World War II and to private companies afterwards. The airfield was closed in 1955 as the college grew, but the Navy continued to use the land for training exercises and would employ the Skyhawk aircraft between 1954–1995. Food & Beverage 3 There is a snack bar located at the back end of the lobby. The menu here isn’t as extensive as other snack bars you’ll find in community rinks, but there are enough choices here to keep all fans satisfied. A combination of breakfast and lunch foods are available here. Breakfast sandwiches, burgers, chicken nuggets, grilled cheese sandwiches and meatball subs can be purchased here. If you’re just looking for a snack, an assortment of muffins, candy, popcorn and pop tarts are available. Pepsi products are featured, with hot chocolate and coffee popular choices in this chilly rink. Many fans bring their own beverages in, with lots of Dunkin’ coffee observed in the stands. There are also vending machines in the lobby should the snack bar not be open during your visit. Atmosphere 1 The game day atmosphere at a Stonehill hockey game is a bare bones one to be sure. With the facility’s physical limitations, you wouldn’t really expect anything more. A simple scoreboard at the far end displays basic game information, while a surprisingly good sound system plays music during play stoppages. The PA announcer goes about his business in an understated manner. There are no promos or contests during the game to distract and there is little to no noise from the sparse crowd in attendance. There is little evidence at Bridgewater Ice Arena that a Division One hockey team even plays here. The USPHL’s Bridgewater Bandits are the primary tenant, with a sign advertising their presence on Bedford Street along with a large banner hanging at center ice. The pro shop here sells Bandits gear, but no Stonehill swag. The only mention that the Skyhawks even play here are a pair of banners hung in a far corner of the rink. Neighborhood 2 Given Bridgewater Ice Arena’s location in an industrial park, you wouldn’t expect any attractions or lodging options in the immediate vicinity of the rink. However, there are places to be found a short drive away. Downtown Bridgewater is about two and a half miles away to the north, with Route 44, a local route connecting Providence and Plymouth, passing by three and a half miles to the south. Numerous dining and lodging options can be found in either direction. Barrett’s Alehouse and Fireside Grille are local favorites located close to Bridgewater Ice Arena. Visitors to Stonehill looking to explore more than just the immediate neighborhood may gravitate to Boston, a 45-minute ride north or Cape Cod, a 30-minute ride to the southeast. A half-hour drive can also bring you to the historic seaside towns of Plymouth or New Bedford. Visitors to the area will find plenty to do in any of these locations, even during the winter months of the hockey season. Fans 1 It’s early on in Stonehill’s Division One tenure (Stadium Journey attended the Skyhawks’ third ever home game at BIA). An individual associated with the team stated that crowds so far have numbered between 75-100 fans. These numbers appear to be accurate, which places the Skyhawks firmly at the bottom of the NCAA attendance rankings. Hopefully the team will be able to create a following as the program continues to grow. Most of the fans in attendance appear to have a connection with the players on the ice. With the BIA located a dozen miles from campus, there is little to no representation from the student body at games. The women’s team, which began play this season, has been enjoying slightly larger crowds in their inaugural season. Access 4 Bridgewater Ice Arena is located 12 miles from the Stonehill campus in suburban Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Situated in a small industrial park just off Route 18, it is very easy to get to from any direction. Interstate 495 passes just a few miles to the south of the rink. Directions to the rink can be found here . There is plenty of free parking in the lot adjacent to the facility. The Skyhawks play in the east rink, one of two rinks in the facility, which will be on your right as you enter the lobby. Seating consists of metal bleachers that run along the length of one side of the rink. There is some standing room at the near end of the ice. Nets are hung at both offensive zones, but the center sections are free from obstruction. Rest rooms are located just off the lobby and are more than large enough for a typical Stonehill hockey crowd. Be warned that the rink is very chilly, so dress appropriately. Return on Investment 5 There is no charge to watch a Skyhawks hockey game. Parking is also free in the arena parking lot. It’s entirely possible to go to a Division One hockey game without spending a cent. Even if you decide to get a snack while at the game, you certainly won’t be breaking the bank. Extras 0 There isn’t a whole lot going on at a Skyhawks hockey game that can be considered extra. This experience is about as bare bones as it gets. Final Thoughts The trend in Division One hockey in recent years has been for the smaller schools to move out of community rinks and into new rinks built on campus. As tiny Stonehill College begins competition at the sport’s top level, they find themselves at one of these community rinks. It’s proving to be an inauspicious beginning for the Skyhawks. Here’s a guess that the Bridgewater Ice Arena won’t be a long-term home for Stonehill. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 MassMutual Center 1277 Main St. Springfield, MA 01103 American International College hockey website MassMutual Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 6,800 Done With D-One   American International College was founded in 1885 by Calvin E. Amaron to provide a place for local French-Canadian residents to pursue higher education. Today, AIC boasts an enrollment of around 2,200 students in 37 undergraduate and postgraduate programs.   AIC’s athletic teams are nicknamed the Yellow Jackets and compete in Division Two’s Northeast-10 Conference alongside other small colleges in New England. AIC’s hockey team has competed in Division One since 1998. One AIC alumnus, Dave Forbes, has played in the National Hockey League.   The first hockey team to represent AIC played in 1948. For many years, the school competed in ECAC Division Two, moving down to Division Three when D-2 hockey dissolved in 1984. In 1998 the MAAC started sponsoring hockey, and AIC joined as an associate member, elevating their program to Division One. The Yellow Jackets were a fixture at the bottom of the conference, losing 20 games or more in 18 out of 19 seasons beginning in 1999.   A new era for AIC hockey began in 2016 with the hiring of Eric Lang as head coach. The Yellow Jackets won their first conference championship and qualified for their first NCAA tournament in 2019. They upset top-seeded St. Cloud in the opening round, considered one of the biggest upsets in tournament history. AIC won their conference title for four consecutive seasons from 2019-2022, qualifying for three NCAA tournaments during this time (the 2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID pandemic).   In November 2024 American International announced that they would be moving the hockey program back to Division Two for the 2025-26 season as part of their “Pathways to Progress” plan, which addresses budgetary and enrollment concerns at the school. The hockey team will join the Northeast-10 Conference alongside the other Yellow Jacket squads.   The MassMutual Center has served as the home of AIC hockey since 2016. The arena, built in 1972, was originally named the Springfield Civic Center. It served as home to the NHL’s Hartford Whalers in 1978 when the Hartford Civic Center’s roof collapsed. As part of 2005 renovations to the facility, the largest convention center in western Massachusetts was built adjacent to the arena. Located just a mile away from the AIC campus, the facility also serves as home to the Springfield Thunderbirds  of the American Hockey League.   Food & Beverage 2   Only one concession stand is open for AIC hockey games at the MassMutual Center. The Hot Dog Nation stand sells Nathan’s hot dogs, pretzels, popcorn, and assorted snacks. Pepsi products are featured at the MassMutual Center.   Fans looking for an adult beverage can step next door to the Sam Adams stand, where a selection of brews from the local craft beer giant are available, as well as Coors Light drafts. An assortment of canned mixed drinks and wine can also be purchased here.    Atmosphere 2   No matter how hard you try, a crowd of 200 or so in a 7,000-seat arena is not going to make a ton of noise. The giant video board hanging at center ice is put to good use with replays, crowd shots and sponsor ads. Music plays over the arena’s solid sound system and the PA announcer adds a bit of energy to the proceedings. Unfortunately, there’s little else going on to add to the game day experience at the MassMutual Center. Neighborhood 4   While downtown Springfield has long had a reputation as a less than desirable place to be, that has begun to change in recent years. With the construction of the MGM Springfield Casino across the street from the arena and convention center, the number of options for visitors to downtown Springfield is constantly increasing.   Fans looking for places to eat will now find several choices near the MassMutual Center. Locals flock to the nearby Red Rose Pizzeria, a Springfield institution that has been in business since 1963. The Student Prince Cafe and Fort Restaurant offers traditional German fare, and Theodore’s Blues, Booze and BBQ offers great examples of what they advertise in their name. There are additional options in the casino, including the Chandler Steakhouse, TAP Sports Bar and Cal Mare.   Likewise, there is no lack of places to stay downtown. The Springfield Marriott, Holiday Inn Express and Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place are within walking distance of the arena. Of course, the casino has plenty of rooms from which visiting fans can choose.   Springfield’s biggest attraction is located just a mile away from the MassMutual Center across Route 91. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is open year-round and has more than enough basketball memorabilia on site to satisfy even the most rabid hoop fan.   The Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden is located a short walk from the MassMutual Center. While there you can see bronze statues of the Cat in the Hat, Horton the elephant, and many other favorites. Also located in this complex are the Dr. Suess Museum, the Springfield Science Museum and the D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts.   Fans 1   As you might expect, attendance has really bottomed out at AIC hockey games since the announcement that the team was leaving D-1. While attendance numbers were never exactly strong at AIC to begin with, average has dropped to around 250 fans per game at the end of 2024, ranking them next-to-last in all of Division One. Only Stonehill draws fewer fans. A Yellow Jacket crowd is what we at Stadium Journey call a “friends and family” crowd, which is very unusual to see at this level of the sport.   Stadium Journey visited Springfield on a Saturday afternoon during the semester break, so there were no students in attendance for this game. There were under 200 fans in the building. Even though the MassMutual Center is only a mile from campus, there has never been a strong turnout from the student body. The Yellow Jackets’ quirky schedule, with many afternoon and weekday games, has never done the team any favors. Access 3 The MassMutual Center is located in downtown Springfield, MA, a city of over 155,000 residents. Springfield is the third largest city in Massachusetts and the fourth largest city in all of New England. The MassMutual Center is easy to get to, as it is just a few blocks from Interstate 91. Interstates 291 and 90 (the Mass Pike) run just a few miles away. Springfield refers to itself as “The Crossroads of New England.”   Springfield’s Union Station , with hubs for Greyhound, Peter Pan and Pioneer Valley Transit bus lines as well as Amtrak and CT Rail trains, is located only a half mile from the arena. Several Pioneer Valley Transit bus routes stop at Court Square, right across the street from MassMutual Center. Plentiful parking can be found at the MGM Casino garage, in surface lots in the area, or on-street for fans who want to search for it.   So, why only an average access score? The Civic Center parking garage across the street from the arena’s front entrance is being totally rebuilt. The $35 million project, which began in 2022, is expected to be completed sometime during the 2024-25 season. The new garage will feature retail and restaurant space at ground level, an outdoor plaza, and parking for 800-900 cars. But for now, construction has shut down Bruce Landon Way, altering traffic and entry patterns for visitors. If you don’t know the area well, your easiest option is to park at the MGM Casino and walk to the arena.   With the tiny crowds at AIC games, getting around the facility is not an issue. All fans are seated on the south side of the rink. You’ll have plenty of room to spread out, and lines won’t be an issue at concession stands or in the restrooms.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets to Yellow Jackets games are sold as General Admission for twelve dollars. There is ample on-street parking in the vicinity of the arena, which is free on nights and weekends, just pay attention to the hours that meters are in operation. Free parking is also available at the MGM Springfield Casino garage a short walk from the arena. Extras 2   American International has recognized their recent success by hanging banners honoring the team’s Atlantic Conference championships and NCAA tournament appearances.   While the move to the south side grandstand has eliminated access to the Springfield Hockey Hall of Fame plaques, the banners honoring Indians, Kings, Falcons and Thunderbirds champions are still visible to fans, and the banners honoring luminaries including Willie O’Ree, Eddie Shore, Bruce Landon and more are visible during AIC games.   Final Thoughts   American International College was the feel-good story of college hockey just a few years ago. But the changing economics of the sport has claimed its first victim in this tiny western Massachusetts school. AIC will not return to the MassMutual Center for the 2025-2026 season, but they have not announced where they will play. A return to the Olympia Ice Arena  in West Springfield, their home from 1998-2016, is likely.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

