Photos by Steven Kee, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 ECTB Stadium 1008 S Howard St. Allentown, PA 18103 Allentown Railers website ECTB Stadium website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 4,600 The Greatest Ballpark on Dirt There are a great collection of minor league baseball ballparks in the Lehigh Valley of Pennsylvania that include Limeport Stadium , Coca-Cola Park and Quakertown Memorial Park . A visitor would have a nice little history lesson on ballpark construction if visiting for a few days; however, there is another ballpark that may strike your fancy while visiting the area – ECTB Stadium in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The stadium is home to the Allentown Railers of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League and brings a little life to the vapid facility during the summer months. ECTB Stadium, formerly known as Bicentennial Park when it opened in 1976, was built on the site of Fairview Field which had been home to various minor league teams in the city since 1930. It was also the home to the Allentown Ambassadors of the Northeast League (now the Can-Am League) from 1997-2003. The stadium has seen better days, but there are improvements currently underway that should breath a fresh new breath of life into the vapid facility. The 4,600 seat stadium is rather large for the league and features an all dirt, softball style infield. However, with the right attitude, this quirky little baseball facility might be worth watching a game in the near future – time will tell. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small stand located underneath the grandstand and facing out on the main concourse. There are only seven items on the rather crude cardboard menu cutout that adorns the windows – cheeseburgers, hot dogs, sunflower seeds, pretzels, sport drinks, soda and candy. The prices are inexpensive and the hot dogs taste quite good. The hot dogs are only $2 and cheeseburgers are $3. Atmosphere 2 Could the atmosphere be a little better at ECTB Stadium? Perhaps, but the ballpark is quite grandiose by ACBL standards. The largest stadium in the league looks like it would be be perfect fit in larger summer leagues such as the Northwoods or Prospect Leagues. The ballpark does feature a few intriguing quirks – perhaps its all dirt infield that would be akin to softball, because it was converted to a softball field during the country’s bicentennial. The seating is made of plastic and feature bucket seats behind the first few rows of the backstop and backless seating throughout the rest of the stadium. The seating is up close and personal to the action. If it was not for the large fence screen behind home plate, you could brush off the dirt from a player sliding into home. There is a lot of room to stretch out, catch a foul ball or simply reminisce about old school baseball. The outfield fence was renovated a few seasons ago and looks quite stunning, the center field light is in play and a simple electronic scoreboard resides in left field; however, it was not in operation when I attended the game (I was told that it needed to be repaired). A large net looms over the right field wall for protection of fly balls landing against the residential homes across the street. The setting in the south side of Allentown is also a nice nod to ballparks of the past. Incidentally, they have been playing baseball at this site for almost 85 years. There are no mascots, major announcements, promotions or gimmicks. There is a large collection of souvenirs with the Railers’ logo on it and some of it looks pretty good – its not the cheap stuff you find sometimes. The main grandstand use to have tarp wrapped around when the Ambassadors played minor league baseball here, but it has been removed and the seats are now exposed. This is not aesthetically pleasing and a dash of color or name of the stadium would do wonders to its image. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is situated in a residential neighborhood, not far from the I-78 exit where a few great places to eat exist. Queen City Diner is open 24-hours and offers generous portions at reasonable prices. If you are not from the area, diner food is a must to have after the game. Rodizio Grill is a Brazilian barbecue restaurant where one would have to come hungry and not expect to eat for a few days. Steak, chicken, pork and lamb are all brought out to your table. It is a nice experience to say the least. Fans 1 There were not a lot of them here at the game, in fact, there was not a lot of cheering from the ones who were in the grandstands at the day of this review. When your crowds are small in a vast ballpark, viewing the game can feel like a dirge, but the Railers have a great product and winning attitude. I am sure if there were few promotions here and there, a few more fans would find their way back to the stadium. Access 4 Arriving to the stadium is the best part – it is quick and easy. All you have to do is take exit 57 off of I-78 and proceed north on Lehigh Street for 1.5 miles and the stadium is on your left. The parking is free and plentiful in the stadium’s lot and access is easy to get in or out of after the game. Return on Investment 3 The ticket prices are $5 a person and kids 8 and under are admitted free of charge. This is a small price to pay to watch college kids hone their skills with the wooden bat during the months of June and July. Extras 1 The roofs of houses behind the right field wall adds a nice touch to this quirky little ball park that features high walls, a light tower in play in center field and seats close enough to tap the umpires back. If this was any other league, you may see some improvements with not only the stadium itself, but with the game day experience. Thankfully the public can still catch a game and perhaps the game day experience will improve in time; unfortunately, time will tell. Final Thoughts Lehigh Valley has a nice collection of ballparks to visit during the summer and ECTB has seen better days and the only allure might just be that it is still housing baseball in Allentown. Before Coca-Cola Field, this was where professional baseball was held, but the times have changed. If you have the time, it may be worth your pleasure to take in a game.

Photos by Lance Sutehall and Michael Davis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Pete Maravich Assembly Center N Stadium Rd Baton Rouge, LA 70893 LSU Tigers website Pete Maravich Assembly Center website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 13,215 Geaux Tigers The LSU Tigers basketball program has called the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) home since 1972. In 1988 the then “LSU Assembly Center” was renamed in honor of LSU Tigers basketball legend Pete Maravich after Maravich passed away. The LSU Tigers men’s program is very competitive in the SEC having won a national championship in 1935, making four final fours, and having 24 NCAA tournament appearances. In addition to Pete Maravich, Shaquille O’Neal and Ben Simmons have played for the Tigers. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions are for the most part the standard stadium fare. This is a disappointment for Louisiana standards since the state is known for Cajun cuisine. The sausage po’boy sandwich ($8) is the only concession that stood out as being unique. The concession stands are cashless. The generic fare includes Papa John’s pizza ($9), nachos ($5), hot dogs ($4), popcorn ($5), candy ($5), pretzels ($5.50), and Coca-Cola brand 22oz. sodas ($4.75), 32 oz. souvenir cup ($7.25), and bottled water ($3.50). Alcohol is sold at the arena. Budweiser products are sold for $9 while craft beers are sold for $10. If you wanted to you could also buy a bottle of wine for $50. Atmosphere 5 The relative disappointment in the concessions is washed away when you take in the atmosphere of the arena. Before you walk in you see Mike the Tiger’s habitat and his statue.  When you go sit down you will sit in one of the thousands of purple cushioned seats that surround the court. You won’t be able to miss one of the largest scoreboards in college basketball hanging over the basketball court.  If you keep looking up you will see banners recognizing LSU’s final four runs, its men’s national championship in 1935, and several retired jerseys honoring LSU legends including Pete Maravich and Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq has a statue in front of the Tigers practice facility. Neighborhood 3 LSU’s campus is located just south of downtown Baton Rouge. The arena is located right next to Tiger Stadium and the Bernie Moore track stadium. The campus borders the North Gate community which makes LSU students and faculty within walking distance of several restaurants, a CVS pharmacy, and coffee shops. If you are interested in a pregame/postgame meal or drink the Chimes bar is located in the North Gate community and Our Mom’s Restaurant & Bar is just a few miles south. Lodging options include the Cook Hotel on campus or Hampton, Courtyard, Hilton, Hotel Indigo, and Watermark in nearby downtown Baton Rouge. Fans 4 The Maravich Assembly Center has a large capacity for SEC standards because LSU fans show up for Tiger basketball. The fans show up dressed up in purple and gold while showing support for their Tigers the whole game. The Bengal Brass Basketball Band keeps the atmosphere up by playing during every break in basketball action. The LSU Tigers dance team and cheerleaders do their part to keep the crowd engaged. Access 3 Assuming you have a car the Pete Maravich Assembly Center is fairly easy to get to no matter which direction you are coming from.  From I110, take the Government Street exit to St. Philip Street. Turn left, and St. Philip Street becomes Nicholson Drive. Keep going down Nicholson Drive until you get to Stadium Drive.  From I10 Eastbound, turn off at exit 155A to Nicholson Drive. Keep going down Nicholson Drive until you get to Stadium Drive.  From I10 Westbound, turn off at 156B to Dalrymple Drive. Stay on Dalrymple until it turns to Field House Drive. Turn right onto Stadium Drive. If you want to park for free I recommend parking at the campus mounds lot by the Hill Memorial Library. It’s a 5-minute walk from the Library to the Maravich Center. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $10 for upper bowl seats in non-conference games. The prices go up a few dollars for SEC or major non-conference opponents. If you buy a cheap ticket, pay for parking,  grab a sausage po’boy sandwich, and purchase a souvenir cup you will spend about $40 by yourself, $70 for a date or hangout, and $130 for a family of four. I think that seems like a great deal for SEC basketball action. Extras 5 The LSU Women’s basketball team won the 2023 National Championship. Their banner hangs in the rafters and part of the court used during that final four is on display in the concourse.  After Hurricane Katrina hit the arena became the largest triage center in US history with over 800 beds. The Pelicans played a game at the arena due to being displaced by Hurricane Katrina.  The arena is a popular concert stop given that it’s the largest arena in Louisiana outside New Orleans. Final Thoughts LSU is known in several sports to be an intimidating program to play. Basketball is no exception. The fans do an excellent job of showing pride in their school and their teams. Baton Rouge is a must-stop for any college town tour.

Photos by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Ogren Park at Allegiance Field 700 Cregg Ln. Missoula, MT 59802 Missoula PaddleHeads website Ogren Park at Allegiance Field website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 3,500 A River Runs By It When people think about Montana, images of fly fishing come to mind. The Treasure State has hundreds of miles of legendary waters from which anglers try to coax trout. The 300-mile Clark Fork of the Columbia River is one of those streams, descending into the university town of Missoula from the Bitterroot Mountains. The Clark Fork provided the setting for author Norman Maclean’s semi-autobiographical novella, “A River Runs Through It,” from which came the 1992 film starring Brad Pitt and Craig Sheffer. Along the Clark Fork’s south bank, just west of downtown Missoula, sits Alliance Field & Ogren Park, the 3,500-seat home to the Pioneer Baseball League’s Missoula Paddleheads. Fans can make pre-game casts into the Clark Fork a few hundred feet from the cages where players take batting practice or put in a drift boat from the launch in one of the stadium’s parking lots. The confluence of fishing and baseball is celebrated at Ogren Park. Not only that, but Missoula’s extensive trail system provides a convenient way to get to a Paddleheads’ game without a car. Fans can (and do) bike, walk, and scooter to the game from all around “Zootown,” as Missoula is known. These trails connect Ogren Park to points all over town, including downtown, the University of Montana’s campus, and a seemingly limitless bounty of parks and open space. Ogren Park’s connection to stream and trail has created one of professional baseball’s most unique settings. Food & Beverage 3 Ogren Park has concession stands on the concourses along both baselines. There are no major culinary surprises but the food is good quality: hot dogs ($5), brats ($6), chicken tenders and fries ($9), veggie burgers ($8), cheeseburgers ($8) are all available. So are fries ($4), tater tots ($4), popcorn ($4), peanuts ($4), and Cracker Jack ($3). Ogren Park sells Coca-Cola products in 20-ounce, plastic bottles for $4. Beer lovers will not be disappointed. The Paddleheads sell a good range of craft beer ($7 per draft) that includes brews from Missoula’s Highlander Beer (Strawberry Wheat, Strange Haze, and Devil’s Hump Red Ale, named for the profile of a grizzly bear) and Draught Works Brewery (That’s What She Said Cream Ale). Budweiser, Miller Lite, and Coors Lite sell for $6 per draft. Draught Works’ hard seltzers (Citrus Cowboy, Mountain Berry, and Tropical Express) are available, along with wine ($8) and hard cider ($6). Atmosphere 3 There’s nothing particularly unusual about Ogren Park’s design or experience. Seats (chairbacks and metal bleachers) rise from field level to the concourse at street level, above. One concession stand has been placed on the concourses along each baseline, with a bar on the concourse behind the press box. There’s no seating behind the outfield walls; however, the Paddleheads allow fans to watch games for free from a knoll beyond the center field fence, under the osprey nest. That area can be accessed from Missoula’s Riverfront Trail along the Clark Fork River’s south bank. Try for seats along the third baseline. You’ll enjoy a nice view of Mount Sentinel and its hillside letter “M,” which rises above the University of Montana’s campus. An important note: there is very little shade at Ogren Park. Temperatures for day games, particularly those late in the season, can make life miserable in the grandstand. Mercifully, the Paddleheads have placed several tents in the right field corner to create a party area. When that area is not used for hosting an event, it provides the ballpark’s only shade and a nice place to watch the game. Neighborhood 5 Ogren Park’s greatest asset is its location. The city’s Riverfront Trail parallels the Clark Fork River for approximately two miles on each side. That trail is paved, vining through several Missoula parks and providing easy access to the Clark Fork for anyone interested in fishing or boating. The trail also connects with other trails in Missoula’s extensive trail system and provides an excellent thoroughfare for anyone exploring Missoula. Allegiance Field & Ogren Park Clark Fork River, Photo by Matt Finnigan, Stadium Journey The trail system connects Ogren Park with downtown Missoula and to the University of Montana’s main campus. Downtown Missoula has a restaurant or bar for just about everyone, along with shops, parks, theaters, and museums. The University of Montana is set against Mount Sentinel, where hikers can scale to the school’s hillside “M” 620 feet up the side of its west face. Not only that, Ogren Park neighbors McCormick Park, which itself contains playgrounds, fields, a stocked fishing pond, an aquatics center, and the renowned Mobash Skate Park. Ogren Park sits near a public boat launch on the Clark Fork, approximately 500 feet west of the left field corner. Drift boats are put in and taken out at this launch even while games are being played. Just south of the stadium, the Old Sawmill District development has brought new shops and restaurants within walking distance. Fans 3 Despite losing their longtime affiliation with MLB’s Arizona Diamondbacks in 2020, fans have continued to come to Ogren Park. In 2021, the Paddleheads drew an average home attendance of 1,604, with local pandemic control measures limiting capacity for part of the season. Winning the Pioneer Baseball League title in 2021 may have contributed to a modest bump in 2022’s home attendance, with the team averaging 1,786 fans per home game. With a capacity of 3,500, Ogren Park can and hopefully will accommodate continued increases in home attendance. Access 5 Ogren Park does not have extensive parking. It doesn’t really need it. Missoula’s trails provide an easy way to walk, bike, or skateboard to a Paddleheads game. Boating is also an option. Several drift boats ferried anglers down the Clark Fork just before a recent Sunday afternoon game, taking out at the adjacent launch. The Paddleheads even encourage a more riparian route, sponsoring an annual “Float to the Ballpark” promotion to raise money for local charities. (A parking warning: signs abound in the adjacent Old Sawmill District that baseball parking is verboten there. Be mindful of that fact or you will quickly become acquainted with one of Missoula’s towing companies). The adjacent trails also provide an easy and scenic route to and from downtown Missoula. A 15-minute walk along the Riverfront Trail and across the Orange Street Bridge will take you to great, local restaurants and pubs while also providing beautiful views of the town. Once downtown, try Bob Marshall’s Biga Pizza or the Thomas Meagher Bar (aka the “Mar Bar”) for food. Downtown also has several breweries, such as Tamarack Brewing Co., the Conflux Brewing Company, and Imagine Nation Brewing. The stadium’s concourses are sufficiently wide to accommodate large crowds. Bathrooms are spacious and clean and can provide shade during a hot game. Return on Investment 3 Pricing for the Paddlehead experience is right where it should be in all categories. General admission tickets sell for $11 and club seats, the priciest available, sell for $17. Discounts are available for seniors and children. Food and beverage prices align with other Pioneer League teams. Parking is free. Extras 3 The Paddleheads earn a point for their commitments both to ornithology and their prior identity. An osprey nest stands behind the center field wall, home to a pair of ospreys that feed in the adjacent Clark Fork River. From 1999 until 2019, the team was the Missoula “Osprey.” The aerie and its residents survived the name change and continue to be a point of pride for the team. A second point goes to the free viewing area along the Riverfront Trail in center field. The team welcomes the use of this location to catch quick glimpses of games and even to set up a lawn chair and watch more than that. It’s a nice feature akin to locations at MLB parks such as the Pittsburgh Pirates PNC Park and the San Francisco Giants Oracle Park where fans outside the stadiums can enjoy peeks of the action inside. Third, the Paddleheads receive a point for their commitment to the Clark Fork River. Pairing with the ClarkFork Coalition (“CFC”), the Paddleheads host an annual river clean-up day. Fans can earn a free ticket to the game by venturing out to the Clark Fork and collecting trash. A local artist designs trout-themed jerseys, which are auctioned off to raise money for the CFC. The Paddleheads recognize the importance of the river’s health and are good neighbors to it. Final Thoughts Ogren Park’s proximity to the Clark Fork River and the rest of Missoula can provide a unique baseball experience: pre- and post-game fly fishing, punctuated by a ball game. Or pre- and post-game eating and drinking, punctuated by a ball game, but without the need for a car. Or just by coming to a game at Ogren Park and enjoying the views of the surrounding mountains, under the watch of a nesting osprey. There is no shortage of ways to enjoy a game at Ogren Park.

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Washington-Grizzly Stadium 32 Campus Dr Missoula, MT 59801 Montana Grizzlies website Washington-Grizzly Stadium website Year Opened: 1986 Capacity: 25,217 A River Really Does Run Through It The history of football at the University of Montana is divided into two distinct eras – before Washington-Grizzly Stadium and after. Prior to the opening of the stadium in 1986 Griz football was an afterthought in Missoula and throughout Montana. Winning seasons were rare. After the stadium opened, the Montana Grizzlies quite rapidly became a national I-AA/FCS powerhouse, winning the Big Sky Conference Championship and appearing in the national playoffs in almost every season since the stadium opened, including two National Championships. The facility’s impact is so significant that the Big Sky Conference recognized the opening of Washington-Grizzly Stadium as the number one moment in conference history. The stadium is so-named for Missoula based construction and railroad mogul, Dennis Washington and his family, who made a large donation to get the project under construction. It started out as a 12,500 seat venue sunken into the ground with earthen berms on each end. Several expansions have occurred over the years filling in the end zones, adding small decks over the north end zone, and adding a deck over the east side stands. The official capacity now stands at 25,217, but crowds in excess of 26,000 are not out of the ordinary, giving the Griz one of the best home field advantages in all of college football. Since Washington-Grizzly Stadium opened, the Griz have won almost 90% of their home games. Not resting on their laurels, the university just announced that, thanks to another large Washington family donation, the new $14 million Washington-Grizzly Champions Center will be constructed on the south end of the stadium providing locker rooms and a weight room for football and all other UM sports. Food & Beverage 4 There’s plenty of concession stands inside the stadium and a lot of variety, but the real good stuff is outside at the hundreds of tailgate parties. The delicious odors of grilling waft all over campus on game day. Back inside, the prices aren’t extreme for all the standard items. A Griz Dog is $4, chili cheese nachos $4, 24oz. soda (Coke products) is $3, and hot chocolate or coffee, which is a necessity when it’s chilly is $3. Pizza Hut has a big presence below the north end zone, and there are numerous specialty stands throughout the stadium so before deciding, take a stroll along the concourse to see what’s available. As with most college venues, beer is not sold inside the stadium, but fans are allowed to leave and reenter with a hand stamp, so it’s no problem to grab an adult beverage at a tailgate party at halftime. Atmosphere 5 When one thinks of Montana one might think of wide open spaces. But Washington-Grizzly Stadium is wedged into the University of Montana campus at the junction of Mount Sentinel and the Clark Fork River with very little room to spare. The density of the stadium and campus generates an energy that transmits to the tailgate parties happening on almost every spare patch of grass creating a festive environment on game day in Missoula. Though having one of the largest seating capacities in FCS football, the inside of the stadium feels compact and intimate. There’s very little room beyond the sidelines and end zone which makes the opposing team feel just that much more uncomfortable. The stands, which are fully enclosed, are right on top of the field making Griz fans feel like they are truly part of the action instead of just observing the action. When they get it cranked up, which they often do, the fans really give their beloved Griz a huge boost. The grizzly bear mascot Monte gets the crowd going with his acrobatic antics before the team comes out of the tunnel and throughout the game the huge video board will show him dancing and carrying on from the sidelines, in the stands, or even crowd surfing. There’s not a bad seat in the house, even from the new upper deck on the east side called the Majestic Plaza. The view from the top offers a great offensive/defensive coordinator perspective. Most of the seating is basic metal bleachers. A seat cushion as an insulator between your rear-end and the seat is strongly recommended if the weather is cold. The Grizzly Marching Band, PA announcer, piped in music, and the video board are well coordinated and make a very professional presentation throughout the game. The PA guy does a good job of keeping the crowd informed of down and distance and delights the crowd with his signature sharp and loud “FIRST DOWN!” after which the entire crowd responds “MONTANA!” Neighborhood 5 The stadium and the Adams Center, which houses Dahlberg Arena , are seamlessly knitted into the campus. I highly recommend taking a stroll around the nearby academic buildings while you’re waiting for the burgers to cook at your tailgate party. There’s interesting architecture, statues, and pleasant views throughout this tree covered university. Downtown Missoula is just a few minutes walk from the stadium and campus across the Clark Fork on a beautiful pedestrian/bicycle bridge. It’s a lot of nature for such an urbanized area. Once downtown you’ll find all kinds of interesting shops, bars, and restaurants. The Press Box Sports Bar, right off the pedestrian bridge, is one of the most popular hangouts for Griz fans. A couple of personal favorites downtown are the Tamarack Brewing Company’s restaurant on Front Street and the Iron Horse Bar and Grill on North Higgins. Missoula has an outstanding brewing scene. It was recently proclaimed as one of 9 Small Beer Cities That Deserve National Attention. If you’re a fan of craft brews, you must try some of the local offerings. The Big Sky Brewing Company is nationally known for its Moose Drool among many others. And don’t leave town without trying one of my all-time favorite brews, Cold Smoke, from the Kettlehouse Brewery. There are several motels close to campus and downtown that are an easy walk to the stadium and many bars, breweries, and restaurants. You won’t need to worry about fighting traffic and paying for parking if you bring along a good pair of walking shoes and leave the car at the motel. Missoula is not your typical Montana cow town. The city definitely has more of a pacific northwest vibe – think Portland or Seattle. There are a ton of recreational activities available in and around Missoula including hiking, mountain biking, road cycling, canoeing, rafting, fly fishing, skiing, and much, much more. It’s hard to get out of shape in a place that has so many outdoor activities to offer. Fans 4 Travel to any corner of Montana and you will find people wearing the maroon and sliver school colors on hats, coats, and sweat shirts. Griz fans are everywhere in this state and they are loud and proud about their team. On a football Saturday, a parade of vehicles streams toward Missoula from farms, ranches, small towns and every large city in Montana. For many, many years now the University of Montana has led or been near the very top of FCS football attendance in numbers that would make many FBS programs jealous. Griz fans don’t limit their fan displays to just hats and t-shirts. There are busses, motorhomes, trailers, tents, and canopies all displaying the school colors and logos. Everything from new motorhomes to old motor coaches and retired city busses are all decorated up and parked along Campus Drive on game day. In the stadium they make their presence felt. The configuration of the stadium and the loyal fan base are a volatile mix to any opposing quarterback trying to call an audible. Washington-Grizzly stadium is loud and the Griz fans make it so. Access 4 Washington-Grizzly stadium might have ranked a perfect score in this category if Missoula still had passenger rail service, but most other forms of transportation, with the possible exception of horse and buggy are accommodated. When approaching Missoula from the east on I-90, Washington-Grizzly Stadium is pretty much the first major building you notice when exiting Hellgate Canyon and entering the city limits. Take the East Missoula exit (exit 107) or the Orange Street exit (exit 104). If approaching from the west just look for the big “M” on Mount Sentinel. The stadium is right at the base of the mountain. 'M' on Mountain, Photo by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey The Grizzly Athletics website GoGriz.com includes handy guides that give all the details on how to get to and from Washington-Grizzly Stadium including where to walk, bike, park, and shuttle. This information will be especially helpful for anyone with disabilities as there are some well thought out services provided. Most of Missoula, and especially the areas in and around campus are very pedestrian and bike friendly. The riverfront trail system connects the campus to downtown and areas to the west along both sides of the Clark Fork. The pedestrian/bike bridge brings people to and from downtown across the river and to and from the stadium without any conflicts with motor vehicles. For those who don’t want to fight traffic or walk, the Grizzly Shuttle provides rides to the game from many area bars and restaurants, downtown parking garages, south campus, and the East Broadway park and ride lot. Parking lots are scattered so it’s a good idea to check the maps and have a good idea where you are going before making the drive. The lots closest to the stadium are sold out to boosters. Other lots on campus are available with parking fees ranging from $5 to $15. If you don’t mind a pleasant walk, there is lots of free parking available across the river at the East Broadway public parking lot. When that gets full a lot of people park on dirt areas along the railroad tracks parallel to East Broadway. Inside the stadium the concourses and stairways are wide enough, though they get pretty congested at halftime as the crush of fans head back to the tailgates. Restrooms are clean and plentiful throughout but also crowded with long lines at halftime. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices ($32 to $42) are among the highest in the FCS, but for good reason. Season tickets are sold out with long waiting lists and tickets to individual games can be hard to come by for the biggest games and nearly impossible to get when Big Sky Conference rivals like the Eastern Washington Eagles and the Montana State Bobcats come to town. Concession stand prices seemed reasonable and in line with what one would expect at a college sports venue. A day out to Washington-Grizzly stadium is well worth the expense and effort to see the great game of college football played in such a fun and lively atmosphere. You won’t go away disappointed except of course if you’re a fan of the team the Griz are playing, because your team will most likely not be leaving with a win. Extras 5 Washington-Grizzly Stadium warrants full bonus points including (but not limited to) the following: Western Montana: The drive to Missoula from East, West, North, or South through Western Montana is beautiful. The North End Zone: One of the most imposing structures in the Big Sky Conference, the fans in the loud and crazy north end zone with its twin upper decks are a nightmare for opposing teams. Campus Drive: The road wraps around the east and north sides of the stadium and passes under a concrete support known as the Grizzly Gateway. It’s closed to through traffic on game day and becomes a tailgating main street lined with busses and motor homes. Hall of Champions: This corridor in the Adams Center right next door to the stadium is a very well put together museum to Grizzly Athletics’ history. It’s a must visit for any Griz fan and even if you’re not a Griz fan it’s still a nice place to get inside and warm up for a few minutes. Monte: The Grizzlies mascot Monte keeps the crowd entertained throughout, and whoever’s in the suit is one amazing athlete.