LAST DANCE! The New York Jets have been in the desert for over half a century. They won their one and only Super Bowl in 1968 and haven’t been back since. But back in the 80s, they were legitimate contenders. The centerpiece of those teams was its fierce defensive line. While Mark Gastineau, Joe Klecko, Marty Lyons and Abdul Salaam wreaked havoc on opposing offenses, they bickered amongst themselves like Axl and Slash. Now, ESPN has documented their contentious history in its latest 30 for 30 documentary, “The New York Sack Exchange,” which is the foursome’s nickname. At just under an hour, it’s a quick, compelling watch, especially if you’re a football fan. Back then, the Jets’ home was a dated baseball stadium, Shea Stadium. It was football in an incinerator. Because of the dirt infield, the playing surface was usually a dust bowl or a mosh pit. The portable end zone seats felt on the verge of collapse when fans jumped up and down. Fireman Ed didn’t exist. However, there was a lunatic in the end zone upper deck who mooned the faithful after he led them in the J-E-T-S chant. Concussion protocol? Take two Tylenol. After the Jets drafted Gastineau and Lyons in 1979, the Sack Exchange had its motley line-up. If it weren’t for football, Klecko, a pit bull of a man, says he would’ve been a truck driver. Lyons, the only Sack Exchanger out of a blue blood football power, Alabama, became the philanthropist, raising millions for kids in need. And then there was Gastineau, who came out of nowhere - East Central Oklahoma State. Gastineau was the showman. After sacks, Gastineau would break out into a raucous war dance as Shea played “The Safety Dance” to the delight of the Shea rowdies, many of whom were inebriated on terrible tap beer. Klecko and Lyons wanted Gastineau to stop, deeming the dance poor sportsmanship. But Gastineau persisted, arguing that he just wanted to be himself. With neither side budging, Abdul Salaam, which means soldier of peace, kept the factions at bay. The Sack Exchange couldn’t live together, but they could play together, and their friction made them bring out the best in one another. However, Rams offensive tackle Jackie Slater refused to endure Gastineau’s theatrics. As Gastineau danced, Slater shoved him, inciting a massive brawl. Gastineau seemed to take on half the Rams team. It’s wonderful footage. Meanwhile, the Jets flirted with greatness. However, they always came up short in devastating fashion. First, there was the wildcard loss to Buffalo in the Shea slime, and then they lost “The Mud Bowl,” an AFC championship game, to the Dolphins at the Orange Bowl. In controversial fashion, Miami coach Don Shula didn’t cover the field with a tarp,  negating the Jets’ supposed speed advantage. Following this fiasco, Jets coach Walt Michaels stepped down, Salaam was traded and the Jets wound up in another swamp, this time in Jersey: Giants Stadium. Mooning was no more, however, MetLife did host the infamous butt fumble years later. The Jets did manage one more run, but they collapsed in Cleveland. During this catastrophe, Gastineau was tagged as the goat for a pivotal late quarterback hit. Soon after, the Sack Exchange was history. Klecko, who had battled injuries for years, was released and wound up in Indianapolis. Abruptly, Gastineau, who was injury free, quit. At the time, he cited his girlfriend’s ovarian cancer. Gastineau was dating Sylvester’s Stallone’s ex, actress Brigitte Nielsen. In the doc, Gastineau offers additional reasons for his exit, and he also discusses his turbulent childhood, including his experiences as a rape victim. It's painful viewing. The Sack Exchange were reunited, however briefly, for the doc. It’s the fourth quarter now for these old gladiators. Forgiveness is discussed, and tears are shed. However, old rivalries die hard. For one, Klecko was inducted into the Hall of Fame, but Gastineau hasn’t, something that distresses him. It’s understandable, but considering the recent, too-soon passing of Adbul Salaam, it seems relatively petty. The doc’s ending is funeral somber, but it left me wanting at least one more dance. Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fishers Event Center 11000 Stockdale St. Fishers, IN 46037 Indy Fuel website   Fishers Event Center website Year Opened:  2024 Capacity:  7,500 Indy's New Home for Hockey in Fishers In November 2024, the Indy Fuel opened a new home, the Fishers Event Center. The $170 arena has a capacity of 7,500 for hockey. It is part of a $650 million project that features apartments, office space, a hotel and restaurant, and retail space in the northwest suburb of Fishers, Indiana, 12 miles from the team’s former home at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.  The Fuel began operations in the ECHL in 2014 at the renovated Indiana Farmers Coliseum, formerly the Pepsi Coliseum. The first professional hockey teams debuted in 1939 at the old barn and, up until November 2022, saw various clubs in the International and American Hockey Leagues. With the construction of the Fishers Event Center, a new era of hockey began in the Indianapolis market that should have a lasting impact for years. Food & Beverage 4 The Fishers Event Center offers multiple food and beverage spots on the first and second floors. The Fuel Zone locations offer fans grab-and-go options for food and beverages. Customers pick up their items and pay for them with their credit card. There are a few kiosks where cheesesteaks and supreme nachos are prepared to order. The arena’s food court is divided into two sections: District Eats for quick bites like freshly made burgers and pizza held individually under warmers, and District Drinks for refreshing beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Other items include giant-sized brats, barbecue pork sandwiches, ham and cheese kolaches, burgers, and hot dogs. Kickin’ Chicken prepares fried chicken and pork tenderloin sandwiches in front of customers for their sandwiches. There is plenty to wash down all the food with Coke products, beer, wine, hard seltzers and ciders, and mixed cocktails. The historic railyard of the town inspires the Railyard Pub. The elevated bar offers packaged beers and signature cocktails: Kentucky lemonade, margaritas, and Moscow mules. The local beers include Full Day Ray, Sun King, and King Jugg varieties, within 3 miles of the arena. King Jugg makes the official Black Dog Indy Fuel Ale. All of the beer comes by the can and is available in the grab-and-go from the refrigerators.  Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at The FEC for Fuel game is lively and engaging. Fans have an open view from a majority of the second level above the seating bowl. It is phenomenal, noting that games are enjoyable even for those who may not typically follow hockey.  The sleek and modern design of the building, most notably its sound system and wide open concourses, is impressive. The seating bowl is near capacity, the aisles are packed during intermission, and when a goal is scored, the entire building cheers in unison. The venue features a standard four-screen scoreboard that is basic compared to others across the ECHL. Nitro, the team’s official mascot, walks around the concourse, providing photo opportunities to all fans, young and old. The Garage Team Shop on the first floor for merchandising needs. The arena features a premium club and suites on the west side and large club seating on the southeast corner of the upper concourse. There are also two bars on opposite ends of the arena: The North Club Market and the Nickle Plate Market. Fans enjoy a drink or two during intermission or take a break from the action during the game. The bag policy includes clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC. It does not exceed 12” x 6” x 12”. Bags cannot be tinted with color or include oversized content that prevents visibility into the clear bag. Only non-clear bags that are smaller than 4.5” x 6.5” will be permitted into the stadium. Any type of non-clear bag exceeding 4.5” x 6.5” in size will not be allowed. Overall, attending an Indy Fuel game at the Fishers Event Center promises an exciting and memorable experience with a vibrant atmosphere that appeals to both dedicated hockey fans and newcomers. Neighborhood 4 The FEC is in Fishers, Indiana, off of I-69. The arena is within a 15-minute walk to   The Yard at Fishers District,   which features a variety of restaurants and bars. They include quick bites such as Shake Shack, Chicken Salad Chick, Torchy’s Tacos, and Bibibop Asian Grill. However, if desiring a little more ambiance, the 1933 Lounge, The HC Tavern and Kitchen, and Sangiovese Ristorante are fine choices. Sun King Brewery is located at The Yard and includes The Fishers Test Kitchen, local chef-inspired cuisine, and rotating test concepts. A few blocks across the interstate are a few more choices, including Full Day Ray Restaurant and Brewery, Parks Place Pub, and King Jugg Brewery. Indiana’s only IKEA and Top Golf locations are within eye-sight of the arena, along with Portillo’s, a spot for iconic Chicago food: Italian beef, Vienna beef hot dogs, sandwiches, and ribs. Fans 5 The arena has had three sell-outs at the time of this writing, and the building is much louder than its predecessor at The Fairgrounds. Fans pay attention to the action on the ice, cheer at the right time, and celebrate every goal scored by moving their arms up and down in unison.  Access 4 Like its predecessor, fans cannot walk around the upper concourse, as the premium club and suites take up the majority of the western portion of the building. Fans enter from the ground floor and access staircases to the upper concourse. There is enough room to walk around, but it narrows out at the North Club Market bar area. There are a few standing-room-only spots towards the northern part of the concourse that have slightly obstructed views of the ice. The parking situation is interesting, guests have the option to prepay online or pay during the event, eliminating the need for gates and minimizing traffic congestion. There is signage where fans can scan a code to access the website and pay $10 or $20 depending on location. Most of the concession stands are grab-n-go that provide easy access in and out for customers. When purchasing a beer, staff members open up your cans at the point of purchase. The longest lines are for the cheesesteak and nacho kiosks, where items are made in order. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices begin at $24 on the team’s website, while parking is $10 in the general admission lot and $20 in the VIP lots closer to the arena's entrance. Menu prices include $6 for a hot dog to $13 for a chicken sandwich with a fry basket. Macro beers are $10, and microbrews are $13. The team shop offers plenty of merchandise: jerseys, caps, t-shirts, and hockey pucks.  Ticket prices are slightly higher compared to division rivals in Toledo and Fort Wayne but on par with Cincinnati. Weekend games will produce larger crowds and more bang for your buck in the atmosphere, while weekday evening games will have a smaller, yet still boisterous, crowd. Extras 3 The FEC earns a point for convenience with its parking fees, freshly made chicken sandwiches at the Kickin’ Chicken stand, and sensory kits for fans with sensory sensitivities.  Final Thoughts The Fishers Event Center is an ideal palace for watching hockey. The open views, easy access to food and beverage, and modern comforts provide a close-to-perfect experience for hockey and non-hockey fans. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Wisdom Gym 1333 W. Washington Stephenville, TX 76401 Tarleton State Texans website Wisdom Gym website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 3,000 Tarleton State University Women’s Basketball Stephenville is a city of approximately 20,000 people located in north central Texas. Known affectionately as the Cowboy Capital of the World, Stephenville is home to numerous world-renowned horse trainers and top-level professional rodeo athletes, most notably Ty Murray. Murray is a nine-time PRCA world champion cowboy and co-founder of the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR). In 2023, no less than 42 (31%) qualifiers for the National Finals Rodeo came from the Stephenville metro area. In addition to professional level cowboys, Tarleton State University sponsors championship level rodeo, stock horse, and animal judging teams to solidify the town’s claim to the western-themed title. Not just a one-horse town, however, Tarleton State University also provides NCAA Division I athletic competition in multiple sports as well. Women’s basketball is such a sport, competing in the Western Athletic Conference since moving up from Division II in 2020. The Tarleton State Texans women’s basketball team has 14 conference championships and multiple regional tournament appearances in their history – their best national finish was reaching the NAIA finals in 1991-92. Tarleton plays its home games in venerable Wisdom Gym, which opened in 1970 as a multisport facility; the gym seats 3,000 including pull-out seats on each side of the gym. The seating in the lower section has been updated with seatback chairs on the home side of the court, but the upper seating is the original wooden pull-out bleachers, which takes fans on a trip down memory lane. With a modern video scoreboard and a live DJ pumping music, the setting is upbeat and energetic. This season will be the last for basketball in Wisdom Gym, however, as it will become a volleyball-only facility in the future, with basketball moving to a new facility.   Food & Beverage   3 All the normal concession stand fare is available at Wisdom gym, but there are no specialty items. Snacks include candy, chips, popcorn, and pretzels, while the drinks are Pepsi products, including Pepsi, Dr Pepper, Starry, and Tropicana Lemonade. Heartier food choices include hog dogs, nachos and pulled pork sandwiches. At the game I last attended, pretzels with a side of cheese were very popular – I personally chose a pulled pork sandwich, which was above average.   Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere for Tarleton Women’s basketball is well above what you might expect – the presence of a live DJ, DJ Quan, playing before the game and during dead ball periods give the game an NBA feel. There is also an emcee, as well as games between quarters that include fan participants, keeping the crowd involved and helping avoid dead time. In addition, groups attending games get special recognition, and also can participate in some of the on-court games and other activities; all of these fan-friendly activities create an environment where fans enjoy themselves and want to come back again. Even though the most recent game I witnessed was an early fall Saturday non-conference game, there was a mixture of fans that included a preteen birthday party, a high school basketball team, several Tarleton students, and a healthy section of older adults. The crowd was active and involved with the game.   Neighborhood   4 Tarleton is set in the center of Stephenville, which is a small town of approximately 20,000 people. The area around campus is mostly residential with many restaurants and fast food choices within a few minutes’ drive. The best options nearby include Hard 8 BBQ , Grumps Burgers , Don Nico’s Mexican Food , Newton's Saddlerack , and Caam’s Pizza . Or should you prefer an old school diner experience, Jake and Dorothy’s is a locally owned joint that dates back to 1948, the place waffle cut fries were invented and where chicken fried steak is their calling card – just carry cash as they do not accept credit or debit. There are plenty of hotels to choose from in town; some of the more highly rated choices include Hampton Inn and Suites , La Quinta Inn and Suites , and Best Western Plus among others. If you prefer short term rental options, there are several small houses and cabins available in and around Stephenville. On busy weekends, availability can be an issue, however.   Fans   5 Tarleton fans are loud and loyal. They show up early and support their team without negatively cheering against the opponent. Students are also loyal and support the team loudly. The Texans are also supported by their cheerleaders and a mascot, the Texan Rider, who is fully adorned in Cowboy attire including leather chaps, silk cravat and black hat. Other student groups at Tarleton include the Plowboys, as well as the state's oldest spirit organization, The Purple Poo. The Purple Poo is a secret society of males and females who are charged with keeping the spirit of John Tarleton and Oscar P alive. This special group posts signs of support weekly on campus and shows up at most events involving Tarleton teams. When they arrive, they lead the crowd in a special cheer for Oscar P and the Texans. Charged to wear disguises in public throughout their entire time on campus, the identity of each member of “The Poos” is only revealed at the end of their senior year. At the game last I attended there was a large crowd – the student section was nearly full, while the reserved sections were over fifty percent capacity. For a football Saturday morning, such a large crowd is evidence that the basketball program is well supported by fans of all ages.   Access   4 Stephenville is approximately three and a half hours north of San Antonio via US-281, and three hours from Austin via Interstate 35. From the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex it is only a little over an hour’s drive. Once in town, the university is easily accessible and ample parking near the gym is available. There is no commercial air travel into town, however, and public transportation is rideshare only, which is limited at best. The best option if flying into the region is to fly to DFW, Love Field-Dallas, Austin-Bergstrom, or San Antonio airport and rent a vehicle to drive from there.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets are $10, and a full meal can be purchased for less than $10, so the ROI of a basketball game at Wisdom Gym is well worth the trip. With the assurance of a quality team, strong crowd support and entertainment during timeouts, the game experience is a bargain in my mind.   Extras   4 The presence of the live DJ takes the atmosphere to a high level, completely unexpected upon entering the gym – hype music is one thing, but with DJ Quan in the stands, the desire to dance during timeouts is greatly enhanced. In addition, the live, in-game emcee and crowd involvement greatly enhances the experience, and help the game not drag. Time goes by fast since there is very little down time during the game. Lastly, the old school feel of the entrance and upper section of the building, combined with the upgraded seating and amenities, create a feeling of nostalgia without losing any of the comforts fans have come to expect in today’s game experiences.   Final Thoughts Seeing a Tarleton Texan women’s basketball game is a quality entertainment option, and Wisdom Gym is a classic setting for such a positive experience. However, this year is the last chance to see a game in this facility, as Tarleton is currently constructing a new multipurpose facility, which will open in time for next season, so get to Wisdom Gym while you can.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Cross Insurance Arena 1 Civic Center Square Portland, ME 04012 Maine Mariners website Cross Insurance Arena website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 6,200 Turn the Tide The southern Maine city of Portland has long been a year-round minor-league sports town, and was named by Sports Business Journal as the top minor league market of 2024. Through the spring and summer months the city’s sports attention is dominated by the Portland Sea Dogs (MiLB), but a lot of excitement also surrounds the start of professional soccer here in Spring 2024, with the Maine Hearts of Pine in USL One. In addition, from the fall and throughout the winter, fans seek safe harbor from Maine’s brutal winters at the Portland Exposition Building for Maine Celtics  (G League) basketball, as well as across town at Cross Insurance Arena for the Maine Mariners of the ECHL. The original Maine Mariners (AHL) began play in 1977 at the newly built (at the time) Cumberland County Civic Center, quickly capturing the attention of Maine’s largest city. As the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers , the Mariners wasted no time making their mark, winning the Calder Cup in their first two seasons (1977-78 and 1978-79) and adding a third championship in 1983-84. The Flyers sold the Mariners to the New Jersey Devils  the following year, but this partnership was brief, as the team was soon sold to the Boston Bruins , sparking excitement among local fans. However, the franchise moved to Providence  in 1992, leaving Portland without a hockey team for the 1992-93 season. AHL hockey returned to Portland in 1993 with the Portland Pirates – the Pirates, much like the Mariners, achieved instant success, winning the Calder Cup in their inaugural season (1993-94). Over the next 23 seasons, the Pirates cycled through various NHL affiliations. Despite their early success, however, the team struggled with declining attendance and a contentious lease dispute. Ultimately, the franchise was sold and relocated to Springfield, Massachusetts, becoming the Springfield Thunderbirds , leaving behind a storied hockey legacy in Portland. This would mark the end of AHL hockey in Portland, but the absence of professional hockey would last just one season – the void would be filled by a new incarnation of the Maine Mariners to the delight of many locals, who understood the connection with Portland’s hockey history.   Food & Beverage   3 The usual collection pizza slices, hot dogs, popcorn, and pretzels are widely available throughout Cross Insurance Arena. Burgers and fries are also on the menu, as is the carnival favorite, fried dough with powdered sugar. In addition, the “Local Flavah Farmstand” does have a handful of locally sourced items which include a steak and cheese sandwich, honey chipotle bacon burger, and the area’s French-Canadian influenced tater-tot poutine that comes served in a miniature goalie mask. The Maine classic Whoopie pies come in both traditional chocolate and gluten free carrot cake, while beverages available include Gatorade, bottled water, and a full selection of bottled Pepsi products. Craft beer enthusiasts will be treated to an extensive menu of some of Maine’s finest – Portland brewer Lone Pine has created a Maine Mariners branded Sessions Ale. Also featured are crafts from Definitive Brewing, Orono Brewing Company, and Nonesuch River Brewing. Typical national brands are also available, but in large part are ignored. For those who are not fans of beer, there still is a large selection of vodka seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, wine, and cider choices, as well as even a pair of signature cocktails in the main lobby area. For fans of craft beer, though, Cross Insurance Arena might be one of the top destinations at any level, with no less than thirteen different beers available. Food options are not nearly as impressive, but sufficient for basic arena food needs.   Atmosphere   3 Cross Insurance Arena is a cozy venue for hockey, small enough where just about any seat keep fans on top of the action on the ice, and with seats roomy enough that each fan has plenty of room. The building was built in the 1970s, when suites and luxury boxes were not a consideration, especially at the minor league level. As the arena aged and amenities became more of a necessity than a luxury, however, renovations saw three levels of suites built into the corners at one end of the arena – due to nearby support structures these do seem awkwardly placed. Both ends of the rink also have ice level lounges that add some premium seating options. Seats to be wary of are those along the aisles in the first few rows of the upper tier seating, and the handrails along the stair landings do significantly obstruct views of the ice. A four-sided scoreboard hangs over center ice and serves to stream the game and provide basic game information: time left in the period, shots on goal, score, and time left on power-plays. As has become the norm throughout much of in-game entertainment, an in-game host prompts fans with trivia contests, seat upgrades, and fan cams during stoppages in play. The first intermission is filled with junior hockey players scrimmaging at each end of the ice, while the second intermission features “Chuck-a-Puck”, where fans can purchase pucks to toss on the ice – if they land on the target the thrower can win prizes. Also, in what seemingly has become a de facto sports anthem in New England, fans sing “Sweet Caroline” to kick off the third period.   Neighborhood   5 Cross Insurance Arena is on the Portland peninsula, where the city’s arts district transitions to the Old Port, known for its shops, restaurants, nightlife, and high density of hotels. Portland is also known as one of the most beer friendly cities in the country – while Portland has over 20 breweries, the Old Port is highlighted by Shipyard Brewing and Gritty McDuff’s, both within walking distance. Alternatively, if finding nighttime entertainment following the game is more the goal, the bars of the Old Port are a popular stop. Maine winters definitely impact the overall frivolity of the neighborhood, however, moving much of the entertainment indoors. Though Portland is well known for high end dining , native Portlanders would likely point to better kept secrets for the real local tastes. One of the worst kept secrets in town is the breakfast menu at Becky’s Diner on Hobson’s Wharf, which commonly has lines out the door. In addition, though a bit touristy, DiMillo’s floating restaurant on Long Wharf has been a fixture of seafood dining in this area for nearly five decades. Or, if a quick bite on the go is more the need, Amato’s on India Street is the home of the “Real Italian” sandwich. Portland and the surrounding area are also rich in historic points of interest; within walking distance are Victoria Mansion and the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow House, and across Portland Harbor in nearby Cape Elizabeth is the iconic Portland Headlight, which is the most photographed lighthouse in the world.   Fans   4 Portland is a city that gets behind their teams, and the Mariners’ affiliation with the Boston Bruins  helps draw out a bit more of the local interest and regional enthusiasm and pride. The Mariners typically find themselves in the middle of the pack when it comes to overall attendance, however, ranging from four to five thousand per game. Fans at Cross Insurance Arena are actively and organically engaged in the game, commonly starting up chants of “Let’s Go Mariners!” with no prompting. They are also cognizant of good hockey plays that might go unnoticed by less well-versed fans – big hits, clearing the zone during power plays, or simple hustle plays are commonly, and rightfully, applauded. No conversation of hockey fans in Portland would be complete without mentioning one of its most beloved hockey fans, Raymond “Switchboard” Dudley; anyone familiar with professional hockey in Portland surely has a memory of Switchboard. Dudley’s fandom earned him enshrinement as one of nineteen members of the Portland Pirates’ Hall of Fame, and upon his passing during the 2024 season, Switchboard’s seat was adorned with flowers, cards, and other trinkets in his memory. It is the dedication of fans like Dudley and those who recognize how his presence helps make the experience special, as well as the appreciation this fanbase as a whole has for their hometown team, that makes hockey at Cross Insurance Arena so special.   Access   4 Portland is a fairly easy city to navigate; not much is far away from one point to another. The city also has a serviceable bus system for those coming from areas outside of downtown, and with such a large concentration of hotels in downtown Portland, simply walking to the Cross Insurance Arena certainly could be a possibility for those visiting from out of town. For those driving, there is plenty of parking around the area, the most convenient being Spring Street garage which is practically attached to the arena. There is also a fair amount of street parking nearby; note that meters must be paid Mondays – Saturdays until 6 pm. Cross Insurance Arena has three entry points, one at the corner of Spring and Center Streets, plus a main lobby that is accessible from both Spring and Free Streets, which pass on each side of the arena – the lobby entry is a bit more popular as it provides shelter from the elements. However, once passing through security just inside the lobby, fans do tend to congregate as they wait for others; adding in a handful of promotional tables, as well as beer carts and concessions, the entry does become a bit congested. The concourses here are rather narrow, when considering the normal flow of fans and along with concession lines during pre-game and intermissions. For the most part, though, fans stay in their seats during play, which does help alleviate overly crowded walkways.   Return on Investment   4 Ticket prices do seem reasonable; seats in the far end where the Mariners will be on offense once start at $19, but what ends up being a downer are the Ticketmaster fees that are added on, making a $19 ticket quickly become $37. The secondary market does have a slightly less expensive base price, but there are still fees to consider. On the plus side Saturday night games can be purchased for just $8, and if you are able to get to the box office ahead of time, you can avoid the Ticketmaster fees. Parking in the adjacent garage runs $15, also a bit high, but the availability of street parking for early birds will just run the going meter rates, which currently are not more than $2.50 per hour. Inside the arena, concession prices are subject to typical stadium markups, so the high costs for food and drinks are not much of a surprise. There are opportunities to get into several games with highly discounted tickets, however.   Extras   3 Cross Insurance Arena pays tribute to the accomplishments of the AHL teams that previously played there – banners recognizing the four Calder Cups, three won by the original Mariners (‘78, ‘79, and ‘84) and the last by the Pirates (‘94), are proudly displayed from the rafters. The Mariners obviously consider the overall fan experience that accompanies the game; mascot Beacon, a puffin, makes its way through the stands stopping for photos and interacting with fans during stoppages in play. Also, during the first period players not dressed out sign autographs for fans in the main lobby. Just off the main lobby of Cross Insurance Arena is the Saco & Biddeford Savings Hall of Fame Lounge – this lounge recognizes Portland’s previous professional hockey teams and their division and league championships, along with major events to have come through the then civic center.   Final Thoughts Attempts to build a new arena in Portland in the early 2000s never came to fruition, as city and county officials were never able to come to a consensus on funding; the debate left the city with a facility that was quickly becoming obsolete. By the time the future of Cross Insurance Arena was decided, the only option was to renovate a facility which had limited options for significant expansion. For hockey, Cross Insurance Arena is fine – its limitations do not necessarily take away from the overall experience, so the facility and amenities create a cozy hockey atmosphere. While several arenas around the league might be much more impressive with their size, amenities, and overall awe factor, the atmosphere can easily get lost in a larger venues that might only be half full, even with larger crowds; Cross Insurance Arena’s smaller size helps to create more of an air of excitement, and an environment that easily engages fans.