Yard Goats, PaddleHeads, RubberDucks, and Cannon Ballers? Do you like these names, or do you loathe them? Are the names a sign of what has become the norm in the out-of-the-box style or the minor leagues, and do they stray away from the traditions of the game? In the past several years, there has been a collection of unusual yet intriguing names for minor league baseball clubs. The Beloit Snappers of the Midwest League unveiled new potential names and are asking fans to place a vote online. A few of the names include the Supper Clubbers and Cheeseballs–not your run-of-the-mill baseball name. It could be said that it’s all part of a current fad in the minors that began several years ago, but that may not be quite accurate. Minor league baseball has a history of oddball names dating back to the 19th century. Like today, the names were generated from fan input, contests, and regional influences. A few lasted many decades, while some faded away quickly. After reviewing multiple newspaper clippings, I found that the role of naming a minor league ball club was just as important for proper branding and local recognition back then as it is now. We look at five different clubs that earned their name through various methods. Three teams formed before World War II, and two debuted soon after fighting was over in the Pacific Theater in 1946. However, one must look at each of these names and wonder how well they would fit with today’s minor league franchise branding.   Nazareth Cement Dusters The Nazareth Cement Dusters joined the North Atlantic League in 1946, and its name was decided through a fan vote. The winning entry was from Donald Kemmerer and Sam Aristidew, who both received a season pass to the home games at Nazareth Park Field. In total, there were 101 name suggestions for the new ball club, but Cement Dusters was the winning entry. There was no reason provided on why the name was submitted by both men, but one can surmise that it stems from the Lehigh Cement Company, which had been in operation since 1897. The city had been home to many other local cement companies even further back since 1866, which employed numerous area residents and was the prominent producer of bulk and bagged cement in North America. A Nazareth Cement Factory, Photo Courtesy of The Morning Call. Legend has it that the dust from the cement bagging plant would blow over across the street to the Nazareth Speedway and cover the all-dirt track. The cement dust would kick up during auto races and be visually noticeable to both drivers and fans. Perhaps the auto racing industry played a hand in naming the new ball club that played less than two miles from the factory and track. The Dusters averaged 553 fans per game and sported an impressive 78-40 record on the season. They lost in the first round of the playoffs four games to 1 to the Carbondale Pioneers. Unfortunately, by the following season, the name would be gone from the Lehigh Valley sports landscape. The team would attract the Detroit Tigers in 1947 and, due to its affiliation with them, changed its name to the Nazareth Tigers.  The following year, the club did not have a major league affiliation, and instead of reverting to the old Dusters’ name, opted for the Barons for the rest of its existence until the league ceased operations after the 1950 season.   Paris Red Peppers About 1,400 miles southwest of Nazareth is Paris, Texas, which was awarded a franchise in the East Texas League. The baseball club announced a name-the-team contest and, on February 10, 1946, chose the name Red Peppers. There were 100 suggestions sent to the club that was returning pro ball to town for the first time since 1934. Lee Johnson received two season passes for his suggestion and was selected out of 100 entries for being unusual. Emblems featuring red pepper pods were quickly designed and placed on home jerseys. The road jerseys were gray with the city name in block letters stretched across the front. A block P would be worn on a dark blue cap. Courtesy of Ebbets Field Flannels Like with the name Cement Dusters, there was no information on why Johnson chose the name Red Peppers. The local newspaper would often shorten the name to the “Pods” when covering the team throughout the season. Its home field was put together around the same time as the naming of the club and included an all-dirt infield and box seating for four that cost $75 per person.  The team would move to the Big State League the following year, and then things got interesting. Following that season, co-owner Fred Kirby bought out the ownership from John Barnes; with the change of ownership also came a new name, the Paris Rockets. There was no reason given, but the local paper indicated that perhaps it was “too hot of a name” for a baseball team. Perhaps Kirby was not in favor of the “peppery” name and, now that he had full ownership, decided to get rid of it as soon as possible. There was no word on if Johnson, who had named the club, was upset over his unique name being scrapped in favor of the generic-sounding Rockets. The Rocket’s name lasted one season before being changed to the Panthers in 1949, complete with a switch back to the East Texas League. The reason behind the name change was that four ex-players purchased the team for $2,500 and opted for a fresh name for the season.  The Panthers would cease operations on July 19, 1950, after the team and the city failed to raise $20,000 to take over and operate the club. It was a quick ending to the revival of baseball in town that attracted 3,500 fans for its first game and an average of 1,466 for games in 1948. That tally dwindled to 688 fans per game in 1950 before the club folded mid-season. Baseball would be back in Paris from 1952-1953 and then again from 1955-1957, but under the names of its major league affiliations in Cleveland and Baltimore. A creative name as the Red Peppers was never brought back and, for the most part, largely forgotten by the fans in the eastern Texas town.   Longview Cannibals Another East Texas League team had a very unusual name and one that would more than likely never be used today. The Longview Cannibals were given its nickname by Longview Times-Clarion reporter C.B. Cunningham after a game in 1896. Longview Cannibals newspaper ad Cunningham wrote that the “Longview Cannibals ate up the San Antonio Missionaries here today.” The locals loved the name, and it stuck, proceeding ball clubs in town would carry the Cannibal's name for the next 40-plus years. The handle would be used on and off in town until 1939, when new owner George Schepps asked fans to vote on a new name for the club. Cunningham wrote that the “Longview Cannibals ate up the San Antonio Missionaries here today.” The locals loved the name, and it stuck, proceeding ball clubs in town would carry the Cannibal's name for the next 40-plus years. The handle would be used on and off in town until 1939, when new owner George Schepps asked fans to vote on a new name for the club. They were voted on by a panel of three men from the local newspapers and radio station; after three weeks, the name Texans was selected from four individuals: R.C. Latchman, Rita Roark, Mrs. Bonner, and David Eubanks.  Sadly, the team would fold after the season and would not return until after the war in 1947. Schepps did put a lot of effort into renaming the club, and it must have been a shame that the club ceased operations after one year of using the new branding. The Texans would be gone for good from Longview after the 1950 campaign.   Appleton Papermakers In 1940, the Appleton baseball club opted for the handle Papermakers that had been used by pro ball clubs since the early 20th century. The name has been in use at Kimberly High School in nearby Buchanan, Wisconsin, which has a wasp in its logo.  Appleton had not had a pro club since 1914, when it joined the Wisconsin State League when it announced that it would use the name on April 12, a few weeks before the beginning of the season. The team would be a member of the league until 1953 except 1943-1945 due to World War II. Appleton Papermakers throwback uniforms in 2008, Photo by Chris Mehring. The paper industry was Wisconsin’s third-largest industry at the time and began in Milwaukee in 1848 when it was produced out of rags and straw. Three months after the first papermaking began in Wisconsin, President James K. Polk signed legislation to make Wisconsin a state. Today, there are a total of 35 pulp, paper, and paperboard mills with a total annual payroll of nearly $2.5 billion in the state. The club and league ceased operations after the 1953 season, and when minor league baseball returned in 1958, the team was dubbed the Fox Cities Foxes–switched to the Appleton Foxes in 1961 and again in 1967. When the club moved into a new stadium in 1995, it would rebrand as the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. The Rattlers wore Papermakers throwback jerseys for a home game in 2008. The design featured a block letter A on the front chest of the white jersey and a Tuscan font “A” on a navy blue cap. However, don’t expect the branding to return anytime soon on the minor league diamond, according to Chris Mehring, Play-by-play Announcer/Director of Media Relations for the Rattlers. “Appleton was a center for the paper industry, and it made sense to name the team Papermakers at the time. To bring Papermakers back as a nickname is not an option for us, except for special Throwback Nights during any anniversary season. Especially since Kimberly High School has taken the Papermakers nickname and done great things with it.”   Green Bay Bluejays A few miles north in Green Bay, the pro ball was also marking its return to the Wisconsin State League in 1940. Professional baseball dates back to the 1890s and clubs were known as the Ancients (Green Bay is known as the Ancient City), Bays, and Flies before the end of World War I. During the mid-1920s, the Green Bay Green Sox began being used for the ball clubs in town and lasted shortly before the announcement of the new minor league club in 1940.  John Walter, the sports editor of the Green Bay Post Gazette, stated in his column that “the selection of a good name is important, and one deserving serious thought” and that “a colorful, lively name can help a lot in selling a new organization in Green Bay.” A contest took place to name the team, and the winning entry submitted by Glenn J. DuBois was Blue Jays, spelled Bluejays. Although the name is not uncanny, what was it spelled as one word? DuBois came up with the concept since the club’s first manager was Otto Bluege, pronounced BLUE-jee.   Bluege ‘s brother was Ossie, who just ended an 18-year career with the Washington Senators and would play 87 games with Green Bay that year. He would later discover a young Harmon Killebrew as Farming Director for the Senators. The homeage to Bluege would stick in town as clubs could be called the Bluejays, one year the Blue Sox, until 1959. The Jays created some beautiful-looking jerseys that featured a stitched emblem of the bluebird on its sleeve, upper right chest, and cap. The look was sharp, detailed, and eloquent for minor league baseball, and although not a very unusual name, thanks to Mr. DuBois’s suggestion, the town received an aesthetically pleasing home jersey.  Red Smith takes a sip of water, File Photo. The main difference between those teams of the 1940s is that the identities would change quite often from year to year. A ball club would announce a name for the team contest that included prize money and then opt for a new name two years later. Could you imagine the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Binghamton Rumble Ponies, or the Las Vegas Aviators scraping their names after less than a handful of years of usage? Yes, there is much more time and money invested in team branding, and I am sure the Paris Red Peppers or the Nazareth Cement Dusters never had a primary and secondary logo, along with five different uniforms and caps when they played.  It is not too hard to look at each of these five names and wonder just how well they would fit in with the likes of the Norwich Sea Unicorns, Rocket City Trash Pandas, or the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. As much as the game has changed over the years, it is nice to know that even in the 1940s, baseball fans were coming up with innovative ways to name their minor league ball clubs.   —– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter, YouTube , and Instagram . You can also contact him at Marc.Viquez@StadiumJourney.com .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey, & Ashvin Ladd. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium 2550 S Floyd St. Louisville, KY 40208 Louisville Cardinals website L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 65,000 Cardinal Football in Louisville L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium, formerly Cardinal Stadium, was built in 1998 for the Louisville football program and, since that time, has produced almost 100 wins at home for the Cardinals. The program's success this century led to a recently completed $63 million renovation to expand the north end and close off the stadium. The unique diamond-shaped stands increased the capacity from 42,000 to 61,000. Many who attended a game enjoy the game-day atmosphere, easy access to concession stands, friendly staff services, and a passionate fan base that expects winning football on the gridiron. The excitement is abundant before each game. Before each game, the fans are encouraged to meet the team when the Cardinals arrive for Card March, approximately 2:15 hours before kickoff. The players and coaches will meet at the Denny Crum Overpass before making their way to the stadium through the crowd behind the marching band and cheerleaders. Food & Beverage 4 Visitors have a variety of menu options from the built-in concession stands and portable kiosks operated by independent owners. The stadium has an array of concessions from old standards to new favorites. The Gridiron Grill locations feature burgers, hot dogs, nachos, fries, chicken tenders, candy, and other favorites. A few local restaurants make their presence known during games. Barry’s Cheesesteaks should satisfy the appetites of many, Cheezy Does It offers mac and cheese bites, and a Fistful of Tacos serves a variety of tacos with flavorful toppings. The Cards even have their beer, Cardinale, a blonde ale that is brewed by nearby Gravely Brewing Company. The concourse is filled with stands and portable carts, including Floyd Central BBQ, Papa Murphy’s Pizza, Moutoux Roasted Nuts, Ehrler’s Ice Cream, kettle corn, and the always-popular Ben’s Pretzels. Pepsi products are available, and alcohol from beer, wine, hard seltzers, and bourbon are offered in various points of the facility. The stadium features $4 beer options in select spaces, half-priced drinks from when the gates open until kickoff, and Grab & Go sections. Deep Eddy’s Bar, PNC Main Bar, Angel’s Envy North Bar, and the Railroad Bar are a few of the adult beverage spots. Atmosphere 4 Louisville enjoys a winner, and thankfully, there has been plenty to cheer for the past few seasons. Fortunately, they have a stadium that serves their needs and is accommodating with red chair-back seats and wide and open concourses. Well before kickoff, there are multiple campers, tents, and tables throughout the various parking lots, with fans tailgating. There are drinks, portable barbecues, generators, and the popular cornhole set. When it comes time for the game, many will walk towards the stadium in unison, sporting school colors red and black. Neighborhood 3 Louisville is a foodie town, and local restaurants are abundant. Royals Hot Chicken and Feast BBQ are both situated in the East Market District of the city. and offer affordable and delicious cuisine. Feast is known for its barbecue, but it also has excellent desserts (s’mores, chocolate chess pie, sides (vinegar slaw), and drinks (bourbon shakes). Another favorite in the neighborhood is the Garage Bar, housed in a former auto service garage, serving up ice-cold beer, Kentucky Bourbons, wood-fired pizzas, and Southern menu items. A great spot for a few rounds of cornhole or table tennis. If you are still looking for more options in the neighborhood, check out Grind Burger Kitchen and Akasha Brewing Company. The Louisville Slugger Museum, Churchill Downs, and the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience are great options for tours in the city. You will be able to keep yourself busy in town before or after a baseball game. 4th Street Live is a one-stop destination for retail, dining, and entertainment. The pedestrian-only covered street has two levels of fantastic nightlife. Make a weekend out of the visit and enjoy what Louisville has to offer during your stay. Fans 4 As said previously, Louisville enjoys a winner, and that can result in packed houses at Cardinals Stadium. There are times when one has to wonder where everybody is, especially on a very sunny late October weekend, but there are many in attendance who bleed the school colors, cheer on the team to victory, and are in angst when the opposing team scores another touchdown. Access 4 Cardinal Stadium is a few blocks off Interstate 65 and visible from the interstate. If you arrive early enough, you will find your way to the many parking lots surrounding the stadium. Police do a fine job guiding motorists through the pedestrian traffic and traffic lights. There is a single main concourse that wraps around the field and offers everything from concession stands to bathrooms and access to upper seating levels. The simplicity of the structure is a win for the fan who enjoys walking from point A to point B. Return on Investment 4 Depending on who the Cardinals are playing, ticket prices on secondary market websites can be as low as $20 against North Carolina State but increase to $150 for the same ticket against bitter in-state rivals Kentucky. The Kentucky game will likely be a packed house and a festive atmosphere. You should also not pay more than $20 to park for a game, but if you enjoy saving a buck or two like me, there are $10 lots at the Kentucky Fairgrounds parking lot, a close 15-minute walk. The food prices are reasonable and include half-off domestic pints before opening kickoff--it pays to arrive early at the stadium. Extras 4 Cardinal Stadium receives one point for the party deck above the south end of the stands. The area provides views of the area of the baseball field, Patterson Stadium, and Churchill Downs. There is also a statue of Johnny Unitas that deserves a photo at the game. Cardinal Stadium receives a second point for having half-off alcoholic drinks before the opening kickoff. Arrive a little bit early if you want to save money. There are also $4 12-ounce cans during the game at select areas. The Alley features an expansive courtyard complete with turf greens for yard games, live entertainment, drink options, and food trucks. The Alley will open four hours before kickoff and is free and open to the public. Cardinal Stadium receives a third and final point for the unique chevron-shaped north-end stand that creates a focal point at the facility. Final Thoughts Cardinal Stadium is a sharp-looking football venue that shines when the Cardinals are winning. The price to attend a game here is of supreme value and gives the university another stellar sporting facility to watch university sports. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dylan McLean, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 NSC Super Rink 1850 105th Ave NE Blaine, MN 55449 NAHL website NSC Super Rink website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: N/A Super Rink In the 2000s, a change in recruiting practices swept across college hockey. This change saw the average age of NCAA Hockey playing freshmen shift from 18 to 19 or 20. With this shift came new opportunities for Junior hockey leagues, as the number of kids now needing to play a year or two of Junior hockey before moving on to the NCAA exploded. More than any other league, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) recognized this opportunity and took advantage by adding multiple expansion teams and expanding the league’s footprint in the South and East particularly. The crown jewel in the NAHL’s annual schedule of events is the NAHL Showcase, which it markets as the “Greatest Show on Ice.” Each year in late September, the Showcase kicks off the new NAHL season by drawing hundreds of scouts, thousands of fans, and all 35 of the league’s franchises to the Super Rink in Blaine, MN, part of the National Sports Center athletic complex, with each team competing in 3 regular season games over 5 days. In addition to all the Junior hockey games taking place there, the NAHL also utilizes this event to kick off the season for its dozens of affiliate clubs from around the country playing at the U16, U17, and U18 levels by bringing them to Blaine as well. With so many games happening in one location, it’s a hockey fan's dream. What makes having this many teams and this many games even possible, is the unique facility that the NAHL utilizes year after year to host this showcase: the Super Rink and its eight sheets of ice, all housed under the same roof. With 35 member clubs, the NAHL is the only Tier II Junior circuit in the USA, while the USHL and its 16 clubs are the only Tier 1 Junior circuit in the U.S. These two are the only Junior Hockey leagues in the U.S. that operate under a “free to play” model, meaning the players don’t pay any fees to play, and the club they play for covers all hockey-related expenses. Naturally, it’s these two leagues that tend to get the majority of high-level prospects and end up sending the largest number of players on to the NCAA hockey each year, and for the NAHL, that year begins with their 5-day Showcase at the NSC Super Rink. Food & Beverage 3 The Super Rink houses one large concession stand located in the main lobby near the rinks 1-4. The menu is made up of standard hockey arena fare, with some items priced at about what you’d expect and others that leave you asking what the extra few dollars were for. Candy and chips for $2 aren’t bad, Apple Cider, Hot Chocolate, or coffee will cost you $3, which is within reason. If you want something closer to a meal, though, it’s going to cost you. Paying $6 for a standard hot dog, a slice of pizza for $6.50, or a cheeseburger for $7.50 may have you wishing that you’d made time for a pre or post-game meal at a restaurant instead. There is a decent selection of options, and if the upcharges on items that you’ll typically find for less elsewhere don’t bother you, then go for it. After the thousands of dollars annually that hockey parents shell out each year for ice time, equipment costs, and travel, I’d guess most of them are fine going with old ice arena standards like coffee and popcorn and their prices. Atmosphere 5 Simply being in a facility that holds eight sheets of ice is a unique experience, given that it’s the only one in North America and possibly the world. As a fan, being able to walk from one rink to the next, or the next, or the next, and watch different games is about as good as it gets. In that respect, the Super Rink offers an experience that you literally can’t get anywhere else. When you consider the atmosphere at the NAHL Showcase, though, one must acknowledge the bigger picture, as the atmosphere is present throughout all eight ice sheets within the main lobby, even extending beyond the Super Rink’s frigid walls and spilling out to the arena’s exterior, primarily because of the facility’s unique location. The Super Rink is part of the larger National Sports Center complex in Blaine. In addition to the Super Rink and its eight sheets of ice and full dryland training facility, the NSC includes a golf course, outdoor stadium, sports hall, sports expo building, seven artificial turf soccer fields, and over 40 grass soccer fields. The U.S. Women’s National Hockey team regularly uses the Super Rink as their home training facility, and if you were to exit their designated rink and take only a few steps, you’d run directly into the home training facility and practice fields of the Minnesota United Loons of Major League Soccer. In addition to annually hosting the largest youth soccer tournament in North America, each Summer in the USA Cup, soccer, and hockey tournaments are happening at NSC nearly every