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Lucas Oil Stadium 500 S Capitol Ave Indianapolis, IN 46225 Indianapolis Colts website Lucas Oil Stadium website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 62,421 Good to the Last Drop Lucas Oil Stadium is considered one of the top destinations in the National Football League. Yes, other stadiums have been built across the league since its opening in 2008, but when it comes down to every metric, the home of the Indianapolis Colts is among the better gameday experiences in the league. It has a true downtown feel with bars, hotels, restaurants, and nightlife just a few steps from the main entrance. Its design also blends well with the surrounding area but stands out significantly within the city’s landscape. The 62,421-seat venue features a retractable roof that remains open unless inclement weather or lightning is within the stadium, the temperature drops below 40° F, or wind gusts are greater than 40 miles per hour. However, once closed, it cannot be opened during the game. The open roof provides a natural breeze throughout sections of the stadium and provides some great vantage points of downtown buildings. The streets are packed with fans, and nearby Georgia Street is open for pedestrians, allowing fans to openly carry alcoholic drinks in a cup. Touchdown Town is footsteps from the main entrance and provides live music, skills tests for kids, food samples, and more good times. Even if you are not a football fan, there is a lot of excitement to attract fans to the game. Food & Beverage 4 Lucas Oil Stadium has 59 permanent and 90 portable stands with more than 500 points of sale. Fans can enjoy various menu options without waiting too long in line. Fan favorites include hot dogs, brats, barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, cheeseburger baskets, chicken strip baskets, chicken strip baskets, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and Hot Box pizza. There are also value meals(a hot dog, popcorn, and soda) at the stadium. The specialty items include barbecue brisket and pulled pork sandwiches and nachos, cantina nachos, chicken diablo wraps, Cuban sandwiches, Polish sausages, Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, and nachos. Sausages and burgers can be loaded with additional toppings for four dollars extra. New items for the season include loaded mac and cheese fries, garlic cheese curds, spicy chicken sandwiches, and a footlong corn dog. A few more points of interest are the Inspo stand, where options include Wagyu Chicago hot dogs and sriracha mac and cheese. The Taste of Innova stand features chicken and cauliflower wings with four creative sauces, including African pepper and zest. Coca-Cola products and beer options from Budweiser, Coors, and Miller are available at multiple stands. Local craft beer options include Black Dog Brewing Good Vibrations, Elysian Space Dust, Mad Anthony Mosaic Moon, and Metazoa Trash Panda. Non-beer choices are hard seltzers and spiked iced tea. There is a wide variety of cocktails and hard liquor at the stadium. Atmosphere 5 The design of the stadium is neither modern nor chic, but it blends in nicely with existing buildings and nearby factories. At most stadiums, fans enter vast parking lots well before kickoff to set up chairs, tents, and grills and begin their festivities. However, the stadium is a few feet from vast bars and restaurants open early for Sunday afternoon home games. One of the first places you see near the stadium is Touchdown Town, which opens at 10:00 a.m. and closes just before the game starts at 12:30 p.m. For the duration of its two-and-a-half hours of operation, the area provides a perfect canvas for all fans. “Touchdown Town was created to offer fans of all ages a place to gather together to celebrate and build excitement for the upcoming game,” stated Larry Hall, Colts Vice-President of Ticket Operations and Guest Services. “Fans can enjoy a variety of activities including live music, football drills, giveaways, and food, and drink specials. Touchdown Town serves as the Colt's premier pre-game party location.” Once inside, there is not a bad seat in the house in the spacious building. The main entrance features a sound stage for pre-concerts that overlooks the football field. Fans line up around the stage or watch pre-game practice on the field. The wide-open area serves as a town meeting hall for fans, and you cannot help but look around in awe if you are a first-time patron. A sound stage for pre-game concerts overlooks the football field at the main entry plaza. Oversized collages of former Colts players and moments against the wall entitled “A House Built by Champions” feature an homage to the state’s car racing industry with various model cars on display in the area. Outside the stadium on South Street is the Peyton Manning statue. Manning was the most prolific player in the team’s Indianapolis history and one of the all-time greats. He put the team on the map and could be credited for the construction of the very building that stands behind him. Neighborhood 5 The stadium is within walking distance of 50 different places to eat, drink, and dance. There are ideal spots within blocks in the downtown area, along with a few more choices in other neighborhoods a little less than a mile or so from the stadium. The Slippery Noodle is a local institution and the oldest bar in the state; it offers music, food, and drinks and is across the street from the stadium. Kilroy’s Bar N’ Grill is a local establishment that has made its mark downtown and has plenty of room to accommodate fans before or after the game. If you are looking for a great steak dinner, St. Elmo’s or Harry and Izzy’s are two options. It is under the same ownership and known for its spicy shrimp cocktail sauce that will please the horseradish aficionado. The Fountain Square neighborhood is highly recommended and is bustling on the weekends. A few recommendations are Chili Water and Fountain Square Brewing, video games at Tapper’s, giant burgers at Kuma’s Corner, or duckpin bowling in a retro atmosphere. The Hotel Whiskey Tango Distillery makes specialty drinks and is a great place to talk with friends. Mass Ave is another vibrant area offering more dining and drinking options. A few recommendations include The Eagle for some of the best fried chicken in town, St. Joseph’s Brewery located in an old church, FortyFive Degrees for live music, and BRU Burger Bar for its fantastic homemade ketchup to dip into your fries. If you are with the family, downtown has an array of attractions, including the Indiana State Museum, the NCAA Hall of Champions, and The Canal Walk. However, one of the true hidden gems is the Indiana Experience at the Historical Society. Visitors can step into three-dimensional re-creations of historic photographs complete with characters. Fans 4 The Colts fanbase had been spoiled at the start of the century with only two losing seasons in a 15-year span. The state that historically favored basketball became a football town with the championship success of the team. The team also honors many of its season ticket holders with banners on the top level, and their impact can be felt each game. Access 5 Lucas Oil Stadium is a downtown venue easily accessible from the interstate. The imposing structure is visible off of I-70, and there are more than the city and private lots to choose from to park your car. These lots range from $30-$50, and if lucky, you may even find free street parking on Sundays. If you do more searching and feel like walking, there are less expensive options north of the stadium off of Meridian, Pennsylvania, and Capitol Streets. Downtown Indianapolis has an array of one-way streets, but many are reverted to direct traffic back onto the interstate after the game. The local police do an honorable job directing traffic after the game to ensure smooth sailing from the parking lots onto the city streets and local interstate. Inside the venue, the concourses are wide and spacious for easy access. There is plenty of signage, video screens, and open areas to help guide you through your visit. If you happen to get lost, ask a friendly staff member to help you find your way to a particular area of Lucas Oil Stadium. Return on Investment 4 The single price for a ticket ranges from game to game and depends on how well the Colts are doing on the season. In the past, tickets could be purchased online for as low as $20, but when the team is vying for a playoff spot, those prices will increase to around $60. However, when winning, the crowd noise is booming. Parking can be found around the stadium for around $30, but other spots within walking distance are much less. Extras 4 Lucas Oil Stadium earns several points, including Touchdown Town on Georgia Street before the game. The atmosphere includes concerts, lounge chairs, children’s activities, drinks, and outdoor games. The earlier the season, the better the weather will be in Indianapolis. A second point is for the Bud Light Zone, the perfect spot to hang out with friends and enjoy the game. The area is located on the upper concourse at the north end of the building and is a massive party in all four quarters. A third point is for the customer service counters that offer soundproof headphones and weighted blankets to help offset the loud atmosphere inside the building. There are picture menus at all permanent concession stands, and the team has also added a “ Social Story ” to its website, which provides helpful information and photos. The final point is for a downtown location that is accessible for traffic on foot as well as by car. A visitor can have a walk with a sea of blue towards the stadium before the game or enjoy a few tailgating spots if arriving earlier by car. Final Thoughts It is hard not to be impressed with the gameday experience at Lucas Oil Stadium for a Colts game. It is a stadium properly made for both the players and the fans. The pre-game festivities, friendly staff, frenzied environment, and location steps from some of the city’s best restaurants and bars make for a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. ______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channe l. Email at marc.viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club 4040 Central Florida Pkwy Orlando, FL 32837 PNC Championship website The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club website Year Opened: 2003 A Family Golf Celebration The PNC Championship is a quietly growing tradition in the world of professional golf. Held each year since 1995, the tournament features Pro-Am pairings with some of the PGA Tours legends and their family, often their children, playing alongside. The four-day event is split into two components, with Thursday and Friday played as de-facto practice rounds, while Saturday and Sunday count as a 36-hole tournament for the yearly crown. Held in Orlando at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club, this affordable event is a great option for those looking for a more relaxed pro golf atmosphere.   Food & Beverage   5 There are numerous food vendors at the PNC Championship, with the majority of them located around the fan zone adjacent to the 18th green. Here, you can find everything from local food trucks and vendors (BBQ from $12-$19 and street tacos from $9-$14) to established chains (Chicken Salad Chick for $14 and Flipper’s Pizza from $13-$14). Tournament booths also offer food and drinks, including breakfast sandwiches ($10), beer ($9), hard seltzers ($7-$9 for single cans and $40-$50 for six-packs that include a banded cooler bag), wine ($14), and cocktails ($7-$15). In addition, around the course smaller vendors with snacks and drinks are located between Holes 5 and 6, as well as between Holes 14 and 15.   Atmosphere   4 The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club is a stunning facility for professional golf. Located in Orlando just minutes from the theme parks, this luxury resort features Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott resorts on property. The towers of these two resorts dominate the landscape, while lush green palms and pines remind you that you’re still in Florida. Played in December, the weather for the PNC Championship is almost guaranteed to be perfect year after year, thanks to Central Florida’s ideal climate in the winter. The course is large and spread out, meaning you may have a lot of walking to do during the event if you want to see multiple holes, however. Unfortunately, unlike most pro tournaments there are only two small grandstands on the course, located at the first tee box and at the 18th green. The tournament does offer complimentary tickets to all active duty and retired military for the weekend, and also features the Pepsi Patriot’s Pavilion on the 17th green. Here, military and their families can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks with their own dedicated seating area overlooking the penultimate hole on the course.   Neighborhood   4 The area around the course is a mix of residential and tourist. Not far from the course is International Drive, home to numerous shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions like Sea World and ICON Park. Hotels are plentiful as well, the two luxury resorts on property notwithstanding.   Fans   4 The fans at the PNC Championship are diehard golf fans. Tickets to the tournament are limited by the organizer to specifically reduce crowd sizes on the course, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, so you won’t find those signature massive oceans of fans following Tiger Woods or Vijay Singh from hole to hole like you would at other tournaments. Additionally, the event is incredibly family friendly, meaning you will see many young golf fans in attendance from day to day, thanks in part to the event’s affordability. Another plus is that the event is a no-autograph event, meaning the resellers and autograph hounds found at other tournaments are not to be found here, a welcome change for the casual fan.   Access   5 Parking at the PNC Championship is plentiful – free parking is available nearby at Sea World Aquatica water park, with free fan shuttles available to drive you back and forth from the lot to the main entrance. Paid parking is also available on site, with several lots open at the course itself. Getting to the course is also easy, thanks to its location on John Young Parkway, just a few minutes from Highway 417. The parking lot at Aquatica is also easy to access, with exits from both Highway 408 and I-4 leading you right to the parking lot. Once at the course, signage is plentiful for access around the course.   Return on Investment   5 Tickets are incredibly affordable for the PNC Championship. Thursday and Friday single day grounds access passes cost just $36, with upgraded tickets available for $75; these include parking on site at the course itself, as well as access to the covered VIP viewing area on the 18th green. Saturday and Sunday tickets start at $45, with the same VIP upgraded tickets going for over $400 per day, thanks to the inclusion of premium parking, free food and drinks, and private restrooms.   Extras   3 The course features a pro shop that sells both course specific merchandise as well as hats, shirts, and flags featuring the PNC Championship flag. The fan zone also features several sponsor activations, including golf swing analysis, free giveaways, and merchandise vendors. Finally, fans can watch the players warm up at the putting green as well as on the driving range, both located right in the heart of the fan zone.   Final Thoughts The PNC Championship is a great event for golf fans to watch some of the greatest players in the game compete in a fun, family friendly atmosphere. Often competing alongside their children, this tournament is both competitive and relaxed. With incredibly affordable ticket options, free parking, and countless concessions, this may be the best professional golf tournament in Florida when it comes to per-dollar value and pure enjoyment of the game.

Photos by Richard Smith and Jennifer Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.71 M&T Bank Stadium 1101 Russell St Baltimore, MD 21230 Baltimore Ravens website M&T Bank Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 70,745 Home of the Ravens The Baltimore Ravens gave the fans of “Charm City” a new beginning in 1996 when they started operation after the Cleveland Browns moved to the Maryland city. As part of a settlement between the league and the city of Cleveland, Art Modell was required to leave the Browns’ history and records in Cleveland for a replacement team. Since their “new beginning,” the Ravens have won two Super Bowl titles. The city of Baltimore has a history of winning teams. The Baltimore Colts won the NFL Championship game before the Super Bowl even existed, in 1958 and 1959, as well as the Super Bowl in 1971. The Baltimore Stars of the USFL were led by coach Jim Mora to that league’s championship in 1985, the final year of the league and team. And of course, the well-loved Canadian Football franchise, the Baltimore CFL Colts/Stallions won in 1995, before the Ravens came to town and prompted their move to Montreal to become the Alouettes. Those seven championships show that Baltimore is a hard-nosed football town with a history of success. After playing their first two years at the venerable old Memorial Stadium, the team has made what is now known as M&T Bank Stadium home. The 70,745-seat stadium has been renovated many times over the years. The team updates the stadium in many ways from year to year and the stadium always feels fresh and new. The Ravens announced a multi-year project (2024-2026) to enhance the Stadium with significant projects. The Ravens are using a projected $430 million of the $600 million of state funds allotted for stadium improvements. The funds came with the renewal of the Ravens' lease, which will keep them in M&T Bank Stadium through at least the 2037 season. As of the end of the 2024 season, many of the projects are halfway done with the following seasons seeing new, enhanced entrances and clubs. Food & Beverage 5 The Ravens have good-quality concession stands around the stadium. Many stands offering options such as beer, chili bowl, pizza, and hot dogs are all nice options. Stands have generic names, such as Goal Line Grill, Kickoff Classics, and the Chesapeake Market. There are also outposts of local favorites. There are also a few full-service bars scattered around offering top-shelf spirits and premium drinks. Several kiosks also sell a variety of domestic and craft beers. The stadium has followed the lead of Atlanta and has begun to offer many lower-priced, value options. This has made an already good food experience even better. Atmosphere 5 From the Ravenswalk area outside of the stadium to the purple seats and concourse lighting, the Ravens have set a fine stage for the enjoyment of NFL football. Expect the games to be loud inside the walls of the stadium. Every play, whether it be on defense or offense, will have the fans screaming at every detail. Even special team plays are paid attention to in great detail. The fans are knowledgeable about all aspects of the game. Ravenswalk leads the fans from downtown and Oriole Park towards M&T Bank Stadium. It has always been a good place for fans to enjoy pre-game activities. The team has increased the entertainment and food offerings in this area making it an even more enjoyable place to spend some time. Make sure to be in this area when the Baltimore Ravens Marching Band makes its way towards the game. One favorite here is the cocktail bar offering decent price drinks and a pretty impressive Bloody Mary bar. One should also stop by to see the text of the former facade from Baltimore’s Memorial Stadium, which is on display between the two stadiums. The text was a memorial to those killed in the two World Wars. The main words of “TIME WILL NOT DIM THE GLORY OF THEIR DEEDS” remind visitors of those this nation lost in the past. The line is a quote from Gen. John J. Pershing, commander of the American Expeditionary Forces during World War I. The large video boards, known as RavensVision, past both end zones, are amazing visual spectacles. The vertical screens in each corner enhance the game viewing options. The Ravens cheerleading squad and mascot Poe offer traditional cheering options. Note that the cheerleading squad has a male stunt squad, as well. The Poe mascot has now seen his brothers, Edgar and Allen, re-added to the mascot mix. In 2022, the brothers stood in for Poe when he went down with a devastating wing injury. The fans are happy to see all three at the game in 2023. The "MO" in Baltimore is colored different colors in the end zones from the rest of the city name. This to honor the late Mo Gaba, who passed in 2020 at the age of 14. Mo was a Baltimore super-fan, who although was battling cancer for most of his life, and later blindness, became a favorite of all Baltimore athletes. Gaba was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in July 2020 and in 2019 became the first person to announce an NFL draft pick written in Braille. The Ravens continue to honor Mo 3 years after his passing. The signage around the stadium is consistent, modern, and appropriate. Purple lighting effects are seen everywhere. The team is always adding new ways to enhance the purple-ness of the stadium. Signage, flashing LED lights, and screens make you see purple all over the place, just as they want. One major complaint of M&T Bank Stadium had been the lack of escalators to the upper deck. But a few years back they added escalators to this area, which means that fans do not have to hoof it up and down stairs or long ramps. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhood is generally the same as Oriole Park at Camden Yards but does suffer a slight bit, as it is further away from downtown Baltimore. The newly opened Horseshoe Casino, located south of the stadium, has the potential to make this “other” side of the stadium more and more important to the Ravens’ social scene. Close to the stadium, and right across from Oriole Park, are Pickles Pub and Sliders Bar & Grille. The Federal Hill neighborhood is also close by. There are a few fun restaurants and bars here. Abbey Burger Bistro (1041 Marshall Street) is one great choice. The beer selection is good, and they offer a dizzying array of burger choices, which are all likely to satisfy. Mother’s (1113 S Charles Street) and Magerks (1061 S Charles Street) are also good places for a pre or postgame meal. The Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination and is a short walk from M&T Bank Stadium. There is a movement by a local developer to redevelop the already famous Harborplace into a state-of-the-art living and working area. Currently, the existing pavilions are underused. Baltimore is home to many touristy attractions, such as Fells Point, and Fort McHenry. The American Visionary Art Museum on Key Highway is located on the way to Fort McHenry and should not be missed, although its unique collection will not be for everyone. Baltimore is and has always been, an urban environment where you should make sure you are aware of your surroundings. Use common sense and all will be fine and you will have a great time. Fans 5 Baltimore is a football town. They love smash-mouthed football and have no problem if the defense wins the game by smothering their opponents. Even when there was no NFL team in town, they embraced football variations offered by the USFL and the CFL in ways that other cities may have a hard time following. The fans will still respect fans who wear the opposing team’s colors, but they still should not expect too much love. The fans are serious about the Ravens and defensive football. Just like at Oriole Park, the Ravens’ fans commemorate the local creation of the Star-Spangled Banner, and the love of the other big league team in town, by shouting a loud “O!!!!!!” during the appropriate spot in the anthem. In other places, this would seem to be disrespectful, but in Baltimore, it shows the love of the country and the team. If you hear that yell at other parks throughout the country, rest assured that there is a Baltimore fan in the house. Fans also love to chant along with the “Seven Nation Army” song by the White Stripes. Access 5 M&T Bank Stadium is right off I-95, with only a couple of turns putting you on the highway home. Parking garages can be found in all directions from the stadium. Street parking is not a great option. Parking near the Inner Harbor is a good option. Check the parking link on the Ravens’ website to find bargains that are a pretty close walk away. If you’re not driving to the game, the other primary mode of access is the MTA Light Rail. From points north and south of downtown Baltimore, you can take the train to the ballpark. The Light Rail is slow, so make sure you know that beforehand, and the crowds will be overwhelming after the game. Return on Investment 4 The cost of an NFL game is expensive. There is no way around it. You do get a good deal, because of the high entertainment value and the extremely high level of competition. The parking costs, if done correctly and cheaply, can alleviate some of the expenses. The Ravens make sure the fans know they are valued for spending their money on the team. Free programs are available for all games, and the pregame ritual of walking the Ravenswalk (located between the two Camden Yards stadiums) is a treat for all fans. Extras 5 The Johnny Unitas statue is usually located at the end of Ravenswalk and in front of the stadium is a gathering spot for pregame meetings, as well as a place to honor the Baltimore Colts legend. A Ray Lewis statue was later added to honor one of the other most important Baltimore football players. Ravenswalk is the place to be and watch the excitement of the game day grow to a fever pitch. Both statues are temporarily located on the south side of the stadium while the north plaza is renovated into a new experience. The only marching band in professional football, the Marching Ravens, plays at Ravenswalk as well at points in the game. This is the same band that was known as the Baltimore Colts’ Marching Band and was started in 1947. The newly spent renovations and additions have made the purple colors and signage seem consistent, and scream out RAVENS at all points. Final Thoughts M&T Bank Stadium shows that the Ravens have done an outstanding job with their franchise. The fans who attend will always have a memorable game day experience and get good value.

The FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) playoffs are now underway, with the National Championship game taking place on January 6, 2025, in Frisco, Texas. We are pleased to release our ratings for the Top 25 stadiums at FCS stadiums. These rankings utilized our FANFARE scoring system, which considers all the factors that encompass the gameday atmosphere: food, atmosphere, neighborhood, fan support, accessibility, return on investment, and extras (anything unique to that stadium.) We have several facilities where stadiums had identical scores. These ties were broken by a vote of our reviewers, breaking the deadlocks. We don’t expect you to agree with some of these rankings. We encourage you to have lively discussions with your fellow football fans. Feel free to share your thoughts on our social medias. 1. Washington-Grizzly Stadium - Montana Grizzlies 4.43 Jason Karp - Our top-rated stadium features spectacular natural surroundings, a lively fanbase, close up views of the action and an always competitive team year after year. 2. William B. Greene Stadium - East Tennessee State Buccaneers 4.43 Lloyd Brown - Greene Stadium takes our second spot, as its natural setting at the base of a mountain provides a stunning backdrop to the games. The mountain also tends to trap the noise generated by the fans, resulting in making communications for the visiting teams very difficult. 3. Harlen Hunter Stadium - Lindenwood Lions 4.29 Lloyd Brown - One of the most recent additions to the FCS level of football is Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri. The on-campus Harlan Hunter Stadium features a sleek modern design and one of the largest videoboards in the FCS. The pregame programs and the Lion’s Pride activities create a lot of energy, resulting in a high score for fan support. 4. Johnson Hagood Stadium - The Citadel Bulldogs 4.29 Aaron Terry - The pageantry of a football game at a service academy is always very special. This is very true at The Citadel in Charleston, SC. The entire cadet corps marches from the campus to the off-campus Johnson-Haygood Stadium prior to each contest. Recent renovations to the stadium have increased the seating capacity, and the fieldhouse at one end of the stadium features a façade that mimics the architecture found throughout the Citadel campus. 5. Rhodes Stadium - Elon Phoenix 4.14 Will Halpern - The home of the Phoenix is rising in our ratings based on the great sight lines, terrific North Carolina BBQ being served at its concession stands, and the sounds coming from the Fire of the Carolinas Band. 6. Franklin Field - Penn Quakers 4.14 Gregory Koch - Like many other structures in Philadelphia, Penn Stadium has withstood the test of time. It is one of the oldest college football stadiums still in use in the United States. It has frequently served as the home of the iconic Army-Navy football game, the home of the Penn Quakers every year, and has frequently been the host for some Philadelphia Eagles games when there has been a scheduling conflict. 7. Truist Stadium - North Carolina A&T Aggies 4.14 Will Halpern - Our top HCBU stadium is Truist Stadium in Greensboro, NC. It features a dedicated fanbase, a terrific band, and a team that is always in the thick of the MEAC conference championship race. 8. Finley Stadium - Chattanooga Mocs 4.14 Lloyd Brown - All aboard for a fun gameday experience at the home of the Mocs. The party gets underway at the Pavilion across the street from Finley Stadium, with the Marching Mocs, the cheer squads performing at the tailgating event and the Mocs football team doing their pregame walk through the crowd on their way to the stadium. Once inside the stadium, there are food trucks serving a wide variety of foods. After the games end, Finley Stadium is just a short distance from the Chattanooga Choo Choo and the Tennessee Aquarium … two of the city’s top tourist attractions. 9. Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium - South Dakota State 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The Jackrabbits have Dykhouse Stadium hopping well before the opening kickoff. SDSU fans have a great reputation for their tailgating acumen, which always includes a stop at the campus dairy store for its famous ice cream. Low ticket prices, one of the largest videoboards in an FCS venue, wonderful sightlines and back-to-back FCS national championships all add up to some great Saturdays in Brookings. 10. Bobcat Stadium - Montana State Bobcats 4.00 Lloyd Brown - The Bobcat Nation has impressed us with their enthusiasm throughout the season. They are on their feet early, as the Stampede is one of the best team entry celebrations we’ve ever witnessed. 