weekend, and that was no different during the NAHL Showcase. When driving into the NSC complex and making your way toward the Super Rink, a definite buzz can be felt in the air, and action is all around as dozens of soccer games take place. As you pull into the already full Super Rink parking lot to begin the search for a parking spot, several buses adorned with team logos are parked up front, loading and unloading hockey players. Players and fans mill about outside of the main entrance talking, getting something to eat at one of the onsite food trucks, or simply warming up in the late September sun after spending the past few hours inside of a cold hockey rink. People flow in and out of the rink entrance while people in cars drive up and down the lanes of the parking lot, searching for that elusive open spot. The air is filled with the sound of whistles and the cheering of fans at the soccer games surrounding the complex. It is an incredibly unique and vibrant atmosphere, making it easy to see why the NAHL utilizes the Super Rink for this event year after year. So far, we’ve only looked at the atmosphere outside of the rink, though. To truly experience the NAHL Showcase, you need to go inside, past the ticket takers, and up the stairs into the “heart” of the facility, where you will experience the other half of what creates the unique atmosphere found at the NAHL Showcase: the people. The bulk of activity at the Showcase can be found within the Super Rink’s original main lobby housing rinks 1 through 4. Fans attending the Showcase certainly contribute to creating the overall atmosphere here, but since we’ll be covering them in their section further down, in this space, I want to address those whose presence truly creates the atmosphere that is felt over the 5-day event, and those are the players on the teams participating that can found around every corner. The players who make up the NAHL teams playing here are mostly all between the ages of 18 and 20, and they’re all dreaming of on-ice success that leads to a scholarship, allowing them to continue their hockey careers. With the Showcase occurring right at the start of a new season, many of these kids are new to Junior hockey and only recently earned their roster spot and became a part of their team. With memories of all the other players who were cut from tryouts still fresh in their minds, they arrive in Blaine, bursting with energy, pride, and enthusiasm, ready to prove themselves again after successfully navigating the first big step on the path toward realizing their ultimate goal. Everywhere you look, both inside the facility and outside, teenage hockey players roam. Players covered in post-game sweat and lugging a large bag of wet hockey gear on their shoulders spill out from locker rooms adorned in sweatshirts, hats, and various other team apparel and make their way toward the lobby to greet family and friends. Other players can be seen decked out in suits and team jackets, strolling between the various rinks and checking out different games, socializing, or grabbing food at the snack bar. With over 700 Junior hockey players filtering in and out of the complex during the 5 days of the event, it would be nearly impossible not to feel the energy and excitement they emit. Neighborhood 4 Blaine is a large suburb north of Minneapolis with nearly 80,000 residents. It’s pretty much what you’d expect, with large suburban homes, numerous chain restaurants, and endless options for shopping. The National Sports Center sits right in the middle of it all, taking up several acres of land and surrounded by heavily trafficked roads and highways on all sides. Were it not for the presence of the NSC , Blaine might be indistinguishable from many other suburbs, and that’s not a bad thing. Due to the amount of real estate required, a complex of this size could never exist in the city, and with Blaine lying only a few burbs’ away from the downtown core, it’s an ideal location. With strip malls and commerce of all types surrounding the NSC , there are multiple fast-food dining options available if you’re hoping to eat before or after your event. If you’re looking to meet up with other friends/parents for a pre or postgame drink or dinner, the selection is a bit thinner near the NSC. Within the shadow of the NSC, there are only a few bar & grill-type places, with the two closest being Clive’s Roadhouse and Invictus Brewing Co . Clive’s is a standard bar and restaurant with several locations in the Twin Cities and is known for having great food. Invictus is a local example of the craft beer/brewhouse-type establishments that have proliferated across the county in recent years. It’s an ideal meeting place for either before or after your event, where you can sample a few of the local brews or have a full meal. Many people were doing just that when I stopped in at each during the Showcase , as both were full of fans either heading to or coming from games at the S uper Rink. Fans 5 With the Showcase starting on a Wednesday and running through Sunday, I was afforded plenty of time to fit in a few trips out to the Super Rink over those 5 days. One thing that remained constant during each of my visits was the significant number of fans in attendance. The main lobby was filled pretty much all of the time, but most impressive was how many fans filled the seating area in each rink. Most of the games that I spent time watching had full seating areas, leaving anyone who arrived late to seek a spot down near the glass to watch. Among those watching in the stands, a decent number were certainly either parents or family members of players on the ice, but quite a few general hockey fans were making up those in attendance. Everyone that I encountered was well-behaved, knowledgeable about the game, and engaged in the action. It did not take much to see that the fans attending the NAHL Showcase were there either because they loved hockey or someone was on the ice. You cannot ask for more than that. Access 4 There are plenty of roads that will take you to the Super Rink, but the time of day you go will dictate whether it feels like a Sunday drive or an invitation to road rage. The highways that encompass the NSC are packed with commuters heading into Minneapolis or St. Paul on weekday mornings and back into Blaine and beyond in the afternoons. Highway 65 from Minneapolis will take you right into Blaine, then you take a right-hand turn on 105th Ave, and you’ll see the NSC complex and Super Rink on the right-hand side about half a mile down. This is the most commonly used route and has maddening traffic during rush hours. Another option if coming from the east is to take I-35 North to the exit for 95th Ave. Turn right at the top of the exit on 95th Ave., which turns into Radisson Rd. NE. Stay on Radisson until you reach 105th Ave. NE and turn left. The Super Rink will be visible on your left. Return on Investment 4 Depending on how much hockey you’re interested in seeing will dictate the best ticket option for you. Passes that give access to the entire tournament are available for $75 for Adults and $35 for Students, Military, Seniors, and First Responders. Children 8 and are free. If you’re only going for a single game, the Daily Pass is the way to go. The cost of a Daily Pass for Adults is $30, $15 for Students, Military, Seniors, and First Responders, and no charge for kids aged eight and under. Considering that it provides you access to 5 days of unlimited hockey games day and night, the full Tournament pass can be justified at $75. $30 is a significant amount if you’re only attending a single game, but you have the option to watch as many games as you want on that day, so a case can be made to justify the price. If you are a hockey fan, though, it is a minimal price to pay to have access to all the hockey games you could want. Extras 4 Interesting fact: In addition to the Showcase, the NAHL holds several other events at various locations each season, like their Top Prospects Tournament and Prospects Challenge. Their two biggest events, though, are the Showcase and Robertson Cup Championships are both held in Blaine, but at different venues. While the Showcase is held at the NSC Super Rink, for the past few years, the NAHL has crowned its champion at Fogarty Arena, which is only about a mile away on the other side of Hwy 65. Final Thoughts One fact that the NAHL consistently markets, and rightly so, is the number of NCAA hockey commitments that players in the league receive each season, with the bulk of these being to Division 1 programs. Scouts from NHL teams and nearly every D1 NCAA program can be seen everywhere throughout the tournament. They’re easy to identify with their clipboards in hand and usually sporting a shirt or sweatshirt with their organization’s logo on it. The NAHL Showcase has become somewhat of a kickoff point for the upcoming scouting season, often leading to NHL Draft rankings and college scholarships. The kids who play in this Showcase know that among the eyes watching them could be those of a scout who likes what he sees and, thus, begins a conversation that very well may lead to a dream fulfilled. Many unique and interesting aspects come together to make the NAHL Showcase the spectacle it has become, but the opportunity it provides for the players has to be the coolest, in my opinion. With so many scouts in attendance, the on-ice performances put on by some of these players could be the catalyst that leads to an entirely new journey in their lives. When you add this on top of the incredible atmosphere, the uniqueness of the facility that’s able to accommodate this event, and the fact that you can choose from among dozens of games per day to watch and never have to leave the same building, it’s fair to wonder if maybe the NAHL’s marketing team wasn’t exaggerating when they branded the Showcase as the “Greatest Show on Ice.”

Photos by Robbie Raskin, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 TD Cricket Arena Brampton Sports Park 7605 Kennedy Rd S Brampton, ON L6W 4T2 Global T20 Tournament website TD Cricket Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,000 Sixes Return to the Six When you think Canadian sport, hockey is doubtless the one that comes to mind. Maybe lacrosse. But its cricket that was actually Canada's first national sport. Given Canada's history in the British Empire, this may not prove surprising. Canada’s cricketing history is a long one, dating back to at least 1785, when players in Montréal played the first recorded game in the country. Canadian cricket really took off in the early nineteenth-century in Toronto, when the prestigious Upper Canada College cricket team played the Toronto Cricket Club. The series is still contested today. In 1844, the Canadians took on the United States in an international cricket series, decades before the famous Ashes tournament began, and historians suggest the Canada-USA cricket fixture is the world’s oldest international sporting series! What's new is the late resurgence of cricket as Canada's fastest growing participation sport. By the late-20th century, though, the growth of baseball in the United States spread to Canada, and supplanted cricket, at least as a spectator sport. Although occasional cricket events drew well (including a North American record crowd of over 40,000 at Toronto’s Skydome in 1989), baseball became the dominant bat-and-ball game in Canada. Historic tournaments and infrequent international spectacles maintained interest, but no national league existed to capture the nation’s attention. Finally, in 2018, Canada became the focus of the international cricketing community with the launch of the GT20 Canada tournament. The first two seasons proved successful, bringing world class talent to Toronto in the summer. Covid threw the league's future into doubt, but the 2023 edition has returned to the Greater Toronto Area and the future looks bright as ever. The summer tournament is now based out of 'North America's Cricket Capital,' Brampton, in the expanded TD Cricket Arena. 2023's edition features six teams from across Canada and boasts a reputed 150 million television viewers worldwide, helped by the addition of marquee players from places like England, Pakistan, Australia, India, and the West Indies. Cricket's continued boom in Canada seems poised to continue as the GT20 league grows and evolves. Food & Beverage 5 Hospitality has become a real standout at TD Cricket Arena in terms of both variety and pricing. Food and drinks are largely based out of a beer garden setup with mobile food trucks and tents, with a wide range of multicultural cuisines on offer. Beer-wise, the options are from Moosehead, with tall cans on offer for a very reasonable $6. If you're after a more extravagant experience, bottle service with spirits is available; Johnny Walker Black Label is available for $175. Amongst the non-alc options, fresh pressed sugarcane juice can be had for $8. Some standouts from the extensive food offerings include oxtail poutine ($18), Amritsari-style fish and chips ($15), biryani ($10), or Korean short ribs ($27). The concessions area includes tented tables for fans not wishing to dine at their seats. There are also roving concessionaires with snack items in the seating terraces. Atmosphere 3 The first thing to note is that although the venue is a permanent cricket ground, most of the setup for the summer is temporary. The large seating terraces, tented hospitality areas, food, and massive logistical undertaking will all be packed up for the year when things are done. Plans are afoot to construct a permanent stadium but the current setup suits its purpose reasonably well. The stadium itself is on the grounds of the CAA Centre, a multisport complex anchored by a hockey arena (former home of the OHL's Brampton Battalion, current home of basketball's Brampton Honey Badgers, and recent host of the IIHf Womens' World Championships). For the duration of the cricket, lines and lines of fencing separate event zones, parking, and closed areas from parkland and the arena. Within the stadium itself, the cricket pitch is surrounded on one half by tented private suites and corporate hospitality zones, and by covered seating terraces on the other. Half of the seating is the more comfortable Gold tier, and half are Silver bench-style seats. Ample shade is provided, which is a blessing on a humid summer day. Entrance is through a box office tent, with a large fan shop on the inside. Access to the seating is quick and straightforward, and views are great throughout the ground. Neighbourhood 2 CAA Centre doesn't have much going for it nearby, unfortunately. The complex is situated on the edge of an industrial area, next to a golf course and a highway. There are a couple shopping and dining options within walking distance, but nothing standout, and the walk through the industrial complexes would be pretty dreary. Not too much further afield, though, Brampton's charming town centre offers up great dining, drinking, and entertainment. Anchored by the Rose Theatre and the relaxed Garden Square, the neighbourhood has excellent cafés, restaurants, and little pubs. It's worth making the short trip to the town centre when visiting. Of course, the myriad attractions of Toronto are a short distance away if visiting from out of town. Fans 3 Attendance through the early rounds has been decent, averaging half-full or better, with fewer in attendance during day games and better crowds on weekends. All of which is to be expected. Crowd sizes tend to increase as the tournament goes on, and sellout crowds will be all but guaranteed in the final rounds. VIP suites and hospitality zones are very well attended. The fans gathered represent both locals and visitors who've come in to see cricketing stars in Toronto. There tend to be certain clusters of supporters who are more boisterous and beer-fuelled, with other quieter patches throughout the stands. The mood is friendly and fairly energetic. Access 3 Getting around within the ground is easy, with ample space to manoeuvre. Raised decking along the main pathways is helpful if the grass surrounding the stadium is wet. Washroom facilities are in the form of outhouses, but they are plentiful and clean. Lineups for those were not an issue, nor were food or beer wait times. Getting into and out of the complex is a little more difficult; long queues of cars are the result of only one entry and exit for traffic. The issue is compounded by ongoing light rail construction on major roads leading to the complex. Police are stationed in the intersections, but the situation is not good when a match lets out. The aforementioned construction slows down buses in the area too, if arriving by transit. The complex is located along Kennedy Road South, which has frequent Brampton Transit bus service, every 15 minutes or better. It's not a long bus ride from the Bramalea GO Station, where frequent, fast trains link to Downtown Toronto and points further afield. In the future, a light rail line will traverse Hurontario Street nearby, but work is ongoing for now. Free parking for 800 cars is now offered on the property, which means fans arriving early shouldn't have a problem. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for the earliest single matches started as low as $5, with single tickets to be had for select midday games from $10. This is exceptional value for any sporting event, let alone one where global superstars are involved. The average ticket range is between $20-$70, depending on seat selection and the match on offer. Day and weekend passes offer the best value, starting from $38 for midweek matchdays. Add in free parking, very reasonable beer and food prices, and of course the top-class action on the field, and GT20 tickets offer unbeatable value. Extras 5 Extra point for being the largest and highest-calibre cricket league in North America. Extra point for attracting marquee global superstars like Shahid Afridi, Colin Munro, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Alex Hales, Chris Gayle, Andre Russell, Tim Southee, and others. Extra point for bringing the tournament back after years lost to Covid. At one point during lockdowns, the tournament was played in Malaysia, then it was cancelled entirely, and now it has returned bigger than ever. Extra point for the work being done to cement Brampton's status as the cricket capital of North America, including legacy projects in the community in between league play. A final extra point for the enjoyment of being able to attend GT20 in its relative infancy, knowing this tournament could become a very big deal in the future, but is still young and energetic now. Final Thoughts GT20's return to Canada is a both welcome and critically important for the continued rise of cricket in Canada, where it remains the fastest growing participation sport. The chance to see global superstars in an intimate environment, at an accessible cost, on a summer's day... perfect for fans and anyone looking to dabble in the game. Cricket's renaissance in Canada seems well and truly underway and bright days are ahead for the game here.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 121 Financial Ballpark 301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd Jacksonville, FL 32202 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp website 121 Financial Ballpark website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 11,000 121 Financial Ballpark - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Following the reorganization of Minor League Baseball coming into the 2021 season, the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp saw themselves receive a promotion from their parent club, the Miami Marlins . The Jumbo Shrimp would move from the Double-A Southern League to the Triple-A International League. At a capacity of 11,000 fans, 121 Financial Ballpark was the largest AA ballpark, and it seemed to be too large of a stadium for the level, so a move from Double-A to Triple-A only made sense. No matter the classification, the Jumbo Shrimp have long been known as one of the most innovative organizations in Minor League Baseball, providing an entertaining evening at the ballpark. Food & Beverage 5 All the typical baseball favorites are available at each of the concession stands around the stadium. Hot dogs, burgers, pizza slices, and a litany of fried foods. Soft drinks come from the Pepsi family of beverages. When looking for specialty menu options, each concessions stand around the concourse has its own theme and featured items – for example the All American Jax has the Duval Heavy Hitter, consisting of six chicken tenders, fries, nacho cheese, bacon bits, topped with green onions served in a batting helmet. Alternatively, Southern Fried Freebird has a multitude of fried foods, including several offerings featuring fried shrimp, while Sweet Tea-Bows unexpectedly offers baked cheese ravioli and BBQ pulled pork pizza as their featured items. Hand grilled sausages can be found at the Sausage Fest-Duuuuuval cart, a play on the Duval County which is a common call and response from Jacksonville Jaguar fans. For a bit more of an adult experience at the game, the Wheel House Lounge on the suite level, and Tiki Terrace in left field, provides fans with fully stocked bars and views of the game. Along with the usual suspects of Bud and Miller beers, the Jumbo Shrimp have their own branded Kolsch style beer from the nearby Intuition Ale Works. The Craft Cave also provides an extensive selection of adult beverage options; brews from Sun King Brewery, the aforementioned Intuition Ale Works, Voodoo Ranger, Sierra Nevada, Dogfish Head, Aardwolf Brewing, Fishweir, and Veterans United Craft Brewers are all available at the Craft Cave, under the third base side of the grandstand. Seltzers, canned mixed drinks, wines, and Twisted Tea are also available for non-beer drinkers. Overall the Jumbo Shrimp provide a wide selection with their food and beverage options, from a slew of specialty food items to a deep selection of craft beers and drinks. Atmosphere 4 Fans enter at field level, then climb stairs to the main concourse. The concourse extends from just off the cut of the infield grass on the third base side around to right center. Stairs from the right center bleachers lead down to the kids’ inflatables section, around to the grassy seating areas in left field and Tiki Terrace, before heading back to the grandstand. The picnic and grassy areas along the third baseline, around to the Adirondack chairs behind the chain link fence in left center field, is a very popular area to watch the game from. There is not a lot of space for kids to get out and move around in the grandstand, but this area provides some relief from the confines of the ticketed seats. The outfield wall configuration is a bit of a throwback to the days when stadiums were built to fit the city block they were on. With a low right field wall reminiscent of that at Fenway Park , at just 317’ home runs feel like just a bloop away. To compensate for short fences to right and left field, centerfield is a deep 420’. The confines of the playing area create opportunities for home runs and balls into the far reaches of the gaps. When choosing the ideal seats, keep in mind that the sun sets behind the third base side of the stadium, so the right field bleachers can be a bit challenging to deal with until the sun sets. The berm areas, down the left field line and around to left field, are popular with families, but can get a bit crowded. If just wanting to have a seat to watch the game from and not have to worry about moving at any point, then anything on the third base line is a good option. If moving is not much of a problem, however, then the outfield bleacher tickets would be perfect. The Jumbo Shrimp have long been known for the fan friendly atmosphere they create – their gate giveaways and theme nights are typically held in the highest regard by their MiLB peers, for their originality and fun nature. Neighborhood 4 121 Financial Ballpark is in the sports complex area of Jacksonville, sandwiched between TIAA Bank Field , home of the Jacksonville Jaguars , and VyStar Veterans Memorial Stadium , which the Jacksonville Icemen (ECHL), Jacksonville Sharks (National Arena League), and Jacksonville Giants (American Basketball Association) all call home. The stadium is just a few feet from the baseball club’s former home, Wolfson Park, that was razed to make room for the Jags’ outdoor practice field. The area has a very sporty feel to it with the surrounding stadiums and the handful of pre and postgame entertainment options; That Sports Bar at the Arena, Intuition Ale Works, and Tap Room are all just steps from the ballpark. Fans 3 After one season in AAA, Jacksonville ranks in the middle third of teams in attendance, averaging just a tick under 5,000 fans per game. This is consistent with their draw while they were AA members of the Southern League. Weekend games typically draw over 8,000 fans, which creates a distinctive vibe throughout the stadium as you pass around the concourse. Many fans come showing their support for the Jumbo Shrimp decked out in the team’s shirts, jerseys, or any of the several gate giveaway items. Overall, most fans seem to be engaged in the game and are supportive of the Jumbo Shrimp. Access 3 121 Financial Ballpark is not directly off any of the major interstates that pass through the Jacksonville area, but downtown Jacksonville does not seem to be extremely congested with traffic on weekends. Arriving early makes parking easier when accessing the lots around the stadium. Parking is readily available around the ballpark. A multi-level parking deck sits directly across the street from the front entrance of 121 Financial Ballpark, while the back side of the stadium has several parking lots that are part of the TIAA Bank Stadium complex. There is enough parking close to the stadium to leave fans with just a short walk; golf carts also offer a shuttle for those who might need some assistance. The stadium’s main entry point is the home plate gate, but can get crowded in anticipation of gates opening. There are also secondary entry points on each side of the stadium. Return on Investment 4 Standard general admission tickets start at $8 for advanced, in-person purchases, with a $2 service fee applied to online sales; tickets do jump to over $20 a ticket when moving to the grandstand. The general admission tickets offer both a reasonable price and, if sitting in the outfield bleachers, still provide an up-close vantage point for the action on the field. If purchased ahead of time, in person, the fees can be avoided. Jacksonville does have a significant Navy population, and offers discounted tickets for both active and retired service members. There are several options of tickets for differing game experiences, but if all you want is an affordable ticket to watch baseball, the general admission ticket will suit you fine. Extras 4 The Jumbo Shrimp do a lot in recognition of the baseball history of Jacksonville; support beams around the main concourse feature some of the stars who have made a stop in Jacksonville on their way to the majors. The field level concourse also honors the Legends of Jacksonville baseball through their Wall of Fame – the honor recognizes players, managers, and those who have significantly impacted the Jacksonville baseball landscape. Instantly recognizable names include Hank Aaron, Nolan Ryan, and Randy Johnson, to name a few. The bar top at Tiki Terrace has a really cool feature in that it has used minor league baseball cards of the Jacksonville Expos, Suns, and early Jumbo Shrimp players to create the bar’s surface. AAA baseball is using the ABS Challenge system for their Friday, Saturday, and Sunday contests; ABS (Automatic Ball Strike) games allow players three challenges of umpire ball/strike calls throughout the game. If the call is overturned the team retains their challenge, while if they are wrong they lose one of the three. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday games use an automated strike zone. Given the layout of the ballpark and its proximity to the streets outside the stadium, those looking to channel their inner Zack Hample can try their luck chasing down baseballs during batting practice from outside the stadium. Final Thoughts The Jumbo Shrimp understand that at the origination level, their job is to entertain the fans, and it is their parent club who is responsible for the product put on the field each game. Jacksonville does an outstanding job making an evening at the ballpark well worth the experience no matter if you attend for the game on the field, the entertainment aspect of the atmosphere, or any combination of the two.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Trinity University Multi-Sport Stadium 637 Kings Court San Antonio, TX 78212 Trinity Tigers website Trinity Health Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 4,000 Trinity Tigers – Trinity University Multi-Sport Stadium Founded in 1869 in San Antonio, TX, Trinity University is a small liberal arts college that boasts a remarkably robust athletics program, especially on the gridiron. The Trinity Tigers first fielded a team in 1900, and moved into their new on-campus home, the Trinity University Multi-Sport Stadium, in 1972. Starting in the 1990s, the Tigers went on a run of unprecedented success, winning 13 straight conference championships from 1993 through 2005, and then four more in 2007, 2011, 2019, and 2021. In 2007 the Tigers participated in one of the most memorable plays in college football history against Millsaps College. It would be featured on countless SportsCenter clip shows and be named the top sports moment of the year by Time magazine. In 2018, Trinity began renovations on their home stadium – this included installing a new 28x48 foot video screen, renovating the home side stands, and a new field turf playing surface. Everything was completed by 2021, and it has proven a hit with the fans. Read on to learn more about the history and traditions of Trinity University. Food & Beverage 2 The concessions at Trinity Multi-Sport Stadium are limited to stands behind the home side. The Tiger Bites stand offers up a lot of traditional game day fare with a few interesting wrinkles – you can get hot dogs (plain or with chili and cheese), nachos (also offered up with chili, or chopped brisket), chopped brisket sandwiches, popcorn, chips, and assorted candies. In terms of beverages, there are bottled water, sports drinks, and soda options. No alcohol is allowed on campus at Trinity, and thus there is none sold or allowed during Tigers games, so bear that in mind when attending. Atmosphere 3 I was pleasantly surprised with the atmosphere at Trinity Stadium. While it is smaller than many high school stadiums in Texas, it is not without its appeal. Set amid the beautiful red-brick buildings of the Trinity University campus, the stadium stands out among the other sports facilities on-site. Revelers park in lawn chairs and under tents among the shade trees that grow out in front of the stadium; this seems to be Trinity’s version of tailgating. There is also a tent near the front entrance that sells Trinity merchandise. While it isn’t very big, it has pretty much everything fans could want for the game. The still relatively new video board is quite impressive and puts the stadium on another level compared to other Division III teams. It is a sight to see and takes the stadium up a notch from being just charming to a place football fans will want to visit. My one piece of advice would be to take in a game later in the season; this is mainly due to the weather. The early part of the season takes place in what are still some of the hottest days of the year on the South Texas calendar. If you come during the end of August or any time in September, more than likely it will be for a day game and it will be HOT. Neighborhood 5 Trinity University is located in one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in San Antonio, Monte Vista. Among the old homes and rolling hills, the setting is akin to those found in many small college towns. The campus and the stadium are also a short drive from San Antonio’s vibrant downtown – this area puts you at the literal and metaphorical center of the city, home to the Alamo , HemisFair Park , the River Walk , the Tower of the Americas , and so much more. Some of the city’s finest hotels and most celebrated restaurants are located here. Hotels and restaurants of all budgets can be found; the only limit is your budget. Simply put, this area is where you want to go when you visit the Alamo City. Trinity Multi-Sport Stadium is also located near the Alamodome , home of the UTSA Roadrunners, and Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium , home of the UIW Cardinals. Since all their seasons overlap, there is a good chance you can double up on games when you see the Trinity Tigers. Fans 3 This is purely anecdotal, but the crowd I experienced last time I was there was good. The home side stands are filled with the Tiger faithful; they come dressed in Trinity gear and are loud the entire game. The best part, which leans into the small-school atmosphere, is that every time the Tigers score a touchdown, the fans fire off confetti poppers. This was pretty fun for me but is fun for the younger fans in the crowd. Access 3 Located five minutes from downtown San Antonio and right off Interstate 37, Trinity University Multi-Sport Stadium is easy to find amidst the gorgeous buildings of the campus. It is a short nine-minute drive from San Antonio International Airport . Once on campus, parking is free in unmarked spots and the parking garage near the stadium. If you choose not to drive or use a rideshare service, San Antonio’s public transportation system, VIA Metropolitan Transit , offers bus rides to the campus from places all across the city. Return on Investment 4 This section is where the Trinity Tigers will give you your bang for your buck. Not only is parking free on Trinity’s campus but there is no cost for admission as well. So, for a team that has traditionally been one of the best in all of Division III football, you’re getting an incredible bargain. The savings are passed on again at the concession stands, as the cost for the items is more akin to what you would find at a high school stadium rather than a college one. Whether you’re going to the game solo or as a family, your wallet will thank you in the end. Extras 2 Like most of the college football world, the Trinity Tigers rely on some of the same tropes, traditions, and fanfare for their games. However, unlike in years past when I have gone to games, the latest version of the Tigers appears to be taking the field without a mascot or band. They do have cheerleaders patrolling the sidelines, and the Trinity Prowlers Dance Team entertains the crowd during halftimes. Other than that, there is not much else in the way of extras for fans. Final Thoughts I have always enjoyed my visits to Trinity. They are the oldest collegiate football team in San Antonio and they have a great tradition of winning – that culture permeates everything the Tigers do. Until now I hadn’t been back to Trinity Multi-Sport Stadium since the renovations, and I can tell the difference. While I wouldn’t mark this down as a bucket list stop, I think if you’re in town during the season, for the price you pay you’d be hard-pressed to find a better time than taking in a Trinity Tigers game. ---- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Joan C. Edwards Stadium 2001 3rd Ave Huntington, WV 25755 Marshall Thundering Herd website Joan C. Edwards Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 38,016 Fear The HERD! Joan C. Edwards Stadium was built in 1991, and is one of only two FBS stadiums named after women (the other is South Carolina's Williams-Brice). Originally constructed with a capacity of around 28K, several renovations later the venue now holds over 38K. Marshall's winning percentage at "The Joan" is well over 80 percent, one of the highest in the FBS. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stands at Joan C. Edwards Stadium offer lots of different snack items, including some unique fare, but only a couple of main dishes (hot dogs for $4 and grilled chicken sandwiches for $6). Snack options include nachos, peanuts, candy, popcorn, kettle corn, and several varieties of pretzels (regular, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate caramel). You can also find caramel apple chips - prices for these items range from $2.50 to $5. Drink options are almost as numerous, and include fresh-squeezed lemonade, frozen lemonade, coffee, cappuccino, hot cocoa, Gatorade, and Pepsi products in bottles or from the fountain ($3-$6 per item). No alcohol is served inside Joan C. Edwards Stadium. One interesting plus is that JCES allows re-entry during the game, unlike most venues, so you can grab something outside the stadium to eat (or drink) at halftime. The places right outside tend to get very crowded, though, so you may prefer to just stay inside. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Marshall football games is great - the fans are very passionate about their team, and honor the memory of those lost in the 1970 tragedy. For those who don't know the story (chronicled in the movie "We are Marshall"), a plane crash that year led to the loss of 75 football players and coaches. There is a memorial to these individuals on the outside of the stadium, and a fountain dedicated to them is located behind the student center - the fountain is turned off for games after November 14th, the anniversary of the tragedy. Like many mid-sized venues, Joan C. Edwards Stadium does not have a grandstand in the north end zone - the Shewey Athletic Building located there houses locker rooms and offices. There is continuous seating on the other three sides, most of which is metal bleachers, except for a few sections in the middle of the west side, which have chair backs. The stadium is compact enough that there isn't really a bad seat in the house. The most impressive entertainment at Joan C. Edwards Stadium is definitely the marching band - the white plumes on their hats contrast beautifully with their green uniforms, and the band does a lot of great formations, including a bison head, spelling out H-E-R-D, and the block "M." There is tons of green to be seen, and lots of tailgating before the game, and not just in front of the stadium, either - tents and fanatics spill out for blocks. Neighborhood 3 There isn't much in Huntington except for the university, but there are plenty of restaurants near the stadium, and the Marshall Memorial Fountain is definitely worth a visit. There is an Arby's and a McDonald's right behind the south end zone, and a pizza place and a Mexican restaurant right across the street from the north end zone. However, the best place to hang out before or after the game is at Fat Patty's on 3rd Avenue - Fat Patty's is a Huntington original that specializes in burgers, and is very popular with the locals, thanks to its casual dining experience, full bar, and large, flat-screen TVs. Fat Patty's has two happy hours (4-7pm and 10pm-1am), both of which feature drink specials and half-price apps. Fans 4 Marshall fans are proud supporters of their team - they show up well before the game, cheer with zeal, and stay until the end. The fans have adopted "We are Marshall" as their theme, and that spirit of unity is the driving force behind their loyalty. At a typical game, attendance ranges from 25K-27K, or about three-fourths capacity. The west stands (underneath the press box) tend to be the most full, and hence the loudest. Fans are loudest during opposing third downs, which is pretty typical, but the impressive thing is that here at Marshall, EVERYONE is on their feet for these downs, even the alums. And throughout the game, you will hear the fans on one side chanting "We are...," and being answered with a resounding "MARSHALL!" by fans on the other side. Access 4 Joan C. Edwards Stadium is easy to get to, only about 10 minutes from I-64, and near US Highway 60. Getting into the stadium is super easy, because they have gates all the way around, spaced only about 50-100 feet apart. Parking on stadium grounds requires a pass (which are hard to get), but you can park 3-5 blocks away for $5-$10. The concourses are plenty wide, and there are numerous bathrooms on the east and west side, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting around. And because they allow re-entry, a lot of fans leave during half-time, so the lines aren't too bad for the concessions or bathrooms. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Marshall football game is a great value - tickets start at $15 for end zone seats, and $35 for the sidelines. Parking is cheaper than most other venues, and concessions are reasonable. $15 is likely as cheap as you will ever see for a college football game, but since Joan C. Edwards Stadium rarely sells out, you may be able to find them cheaper on the secondary market. Also, if you really want to sit on the sideline, you could try buying the $15 tickets, and sneaking over the low wall that divides the east and west stands from the south side. Extras 3 Being able to leave and re-enter the stadium is a plus. A second point for the fountain and other displays commemorating the 1970 tragedy, which serves as a rallying point for fans. The bison-cycle ridden by the mascot, Marco, is also fun - it is trendy nowadays for mascots to ride motorcycles, but few of them are decked out to resemble the mascot. Final Thoughts Even though Marshall currently plays in Conference USA, possibly limiting the opportunities for top-tier teams to come to town, Joan C. Edwards Stadium is still worth a visit. Marshall is arguably one of the most well-known mid-major football programs in the country, thanks to the Hollywood connection, and "The Joan" is solid, thanks to its atmosphere, ease of access, and value for the experience.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Richmond Raceway 600 E. Labernum Ave Richmond, VA 23222 Richmond Raceway website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 51,000 Chaos at Every Corner The Richmond Raceway is a 0.75-mile D-shaped NASCAR track that currently hosts the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. It hosts a race for each series both in the spring and in the fall, and all the races are run at night. Though the track is often characterized as a “short track” since it is less than 1 mile, the D-shaped layout of the track allows drivers to reach high speeds to give it that superspeedway feel. Food & Beverage 3 Richmond Raceway offers standard concessions ranging from pizza, hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and cotton candy. Beverages offered include bottled Coke products, Dasani water, and various alcoholic beverages. Prices are on par with many sporting events. Frankly, the concession availability is a little disappointing in the general grandstand seating areas. However, this is generally not a big deal since fans can bring in their own food and beverages. Our suggestion is to eat before you go to the race, or bring your own food and drink to enjoy during the race. Atmosphere 4 Seating at the Richmond Raceway is available along the front stretch, and in turns 1, 2, and 4. All seats are bench back except for those in the Commonwealth Mezzanine/Tower and in the Turn 4 party deck. Seating in the Commonwealth Mezzanine and Tower are chair back, and seating in the Turn 4 party deck is high top seating with tables. There is a walkway between the seating bowl and the track, which allows fans to walk all the way around the track during the race to take in the action from different vantage points. The first row of seats is elevated approximately 10 feet to give fans sitting in the lower rows better sight lines. At the center of the track is a large four-sided 38 x 24 foot video board, which shows live race action and highlights. The stem of the video board shows the running order; it always shows the top 5, then constantly rotates throughout the rest of the field. A NASCAR race is one of the few sports where the better seats are higher up, as it allows you to see the entire track. While there is not really a bad seat in the house due to the elevated seats, we recommend sitting along the front stretch near the start/finish line or near turn 1. Neighborhood 3 The Richmond Raceway is located on the northeast side of Richmond between Interstate 95 and Interstate 295. It is in the middle of a largely residential area, and some parts are a little “rougher” than others. There are no restaurants or hotels within walking distance of the track. In order to avoid a lot of congestion and traffic, your best bet is to eat and stay in nearby Mechanicsville along I-295. It will be a little bit of a drive, but there are many food and dining options in downtown Richmond and along Broad Street in the West End and near Short Pump. If you a looking for good Bar-B-Que before the race, be sure to check out The Salty Pig on US 301 in Mechanicsville or Buz and Ned’s on West Broad Street. There are many attractions in Richmond if visiting for the entire weekend. If you come for the spring race, check to see if the Richmond Flying Squirrels (Double-A affiliate of the Giants) are in town. Other attractions in the area include many Civil War Battlefields, the birthplace of Patrick Henry, Monument Avenue, the Virginia State Capitol building, and the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Fans 3 Fan attendance at NASCAR races has been steadily decreasing over the past 10 years. Despite action-packed short-track racing, Richmond Raceway has not been immune to this issue, as all of the seats along the back straightaway have been removed over recent years. During this time frame, seating capacity at Richmond Raceway has dropped from 110,000 to 51,000. With the lowered capacity, crowds are generally 30K-40K. Fans can generally spread out on the bench seating to make it look fairly full. Despite the decreased attendance, NASCAR fans are still a passionate bunch. The majority wear gear of their favorite driver and will often hold up the driver’s number as they pass by. There are also certain drivers that many fans loathe, so expect plenty booing of these drivers. Access 4 The Richmond Raceway is easily accessible from Interstate 295. The exits for either Mechanicsville Turnpike or Meadowbridge Road will take you directly to the track. Meadowbridge Road will take you to free general parking lot H, and there is a free tram that will take you directly to the track. Richmond International Airport is only a few miles south off of I-295 in Sandston. Since the track allows fans to bring coolers in, expect a slight delay at the gate as staff checks them. However, if you do not have a cooler, you can breeze right in. There is a concourse underneath the grandstands, that is easy to navigate. There is also a large walkway all the way around the track between the first row of seats and the fencing along the track. Both are easy to navigate to find your seat. Restrooms are located underneath the grandstands. They show their age, but are serviceable. ADA seating is located along the first row of seats at select points around the track. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to the Monster Energy Cup Series at Richmond Raceway range from $35 to $120. A $35 dollar ticket will not get you the best of seats, but it will get you in the door, nonetheless. There is also the Chaos Corner in turn 4 where fans can purchase tickets for $20 in a general admission standing room only area. Throw in free parking and the ability to bring in your own food and drinks, and you have quite a bargain for a night race in NASCAR’s premier series. Extras 3 Richmond Raceway gets several extra points for their fan-friendly measures. The track allows fans to bring in coolers with food and beverages (no larger than 14x14x14 inches), backpacks, scanners, and headsets to listen to drivers communicate with the crew chief. There are also upgrades that fans can purchase such as the Fangrounds pass, which allows fans to walk through pre-race inspections, take part in driver intros, and pre-race ceremonies in the infield. The track gets another extra point for the open walkway all around the track between the grandstand and the fence, which lets fans view the action from anywhere they would like around the track. Final Thoughts While seats are being removed at many tracks across the county (including Richmond) and interest in NASCAR seems to be waning, a NASCAR race is still a great experience. If you have never been to a NASCAR race, we would certainly recommend a visit; and a visit to a “short-track” such as Richmond Raceway is as great a place as any.