11. E. Claiborne Robins Stadium - Richmond Spiders 4.00 Joseph Oakes - Oh, what a wonderful web they weave! A lovely, wooded setting, great concession items, a fun zone for the kids, and capacity crowds add up to a number eleven ranking for this FCS stadium. 12. Lawrence A. Wien Stadium - Columbia Lions 4.00 Jon Hart - The home of the Lions features great views of the Manhattan River, some of the cheapest ticket prices for a sports event in the Big Apple, and the panache of an Ivy League school earns this stadium a good grade. 13. Fargodome - North Dakota State Bison 4.00 Lloyd Brown - As our top-rated indoor facility, the Fargodome also has the best tailgating scene outside of any FCS venue. Once inside, the noise created by the Bison faithful can be deafening. Most important, the Fargodome provides a refuge from the harsh winter weather that typically moves into the area around the end of the season. 14. Davidson College Stadium - Davidson Wildcats 3.86 Lloyd Brown - Davidson College’s new stadium makes its debut on our top 25 stadiums list. It replaces the 100-year-old Richardson Stadium, which will now be used for track and field events. The new venue offers a wide variety of concession items, a close-to-the-field seating experience, and an extensive electronics package that was not possible in its former home. 15. First Security Field At Estes Stadium - Central Arkansas Bears 3.86 Lloyd Brown - A unique playing surface (it’s purple and silver) creates an immediate strong impression for fans watching a Bears’ home game. The low-ticket prices and on-campus location also add to the gameday experience. 16.  Stewart Stadium - Weber State Wildcats 3.86 Connor Comeau - Mother Nature is one of the first things you will notice at a Weber State football game. Stewart Stadium is located at the foot of the Wasatch Mountains in Ogden Utah. The Wildcats typically schedule late afternoon games, which allows fans to experience a spectacular view of the sunsets the area enjoys. The stadium also features an affordable family experience for both locals and visiting fans. 17. Delaware Stadium - Delaware Blue Hens 3.86 Richard Smith - The Hen’s house is a worthy venue for the state’s lone major college. It is a simple facility that enjoys a team that always seems to be in the championship mix, which results in capacity crowds. The stadium also provides easy access via the interstate highway system in the area. 18. Powers Field At Princeton Stadium - Princeton Tigers 3.86 Matthew Collins - Our second Ivy League venue on this list, Powers Field, is a modern facility at a school known for its old, historic buildings. Tiger fans enjoy the many amenities made possible by the recent building of the stadium. It is very close to the central campus, which makes it very easy for the campus community to get to the games without needing a car. The Tiger statues just outside of the stadium make a great backdrop for selfies. 19. Dakota Dome - South Dakota Coyotes 3.86 Aaron Terry - Our second indoor stadium on this list, the Dakota Dome, provides a quality viewing experience. You don’t need to worry about the elements, your seats are very close to the action on the field and the crowds are loud and enthusiastic. You also get to experience one of the toughest intrastate rivalry games in the country when the Coyotes welcome the SDSU Jackrabbits at the Dakota Dome every two years. 20. Cooper Field - Georgetown Hoyas 3.86 Gregory Koch - While many people think of Georgetown University as a basketball school, it also has a football program. Cooper Field is one of the smallest venues on this list with a capacity of  3,750. However, it is located on the Georgetown campus, making it very convenient for the students to attend. It also is the only football program within the District of Columbia, which results in several high-level government representatives attending each contest. 21. Crocker Field At Bailey Memorial Stadium - Presbyterian Blue Hose 3.86 Aaron Terry - Crocker Field is located on the lovely Presbyterian College campus in Clinton, SC. It is a relatively small stadium compared to most of the other venues on this list. This results in an intimate experience for fans attending a Blue Hose game. The statue of the Scotsman in front of the stadium also serves as a great backdrop for a selfie. 22. Cowboy Stadium - McNeese Cowboys 3.86 Paul Donaldson - “The Hole” is the second HBCU stadium on our list. It offers low ticket prices, some uniquely Cajun concessions offerings and a great P.A. announcer. The Cowboys are known for their up-tempo offense, which tends to wear out the opposition late in the games. 23. Paladin Stadium - Furman Paladins 3.71 David welch - Paladin Stadium is located on the lovely Furman University campus, which is well worth a visit, even when there is no game. Tailgating is very popular here, as the Furman campus offers plenty of shade, which is important in the hot days at the beginning of the season. The stadium is also known for its well-manicured setting, making it a very pleasing site for a game. The Paladin mascot is a very popular subject for fan photos, as he is a knight who roams the sidelines astride a horse. 24. Walkup Skydome - Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 3.57 Lloyd Brown - The Walkup Skydome is yet another indoor facility on our list of top FCS stadiums. Its domed roof is needed for the frequent heavy snowfalls in the mountainous area of Flagstaff, Arizona. The Lumberjacks know how to take advantage of the dome, as it amplifies the crowd noise, making it difficult for visiting teams to communicate on snap counts. The team lives up to its name, as the lumberjack mascot uses a chainsaw to cut up wood after each Northern Arizona score. 25. Wildcat Stadium - New Hampshire Wildcats 3.57 Aaron Terry - Our only representative from the New England region is the University of New Hampshire’s Wildcat Stadium. It is one of the oldest venues on this list, as it was built in 1936, and has gone through many renovations since. It is known for its lovely setting, especially during the fall leaf season.

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you are making plans to visit Indiana this summer, cross Kokomo off your list. The Jackrabbits announced on social media that they will sit out the 2025 season. The Kokomo Jackrabbits are taking the 2025 season off. The Northwoods League club announced on social media that “due to various unforeseen circumstances” the team would be unable to compete this summer. The decision comes less than three months after a lawsuit between the city and club ownership. The city of Kokomo and Kokomo Baseball LLC, the limited liability company ROC Venture, claimed that it did not renew the lease of the stadium as recognized. According to an article in the Kokomo Tribune , The lease, according to the city’s complaint filed with Howard County Circuit Court, requires the owners of the Jackrabbits to give the city written notice no later than 90 days before the agreement ends if it wants to renew for another five years. The Jackrabbits claimed it had a verbal agreement for the next five years during a virtual meeting on May 17; however, the city argues that no written notice was given last season. Because of that, the team had to vacate Kokomo Municipal Stadium  by September 30, when the lease expired. Jackrabbits management added. “While this necessarily doesn’t mean the end of the Jackrabbits, however as it stands, the future holds more questions than answers right now.” The Jackrabbits were founded in 2014 as members of the Prospect League but moved to the Northwoods League in 2019.  It marked the first time an organized summer baseball team was in town in 53 years since the Midwest League’s Kokomo Dodgers. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo courtesy of Boston.com Recently, the University of Vermont (UVM) Catamounts surprised just about everyone but themselves by winning the NCAA men’s soccer national title, their first ever. While the Cats had never been to a Final Four before this season, they had made two Elite Eight appearances, most recently two years ago. For a majority of this season though, the Cats flew somewhat under the radar. However, they went on a magnificent post-season run, winning three road NCAA playoff games, including a cross country jaunt to U San Diego, before winning two games in Cary, North Carolina. Brian McLaughlin, the Catamounts play by play announcer, took a few minutes to discuss this historic season, as well as some other miscellaneous fun, including his experiences with Vermont Green FC. Here's Brian broadcasting the highlights of this year's America East championship game:    STADIUM JOURNEY:  How did the Cats pull this off? Not only did they win it all, but they did it, except for one game, on the road. Of course, they have great talent, but a lot of teams have great talent. BRIAN:  The core of players who had previous wins in the tournament were able to instill belief in the very talented newcomers. Leaders Zach Barrett and Adrian Schulze Solano were massive parts of that, but Mike Bleeker who transferred in from American, also became a big part of the leadership group. This was a team that felt they belonged on any field they showed up at. The tone setting center-back pairing of the hulking Max Murray and Barrett made sure that no opponent was ever comfortable with the ball. Then of course, they got such timely goal scoring. Yaniv Bazini was the star for much of the run, but when David Ismail, Marcell Papp and Max Kissell are chipping in with Barrett and Murray - both dangerous on set pieces – it’s a brutal attacking group to keep off the scoreboard for 90 minutes. And I haven’t even mentioned Sydney Wathuta who was maybe the best isolation winger in the country. Niklas Herceg was also fantastic during the tournament run and made countless important saves, which every championship soccer team needs.    STADIUM JOURNEY: What's next for the Catamounts? They have a lot of talent graduating. Do you have any idea who's returning?  BRIAN :  Of course there's a chance players who still have eligibility remaining do not return, and they lose such a massive group of long-time contributors, so it will be a daunting task. But if the young guys do stick around a core of Herceg, Kissell, Ryan Zellefrow, Andrew Millar, Jeremy Tsang and Nick Lockerman is not a bad starting point. And others as well will be back who contributed to this run. These coaches have proven to be outstanding recruiters and have developed loads of talent over the last few seasons. I would anticipate more key additions both from the States and international talent pools to fill some of those gaps vacated by the longtime Catamounts.    STADIUM JOURNEY: Perhaps your most memorable call was for the Catamount  women's  soccer team, which is featured here: How does a broadcaster prepare to make a call for the ages? How do you find those words at that precise moment? Is this something they cover at Penn State? (Brian is a Penn State grad.) BRIAN:  I try not to script anything before the game even if I know there's a chance the game has a memorable ending. Sometimes you can’t help it like Dalen Cuff for this UVM national title. “Don’t Call them Cinderella! You can call them national champions” is almost definitely pre-planned in some way, but he still delivered it with authenticity, and it felt natural. He absolutely nailed it. It is most important to feel natural and not forced. That Basa call was honestly me just letting it rip in the moment and people really enjoyed the result. In my mind, I just want to make sure I know why this game matters and why this moment matters and try to use my voice to match the emotion of the moment. Whatever comes out is hopefully concise and clean. If I had to redo the Basa call, I probably wouldn’t scream her name for so long, but I think people really related to the emotion in my voice and felt I matched the moment well even if what I said wasn’t perfect. As for what they taught at Penn State, I think we definitely were always discussing what makes a great highlight call. You want authority in your voice. Connect the moment to what makes it meaningful. Try to have punch in your voice without a straight scream or a growl sound. And you don’t want to be too wordy, especially on tv. My approach is a bit different for radio. Luckily, I went to school with some people who were also broadcast nerds, and we would constantly be evaluating each other and announcers on TV. I still take notes on the best broadcasters in the game to try to implement things they do into my own skill set. As for big moments nobody is better at the moment than Ian Eagle who uses wit and humor mixed with a great vocabulary or Kevin Harlan who has such an awesome voice and delivery and a mastery for the language.  Photo courtesy of Brian McLaughlin   STADIUM JOURNEY: Vermont Green FC, which has a rabid following, has a special place in your heart. What makes this USL League Two squad such a special experience? Explain the magic. BRIAN:  Rabid following may be putting it lightly. There has been a lot made of the incredible fan support for UVM in Cary for the College Cup, and I think Vermont Green deserves some credit for helping grow this soccer crazed community. They have built such a distinct culture in Burlington during the summer. It’s an environment that you just want to be around - so many smiling faces at games, passionate community members who have a love for soccer. Or maybe many who don’t, but they relate to the broader message of creating climate justice through sports. The branding is bold and colorful. The games are loud and rowdy. The social media is engaging and feels down to earth. It’s fun for the players who also happen to play such a delightful brand of attacking soccer. They have great coaches who develop the on-field talent and invested leaders who care about every single detail of their organization. And UVM has only helped assist Vermont Green as a partner. It’s become a really special bond between the two, and they share a fanbase in many ways. They have built such a wonderful culture in such a short time, and it has transformed many locals into soccer fanatics. I do not think it’s a surprise that their explosion has coincided with Vermont’s national title.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So a fan wants to hit a soccer or basketball game in Burlington. What are a few spots you'd recommend for before and after the game? Hidden gems? BRIAN:  Well, it depends what time of year. Burlington feels like two different towns from winter to summer. If you are in town for a Vermont Green game over the summer, I love to find places on the waterfront by Lake Champlain. Foam Brewers is a great spot by the water with outdoor seating. You can’t go wrong with most of the breweries regardless of the time of year with Zero Gravity as a standout in my mind. Vivid Coffee is a phenomenal coffee shop that I love and sometimes has watch parties for games. For breakfast or lunch, Handy’s Lunch is an old school diner and is a must stop. Postgame downtown classics like Halvorson’s or Ken’s Pizza are solid as ever.    