Photos by Brian Wilmer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Lexington County Baseball Stadium 474 Ball Park Rd. Lexington, SC 29072 Lexington County Blowfish website Lexington County Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 3,000 Blowfish and Boiled P-Nuts Fans of the Coastal Plain League and residents of the Midlands region of South Carolina are quite familiar with the Blowfish franchise. The team first took the field in Columbia’s Capital City Stadium in 2006. The historic ballpark gradually reached the end of its usefulness, and amidst flooding problems on Assembly Street, land sales, and multiple closing dates at “The Cap,” the team finally saw its final downtown pitch in 2014. Before the last out was recorded, though, the Blowfish had already sealed the deal on a new home. The team moved about a half hour west to Lexington, becoming the star attraction in a brand new ballpark built by Lexington County for baseball, festivals, and other events. The roughly $25 million ballpark was constructed in roughly ten months, allowing the Blowfish to take the field in their new home digs to begin the 2015 season. Lexington County Baseball Stadium will join the new facility off Columbia’s Bull Street for the relocated Savannah Sand Gnats to form a formidable grouping of baseball options for fans in the Midlands. Food & Beverage 4 One would expect a variety of food and drink offerings in a new ballpark, and Lexington County Baseball Stadium fits that bill. Fans who attended Blowfish games in Capital City Stadium will find many of their old favorites, along with several unexpected selections. Food and drink are available pretty much everywhere along the main concourse, with the primary stand in the multi-purpose building behind the first base dugout. The choices are broken into candy ($2 for typical candies), specialty items ($3-$6 for fries, hot dogs, and sandwiches), and snacks ($2-$3 for pretzels, popcorn, and nachos). The specialty items include hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, and the locally-inspired “Blow-B-Que” barbecue sandwich ($4). The food is of typical ballpark quality but is very popular with those in attendance. Numerous satellite stands are lined around the concourse, including the Ballpark Village food court area behind third base. Coca-Cola is the facility’s bottler. Sodas are available in 16-ounce ($3), 20-ounce bottle ($3) and 32-ounce souvenir ($5) sizes. Bottled iced tea and Coke Zero are among the beverage choices, for those who prefer to avoid full-sugar sodas on muggy Midlands evenings. Powerade is also available for $4. If you’re craving a cold beer, those are also available. Budweiser (along with Bud Light and Bud Light Lime) and Corona/Corona Light are available for $4 apiece. Wine (Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio) can also be purchased, along with the Budweiser margarita flavors (strawberry and lime) for $4. The “definitive” item, however, is available from a small shed just inside the stadium’s entry gates. Boiled peanuts (or “p-nuts,” as they are commonly noted in South Carolina) are sold for $3 (small) or $5 (large), and are a favorite of nearly everyone in the Palmetto State. Vendors also wander through the stands selling the delicacy from time to time, should you not want to miss any game action. Atmosphere 3 For those familiar with Blowfish games at Capital City Stadium, the feel of a game in Lexington County is quite similar. From team mascot Blowie posing for photos on the concourse to “Sandstorm” blaring from the speakers late in the game, fans should find a lot of items that make them feel at home. The fourth-inning Mascot Chase (featuring Blowie and a buddy or two) even made the trip over from Columbia. The stadium borrows — in its own words — much of its architectural style. Part of the seating from the old Lexington High School football stadium (called “Wildcat Hollow”) is implemented as bleacher seating on the visiting (third base) side of the park. Elements from Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium and Yankee Stadium are included, according to the stadium’s architects . The grandstand seating accompanies fixed seats near the field, along with bleacher seating under an overhang behind the plate. A wide concourse features plenty of standing room and drink rails, for those who would prefer not to stay seated. If you want the best view of the action and don’t feel like standing for nine innings, pay the extra and get a fixed box seat. There is also an enclosed hospitality area down the right field line. Be careful when purchasing any seats under the overhang or in the general admission grandstand. The front row of overhang seating behind the plate — especially in section 206 — is largely obscured by a series of stair railings and support columns, making the seats a poor value. The seats are also reserved bleachers, making them very tight, in terms of pitch and width. A child seemed to be squeezed out of the row in which he was seated — he had to ask his mother, “is there room for me?” — and a woman behind me needed to ask an usher for a bandage after cutting her leg on a visible support screw from the bleachers. There are fans from the overhang to help keep those seated underneath somewhat cool on warm South Carolina nights, however, which is a nice touch. The grandstand seating behind third base encounters issues with the sun for the first few innings, as it sets behind the first base bag. The grandstand feels far from the action on the field, as there is a large play area for kids below the bleachers. These seats are also angled toward the outfield, not the plate. Further, the lower few rows of the grandstand are obscured by the dugout in front of them. The team also features a rendering of the stadium on their site that makes the seating behind the plate appear clear of railings or stairs. This is not the case. A basic scoreboard can be found beyond the right-center field fence. The scoreboard offers the pitch speed, ball/strike/out counts, the uniform number of the current batter, and the lines core. This scoreboard is passable — when it works. On the night we visited, the scoreboard began to display odd numbers in multiple categories. The pitch speed indicator also stopped working about halfway through the game. Lexington is two-and-a-half hours inland from Myrtle Beach and the “Redneck Riviera,” as it is affectionately called, but Lexington County Baseball Stadium has a distinctly coastal feel. A soundtrack of Carolina beach music wafts through the air between many innings, with other ballpark standards mixed in at alternating intervals. The stadium is largely free of silly sound effects, save for the occasional breaking glass sound effect and the public-address announcer reminding all fans to return foul balls to the press box for a free frosted lemonade from Chick-fil-A. This is referred to as a Chick-fil-A “fowl ball.” Neighborhood 2 One of the bigger attractions to moving the team to Lexington County is also one of the bigger drawbacks. Lexington County Baseball Stadium is back within a somewhat remote mixed-use development away from South Carolina Interstate 20, so there are virtually zero options for grabbing a quick bite before or after a game within walking distance of the park. Some fans do tailgate before Blowfish games, so this might be the most desirable choice. Luce Cucina Italiano is roughly two miles from the park on Augusta Road (US Highway 1), and is one of the only nearby dining options. All of the Italian food favorites can be found at quite reasonable prices at Luce. Be mindful, however, that the restaurant will likely be closed at the end of most game nights, so fill up on carbs before heading to the yard. There are several additional options for your dining pleasure near the Lexington exits off I-20 (exit 55/SC Highway 6, exit 58/US 1, and exit 61/US 378). Keep in mind, however, that these exits are anywhere between 10 and 20 minutes from the ballpark, depending on traffic and stop lights. Columbia is a half-hour or so to the east, while Augusta, Georgia, is an hour west. Fans 4 Baseball is a popular sport in the Midlands, as one might expect. Between South Carolina’s recent success, the new team in Columbia, and the Blowfish, there is lots of diamond action from which to choose. One of the reasons behind the club’s move to Lexington County was the stated desire to draw consistent support from a more “small-town” group of fans. This has certainly paid early dividends, as fans are coming out in droves to check out the new digs. The club opened the park with a string of consecutive sellouts. The fans who pack Lexington County Baseball Stadium love their Blowfish but are respectful of the opposing team. Cheering is hearty, but not over the top. Several fans, unfortunately, left early on the night we visited (though the game went extra innings, it was a weekend contest), but those who stayed until the final out certainly made themselves heard. Access 2 Lexington County Baseball Stadium is not the most convenient option for ballpark travelers, in terms of proximity to interstates. The ballpark is in a mostly residential area and is either accessed by a lengthy trip down a US highway or sparsely-populated country roads. South Carolina Interstate 20 is the main road one would use to access the ballpark from the east or west, and it is easily 15 minutes from the ballpark. US Highways 1 and 378 are the other primary options. Columbia (CAE) and Augusta (AGS) are the two best airport options, about a half hour and an hour, respectively, from the park. Charlotte (CLT) is also an option but is an hour and a half from the park. Parking is located in a paved lot across the street from the stadium entrance. Though revenue streams are at a premium for summer collegiate teams, the $3 price to park is less than optimal. Ingress backs up a bit, as traffic is trying to simultaneously turn left and right into the parking lot. Egress is a bit easier, as fans can either go left toward Barr Road or right toward US 1. The stadium entry gate is just to the right of the ticket booth, and traffic moves relatively quickly. The team offers an online ticketing system that allows for easy scanning; however, there is an additional $1 (per ticket) fee for buying online. The facility offers a wide concourse, but there are drawbacks to this setup. Numerous fans congregate on the concourse, leading to a bit of a slalom course-type feel in navigating to or from your seat. Concession lines can get a bit long, as many fans want items that can only be purchased at the main stand. Restrooms are near the main gate and offer ample facilities for fans. The other major drawback comes if you are sitting in the third base stands. To get from the concessions or bathrooms to your third base grandstand seat, you will need to navigate the entire concourse, then take the stairs down to field level and walk through what will inevitably be a large group of playing kids to return to your seat. This can become a bit of a hassle as the game wears on. Return on Investment 4 Coastal Plain League baseball is about as good of a baseball investment as one will find. Lexington County is no exception – assuming, of course, that you choose the right seats, or don’t mind standing. Box seats are $9 for a single game, with a dollar discount for seniors, students (with ID), military members, and children 12 and under. Children four and under are free with paid adult admission. Grandstand seats are $8, with the same discount. The third base seats are a reasonable $6. Keep in mind, again, that there is a $1 (per ticket) charge for online ticket purchases. If one were to purchase a box seat ($9), sandwich ($4), bottled soda ($3), program ($3), and parking ($3), that results in a reasonable $22 cash outlay. There are also several tiering options to lessen the cost. The club also offers several season ticket options. Box seats are $250 for 28 games ($224 with a VIP discount), with a half-season option available for $126 ($119 as a VIP member). General admission season tickets are as low as $150 for an entire season, with a 15-game general admission ticket package for $75. Extras 5 The team operates a merchandise stand next to the concession area. This is not a store, per se, but the gear is prominently displayed and decently priced. Many of the options — especially the hats — are popular with fans. A guest relations booth can be found between the entry gates and the concession area. The team conducts silent auctions, giveaway signups, and other business at the booth, and offers most services in which fans would be interested. Blowfish game day staff are easy to spot. The ushers and club staff wear Blowfish jerseys and name tags, so if you have any questions, just look for those Blowfish jerseys and ask away. The staff is friendly and eager to help. Though the Coastal Plain League offers online streaming of all of their games, the Blowfish take things a step further. The team’s games can be heard on Z93.1 FM in the Lexington area. The club also hosts a weekly talk show on the same station. We live in a mobile world, and one’s cell phone is rarely further than a few feet away. The Blowfish have their fans covered there, as well. The team offers a mobile app for Android and iPhone users. The team publishes its roster, schedule, updates, and other news via the app. This is a nice incentive for fans to stay connected with the team. There are two final extras — one easy to notice, with the other not so easy. There is a lineup board on display just inside the main entry gate, and I saw several fans jotting down the starters with the intent of keeping score. It is always a nice touch to see fans keeping score. We also mentioned above the parks from which Lexington County Baseball Stadium draws its influences, and these are on display on the dimension signs in left, center, and right (see the photo gallery for an example). Final Thoughts A night at a Blowfish game is always a fun experience. Nice people, great baseball, and a comfortable South Carolina feel are always featured at every contest. The club aims to treat fans as welcome guests in their home and succeeds in that endeavor. Their new home is a great start but still has room to grow. If you do some homework before you go — and the team can capitalize on the available opportunities with the ballpark — this will be a great night out in the South Carolina Midlands.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Commonwealth Stadium 11000 Stadium Rd Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7 Canada Edmonton Elks website Commonwealth Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 56,302 Edmonton's Mighty Elks The Edmonton Eskimos have won the CFL’s Grey Cup 13 times, the second-highest total in league history. Nine of those wins have come while the Eskimos have called Commonwealth Stadium their home, including an unprecedented five in a row from 1978-1982, the first five years that Commonwealth Stadium was in service. As a building that was constructed in the 1970s, one might expect it to be long in the tooth, worn out, and obsolete. In fact, The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium (as it is officially known since naming rights were sold to The Brick furniture stores) has undergone some major upgrades in the last decade. As a result, the place is looking fresh and new in many respects. There may come a day when this field is ready for retirement, but that day is not today. Note: In June 2021, the team name changed from the Eskimos to the Elks. Food & Beverage 4 There are tons of concessions at Commonwealth Stadium. In addition to the typical concession stands lining the outside of the main concourse, one of the key aspects of the recent renovations was adding large concessions areas off the east and west concourse areas, creating lots of extra space and providing the fans with more options than they might otherwise have. All the standard concessions choices are available, from hamburgers ($6.50) and foot-long hot dogs ($5.50) to potato chips ($1.50) and fountain drinks ($4 for a small). You can also find some specialty variations on those themes, such as the Green and Gold Hotdog ($7.50), which has mac and cheese, bacon, and jalapeno peppers on it. Additionally, you’ll find Boston Pizza stands in the side concourses, and Tiny Tim Mini Donuts in the main concourse. Molson Canadian is readily available on tap ($7 per glass), and there are a number of specialty beverage stands where you can get something more exotic. If you’re still looking for something more, you can pop into the Quarterback Club on the east side, or Jackie Parker’s on the west side for more of a lounge atmosphere. Finally, there is a “tailgate” area at the north end of the stands at field level, for folks who want to enjoy an adult beverage right next to the action. Atmosphere 4 With a team that has won as many Grey Cups as the Eskimos have, it should come as no surprise that there are numerous nods to the glory years. The south exterior wall is decorated with the list of championships, along with huge pictures of three of the most famous Eskimos of all time: Warren Moon, Norm Kwong, and Willie Pless. The Grey Cup list can be found on the walls of the main concessions areas as well. Out front of Commonwealth Stadium is a Fan Fest set-up. There are food trucks, displays, games, live music, and a fenced-off party area for fans wanting to get pumped up before entering the facility. The names of the Eskimos Hall of Fame players are proudly displayed along the leading edge of the lower deck of stands, and there are a lot of them, again echoing the proud football tradition in Edmonton. You’ll also find pictures of Eskimo greats on banners hanging above the main concourse ring. The brand-new green-and-gold seats are nice and wide, making sitting in the stands quite comfortable. They also all have cup holders, so less fumbling around when trying to sit down or get up, also a good thing. In the grand scheme of things, the Eskimos tend to have pretty good attendance, compared to the rest of the CFL. In 2016 they drew 30,998 fans per game, second-best in the league behind the Saskatchewan Roughriders. But in a stadium that holds more than 50,000, it still seems fairly empty, which negatively impacts the energy in the stands. The lower bowl is mostly full and has great energy, but the upper bowl is sparsely populated. Neighbourhood 2 The neighborhood around Commonwealth Stadium is pretty low on interesting places to spend your money. Most of the area is older residential with some industrial stuff mixed in. You’ll find the End Zone Pub & Grill across the street to the north, and a McDonald’s and a Subway a little further east along 112 Ave. but that’s about it in the immediate vicinity. Heading west a few blocks, you’ll find yourself in Edmonton’s Little Italy. A bit of wandering up and down 95th St. should get you to you a suitable place to grab a bite. Sorrentino’s Bistro-Bar is a solid restaurant chain with tasty food, but they are closed on Sunday, so don’t plan for that place unless you’re going to a weeknight or Saturday game. Other options include Santo’s Restaurant and Lounge or the Italian Centre Shop. Generally speaking though, if you’re looking for some pre- or post-game entertainment or dining, you’ll be much better off heading elsewhere. Fans 4 Eskimos fans are used to success. A steady string of superstars and championships has made this franchise one of the crown jewels of the CFL. However, poor seasons in 2010, 2012 and 2013 dropped attendance down from over 37,000 per game in 2008 to around 32,000 in 2013, and they’ve stayed at about that number since then. Putting over 30,000 people in the stands still means the Eskies are one of the best-attended teams in the CFL, so they have a huge core group of fans who will show up rain or shine, win or lose. As noted above, the crowd seems relatively sparse in a stadium as big as Commonwealth Stadium, but credit where credit is due, the crowd noise can jump to over 90 decibels wherever you sit in the stands when something exciting happens, as the fans are very enthusiastic and engaged. Many people in the crowd are proudly wearing their green-and-gold attire, and that means that the fans in attendance are true fans who are with their team through thick or thin. Access 4 Don’t bother bringing your vehicle to Commonwealth Stadium; you won’t have anywhere to put it – parking at the stadium is extremely limited. You can try to find a neighborhood street that doesn’t require a permit to park, but those are few and far between. If you do need to drive to the area you can park at Northlands Park, a couple kilometres north east of Commonwealth Stadium, for $16 ($10 if you’re a season-ticket holder). From there it’s just a single stop south on the Light Rail Transit system to get where you’re going. Your best option, far and away, is simply sticking with public transit. The Eskimos have a long-standing agreement with the Edmonton Transit System (ETS); anyone with a game ticket gets to ride for free before and after the game. There are a number of express buses from several malls around town, but your best bet remains the LRT system – the train has a stop right outside the east side of the stadium. Do be aware that only a few train stops have Park and Ride lots (as noted above, you can use Northlands as well), so if your plan is to do just that, you’ll want to be sure to hit one of the locations where you can actually drop off your wheels. For people who are planning to buy their tickets at the stadium, ETS fares are only $3.25 for adults, so your trip there will still have a pretty reasonable price tag. Bonus props to the stadium for seeming quite spacious once inside. With the offset concessions areas, the concourse never seems particularly crowded, even at half time and at the end of the game, as the fans were filing out en masse; definitely a plus, especially if big crowds make you a little antsy. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $35 to $117, with many seats significantly discounted for youths. You can also grab seats in the south-most sections, known as the Save-On-Foods Family Huddle, for $28.50 (these tickets are available at Edmonton Save-On-Foods stores). This is by no means the cheapest place to see a CFL game, but still quite reasonable to watch a professional sports team. Odds are that you will see an entertaining game in a comfortable, energetic place, so Commonwealth Stadium is a good investment. Extras 5 The Eskimos have their primary team store located adjacent to their offices at the south end of the stadium, but there are also two very well-appointed locations inside the concessions areas off the east and west concourses. There are also a number of other, smaller kiosks around the concourse (and outside as well), so there’s lots of access to all the green-and-gold stuff you could ever want. There is a massive video screen located on the north end of the stadium providing game info and replays. This is a recent upgrade from an almost-equally massive screen that had been there. Unfortunately, the screen is almost impossible to see from the north-most upper deck sections, so if you want a view of the screen, stay away from sections EE, FF, NN, and OO (to be fair, these sections are generally not open for regular season games, so it shouldn’t be a problem most of the time). As noted above, there is a great sense of team history around the stadium, with numerous reminders of great teams and great players from the Eskimos past – this is a definite bonus to see as you look around the facility. During breaks in the action, the Eskimos Cheer Team and mascots Punter and Nanook keep people entertained. The Cheer Team dance, cheer, and perform acrobatics between plays, and also have a couple full-blown routines per game out on the field during longer stoppages. Punter and Nanook make their way around the field and visit in the stands, entertaining the kids and helping out with giveaways and contests during the game. Another feature for families is Brickley’s Knothole Corner. With the purchase of special seat tickets in Knothole Corner area in the south west corner of the stadium, families have access to a variety of kid-friendly activities. There are recycling bins in a number of locations around Commonwealth Stadium, so fans can make sure their waste is diverted away from landfills whenever possible. Final Thoughts The Edmonton Eskimos are unquestionably one of the class organizations of the CFL, and a class organization deserves a quality home. The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium delivers as a great place to take in a football game.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Philadelphia and cheesesteaks go hand in hand. This iconic sandwich is practically synonymous with the city, much like pizza is to New York. The cheesesteak's origins can often be traced back to the 1930s, with the Olivieri brothers often credited for its creation. Their hot dog stand in South Philly saw the birth of this delicious invention: a sandwich with thinly sliced ribeye steak fried with onions on a long Italian roll. The key ingredient, however, arrived a decade later. In the 1940s, a manager at the Olivieri brothers' restaurant is said to have added melted provolone cheese to the mix, solidifying the cheesesteak's place in Philly's culinary history. For tourists, the Oliveri's stand, Pat's, and their neighbors, Geno's, unfairly steal the cheesesteak spotlight. Their prime location across from each other and their long-standing rivalry make them a popular destination. The truth is, many Philadelphians swear by other cheesesteak joints scattered throughout the city. These shops often boast more unique variations on the classic cheesesteak, with different cheeses, toppings, and roll options. So, if you're looking for a more authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, it's worth venturing beyond Pat's and Geno's. Ask locals for their recommendations or seek out shops with a strong reputation in different neighborhoods. You might just discover your own favorite cheesesteak hidden gem. This writer prefers Philip's Steaks on Passyunk or Tony and Nick's Steaks on Oregon. Tony and Nick's Steaks is a nice quick trip off of I-95, so quick that it is located almost directly under that major highway. It is also the Original Tony Luke's cheesesteak shop but with some family drama, compounded by an IRS fraud case, caused a name change. You will still find other locations branded as Tony Luke's around the area and at the ballpark. Tony and Nick's is also a good stop if on the way to an event at the nearby 2300 Arena , the former ECW Arena. With all this food glory, can you find a good sandwich at Citizen Bank Park ? We decided to explore this situation at a game we attended recently. We found three strong cheesesteak options, along with a few more different types of offerings. Since we talked about Tony Luke's earlier we decided to stop at their stand along the concourse. They offer a very good version of the iconic item for $15.99, which is not much higher than other locations in the area. This stand also offers a fine Roast Pork sandwich, another local favorite. Located not far away is another legitimate option in Campo's. This is a popular family-run eatery serving up cheesesteaks, hoagies & specialty sandwiches since 1947 in the area. The ballpark location also sells its famous beef or chicken option known as "The Heater". This option is known as the official cheesesteak of the Phillies, as well as the 76ers, and Flyers, and takes it up a notch with jalapeños, buffalo wing hot sauce, and jalapeño cheddar. Uncle Charlie's Steaks, in a small stand behind Section 109, named after 2008 world champion Charlie Manuel, has a good option served with Herr's potato chips for $17.99. Those are the three main options but you can get a Cauliflower Cheese Steak, with Roasted Cauliflower, Poblano Peppers, Vegan Cheese Sauce, and Sauteed Onions on a Vegan Roll, at Harry the K's restaurant. This is a good healthy option. An option for those with gluten issues is the Gluten-Free Dedicated Stand behind section 122. There is a gluten-free cheesesteak, along with other options such as hot dogs, salads, and brownies. The answer to our question, can you get a good Philly Cheesesteak at Citizen Bank Park, we say the answer is very much a yes. This doesn't mean you couldn't ( and likely should) get another sandwich before or after the game as well. You only live once.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Villanova Ballpark at Plymouth Walton Road Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462 Villanova Wildcats website Villanova Ballpark at Plymouth website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 750 Nova Nation Baseball in Plymouth Meeting Villanova Ballpark at Plymouth is the home of the Villanova University Wildcats baseball team. For years, the Wildcats played on-campus, but this ballpark opened about ten minutes off-campus in 2003 in a park run by Plymouth Township. The Wildcats baseball team dates back to 1866, although they have made the Division I Tournament only twice, most recently in 1991. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small concession stand run out of a portable cart behind the press box, but options are quite limited. Candy and cookies are $4, chips, soda, and bottled water are all $3, and Powerade is by far the most expensive option at $8. Fans are also free to bring their own food and drink, and most choose to do that option, or simply eat before the game. There are also a couple of vending machines selling drinks down the right field line near a small pavilion and the port-a-potties. If the cart is not there for whatever reason, fans can use those. Atmosphere 2 Villanova Ballpark at Plymouth Meeting has a very basic layout. There are two small sets of bleachers, one down each line, as well as a grassy area down the first base line where fans will bring their own chairs or stand and watch the game from there. There is no seating behind home plate as that is where the press box is. One interesting quirk is that due to the topography of the area, the front row of the bleachers is about eight feet above the the fact that it is roughly level with the parking lot and entrance. This leads to some unique viewing angles, although you will still be close to the action regardless. A small scoreboard in the outfield shows the linescore and other basic information. The good news is the stadium is covered in Villanova banners and other signage for the Wildcats. Unlike many off-campus stadiums, this truly feels like the Wildcats' home. Other than the game, there is not a lot going on. There is music played during breaks in the action but that is about it. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is located less than a mile from the Plymouth Meeting Mall, which has almost a million square feet of shopping, restaurants, and other places to hang out. Redstone American Grill and Miller's Ale House are two places worth checking out there, but there are many others as well. The Villanova campus is about a ten minute drive away, and downtown Philadelphia is about half an hour, but there are plenty of options here in Plymouth Meeting, and many hotels as well. Most of them are even within walking distance of the park. Fans 2 Villanova draws a couple hundred fans a game, which may not seem like much until you consider that the stadium only seats 750. The bleachers can get pretty full during weekend games, and the fans who show up are a mix of friends and family of the players and other Villanova fans from the surrounding area. If they are playing a Big East foe like Seton Hall or Georgetown which is pretty close by, expect to see a lot of visiting fans as well. Ultimately, this is your standard northeastern baseball crowd. Despite the stands being fairly full, the crowd is not that loud, which is disappointing but not too unexpected. Access 2 Villanova Ballpark at Plymouth Meeting is just off of I-278 via Exit 333. However, you may have to sit in mall traffic to get from the exit to the stadium, or going back out after the game. Make sure you turn in the right place, as there is no sign, and if you turn where there is a sign, you will be at the community center around the corner, not in the right place. There is a paved lot fans can park in, and if that fills up (and it will) fans can park in a grass overflow lot adjacent to it. There are no permanent restrooms at the ballpark, but there are a couple of port-a-potties down the right field line by the small pavilion and vending machines. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Villanova baseball games is free to sit up close to the action, parking is free, and concessions are affordable if limited other than the absurdly overpriced Powerade. This makes a trip to a Villanova baseball game a great value. Extras 2 Check out the numbers on the outfield fence honoring Villanova greats of years past. Although these are officially "retired jerseys" and the numbers are reissued, it is nice to see them honor history. There are free dog treats available in a bin behind the press box for fans who bring their furry friends to the game. Final Thoughts Villanova Ballpark at Plymouth Meeting is a basic college baseball stadium and is certainly nothing fancy. However, baseball fans in the Philadelphia area will find it an affordable and enjoyable way to take in some baseball on an afternoon in the spring.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Innovative Field One Morrie Silver Way Rochester, NY 14608 Rochester Red Wings website Innovative Field website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 13,500 The Rochester Miracle Wings Rochester, New York is the quintessential minor league city. There are few places around the country that offer a full-complement of minor league sports like Rochester does, with little competition from the big leagues or big-time colleges. At the center of Rochester’s sports identity is the Rochester Red Wings of Minor League Baseball’s International League. The Red Wings are currently the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals and have been around since 1899. The Red Wings were saved in 1957 after their affiliation with the St. Louis Cardinals ended and it looked like baseball in Rochester was for naught. Morrie Silver led the 72 Day Miracle, which sold over 8,000 shares to over 200 shareholders to purchase the team and stadium and keep Rochester baseball strong. Members of the Silver family still work for the Red Wings and the street outside Frontier Field is named Morrie Silver Way. Since 1989 the home for the Red Wings has been Frontier Field. Replacing venerable Silver Stadium, Frontier Field has also been home to soccer and lacrosse. The Red Wings experience offers plenty to the baseball fan and is a must-do for baseball fans. Note: Frontier Field’s name is changing to Innovative Field during the 2022 off-season. Food & Beverage 5 Frontier Field offers some of the best concessions in baseball. There are numerous concession stands and each one has a unique menu. All of the ballpark favourites are present, of course, and there are some local favourites as well. Altobelli’s Deli offers some sub and wrap deli options; Red Osier has the Western New York staple Beef on Weck, and variations of the sandwich; Ice Cream Plus has a host of different ice cream options; Sup Dog offers Zweigle’s hot dogs and sausages. Burgers, pizza and nachos are also available at different stands. For something truly unique to Rochester, fans should head to Home Plate for a Trash Can, the Frontier Field take on the Garbage Plate. The 10th Inning bar area has a whole host of local craft beers and local Genesee beer can be found throughout the park also. Labatt Blue, which is popular in Western New York, is also prevalent in the park. It is hard to fathom that there is anything that a fan would want to eat at the ballpark that can’t be found at Frontier Field. Atmosphere 4 Frontier Field will not awe fans with striking beauty or a bevy of unique features. That being said, Frontier Field is a solid ballpark that has everything that fans would want in a Minor League Baseball experience. The exterior of the stadium is not imposing. A simple design that features a sunken field and to go with the red brick is more functional than beautiful. Frontier Field incorporates what was once an old firehouse on the left field side of the stadium for offices. Fans who enter the front gate, behind home plate, will be welcomed first by Rochester baseball legend, Morrie Silver and a couple kids, in bronze statue form. There are also some original seats from old Silver Stadium that can be used as a meeting place for friends and family. Upon entering the stadium, fans will find more items to catch their attention. A statue of a horse made of baseball gloves, a large red wing bird and a classic bullpen cart all sit right outside of the team store, which is on the left of the main gate. The main concourse has banners for honoured members of the Red Wings including Johnny Oates, Cal Ripken Jr., Luke Easter, Morrie Silver and Mr. Rochester Baseball, Joe Altobelli. The Red Wings Hall of Fame can be found on the right field side and is worth some exploring for members of memories past. Also, a high school baseball hall of fame can be found. Upon exiting, on the left field side, fans can pass the bronze statue of Joe Altobelli. The seating bowl for Frontier Field is a separated, two tier seating area with some of the left and right field side seating covered with some sun protection. Alternative seating including berms, pavilion and picnic areas are also available. The sightlines at Frontier Field are excellent; there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Frontier Field has videoboard beyond both left Center and right Center field. They are probably coming to the end of their lives, but do the job. Often, videoboards try to cram so much information on at a time that the result is text that is too small to easily see. The Red Wings are not guilty of this and feature pitching statistics on one board and hitting statistics on the other. The outfield wall in left Center displays the retired numbers of Jackie Robinson, Luke Easter, Joe Altobelli and Morrie Silver. The number 8,222 represents the original number of shares in Rochester baseball that were sold to keep a Minor League team in the city. The ten Governors’ Cup Championships are on display on the wall in right center. The gameday atmosphere is not over-the-top in Rochester as it is in other Minor League venues. The staple promos are there including the mascot race (featuring Joe Altobelli, Luke Easter and Cal Ripken Jr.), 50/50 draw and other promos. Organ music is still a staple at Red Wings games and organist Fred Costello has been at it for a long time. Neighbourhood 4 Frontier Field is located near Downtown Rochester, just outside of the Inner Loop in the Brown Square neighbourhood. There are a few options that are close to Frontier Field, but the best bet is to hop in the car and take a two or three minute drive to the preferred destination. Some options fans may consider include the Genesee Brew House, 809 Sports Bar and Rocky’s. Over by the Blue Cross Arena, fans will find the old train station that is currently home to the Stadium Journey favourite Dinosaur BBQ. Also, it may be of interest to hit up the founder of the Garbage Plate, Nick Tahou Hots. Other sporting options in Rochester would include the Rochester Americans of the AHL and Rochester Knighthawks of the NLL. Fans could also head to Henrietta to take in some RIT Tigers hockey at the Gene Polisseni Center. The other main attraction that fans must absolutely consider taking in is The Strong National Museum of Play which is fantastic! For fans wishing to stay near the ballpark, the Holiday Inn and Hyatt are among options that are not too far away. Fans 4 The Rochester Red Wings maintain a strong attendance and have the longevity to be envious of. The Red Wings consistently average in the top 20 in all of Minor League Baseball. They usually attract over 6,000 fans per game. Normally the fans are fairly laid back and reserved, but know when to make some noise as the intelligent baseball fans that they are. Access 5 Frontier Field is located in Brown Square in Rochester, at the junction of the Inner Loop highway and I-490. Getting to the ballpark is pretty easy. If you are interested in public transit to the ballpark, the Rochester-Genesee Transit Authority has buses that travel on Broad, Main, Plymouth and State Streets. Check out the RTS website for maps, schedules and fares. There is plenty of parking available for Red Wing games in the lots of the Kodak Tower. Parking goes for only a few dollars and the local police do a great job of making it easy to get in and out of the parking lots. The main ticketing gates are behind homeplate, in the main square by Morrie Silver Way. At times lineups can be a bit of an issue for the late purchasing crowd, so being prepared is always a good idea. Another gate for entry is near the old fire station at Morrie Silver Way and Plymouth Ave, in left field. Getting around the stadium is no problem at all. There is a spacious inner concourse, where all of the concessions can be found and an outer concourse to travel by as well. There are also plenty of washroom facilities. Return on Investment 5 With ticket prices at $13 to $17, discounted for presale, the Rochester Red Wings offer an extremely affordable product that is what every baseball fan is looking for. Parking will go for $6 ot $10 and concession prices are not over the top. The environment and laid back feeling at Red Wings games is excellent. Overall, the return on investment for a Red Wings game is fantastic! Extras 3 An extra mark for organist Fred Costello, who in 2022 set a record for his 46th season as organist of the Red Wings, the longest-reigning sports organist in history. An extra mark for Morrie Silver and the 72 Day Miracle that saved baseball in Rochester and made the Red Wings a truly community team. An extra mark for the view of the iconic Kodak building beyond left field. Although Kodak is no longer, the building is currently used by Monroe Community College. Final Thoughts The Rochester Red Wings are a cornerstone franchise in the International League. They have weathered the ups and downs of Minor League Baseball and come out the other end still strong. Fans looking for a solid baseball experience that will offer tremendous value should absolutely check out the Rochester Red Wings at Frontier Field. Morrie will be glad you came! Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Loeb Stadium 1915 Scott St. Lafayette, IN 47904 Lafayette Aviators website Loeb Stadium website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 2,600 Welcome to the New Loeb Stadium From 1940 to 2019, the original Loeb Stadium in Lafayette, Indiana, was the home for baseball. It served as home to the Lafayette-Jefferson High School baseball program, the Colt World Series, various minor league baseball teams, and since 2016 the Lafayette Aviators of the Prospect League. That changed when the ground broke on August 27, 2019, on a new ballpark that would open for the 2021 high school baseball season. The $22 million renovation plan would include a press box, multiple concession stands, and bathrooms, stadium seats, a terrace level with hospitality suites, and new turf. The grandstand was rotated 180 degrees from its original position, and its main entrance is now at the corner of Main and Waters Street. The new ballpark also houses a video scoreboard, a beer garden, and a wraparound concourse. Construction took 19 months, which included a three-week shutdown for the pandemic, in April 2020. On March 31, 2020, the first event took place when the Lafayette-Jefferson Brochos debuted at the ballpark. The construction was paid using an economic development income tax, rather than property tax. Its development hopes to serve as a gateway to visitors to the downtown corridor about three miles north of the stadium. The high school team will be the primary tenant during the springtime and house tournaments, summer collegiate ball, and hopefully a soccer club. Food & Beverage 3 Two main concession stands offer the same variety of ballpark staples and include hot dogs, hamburgers, nachos, chicken finger baskets, fries, and beverages. There are a few kiosks around the concourse that feature flavored ice. People’s Brewery Company sponsors the beer garden in the right-field corner. The prices range from $4 for a hot dog to $7 for a grilled chicken sandwich. The beer prices appear to be a better value, with four varieties of People’s costing $6 for a draft and three more varieties in a 12-ounce can for the same price. Bud, Miller, Coors, and Yuengling cans and drafts are $5 at the two concession stands. Atmosphere 4 A packed house welcomed the Aviators to their new digs, with the local Lafayette-Jefferson High School band playing outside the stadium as part of the pre-game festivities. Once through the gates, staff members welcome you with a souvenir plastic cup, and plenty of local business people with tables hawking their services. Before the game, the crowd watched the mayor throwing out the first pitch, three skydivers landing onto the field amid reddish smoke, and the team mascot Ace arriving by a makeshift landplane. The audience was ready for summer collegiate baseball in its fancy, modern baseball facility. The design of the stadium, similar to other ballparks, bears a striking resemblance to the nearby Kokomo Municipal Stadium . However, with only a 2,600 capacity, compared to Kokomo’s 4,000, the New Loeb feels just about ideal for summer collegiate baseball. American Structurepoint was the architect behind both buildings, and there were a few notes of inspiration taken for their latest project in Lafayette. According to its website, The design takes its inspiration from the stadium’s original 1940s-era Art Deco architecture by using architectural precast concrete colonnades, traditional brick facades, and exposed structural steel. The colors of sandstone, dark brown, and brick provide an eye-popping aesthetic and break away from the ballpark colors of brick red and forest green. Fans can also enjoy a walk around the entire concourse which includes a well-balanced lawn seating area behind the left-field wall and a beautiful view of the Tropicanoe Cove water slide. However, as you make your way to the right-field side, the playing field is cut off by a narrow walkway and tall screen protection from fly balls crashing into the nearby Columbia Park offices and parking lot. The Aviators official team store is located near the entrance, offering an array of merchandise from replica jerseys, team caps, mini baseball bats, and both men's and women's t-shirts. Many at the ballpark snatched up quite a bit that include ball caps starting at $20. Neighborhood 3 Loeb Stadium is adjacent to the Tropicanoe Cove Waterpark and Columbian Park Zoo. It is also about three and a half miles away from the campus of Purdue University. The zoo features close to 200 animals, and the cost is free, but donations are encouraged. The rest of the park offers walking and biking trails, playgrounds for the children, shelters, and picnic areas. Within the visibility of the outfield walls are two popular spots before or after the game: Arni’s Pizza and Original Frozen Custard. The custard stand has been a tradition since 1932, featuring custard, milkshakes, hot dogs, tenderloin sandwiches, phosphates, and Coca-Cola drinks flavored with marshmallows and Tiger Blood (coconut and cherry) syrups. It’s the perfect place for a pre-game meal and a post-game dessert. If you would like to venture around the town of Lafayette, a few suggestions would be South Street Smokehouse, Black Sparrow, and East End Grille. Triple XXX Family Restaurant is a popular destination among locals and tourists and has been on Food Network. Their homemade root beer is worth a glass or two when in town for the game. Fans 4 A packed house was on hand for the Aviators home opener, others were there for a night out with friends and family, but others for a baseball game. The club has been around since 2016 and cemented itself within the community. Now, with a bright new building, they should feel great about having possibly the best ballpark in the Prospect League. Access 4 Getting around the stadium is simple, and there is more than enough room to maneuver to various areas in the building. If you still want to stay clear of a large audience, most, if not all, were without masks, grab a spot in the lawn section. There are also a couple of methods off I-65 to the ballpark, about 5 miles from each exit. A free parking lot is a couple of blocks south of the ballpark, and there is plenty of street parking in the surrounding neighborhood that consists of residential housing. The traffic runs smoothly, but arrive early for a close spot and do not park in the frozen custard parking lot where they charge $50 per car (it’s a joke, yet effective). Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is $8 for General Admission and $10 for reserved seating. The parking is free, the beer is between $5 and $6, and merchandise runs reasonably inexpensively. The only complaint might be the price of a hot dog at $4. When you add this all up, it’s quite a budget-friendly night of baseball. Extras 3 The New Loeb Stadium earns a point for its view of the water slide behind the left-field lawn seating, adding a sweet aesthetic to the game. The second point is for the custard stand, roughly the same distance from a throw from second to first base, which is a must either before or after the game. The last point is for the ballpark’s colors and comfort that is not too big and not too familiar to other buildings of its kind. Final Thoughts The New Loeb Stadium is everything the previous building wasn’t–modern, comfortable, and stylish. The ballpark should open up a great new tradition during the baseball season in Lafayette and provide a catalyst to host other events throughout the year. It’s an exciting place for a game that is cozy and friendly. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Gateway Center Arena at College Park 2330 Convention Center Concourse College Park, GA 30337 Atlanta Dream website Gateway Center Arena at College Park website Year Opened: 2019 Capacity: 3,500 A Dream Matchup In 2021 the Atlanta Dream moved into the brand-new Gateway Center Atlanta Arena in College Park, GA. The Arena is a mere ¼ mile from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Atlanta’s Southside. This location has earned the arena the nickname of “The Runway.” It is a part of the Gateway Center’s expansion, which includes a convention center, two hotels, and direct access to the airport via the Air Train people mover system. The Gateway Center Arena seats 3,500 fans, which fits into the WNBA trend of moving the “right size” of its franchises into smaller capacity venues. The Dream formerly played at the 10,000-seat McCamish Pavilion at Georgia Tech and the 18,000-seat State Farm Arena in downtown Atlanta. They were simply too big for the Dream’s needs, plus the Dream had to line up behind the primary tenants (i.e., the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the Atlanta Hawks) to establish their home schedule, which often left them with no weekend games and other unpopular dates. Now the team is the primary tenant in the new facility. The Atlanta Skyhawks, the G-League affiliate of the Hawks, also play at the Gateway Center Arena, but their two seasons do not overlap. The Dream now play in a much more intimate setting than their former homes. All seats in the new arena are located below the concourse level, with no seats further than 18 rows from the court. The new layout also allows for much more lucrative courtside seats than they had in past homes. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage programs have also been right-sized with the move to the Gateway Center Arena. There is now one primary concession stand on each side of the court, plus several product-specific culinary carts along the concourses on each side of the action. The program also benefits from the fact that stands are managed by vendors located on the Southside of Atlanta so that attendees are purchasing their food and beverages from companies they are familiar with. The Hangar stand sells hamburgers, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, grilled chicken club sandwiches, smoked chicken hoagies, nachos, pizza slices, pretzels, candy, and popcorn. Post Oak BBQ features pulled pork sandwiches, smoked brisket, and hushpuppies. The sides include waffle fries, chips, and cookies. Coca-Cola beverages are sold at both stands, along with bottled water, coffee, and energy drinks. There is a full-service bar set up in the lobby. Atmosphere 4 The Dream has used the move to rebrand and refresh its look. This includes new court graphics and a new color scheme for their uniforms. The move to the Southside has also allowed it to be more focused in its marketing efforts. Its previous bases in the Midtown and downtown Atlanta had them in direct competition with Georgia Tech, the Atlanta Hawks, and other major events going on in the area. New branding for Atlanta Dream, Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey They now market heavily in the Southside area of Atlanta. This has been a very underserved section of town for sports teams. The Dream marketing team has done a terrific job in the recruitment of civic organizations, church groups, and youth leagues for both season ticket sales and individual games, where a specific community group can be that night’s honoree. This has been very successful in getting the Southside to adopt the Dream as their “home team”. In return, the Dream has members of the team attend community events and appear at schools in the area to further cement the team’s outreach to the area. Thus far these efforts have been wildly successful, with near-capacity crowds at the games. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhoods in and around the Gateway Center Arena have been adopted by the team, and work closely with area clubs and organizations on projects that are important to improving the quality of life in the area. The “neighborhood” can also be expanded to include the many passengers and attendees that are staying at one of the two hotels on the property, as well as groups and individuals attending conferences at the convention center. The marketing team often does group sales as a “night out with the Dream” to conventions taking place at the center. While most of the attractions in town are in the Downtown Atlanta area, the Southside also is home to some major attractions. These include the hometown Delta Airlines Flight Museum, the museum at the Chick-fil-A corporate headquarters, and Tyler Perry’s film studios, which is less than two miles from the arena. Some of the stars from these films are known to attend Dream games. Both College Park and East Point feature some terrific dining options. Fans 4 The Dream’s decision to really focus on the Southside has really worked, as attendance is way up when compared with the team’s previous homes. The community surrounding the arena now claims the team as “their own.” In addition, the team has been very involved in outreach to Atlanta’s large LGBTQ community. This population has never been heavily recruited by the other major sports teams in the area, and they have responded very well to the team’s recruiting of their community. Each Dream game is filled with recognition of the groups in attendance that night on the scoreboard. They also fill breaks in the action with fan participation games. This really ties the team and the fans together. The fans are the team’s “sixth player” in close games, making so much noise that it makes it difficult for the visiting team to communicate. Access 4 The team’s new home is a dream to get to, as it offers multiple transportation options. If you are flying into Atlanta, you can simply take the free Plane Train to the Gateway Convention Center station and walk a short distance to the arena. You can also take the MARTA rail system to the airport from anywhere in Atlanta to the airport station and transfer for free to the Plane Train. The Gateway Center Arena is also easy to get to via Atlanta’s ring road (I-285) Take I-285 South and take Exit #2 (Camp Creek Parkway). Turn left on Camp Creek Parkway, then take a right at the red light for Convention Center Concourse. Once at the arena access is excellent. There is one main entrance into the arena, with multiple lanes available. Doors open one hour before tipoff. The signage is very clear in guiding you to your seats. All seats are below the very wide concourses. Return on Investment 3 The Dream offers a wide variety of price points for tickets. The cheapest seats are located behind the nets at the north end of the court, and they go for $23. The seats on the corners are $35, and the seats on the sides of the court cost $44. The most expensive seats in the house are courtside seats just a few feet from the action. They cost $105 or more. Parking at Dream games is $10. You can also take the MARTA bus or rail system for $5 roundtrip to the arena. The concession prices at Gateway Center Arena are much lower than other sports venues in the Atlanta area. Extras 2 The Dream work very closely with community organizations to offer free or discounted tickets to populations who are less fortunate. The Dream works very closely with the civil rights organizations in the area on furthering Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of a more equitable society during the MLK holiday observances in his hometown. Final Thoughts The Atlanta Dream finally has a home of its own for the first time in its 15 years of existence. It is working closely with its neighbors to make professional sports more accessible to communities on the Southside of Atlanta.

Photos by Steve Ohnsman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 C.O. Brown Stadium 1392 Capital Ave. NE Battle Creek, MI 49017 Battle Creek Battle Jacks website C.O. Brown Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 2,300 Bombs Away in Battle Creek Note: Since Stadium Journey's visit in 2019, the organization changed the name of the team from the Battle Creek Bombers to the Battle Creek Battle Jacks. John W. Bailey Park, located on the north side of Battle Creek, Michigan, has a rather unique history. Local sources claim the park has been a home for baseball since 1895. It was home to the Stan Musial World Series for nearly 60 years and has been the host for other youth baseball organizations’ tournaments. The Battle Creek Belles played here in the early 1950’s as a member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The park hosted Michigan high school semi-final and final rounds of both baseball and softball championships for many years. In 1990, Cooper Orthniel “C. O.” Brown Stadium was constructed with an “old-school” feel to it with mostly bleacher-style seats. That year, they hosted the American Amateur Baseball Congress national championship. However, it was essentially dormant until 1995 when the Midwest League Michigan Battlecats moved in and called the stadium home for 8 years, followed by other Midwest League teams that included the Battle Creek Yankees (2003-2004)and the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays (2005-2006). In 2007, the Battle Creek Bombers team was created as a member of the summer college wood bat Northwoods League. In 2016, a renovation reduced seating capacity from 4,000 to 2,300, added the now “Home Plate Club” featuring half-moon tables with four seats from Camden Yards and a special menu, along with the “Champions Club” which runs along the first and third base lines and offers food/beverage railing. Tarpaulins covered bleacher seats on the first base (sun field) side, A “Party Deck” in the left field corner offers service to groups. After accepting the Democratic party nomination, Barack Obama and Joe Biden held a rally at the stadium, reportedly drawing 15,000 people. Food & Beverage 3 Overall, the food and beverages offered here provide limited options. Fans must leave their seats and go down a ramp to the stand. No vendors to the seats. On a Monday night, one concession stand on the third base side was open for general fans and another near the entrance served the Championship Club fans. Standard fare such as $3.50 hot dogs, $4 brats, $4.25 burgers and $4.75 pulled chicken sandwiches along with chips, popcorn, cotton candy, ice cream and Pepsi products for $3.50 to $5. Local brewer Territorial Brewing Company offers a few great beers, along with Blake’s Hard Cider, for $5 and $9. Unless a fan goes for the $28 Champions Club option with all-you-can-eat food plus 3 vouchers for beer or wine, I’d recommend a restaurant in town. Atmosphere 2 The stadium was designed with an idea that it would be “old school” with many bleacher seats and an aluminum roof. Some fans will likely enjoy this as a return to the good old days, while others will miss modern aesthetics. After entering the stadium, fans walk up a ramp to the seats which are all raised above the field. A few seats close to the field are fixed/molded plastic with metal arm supports; they are not very comfortable. No cup-holders are provided. Sight lines are very good except for the seats behind metal roof support pillars. Standing water under seats and along the narrow concourse should have been removed before the game started. We recommend seats behind home plate and third base; the first few rows of seats behind first have to deal with the setting sun. The large scoreboard in left-center field provides only a basic line score; no video screens are offered. They have a good sound system. Standard on-field entertainment is provided between innings. A fun note: a little girl was supposed to run around the bases starting at home plate; instead, she ran to first and second, then turned back to first and home. The playing field needs some work – the gray infield soil and poorly-edged grass lack appeal. Neighborhood 3 C.O. Brown Stadium is set in the middle of a large park, surrounded by several baseball and softball fields, two miles north of downtown and seven miles north of I-94. There are a few fast food restaurants within walking distance. Well rated restaurants include Kitchen Proper and Umami Ramen downtown and Hogzilla Barbecue south of town serves up some great que. Territorial Brewing Company is west of town, serving excellent craft beer and food. Attractions include Binder Park Zoo south of I-94, the Kellogg Discovery Center near downtown, and the Leila Arboretum which includes the Fantasy Forest featuring fascinating wood carvings. The best bet for quality lodging is to choose a hotel south of Battle Creek along I-94, such as the Fairfield Inn and Hampton Inn. Fans 2 The Bombers’ average attendance is currently 795, just ahead of Thunder Bay with 792 at the bottom of the league. Typical of some college summer league teams, a few fans passionately support their team, but most are in groups or family/friends of the players. Access 3 Plan on driving 10 to 15 minutes from I-94 to the stadium via I-194 and Capitol Avenue. Plenty of free parking is available in adjacent grass/dirt lots. There is one ticket booth with the entrance to the right. Physically challenged fans can use ramps to go up to the seats from the entrance. The concourse is relatively narrow but works for typical crowds. Older, functional bathrooms are at ground level. Return on Investment 3 Box seats are $12 and bleach seats go for $8. A free program containing the team roster and schedule is handed out to arriving fans. Free parking is always appreciated. The food and beer prices are very reasonable. A small space houses team shirts, hats and paraphernalia. Extras 1 One point for the fascinating history of the park and stadium.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Leary Field 175 Parrott Ave. Portsmouth, NH 03801 Leary Field website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 1,000 Baseball on the Seacoast Baseball has been played at the site of Leary Field in downtown Portsmouth, NH since the late 1800’s. Originally named South Playground, the field was renamed after Portsmouth mayor John J. Leary in 1956. Leary Field is located in a residential neighborhood within walking distance of downtown Portsmouth. Named one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” by ForbesTraveler.com and ranked fourth in Outside Magazine’s “Top 20 Towns in America”, Portsmouth is nationally recognized as a top vacation destination. The Mavericks are a charter member of the Futures League, having previously played their home games at Bert George Field on the campus of Spaulding High School in neighboring Rochester. The club moved to downtown Portsmouth for the 2013 season, investing $50,000 in Leary Field to build new dugouts, seating areas, and other improvements to the facility. Now in their fifth season, the Mavericks have yet to reach the playoffs. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand located underneath the main grandstand, which offers your basic ballpark fare. Hot dogs ($2.50), pizza slices ($2.00/2.50), and nachos ($3.00) are the featured items. Local favorite Napoli Deli offers half-sandwiches ($3), and kids meals are sold here, served on a Mavericks Frisbee ($5). An extensive list of snacks are available, including popcorn ($1), peanuts ($2), caramel corn ($3), and cotton candy ($3). In addition, candy such as ring pops, freeze pops, and the like are sold, including the cheapest concession item this writer has ever seen at a ball game, a piece of double bubble gum sold for five cents. Thirsty Mavericks fans can choose from cans of Pepsi products ($1.50), Gatorade ($2), Red Bulls ($3), or bottled water ($1). Alcoholic beverages are not sold at Leary Field. Atmosphere 2 Fans used to the in your face, boisterous atmosphere present at most baseball games today will be surprised at the laid-back presentation at a Seacoast Mavericks game. The presence of the PA is limited to simple announcements of upcoming batters and lineup changes. Music is played between innings and batters, but unless you are sitting right near the PA announcer, you probably won’t even hear it. There is an emcee who handles what between innings contests are held for the children in attendance. Water balloon tosses and chase the mascot races are held, but distractions are held to a minimum here. Baseball purists will enjoy the atmosphere, but many fans will have to get used to the bare bones presentation. As is the case with most summer collegiate games, the crowd is made up primarily of families. Part of the fun at a Mavericks game is watching the children run around in the vast grassy areas of the first base side. Many of the children in attendance spend most of their day chasing foul balls around Leary Field, and can be as entertaining as the action taking place on the field. Neighborhood 5 Portsmouth is a small city of just over 21,000 residents located on the New Hampshire seacoast. This historic seaport and summer tourist destination is located about an hour north of Boston. Leary Field is located in a residential neighborhood just a short walk from downtown. This downtown area is loaded with restaurants, shops, and attractions. History buffs will enjoy attractions such as the USS Albacore Museum, which features one of the Navy’s first nuclear submarines, and Strawbery Banke, a historic museum featuring homes and exhibits from colonial times. Fans interested in culinary pursuits will undoubtedly enjoy downtown’s several eateries and brew pubs, with Portsmouth Brewery, among others, all located within a few city blocks. For visiting fans looking for a different kind of dining experience, The Friendly Toast features unique breakfast food all day long served in a kitschy setting. There are many lodging options downtown for fans wanting to stay in Portsmouth, but fans interested in saving a few dollars may opt for one of the hotels located away from downtown by the rotary. Kittery, Maine is located just across the Piscataqua River, and boasts many attractions of its own. Fans 1 Since moving downtown for the 2013 season, the Mavericks have averaged just shy of 400 fans per game, consistently ranking them near the bottom of the Futures League attendance rankings. Based on the crowd present for a Sunday afternoon game, these figures are greatly inflated. Access 2 Leary Field is located a couple of blocks from downtown Portsmouth, but can be difficult to find when driving. Most visitors to Portsmouth will arrive by Interstate 95. The Market Street exit will bring drivers downtown, where it will be necessary to navigate many of downtown’s narrow streets to find Leary Field. Portsmouth is a very walkable city, but can be tough to drive in for out of towners. Fans coming to Portsmouth for a Mavericks game can park on the streets that surround the field, or to better save your windshield, in the parking lot beyond the outfield next to the Library and Middle School. This lot is a short walk from the field, and also free of charge. Once inside Leary Field, fans can sit in the old covered grandstand, which sits close behind home plate and offers spectacular views of downtown in the distance. Fans not wishing to look through fencing often choose a set of metal bleachers on the third base side, which are not obstructed by any netting. There is plenty of room all around the field for fans to sit at one of many picnic tables on the first base side, or to spread out on their own blankets or lawn chairs. Fans should be warned that while the area behind the concourse is paved, access to much of the field requires navigating dirt paths or grassy areas. Fans with unsteady gait may wish to stay in the grandstand area. There is a pair of small bathrooms located behind the main grandstand. Return on Investment 4 The Mavericks charge $5 for admission, with seniors and children receiving a $2 discount. Children under age 6 are admitted for free. Parking is free either on the streets surrounding Leary Field (just be aware of time restrictions if parking on-street), or in the large lot next to the public library and middle school. With inexpensive concessions, a night at a Seacoast Mavericks game is a very affordable entertainment option for baseball fans in the Portsmouth area. Extras 1 There isn’t a whole lot going on at Leary Field that can be considered extra. The Mavericks deserve kudos for going the extra yard for young visitors who attend games. During birthday parties at Leary Field, a couple of Mavericks players take time out of their day to greet the young fans and play catch with the birthday boy or girl. It’s a genuine touch that you won’t ever see in bigger ballparks. Judging by the smile on the birthday boy’s face, it’s a memory he won’t ever forget. Final Thoughts Playing in a league full of old minor league parks, Leary Field simply doesn’t measure up in terms of amenities. If you enjoy old-school charms and proximity to one of the country’s best small downtown areas, then Leary Field is the place for you. The Futures League currently ranks behind their New England summer collegiate brethren in the Cape Cod and New England Leagues, but the play and caliber of talent is improving quickly. The league just celebrated their initial first round pick, and 30 Futures League alumni were selected in the 2015 Major League Baseball Entry Draft. Going to a Futures League game is an affordable, attractive alternative to minor league games in the area. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Brian Jones, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Theodore A. Wright Stadium 3219 College St Savannah, GA 31404 Savannah State Tigers website Ted Wright Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 8,500 The Wright Place For The Tigers Ted A. Wright Stadium has been the home of the Savannah State Tigers since 1967. However, Savannah State made major renovations in 2010-2011, which included improved locker rooms, ticket booths, concession areas and new FieldTurf. While the team has struggled to find wins over the years, Ted Wright Stadium is not a bad place to watch a college football game. It’s not a big stadium, and it looks more like it would be home to a big high school football team in Georgia. However, because of the fan support, which includes a lively student section and loyal alumni, the stadium is a fun place to take in football game in South Georgia. Food & Beverage 3 Because there are only two concession stands in the entire stadium, there isn’t a wide variety of food to choose from. That said, the food is not expensive, and that is never a bad thing. The most you will spend for an item is $5, which is the wings catered by Bojangles’. The stands also include hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and candy, all ranging from $2-$4. Another good thing about the concession stands is the wait is never too long, as there are numerous people working in each stand. Atmosphere 2 Ted Wright Stadium looks like a field for a large high school football team in Georgia. One reason is that there is a track circled around the stadium, which has been around since the stadium was originally built. The other reason is the scoreboard, which does not have a screen to watch any replays or the game itself. When you add the two concession stands, the stadium just doesn’t have that Division I college football feel that it should. Neighborhood 4 Savannah State is located near the center of Savannah, so there is always something to do. With the city of Savannah featuring some of the best restaurants in the country, you will never go hungry. Elizabeth on 37th is a highly recommended place, as well as Sweet Spice. Since Savannah is located off the coast, the beach is another option for visitors. South Beach has been a fan favorite for years because it’s clean and peaceful. If the beach is not for you, there are various museums to visit, as well as churches that have been around since almost the beginning of time. If you go to Savannah, go to River Street. There are numerous shops, bars and restaurants to keep patrons occupied all day. Fans 4 I have to give the fans credit. For as much as the team has struggled in recent years, they are as lively of a crowd as you will find, especially the students. They wear the school colors with pride, they get to the game on time and they even start their own chants. In fact, they even start to do the wave, which is unusual, because the bleachers don’t circle around the stadium. The home bleachers are located on one side, and the away bleachers are located on the opposite side. The one thing that stands out is the endless amounts of tents set up in front of the stadium for tailgating. As many games I’ve been to, I’ve never seen anything like it. It’s clear the fans love their team and will support them no matter what. Access 3 Parking at Ted Wright Stadium is accessible. as it only costs $10 to park on campus. Because the stadium is located near the end of the campus, there are buses to take fans to and from the stadium. Because the stadium is not like a normal college stadium, access from one side of the stadium to the other is not hard. With the stadium not being very big, getting to and from your seat is a breeze, and the concourse is not a maze like other college stadiums. Savannah State is located in one of the bigger cities in Georgia. If you want to drive or fly to watch a game, that is not an issue, since the university is located minutes from the airport, as well as Interstate 16. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for a game won’t cost you an arm and a leg. For a single-game ticket, it will cost around $20-$30, which is not bad, considering the team has not been a hot commodity in several years. The best place to sit is where the students sit, which is right near the middle of the home bleachers. They know how to have a good time, regardless of how the team is playing. Extras 3 Right near the home bleachers is a place where fans can get Savannah State gear. When I was there, fans were stocking up on the shirts and hats, and they were also getting free stuff like water bottles and seat cushions. The marching band is also a fun sight, as they keep it lively all game long. They played songs that ranged from TLC’s “Waterfalls” to Jay-Z “Holy Grail” on the day I visited. WHCJ is the radio station that broadcasts all the games for Savannah State. If fans want to listen to the game while they are in the stands, they have that option. Final Thoughts Ted Wright Stadium isn’t the best college stadium in Georgia, but it’s not a bad stadium either. From the loyal fans to the entertaining band, there is never a dull moment. If the team was in a better position in terms of success, the stadium would be a tremendous place for a game. Regardless, if you are in the Savannah area and want to take in some football on a Saturday afternoon, Ted Wright Stadium is a solid place to do just that.

Photos by Richard Smith, Douglas Wood and Matthew Clegg, Stadium Journey. Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Memorial Stadium 1402 S 1st St Champaign, IL 61820 Illinois Fighting Illini website Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1923 Capacity: 60,670 Illinois Football: “Oskee Wow-Wow” Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, is home to the Illinois Fighting Illini football team, which competes in the Big Ten conference. Opened on November 3, 1923, Memorial Stadium sits at the south end of campus at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and boasts a capacity of 60,670 seats. The stadium has been the home of national championship-winning teams and iconic players such as legendary Illini and Bears players like Dick Butkus and Red Grange. Food & Beverage 3 When visiting Memorial Stadium, fans can expect a pretty traditional concessions experience. The essentials like hot dogs, sodas, popcorn, and nachos are all covered but are not always the highest quality. I found the food to be dry, especially the chicken tenders, but about what you would expect from stadium food. The various food vendors will have long lines, as with any major sporting event. The wait times can get particularly bad at halftime, but while the game is ongoing, the lines are much more bearable. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Memorial Stadium has been fantastic, coinciding with the team’s recent success. The Illini ranked for the first time since 2011, has begun to excite a fanbase that has been more used to witnessing disappointment than it has been to watching success. Memorial Stadium has a horseshoe design that loops around the field, with the student section placed separately from the rest of the seating at the north endzone. With students coming in droves to watch and support the team, the energy in the stadium is high, and the atmosphere is something special. The majority of the seats at the stadium are a basic bench design that doesn’t come with back support, and you will likely begin feeling the effects by the fourth quarter. Once the game kicks off, fans can expect to hear the signature ILL-INI chants in full swing. The giant jumbotron provides instant replays, score information, fan cam, and many other fun visuals during the experience, although it’s important to note that it is above the horseshoe seats at the south end of the stadium. It might be annoying to constantly turn around to see the giant screen behind you if you’re sitting in that section. Besides the game itself, a big draw for a lot of people coming to Memorial Stadium is to see the Marching Illini, one of the premier college bands in the country. The Marching Illini provides pregame and halftime entertainment and sits in front of the student section during the game. Expect to hear the signature ‘Oskee Wow Wow’ fight song played as well as a wide variety of songs in popular culture. You could go from hearing the alma mater ‘Hail to the Orange’ played to the famous ‘Imperial March from Star Wars. Even if things aren’t going so well on the field, the Marching Illini add a lot of extra enjoyment to the game day experience at Illinois. Neighborhood 4 Memorial Stadium is on campus, and the town is only a short drive away. While walking from the stadium into campus takes a little longer, it can be very well worth it due in large part to the scenery, especially if you visit in the fall. Taking a stroll through the main quad and passing by the statue of Alma Mater can top off a great day of Illini football (or calm the emotions in the case of a defeat). Green Street is a popular area that boasts a plethora of different places to eat and have a good time. There are many popular bars: Legends, Murphy’s Pub, and Joe’s Brewery, as well as KAMS and Red Lion, that are especially popular amongst the student population. There are a variety of choices, from sit-down restaurants to fast-food joints. Whether you’re in the mood for Chipotle or want to try some top-quality sushi at Sakanaya, the overall quality of food options nearby is high, and there will likely be something for you along Green Street. In terms of lodging, you have the typical hotels, such as Best Western or Hilton Garden Inn, that are nearby. If you’re looking to stay at an iconic location on campus, the Illini Union is a superb option. Located on the north end of the main quad, the Illini Union offers rooms and has numerous restaurants, shops, and entertainment located throughout the building. A personal favorite spot of mine in the Union would have to be the Illini-themed bowling alley. Fans 4 Illinois football has been on a tear in 2022, and the Illini fan base has rewarded the teams’ improvement by filling the seats of Memorial Stadium. While the football team doesn’t sell out games like the men’s basketball team at Illinois, the attendance numbers have still been growing. The Illini haven’t been able to fill all 60,000 seats so far, and it takes a lot to convince a fan base that they are the real deal. However, the stadium has been about 75 percent full as of late. Depending on the opponent, the atmosphere around Memorial Stadium can vary depending on the energy of the crowd; against a fierce Big Ten rival like Iowa, the atmosphere is hostile. As mentioned previously, expect to hear the ILL-INI chants throughout the night. The student section, in particular, is always engaged and extremely loud, maintaining the high energy felt around the stadium when the teams take the field. The fans are passionate, and while the frustration can be felt when things aren’t going to plan, the place goes berserk after when things go right. Access 4 The process of visiting Memorial Stadium is a smooth and straightforward experience. The inside of the stadium is not confusing to navigate, and for public transportation, the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District serves as the primary bus service that takes fans to the stadium. While the buses are free to students and staff of the university, there is a $1 bus fee for everyone else. Parking fees typically range from $10-20 at Memorial Stadium. There are six lots that fans can go to for parking, and there are a limited number of handicapped spots (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Return on Investment 4 When the team is good, and the excitement around the program is as high as it is in 2022, fans can expect a high return on their investment when visiting Memorial Stadium. While still a long way from ever being known as one of the best college atmospheres in the country, Illinois football brings an exciting gameday experience that won’t disappoint. However, while the lowest-priced tickets may seem appealing at around $30 each, you must be sitting in the horseshoe at the south end of the stadium. The view isn’t as great in the horseshoe, you’ll be sitting pretty far away from the actual field, and the large jumbotron will be behind you. With parking and public transportation priced lower, it all comes down to how the team is playing. Illinois’ football program has been known to struggle in recent years, but during the special seasons like 2022, seeing the team at its best is truly something special. Extras 3 The first two bonus points are Dick Butkus and Red Grange-related. Make sure to glance up at the west side of the stadium to see the names of these two legendary players. Their numbers (50 and 77 respectively) are displayed above the press boxes. Butkus and Grange’s names loom far above anything else at Memorial Stadium as a constant reminder of the prestigious football history that exists at Illinois. Below, you can also find the years of the Illini’s national championship triumphs and their Big Ten championships proudly displayed. The second bonus point goes to the statues outside the stadium. If you’ve ever wanted to pose with Butkus or Grange, you can do so next to their larger-than-life statues. The Butkus statue is just outside the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center (slightly northeast of Memorial Stadium) and outside the entrance along Fourth Street. Grange’s statue is located outside the stadium on the west side, within Grange Grove. Grange Grove is the primary tailgate spot before Illini games and is a great place to hang out before kickoff. The third and final bonus point goes to the giant ‘Memorial Stadium: Home of the Fighting Illini’ sign that’s outside the stadium’s south end. It can’t be missed and is another fantastic photo spot where fans can go to capture their trip to Champaign in full Fighting Illini style. While standing by it, you can also look at State Farm Center, the arena where Illinois basketball plays its home games. Final Thoughts Memorial Stadium may not be the biggest in college football, but its rich history and strong culture make it a worthwhile visit. The fan base at Illinois is growing, and when the team is doing well, the atmosphere is something you can’t miss.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 David F Couch Ballpark 401 Deacon Blvd Winston-Salem, NC 27105 Wake Forest Demon Deacons website David F. Couch Ballpark website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 3,823 David F. Couch Ballpark – Wake Forest Demon Deacons Baseball has been played at Wake Forest University since 1891, but life at its current home, David F. Couch Ballpark, goes back to just 2009 when it was known as Ernie Shore Field. Wake Forest took control of the stadium when the minor league Winston-Salem Dash began transitioning to their new home in downtown Winston-Salem, the current Truist Stadium . Affectionately known as “The Couch” to the Wake Forest faithful, David F. Couch Ballpark received a major 41,000-square foot upgrade along the third base side in 2017 that would include suites, a new clubhouse, player amenities, and the Wake Forest Pitching Lab, which is possibly the most technologically advanced facility of its kind in the nation. The investments in the baseball program at Wake Forest have helped propel the Demon Deacs into not just the top tier of teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, but also the nation. Food & Beverage 3 The in-house concessions are not necessarily going to knock your socks off, but the food and beverages are saved by the wide selection of craft beers, as well as the food truck which is brought in each game. For fans who would be satisfied by the typical concession fare, The Couch has got those bases covered – hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken fingers, pizza slices, along with all of the typical snack foods that are native to sports facilities, are plentiful at the two concession stands. The craft beers, food truck, and outside food vendors who set up along the concourse also help bolster the offerings, and bring a touch of the Winston-Salem community into the ballpark. When it comes to the beers offered, fans will not find the mass-produced lagers that are commonplace at most stadiums; the Wake Forest beer selection is exclusively from local breweries and features the Wake Forest branded, Demon Deacon Brew. Atmosphere 4 David F. Couch Ballpark is a historic stadium that first opened as Ernie Shore Field in 1963. Given the age of the facility it has undergone two significant renovations, one in 1993 and the most recent in 2016. The latest upgrade totally redid the third base side of the stadium – not only did it create a state-of-the-art player development center and spaces for Wake Forest’s baseball operations, but it also added suites, upgraded restrooms, and concessions. After passing through the brick, arched entry way through the security check at the front gates, fans enter at the top of the seating bowl and are greeted by a well-framed view of the playing area. With a double-sided press and game operations box, the first view fans have is of the field and the large, golden “WF” logo in short center field. The stadium sits down a steep hillside and, much as it was when first constructed, the hill down the right field side remains. The facility has a strong theme of brick throughout, with the backstop around and down each of the lines having a short two-to-three-foot wall. Wake Forest plays on a fully synthetic field, from its grass to its dirt. The oddity of the warning track is that a change in the color of the turf itself would not be enough to alert fielders of an impending collision with the outfield wall, but upon closer inspection the ground is slightly sloped, to give fielders the change of feeling as they approach the wall. Unlike many collegiate baseball stadiums, which have a nearly symmetrical curved wall, David F. Couch Ballpark has an outfield wall with several nooks and crannies, outcrops, and angles. The wall juts out at more than a 45-degree angle from both foul lines, and has four separate offsets from left center around to right center; this creates fantastic opportunities for awkward carroms and challenges for the outfielders to contend with. At one point, the short distances down the lines were balanced out by a large, 24-foot wall, but it has since been removed in favor of a more standard 8-foot wall. The field definitely plays to the advantage of pull hitters; left field measures just 310’, while the right field wall is an even shorter 300’ from home plate. The seating bowl runs from the cut of the left field grass to midway down the right field line. Seats from the third base side to the start of the visiting team dugout are black, individual seat backs, while seating from the visiting dugout down the right field line are aluminum bleachers. If staying shaded is your top priority, any of the seats under the canopy behind home plate stay shaded most of the game, while seats behind the dugouts provide practically no shade. Front row seats do have a wide walkway in front of them, which does have a good amount of traffic throughout the game. When it comes to the game presentation, for the most part it is not cluttered by an overload of sound effects encouraging fans to get involved – the Wake fans do a good enough job on their own of getting and remaining involved in the game. Overall, the combination of stadium aesthetics, the level of game production put on by the game day operations staff, and the quality of the baseball on the field makes a game at The Couch an enjoyable experience. Neighborhood 3 Wake Forest’s athletic facilities are split into two separate neighborhoods; soccer, track and field, and volleyball all play on campus, while the university’s football stadium, basketball arena , Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the Wake Forest Tennis Center , and baseball stadium are all off campus, adjacent to the Winston-Salem Fairgrounds. Though this does take a bit of the college baseball feel away, it does not overly impact the excitement of the game. There are plenty of restaurants and hotels off University Boulevard, but the area does not give off a strong college community vibe. Wake Forest’s campus is just over a mile away, and downtown Winston-Salem is close to three miles. This section of Wake Forest’s athletics facilities is in a bit of limbo position between the two areas – even though the facilities are well concentrated off campus, the location does seem to impact the overall college feel. Fans 4 The fun of attending baseball at Wake Forest starts even before passing through the arched entry ways of the stadium – hours before first pitch, fans gather in the lower parking lot area for tailgating as younger fans organize a sandlot style baseball game. Inside “The Couch”, Demon Deacon fans are engaged with the game. Even a two-strike count in the first inning gets fans clapping, backing the pitcher to finish off the batter. Throughout the game, fans seem to be hanging on every big opportunity to get the go ahead run across the plate, or to will the team out of a jam. Wake fans are loud and passionate, and they remain that way from the first pitch strike and throughout extra innings. Access 3 The area around Wake Forest is just over three miles from downtown Winston-Salem. Greensboro is probably the most accessible airport to the area and is just a 30-minute drive. Winston-Salem and the surrounding metropolitan Greensboro area are well fed with interstate highways that make getting to Wake Forest rather easy. Once at the ballpark most fans park in the lower lot, which is a short walk to the front gates of David F. Couch Ballpark. The concourse is easy enough to navigate, but the first base side does tend to get a bit congested, mostly due to the concession lines backing up. The concourse along the third base side is more spacious, and the concession stand there is offset from the main walkway, so there is not the same issue with concourse congestion. Return on Investment 4 Weekday games are great deals, with tickets starting at $5 and concessions and Deacon Brews priced the same. Weekend series and conference games are reasonably priced at $10 for general admission seats and $15 for reserved seating. Ticket prices do increase by $5 the day of the game if purchased at the box office, so plan ahead when purchasing tickets. Extras 4 The manual scoreboard built into the left field wall is a nice touch; similar to Fenway’s Green Monster, the scoreboard has both the inning-by-inning line score and the current count, along with the number of outs (signified by colored lights). The Wake Forest Pitching Lab is one of the most technologically advanced facilities in the nation. While most facilities of its type would be exclusively for the team’s pitching staff, Wake Forest has made it accessible to the public – it is available for youth pitchers starting at age 12, all the way up to those in the professional ranks. The story of Kevin Jordan , former Wake Forest baseball player, and Coach Tom Walter’s donation of a kidney to him is chronicled on the concourse with a display on the back of the first base side press box. Just to the left of the front entry point is a monument recognizing inductees into the Greater Winston-Salem Professional Baseball Hall of Fame; some recognizable names include Wade Boggs, Mark Grace, Rico Petrocelli, and Earl Weaver. Final Thoughts Through their investments in stadium and facility upgrades, the Wake Forest Demon Deacons have been building a baseball program that is not just one of the top teams in the gauntlet of quality teams in the ACC, but also one of the top teams in the nation. These investments have not just benefitted the players who have come through the Wake program, but go a long way in improving the overall fan experience here.