STADIUM JOURNEY: You mention that your time behind the mic in the Northwoods League and the Cape Cod League were pivotal in your development. What's it like to cover summer league baseball? Is it as good as it sounds? BRIAN:  Those summers were some of the best of my life. Far from glamorous and I will say I was an unpaid intern on both occasions, and I would really recommend any college student try to find a paid internship first. But calling 70 plus games in about 75 days in the Northwoods is still the time of my life where I think I took the biggest step as a broadcaster. Reps are so important. While I didn’t have such a wild schedule on Cape Cod, I met some outstanding friends and had the chance to watch some incredible baseball talent. Current Yankees catcher Austin Wells was the star of my Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox team, and he was just one of many future big leaguers. That is a very competitive league for broadcasters, and I was fortunate to get to meet many future stars in the broadcast industry, and it honestly forced me to grow and improve just so I could keep up. I also think I played about 200 rounds of mini golf at Pirates Cove over a 3-month internship.    Photo courtesy of Vermont Public STADIUM JOURNEY: So you've worked games all over the northeast and elsewhere. What are some venues that are worth visiting? BRIAN:  Well if you haven’t been to Gutterson Field House for a UVM hockey game that place is pretty special. I would also say that Centennial Field, home of the Vermont Lake Monsters, is a pretty neat and classic small baseball stadium. I have been fortunate to see so many basketball arenas around New England and Yale’s John J. Lee Amphitheater stands out in my mind. I will always refer to Providence’s Gym as “The Dunk,” and that place and those students have a well-earned reputation. Again, I will say any of the Cape Cod Baseball League has to be a bucket list item for sports fans. It really feels like a trip back in time to when things were simpler. All the fields are unique and have different dynamics to them.    STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you get into broadcasting? Did you play a lot of sports growing up or were you always on the sideline doing play by play? BRIAN:  It was probably when I was about 14 that I started to realize playing shortstop for the Chicago Cubs wasn’t very likely. I played sports my entire life and knew that I wanted to work in sports in some manner. I always liked the idea of broadcasting and paid close attention to the broadcasters probably without knowing it but because I was such a massive sports fan. I had the opportunity to shadow Penn State’s legendary radio broadcaster Steve Jones when I was in middle school. I went to Penn State knowing that I wanted to study journalism but wasn’t sure if I wanted to end up writing or broadcasting. But the moment I had my first broadcast of a State College High School soccer game I knew that I was drawn to being behind the mic. Things only took off from there and by the end of my freshman year of college, I was a full-on sports broadcaster nerd. I was fortunate to go to school that put me on the air right away so I could learn on the fly and work through growing pains. Many of my best friends in college were also involved in the broadcasts in some way, and I have had countless mentors who gave me advice on how to achieve my goals.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  What were some of your favorite calls? BRIAN:  I’ll start with anything from Ian Eagle or Kevin Harlan. Harlan’s “Goooooooood” is one I think about a lot in basketball. He always has the perfect emphasis and knows when to bring it out. Eagle is more creative and relies on his humor. He has had some really memorable moments: “He is not human!” or just a simple “Oh Yeah!” which I really love on TV. Joe Davis had some monster moments recently in the World Series. Jim Nantz just makes every moment feel big, especially on golf broadcasts. I’m not a Celtics fan but love Drew Carter’s work for the Celtics on television and have laughed really hard at some of his recent calls for Payton Pritchard: “Pitch Please” and “Where’s my money?” These are great examples of how to have fun in the booth while still providing a highlight worthy call.  And I have to mention Hall of Famer Pat Hughes on the radio for my Cubs' classic home run call: “It’s got a chaaaaaaance. Gone!” I imitated that so much growing up playing wiffle ball in my front yard.  Jon Hart is  @manversusball

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Matthews Arena 238 St. Botolph St Boston, MA 02115 Northeastern Huskies men’s basketball website Matthews Arena website Year Opened: 1910 Capacity: 5,066 The Final Buzzer for Hoops at Matthews Arena   The city of Boston has a rich sports history, and its venues are some of the most revered in the nation- Fenway Park , Boston Garden, Harvard Stadium . But there is a facility that pre-dates them all that is still in use today - Matthews Arena on the Northeastern campus.   Originally named Boston Arena, the facility was renamed for George and Martha Matthews in 1982. Mr. Matthews, class of 1956, served as the Chairman of the Northeastern Board of Trustees for ten years.  He passed away on January 11, 2024 at the age of 93.   The arena was the original home of both the Boston Bruins in 1924 and the New England Whalers in 1972, as well as the site of the first home game for the Boston Celtics in 1946. Virtually every college hockey team in the area, including all four Beanpot schools, have called this arena home. In fact, Matthews Arena is the oldest indoor hockey rink in the world still in use today.   Muhammed Ali trained here, and many of boxing’s biggest names, including Gene Tunney, Joe Louis, Marvin Hagler and Jack Dempsey fought here. The Frozen Four was held at Matthews Arena in 1960, as was the original Beanpot hockey tournament. More recently, the World Junior Hockey Championships were held here in 1995.   Matthews Arena has always been more than just a sporting venue. Every president from Theodore Roosevelt to John Kennedy visited the site, as have Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. Charles Lindberg and Amelia Earhart hosted events here. Concerts by artists as diverse as The Doors, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marvin Gaye, Ludacris, Bob Dylan, The Roots, Chuck Berry and Phish were held at Matthews Arena.   Today, Matthews Arena serves as home to Northeastern men’s basketball team, as well as the men’s and women’s hockey teams. Several area high-school hockey teams also call this old barn home.   The basketball Huskies play in the Colonial Athletic Association, and have appeared in the NCAA tournament nine times, most recently in 2019. Six players from Northeastern have played in the NBA. The Northeastern women’s basketball team, which plays at the Cabot Center on campus, has qualified for one NCAA tournament, in 1999.   In May 2024 Northeastern filed a letter of intent  to the Boston Planning and Development Agency to construct a new multi-purpose athletics venue, which included plans for the demolition of Matthews Arena. These plans came as concerns surrounding the structural integrity of the facility increased: scaffolding had been erected to support the east end of the arena earlier in 2024, parts of the arena had been closed off, and the foundation, which was built on reclaimed land that was once part of a wharf, was found to be sinking.   Food & Beverage 3   There is one concession stand in the lobby open for Husky hockey games. Hungry fans can choose from hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken fingers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Sides, including french fries, nachos, pretzels and popcorn are also available. Coca-Cola products are featured at Matthews Arena.   While the menu at Matthews Arena is not extensive, the prices are affordable, and the quality of food served is decent.   Atmosphere 3   When you have a crowd of 1,000 in a facility that seats 6,000, there’s not a whole lot of energy that can be generated. While Matthews Arena won’t be an overly loud place to watch a game, the staff here put on a first-rate, professional show.   Dominating the views at Matthews Arena is the facility’s video scoreboard. Measuring 50 feet long by 13.5 feet high, the scoreboard is put to good use throughout the game with replays, game stats and promotions. Fans with old-school sensibilities will not enjoy the intrusion of modern technology in the old barn, but Northeastern staff do a nice job integrating modern technology in this historic location.   The student body sits courtside at Matthews, but generally doesn’t make a whole lot of noise. Filling that role falls to the arena’s DJ, band, cheerleaders and dance squad. The school’s mascot, Paws, roams the facility interacting with fans and adding a little bit of shenanigans to the game. Kudos to the Northeastern PA announcer, who adds some energy to the proceedings while pulling double duty as the emcee for promotions during breaks in play. Boston Arena Entrance, photo courtesy of Boston Globe Neighborhood 5   Northeastern University is located on the edge of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood, one of the city’s most popular tourist and shopping destinations. The Fens neighborhood and South End are also within walking distance of the University. Many of Boston’s major attractions are located close to Matthews Arena.   While there are many dining and lodging options near Matthews Arena, most of them will involve a short walk or drive from the facility, which may not be what you want to do on a chilly winter night in Boston. Fans visiting from out of town will want to check out the Prudential Center and Copley Place, located just a few blocks from Matthews Arena. Symphony Hall is just around the corner, and the Boston Museum of Fine Arts is a short walk away. In addition, most of Boston’s attractions are easily accessed by a short subway ride. Both the Green and Orange lines have stops less than a block from Matthews Arena.   Fans 2   Basketball takes a back seat to the uber-popular hockey program, which also plays in Matthews Arena. While attendance for Huskies basketball can fluctuate quite a bit, the average settles in around 1,000 fans per game year in and year out.   Fans who have visited Matthews Arena for hockey will be surprised by the lack of support and enthusiasm from the student body. The Dog House, the student section located in the upper level of Matthews Arena, sits empty as the students in attendance sit courtside. While they fill their designated section, they aren’t really a big part of the atmosphere here, as they mostly sit quietly and take in the action.   Stadium Journey’s most recent visit took place on a Thursday night during semester break, so there were no students in attendance. The announced crowd of just over 600 fans felt fairly representative based on previous visits. Boston Arena Interior. Photo courtesy New York Times. Access 4   Matthews Arena is located on the eastern edge of Northeastern’s urban campus, near the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Huntington Avenue. Despite the fact that Matthews Arena is easy to find, that doesn’t make it easy to get to. The ever-present Boston traffic, never-ending construction projects and streets that date back to colonial days, make Boston a tough city to drive in. If you must drive, it is best to bring a local along who is familiar with the city landscape. Directions to Matthews Arena can be found here .   Many local fans will choose to take public transportation to Matthews Arena. The MBTA, known locally as the “T”, drops fans off just a couple of blocks from the arena. The E-train of the Green line drops fans off at Symphony Hall, and the Orange Line has a stop on Massachusetts Avenue. At just $2.75 for a fare, the T is an affordable and convenient alternative for visiting Husky fans.   Fans visiting Matthews Arena will pass under an ornate entry arch into the main lobby. The ticket office, concession stands, and restrooms are all located here. The arena will be located to your right, accessible by a pair of walkways. Seats at Matthews Arena are separated into loge and balcony sections. All seats have excellent views of the action, although some lower level seats will have an obstructed view of the scoreboard and banners due to the overhang of the balcony.   Fans will have no problem navigating Matthews Arena during a typical game. If visiting during a game with a large crowd, expect lines and delays when accessing concessions or rest rooms.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets for Northeastern basketball games cost sixteen dollars for youth and 19 dollars for adults for all games. Parking can be had for no charge (yes, you read that right, free parking in Boston) at the Columbus Street Garage located a short walk from the Arena. Parking in the small lot adjacent to the arena or in the Gainsborough Garage across the street is $27 for games. There is limited on-street parking in the vicinity of the arena, but finding one of these spots is about as likely as spotting a unicorn.   Many fans will opt to skip the congestion and cost of driving in Boston, and simply take the T to Matthews Arena. Both the Orange and Green Lines pass within a few blocks of Matthews Arena, and a one-way fare is just $2.75. The Number One bus also has a stop at the arena.   If you don’t mind a short walk (less than 1/2 mile) from the Columbus Street Garage to Matthews Arena, a trip to a Northeastern basketball game is a most affordable option for Boston sports fans. Extras 3   They just don’t build arenas like this anymore, and that alone is worth an extra point. The exposed brick, the steel tresses, the entry arch that has greeted Boston sports fans for over a century, and the ornate lobby all harken to an earlier time.   The history of Matthews Arena is worth another point. It bears repeating that this is the oldest indoor rink still in use anywhere in the world. The Boston Bruins started here. The Carolina Hurricanes played their first games here (as the New England Whalers of the WHA). The Boston Celtics played here frequently. Presidents, dignitaries, as well as athletes and musicians have visited this site. There is a history here that just can’t be duplicated elsewhere.   Some of this history is on display at Matthews Arena. In addition to banners honoring the success achieved by Northeastern’s basketball and hockey teams, there are banners reminding fans of where the Celtics and Bruins got their starts. There is also a banner honoring Reggie Lewis, the local basketball star who studied at Northeastern and went on to become an All-Star and captain with the Celtics before passing away of a heart condition while still playing for the team. His funeral was held at Matthews Arena.   Final Thoughts   If you’re going to Matthews Arena for a Northeastern basketball game, do yourself a favor and don’t make any comparisons to the game day atmosphere at a Husky hockey game. Instead, enjoy the top-notch game day presentation and the fantastic way the school mixes modern entertainment within a legendary setting. You’ll also see some really good basketball.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Camping World Stadium 1 Citrus Bowl Pl Orlando, FL 32805 Pop-Tarts Bowl website Camping World Stadium website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 65,000 A Master Class in Bowl Sponsorship Marketing Previously known as the Camping World Bowl, the Pop-Tarts Bowl features matchups between teams from the ACC and Big 12 – this usually provides for some solid games between fan bases that are loyal and passionate. Add this to the weather in Florida in December, and you have a great recipe for a perfect evening watching college football. While this would make a bowl game notable in its own right, the Pop-Tarts Bowl has taken things to another level; a masterful use of marketing genius, this bowl game has gone all-in with its Pop-Tarts sponsorship, ushering in a golden age of viral marketing that fans can experience in and around game day.   Food & Beverage   5 Finding food at Camping World Stadium is easy. For those in the suite levels, the food options are incredibly plentiful; the main suite on the recently renovated west side of the stadium features a full-service bar and buffet. From the majority of food vendors a quality hot dog will cost you $7; nachos are $7.50, popcorn is $5.50, and fries are $7. The best food option remains anything from the 4 Rivers BBQ booths, a local barbecue chain that has gained popularity in recent years thanks to its quality meats and sauces. Offering both BBQ nachos and BBQ pulled pork sandwiches for $16 each, this is a can’t miss option. Pizza from Little Caesar’s runs $12 for cheese or pepperoni, while for beverages, a domestic beer runs $11 and premium beer is $13. Bottled water runs $5.50, while a bottled soda will cost you $6.50. Premium seltzer runs $15, with cocktails ranging from $15 to $23. The Pop-Tarts Bowl even features two specialty cocktails, one for each team ($15 for a single, $23 for a double). However, the big star here is without a dou bt the Pop-Tarts and Cheez-It concessions that incorporate those items into various recipes – these unique creations are available during both the Pop-Tarts Bowl and the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, thanks to the partnership between Levy Restaurants and Kellanova. Featured Pop-Tarts items include the Hot Fudge Pop-Tarts Waffle Bowl Sundae ($10), Boston Cream Pie Pop-Tarts Trifle ($10), Strawberry Pop-Tarts Trifle ($10), and even a PB&J Pop-Tarts Bavarian Pretzel. Cheez-It items include the Walking Cheez-It Nachos ($13), Mac and Cheez-It Nachos ($13), Loaded Chili Cheez-It Crunch Dog ($13), and the fan favorite Cheez-It Tender Dog. These items, along with several others, make up arguably one of the best and most unique concession menus in college sports.   Atmosphere   5 The game itself is almost assured to be a great matchup – pitting top-level teams from the ACC and Big 12, exciting matchups are part of the expectation at the Pop-Tarts Bowl. On top of that, the stadium itself is a great venue; the venue has seen continued improvements over the years, with the north end zone being filled in on the second level for stadium seating. While the beautiful view of the lake just beyond the stadium’s gates has now been blocked, the filled in bowl looks and feels more like a traditional stadium. Football in Florida in December means stellar weather, and Florida’s perfect winter climate is on full display here, with temperatures rarely lower than the 50s. The pre-game pageantry of the band performances, the exciting game action, and the feel of a bowl-game matchup all make the Pop-Tarts Bowl an exciting game to be a part of. There is also plenty of beautiful scenery, with downtown Orlando just to the east and lakes to the north and south of the stadium. The Pop-Tarts Bowl also features plenty of traditional college football experiences; the pre-game and halftime performances traditionally feature both of the schools’ bands, and there is also a pre-game fan fest that includes live music, photo opportunities with mascots, band performances, VIP tents, and interactive displays. Camping World Stadium is excellently decorated too, with bowl-game logos and sponsorship activations all over the stadium. The Fan Fest also features photo ops with the previous year’s edible mascot in shrine form, as well as the game’s trophy. Pop-Tarts giveaways are plentiful, and merchandise is sold at numerous tents all over the stadium’s concourses.   Neighborhood   5 What can you say about downtown Orlando? With Camping World Stadium within walking distance of downtown, fans can park in any of the various lots and garages downtown, then walk to and from the stadium along Church Street, the hub of Orlando’s rebirth as a foodie and entertainment destination. The City of Orlando has become a sports-thirsty destination over the last few years – with the explosion in popularity of Orlando City  and the Orlando Pride , and a renewed interest in the Orlando Magic , the City Beautiful loves sports. There are suburbs to the west of Camping World Stadium, with the downtown city center to the east. There are also tons of hotels nearby, and since the venue sits next to I-4, getting to other resorts and hotels in the greater Orlando area is not hard to do either. If you want to stay somewhere nearby, Aloft Downtown Orlando and the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando are right in the middle of downtown. For food, the Orlando sports faithful flock to the numerous bars and eateries on South Street and Church Street in downtown. For attractions, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are both mere minutes south of the downtown area.   Fans   4 The fans at the Pop-Tarts Bowl are loyal and usually travel well. The lower bowl usually fills up for this game, meaning the sound level will get pretty high when the crowd gets into the game. For bigger matchups, upper level seating has also been opened up to accommodate fans. That said, while 2022’s FSU  vs. Oklahoma  matchup saw 61,000 fans pack into all levels of the stadium, the last two editions of the game only saw the lower two levels opened, with the entire upper deck empty. Access   5 Camping World Stadium sits just a stone’s throw from I-4, literally just off the 408 highway. Getting there is not difficult from the local roads either, as most are multi-lane, and signage is well placed for the parking areas. Parking on site is plentiful and easy to find. For those without a parking pass, you can find parking in various nearby parking lots and from those selling parking in their front yards. Public transport is also available in the area, making getting to Camping World Stadium an easy process.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to the Pop-Tarts Bowl start at just $38 for middle-deck end zone seating, going all the way up to $48 for lower level end zone, $72 for corner seating, $109 for sideline seats, and $175 to $217 for club level seats. Parking is plentiful in numerous lots, both at the stadium and in private lots nearby. The thing that sets this game apart from the rest is the incredible marketing and sponsorship activations.   Extras   3 Fans can take photos next to numerous bronze statues around the property, which were donated by artists of note. Fans can also pick up numerous giveaways at the pre-game Fan Fest next to Camping World Stadium. During the game, Pop-Tarts merchandise and logos is visible all over the stadium, from the unique concessions to the branded on-field performances.   Final Thoughts This game is without a doubt one of the best examples of incorporating a sponsor into the bowl game’s identity. After years of rotating sponsors, the Pop-Tarts Bowl seems to have found a fantastic partner that has created a cult following around the game. From a trophy that features a working toaster to an edible mascot, it is hard to argue with the marketing genius of the Pop-Tarts Bowl. And if fan response is any indication, it is going to be hard to top it anywhere else.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rock Rink @ Pyramid Recreation Centre 317 James St S St. Marys, ON N4X 1B6 St. Marys Lincolns website Pyramid Recreation Centre website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 1,400 The Town Worth Living In St. Marys, Ontario is probably best known for being the home of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, however, the hockey tradition in St. Marys is solid as well.  The Junior B, St. Marys Lincolns were founded in 1956 and currently play in the GOJHL.  The Lincolns team name does not come from an assassinated President of the United States famous for wearing a stovepipe hat, but from the automobile.  To finance the entry fee into the Western Junior B Hockey League, a  Lincoln Continental was raffled off.  The Lincolns have enjoyed five league titles and two Sutherland Cups as the top Junior B team in Ontario.  Some of the Lincolns alumni include J.P. Parise, Terry Crisp, Don Luce, Bob Boughner, Dan Bylsma and Steve Shields. Home for the Lincolns is Rock Rink @ Pyramid Recreation Centre.  The Rock Rink has a capacity of 1,400, was originally built in 1977 as St. Marys Arena and a larger community centre was eventually built around it.  Rock Rink is named after the St. Marys Rock, who are the local minor hockey teams.  The Pyramid Recreation Centre offers a second ice surface, meeting rooms and aquatics centre. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession is found in the lobby of the Pyramid Recreation Centre.  Popcorn, caramel corn, candy, chocolat, chips, pizza, hot dogs, pretzels and nachos are on the menu.  Water, soda, iced tea, Powerade, slushies, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and cappuccino are the soft drinks available.  The Blueline Club is located above the lobby at the east end and beer and other alcoholic beverages are available. Atmosphere 3 The St. Marys Arena was built in 1977 while the Pyramid Recreation Centre was built around the arena in 2008 creating a dichotomy that is not totally uncommon in lower level junior hockey in Ontario.  There are multiple entry points into the Rec Centre but the main one is probably on the east side of the building.  Light coloured brick gives the exterior a modern look to it.  Entry into the centre brings fans to temporary tables selling tickets in a large lobby.  The St. Marys Sports Wall of Fame is right there to greet fans and features former NHL player, Mark Bell.  Wooden plaques listing Lincoln players who have played in the NHL and Coaches and Management. Upstairs is the entry to the seating area in the arena.  The arena is definitely a throwback to seventies era arenas.  The ice is oriented from west to east and the main seating area is on the north side.  Eight rows of wooden benches comprise the seating with the middle sections featuring arena seas as well as three rows on the south side.  The north side seating area is elevated with the bottom row basically the same height as the glass.  Dark brown brick outlining the top perimeter of the arena drives the seventies vibe.  The rectangular arena has orange truss supports across the ice and a flat, silver insulated roof.  The south side wall is littered with minor hockey banners.  Lincolns banners, including the 1965 and 1976 Sutherland Cups, listed as Ontario Champions, hang to the left of the scoreclock on the west wall.  The Lincolns have further embraced their history with a number of retired number banners for Gerry Seguin, Paul Vanderspank, Glen Coghlin, John Rowland, Jeff Shipley, Tyler Bryson, Brett Petrie and Dan Schiedel.  The Blueline Club is found in a room looking out to the ice above the lobby on the east side of the arena. The gameday production at a Lincs game is fairly simple and not that different from other teams in the GOJHL.  The presentation is classic with a traditional announcer.  The team mascot, Linc, spends time at ice level greeting the players as they take the ice and interacting with ice level fans.  Promotions include a 50/50 draw and chuck-a-puck.  One unique aspect of the Lincolns experience is the use of car horns to celebrate everything.  There is one that is part of the official productions and probably a couple brought by fans. Neighbourhood 3 St. Marys is a small town of just over 7,200 people.  The Pyramid Recreation Centre is located just south of city centre.  There are a few places fans can go to get pre and post game food and drink.  Sunset Diner, Grilly’s Public House and Social 31 are good options.  Fans should be aware that places like Tim Hortons and McDonald’s, which in most cities are open 24 hours, do close nightly in St. Marys.  The Lincolns are pretty much the only team in town, however they do have close rivalries with the Stratford Warriors  and London Nationals.  Taking a tour of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame  is a good idea.  Make sure to check when it is open, as regular hours are generally reserved for the summer. Other tourist options include the St. Marys Museum.  For fans wishing to stay in the area, the Westover Inn and Stone Willow Inn are options. Fans 5 The St. Marys Lincolns enjoy fan support that is near the top of the GOJHL.  For the 2023-2024 season the Lincolns averaged over 700 fans per game, which was the second best in the league.  At the time of writing, in the 2024-2025 season, the Lincs were averaging over 850 fans per game, again ranking second in the league.  The fans in attendance are loud and supportive of the Lincs, louder than many other fanbases in the league.   Access 4 The Pyramid Recreation Centre is located in St. Marys, south of city centre.  It is close to the intersection of Highway 7 and 119.  Getting to the arena from out of town will involve plenty of rural driving through Ontario’s snow belt, so caution on game night is a good plan.  There is plenty of parking on site.  For fans interested in public transit, there is a Perth County Connect route that joins Kitchener-Waterloo, Stratford and St. Marys, however, it may not help on gameday.  Fans should consult the Perth County Connect  website for fares, schedules and maps.  Getting around Pyramid Recreation Centre is not difficult and the washroom facilities are adequate. Return on Investment 5 GOJHL hockey is amongst the most affordable sports experiences in Ontario.  Tickets for the Lincolns are $12 with $10 for students, seniors and children.  Cash, credit and debit are available and tickets are only sold at the door.  There is plenty of free parking on site and concession prices are decent.  The product on the ice is solid and the Lincolns are normally a competitive team.  The environment for hockey is excellent in a unique facility with a very strong fanbase.  A great return for the investment. Extras 4 An extra mark for the unique penalty boxes in St. Marys, which are just at the end of the bench, with a low divider wall for separation. An extra mark for the unique and historic Lincolns name. An extra mark for the Pyramid Recreation Centre as a community hub. An extra mark for the longevity of the Lincolns franchise. Final Thoughts The St. Marys Lincolns are amongst the best supported teams in the GOJHL and the Rock Rink is a unique throwback venue to the 1970s.  The Lincolns lean into their history and St. Marys celebrates their roots in the Pyramid Recreation Centre.  Taking in a Lincs game in “The Town Worth Living In” is a great plan. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads  and Instagram @profan9.