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

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Campus Recreation Center 1 Old Ferry Road Bristol, RI 02809 Roger Williams Hawks men's basketball website Campus Recreation Center website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 1,200 Roger Williams Hawks Hoops   Roger Williams was a Puritan minister, theologian and author who founded Providence Plantations in 1636. This settlement eventually became the state of Rhode Island. Williams was a staunch advocate of religious freedom, separation of church and state, and fair dealings with the local Native Americans. His Separatist views and belief that the Church of England was corrupt were deemed too radical by the Puritan leaders of Plymouth and Boston, so they expelled Williams from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.   Roger Williams University was founded in 1956 and named for Rhode Island’s founder. The school actually began operations in 1919 as the Rhode Island branch of Northeastern University before receiving its own charter from the state. The school moved to its current location in Bristol in 1969. Today, RWU’s 5,000 students study in 50 academic programs, including one of the only Marine Biology programs and one of the only Historic Preservation programs in the country. Roger Williams offers the only Juris Doctor (law degree) in Rhode Island.   The first basketball team to represent Roger Williams played in 1973. Originally a member of the NAIA, today the Hawks compete in Division Three’s Conference of New England (formerly the Commonwealth Coast Conference). The men’s program made their first Division Three Tournament appearance in 2024. The women’s team has played in three postseason tournaments, most recently in 2022.   The Hawks play at the Campus Recreation Center, which features an 8,500 square foot fitness center, an aquatics center, two dance studios, squash and racquetball courts and a field house. The main gymnasium serves as home to the men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams.   Food & Beverage 1    The Hawk’s Nest in the Campus Rec Center serves up assorted drinks (Pepsi products are featured), specialty coffees, smoothies, pastries and bagels. During the semester the Hawk’s Nest is open until 8, but the hours are a bit more limited if you’re visiting Roger Williams on a weekend or semester break. Stadium Journey visited RWU on a Tuesday afternoon during Thanksgiving week, and the snack bar was closed.   Should the Hawk’s Nest be closed during your visit, there is a vending machine in the basement level of the facility. Alas, this machine was not working during Stadium Journey’s visit. At least it didn’t take our money.   On the plus side, it looks like fans are free to bring their own refreshments into the Campus Rec Center.   Atmosphere 2   The game day atmosphere at a Roger Williams basketball game will feel pretty familiar to anyone who has visited the small college gyms that dot the country. With the limited resources and meager fan support, there’s not a lot going on here at RWU that reinvents the wheel. That’s not to say that a Hawks game is a bland or boring experience. It’s just fairly typical.   There’s a decent sound system here that plays music during play stoppages, and a PA announcer who brings some energy to the proceedings. In this bandbox of a gym, it’s easy to imagine how loud it could get here if the bleachers were packed. Much of the energy here comes from the fans in the stands, most of whom have a personal connection with the players on the court. Small scoreboards on either end of the court display basic game information. Unfortunately, there were no cheerleaders or pep band present during Stadium Journey’s visit. That, and the lack of a strong student turnout, dampen the overall atmosphere.   Neighborhood 5   Roger Williams University is located in the colonial town of Bristol, Rhode Island, a town of just over 22,000 residents. A popular summer tourist destination, Bristol is best known as the site of the oldest continuously celebrated Independence Day festivities in the United States. The first mention of a Fourth of July celebration was noted by a British officer in 1777. The town has held a parade on the Fourth every year since 1785, which annually draws in excess of 200,000 visitors.     Roger Williams University is located at the southernmost point in Bristol, occupying the land at the top of a bluff that overlooks Mount Hope Bay. The views from campus are truly spectacular. To experience the best of Bristol, downtown is less than two miles from campus. Among the notable attractions here are the Town Commons, the Herreshoff Marine Museum (five America’s Cup-winning yachts were built here) and Colt State Park. The East Bay Bike Path, which runs approximately 16 miles all the way to Providence, begins in downtown Bristol. To quote my wife, Bristol has that “Hallmark Channel feel” to the downtown area. It’s a lovely place to explore if visiting during the holiday season.   Fans looking for a place to eat after a Hawks game will find no shortage of options in the downtown area, including Brick Pizza Company and Pivotal Brewing. As you might expect in a seaside town like Bristol, excellent seafood restaurants are plentiful, including The Lobster Pot, Aidan’s Pub and Leo’s Ristorante. Lodging options in town are scarce, with the Bristol Harbor Inn the primary choice near Roger Williams. Visitors should check out the many options along I-195, especially up near Providence, or down in Newport if looking to stay in the area. Explore Bristol has more detailed information about attractions in the area.   Fans 2   Crowds at Roger Williams basketball games are what we here at Stadium Journey like to call “friends and family” crowds. Generally numbering between 100-200 fans, most of the people in the stands are connected to the players on the court in some manner. As you might expect, they can be very boisterous and knowledgeable about the team.   With the majority of Roger Williams’ schedule consisting of games against other New England teams, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout by visiting fans. At this level, you will have no worries showing up in the opposition colors.   Access 3   Let’s make this simple: there’s no easy way to get to Bristol, Rhode Island and Roger Williams University. Located on a sprawling 143 acres featuring a spectacular view of Mount Hope Bay, there are no highways that directly serve the town and only a couple of roads leading in and out of town. Interstate 195 passes by the area about ten miles from campus. If driving to Roger Williams from the north, take Route 24 from Fall River. If arriving from Providence and points west, take Route 114. Ripta ’s 60 and 61 busses serve the campus on their routes between Newport and Providence.   The Campus Recreation Center is located in the middle of campus, with the school’s other athletics facilities located nearby. There is limited parking on the east side of the gym, along with additional parking on the opposite side of the baseball field. Just be aware that the parking is a bit of a walk from the rec center, and the campus is not lit as well as perhaps it should be at night.   All seating in the Campus Rec Center consists of molded plastic bleachers on either side of the court. Fans needing accessible seating will find plenty of room at the top of the bleachers on the south side of the gym. No matter where you sit in this tiny gym, you’ll have great views of the action. Surprisingly large, clean restrooms are located just outside the entrance to the court.   Return on Investment 5   Admission to a Hawks basketball game is free. Parking is also available at no charge in the lots around campus. Since concessions may or may not be available, it’s quite possible that you won’t even reach for your wallet once while visiting Roger Williams University. Even better, if you’re visiting during the conference schedule, you’ll get two games for the price of none.   Extras 1   Banners hang on the end of the Rec Center gym honoring Hawks conference championships and tournament appearances for the men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball and wrestling teams. Banners honoring all the 1,000-point scorers in Roger Williams basketball history are hung at the opposite end of the gym. The Rec Center lobby contains the trophies accumulated by the athletic program over the years.   Final Thoughts   Roger Williams features one of those small bandbox gymnasiums that dot the college basketball landscape across the nation. With downtown Bristol a short drive away, hoops fans who like a small-town atmosphere will love a trip to Roger Williams University.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Salt River Fields at Talking Stick 7555 N Pima Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85258 Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training website Salt River Fields at Talking Stick website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 11,000 Dbacks Spring Home The Arizona Diamondbacks play their spring ball at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. It is the beautiful spring training facility for the Colorado Rockies and the Arizona Diamondbacks and celebrated its 10th season in 2021. Prior to the 2011 season, the Diamondbacks played their first three years in Tucson, AZ at Kino Sports Complex. Salt River Fields is the first MLB spring training park built on Native American Indian land. Its design uses Native American influence and regional-desert architecture and landscaping. It’s quite a remarkable sight. Visitors witness picturesque views of Camelback, McDowell, Superstition, and other mountains as they walk the complex area and stadium. It’s an impressive facility, and Diamondback fans are proud to call it their spring training home. Food & Beverage 5 Salt River Fields offers an outstanding choice of nourishment, snacks and drinks; some standard fare, others more elaborate. Permanent concessions line the infield concourse with a few more on the center field concourse. Each one sells something a bit different. The Show near the home plate entrance is known for the Shea Burger Basket (burger with cheese and bacon and a side of fries – $15.50) or the yummy Bee Line Chicken Club Basket on a pretzel bun. Rte 101 Pizza sells flatbread pizza and Southwestern chicken salad. Cattle 101 offers premium Mile High burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches. Home Plate Hot Dog … well, you get the idea. The concessions in center field include Cold Stone Creamery, Verde Grille Burgers, and an offering of tantalizing Dominican fare at a Yanikeke food truck. A unique food cart on the third base concourse sells gourmet ostrich, elk, rattlesnake, beef, and vegan hot dogs ($12). Delicious aromas from kiosks marketing kettle corn, lemonade, standard hot dogs, sausages, and brats permeate throughout the concourse. Mustache Pretzels and Chick-fil-A also have a presence. Party decks Ultra Terrace and Salty Senorita occupy areas down each baseline. Fans can get their margarita, nacho, and chips & salsa fix at Salty Senoritas (a local Scottsdale establishment). Fans looking for adult beverages will find beer carts throughout the concourse selling a plethora of canned domestic and craft beers, and seltzers ($14 – $15.50). A Home Plate Bar sells cocktails; other carts on the concourse provide adult frozen cocktails and smoothies in various bright fruit flavors. The Casino Arizona Bar in center field offers cocktails, TV screens turned to sporting events, indoor and outdoor seating and air conditioning. Pepsi brands are the soda of choice at SRF ($6 – $7.50). Bottled water runs $5. Certainly a remarkable number of choices for a spring training facility! Atmosphere 5 The facility is adorned with beautiful landscaping both inside and outside. This includes cactus gardens, desert terrain, scrubby hardy bushes, and lots of rocks which are all very attractive together. The structure fits in well with its surroundings and the environment. A traditional Native American ramada shade is incorporated into the venue as a way to shade fans from the hot Arizona sun. Green fold-down seats are plenty wide, have cup holders and legroom is superb at Salt River Fields. Sections 112 and 212 are directly behind home plate. Thin nets run to the ends of the dugouts so only the last few sections are net free. About 85% of the seating area gets the shade by the end of an afternoon game. The infield, especially behind home plate and the 200 level, gets shade the entire game. Handy drink rails are on concourse columns as well as some sections just above the seating. The entire design allows fans multiple observation areas. Fans enter from the top of the concourse and descend to the seating area (handrails are available), a small walkway is between the 100 and 200 levels. Step depths are odd, short in some spots, then all of a sudden, the step depth changes to ‘standard.’ So, be aware when walking up and down them. The grassy berm in the outfield is a popular seating choice for many families and visitors who bring blankets and spread out to enjoy the sun and delightful sounds of a baseball game. Peddlers sell beer, water, and peanuts in the berm areas. Berm Areas at Salt River Fields, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The music level isn’t too loud; the 100 level seats are further away from the speakers. Bobby Freeman, the long-time organist for the Arizona Diamondbacks, makes his presence at spring training games serenading fans with long ago forgotten organ music. An extremely crowded souvenir shop is down the third base concourse; there’s no room to move between the people and the racks and shelves. Our recommendation is to visit that store during the game to avoid the congestion. A smaller satellite merchandise area with mainly just clothing is on the concourse nearer the home plate entrance. Unfortunately, the team no longer provides handouts of starting lineups and rosters; instead, they are taped to an information table. The teams installed a greatly improved scoreboard on the left field grassy berm several years ago. It provides the lineup, current pitcher and batter names, line score, some video, etc. Neighborhood 4 If you do nothing else when spending time in Scottsdale, visit the USS Arizona Memorial Gardens right across Salt River Fields’ home plate parking lot. It is a memorial to and reminder of the WWII Dec 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and remembrance to those soldiers who served and gave their lives. Columns of light form the outline of the battleship which illuminates at twilight. The stadium is next to The Pavilions at Talking Stick shopping center. Plenty of chain restaurants and places before or after a Dbacks game are within the shopping area: Buffalo Wild Wings (wings and beer), Angry Crab Shack (seafood), Blazin’ Mongolian BBQ (Asian – create your own stir fry), Red Robin (burgers), Filiberto’s (Mexican), and more. Fast food chains such as McDonald’s, Chipotle, Blimpies, Arby’s, and Pizza dot the shopping area. The TapHouse Kitchen is 3 ½ miles from the ballpark and offers craft beers, cocktails, and diverse and delicious food dishes. And, it has happy hour specials during the week; good for visiting before an evening game at Salt River Fields. An escape room, indoor skydiving, and one of those movie theaters that serve gourmet movie fare are other entertainment found in The Pavilions. Several golf courses are within a few miles as is the Butterfly Wonderland which is America’s largest butterfly atrium. Besides butterflies, it has a 3D theater and various insect displays. The Talking Stick Resort and Casino is just across the Loop 101, less than a three-mile drive from the ballpark. For nearby lodgings, a Great Wolf Lodge (and water park) is across the parking lot. For rooms a bit more affordable, a Staybridge Hotel is within walking distance (less than ½ mile). A Hampton Inn & Suite is across the Loop 101 (near the casino). Keep in mind, lodging costs double during spring training. For other sports in the area, visit the Colorado Rockies spring training another day and other East Valley spring training stadiums: Scottsdale Stadium (SF Giants), Sloan Park (Chicago Cubs), Tempe Diablo (Los Angeles Angels, and Hohokam Stadium (Oakland Athletics). A trip to Phoenix, AZ and an ASU Sun Devil baseball game is a tad over 10 miles from the ballpark. Fans 4 The Diamondbacks have the shortest spring training commute in the majors, with their Cactus League park a scant half hour from their regular season home, Chase Field . And while the pandemic in 2020 and 2021 and a shortened season because of the lockout in 2022 caused a downfall in attendance numbers, Dbacks fans still make a large presence at the ballpark. Weekend games draw more than weekday games and the stadium is full when the Cubs or Dodgers are the opponents. As with most Cactus League games, fans easily strike up conversations with their neighbors. You’ll see plenty of fans wearing red spread across the seating area. And, since it’s such a nice ballpark, many visiting team fans congregate near the visitor’s bullpen and dugout. Access 4 Salt River Fields is located just west of the Loop 101 Pima Fwy at the Indian Bend Rd or the Via De Ventura exits. Parking is available in three lots and costs $5, $10, or $25 for valet parking. Give yourself some extra travel time when attending an evening game during the week because of heavier rush hour traffic. When flying in for a spring training game, the closest airport is Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (about 18 miles southwest of the stadium). Public transportation is somewhat available via Valley Metro (mostly bus route 81). If needed, the connecting light rail may not be operating after a night game. Check Valley Metro for fare, schedules, and maps. Three gates open an hour before the first pitch. Bags less than 16” x 16” x 8” are allowed. Fans who use clear stadium bags get through the security check quicker. Salt River Fields Homeplate Entrance and Security Check, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey The concourse is wide open and fans can see all the playing action while walking it. The ease of moving around the stadium during a game is admirable, though be cautious of uneven step heights when walking up and down the seating aisles. Plenty of ramps are available throughout the complex for those using wheelchairs and strollers. ADA seating lines the top of the grandstand on the concourse. Many sets of clean and serviceable restrooms are open at Salt River Fields. Return on Investment 4 As with all spring training facilities, the prices have skyrocketed since days gone by. The Dbacks are no exception. In fact, ticket prices at Chase Field are on par with their spring training venue prices. Spring training tickets run $19 – $22 for berm tickets to $52 – $57 for higher priced seats, depending on game and opponent. The more popular teams like Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs have the higher ticket costs. Food concession prices are high. Nine dollars for a Chick-fil-A sandwich, $8.75 for a Cold Stone Creamery cup, or $15.50 for a beer is more than you’d pay outside the stadium. This is, unfortunately, typical with stadium fare at many sports venues. Five-dollar parking is common at Cactus League venues. Attendants offer a free spring training program which is helpful. Sign up for the designated driver program to get a free soda, bring in the two allowed bottles of water, and eat before or after the game to save a couple of bucks when attending a game. It is a remarkable facility and one that shouldn’t be missed if traveling for spring training in Arizona. Extras 5 Several additional items are worth noting about attending a Dbacks spring training game at Salt River Fields. First, each of the entrances is special in some way, with fountains and sculpture, and the two branded entranceways in the outfield have a Dbacks historic timeline and Rockies team concepts lining the respective ramps. Still outside the park are a nature walk around a small fishing lake, and a “Veterans Circle” (honoring Native American veterans). The extras continue once you enter the park. You can peer over the bullpens and watch the pitchers warm up which makes you feel up close and personal with the player (even though you’re really not). The organization provides free SPF 30 sunscreen in two areas in the outfield, a very courteous touch. Finally, a free small whiffle ball diamond offering pick up games for kids is in the right field concourse. It’s quite popular with the little ones and an attendant makes sure all kids get a chance to bat and play. Final Thoughts At eleven years old, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick continues to impress both local and visiting spring training fans. It has been honored with many awards such as ‘best spring training park’ or ‘best baseball experience’ by notable sports organizations. If you have not yet been, put it on the list to visit.

Photos by James Clotfelter, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 epet ARENA Milady Horákové 1066/98 Prague, Czech Republic AC Sparta Praha website epet ARENA website Year Opened: 1917 Capacity: 18,887 The Crown Jewel of Czech Soccer epet ARENA, more commonly known as Letná Stadium, has been home to the most decorated club in all of Czechia, AC Sparta Praha. Established in 1893, Sparta has won 37 league titles, 15 Czech Cups (both being Czech records), and two Czech Supercups. Their decorated history doesn’t stop at the domestic level. In terms of European competitions, Sparta accumulated three Central European Cups, a UEFA Cup in 1973, and reached the European Cup (now known as UEFA Champions League) semi-finals in 1992. It is no surprise that winning ways bring high expectations, and the supporters that fill the Letná never cease to drop their standards. Food & Beverage 2 The matchday experience at the Letná Stadium is something memorable, but the food is something to be forgotten. We were in the stand along the goal line across from the Ultras section. Here are a few of the same concession stands, serving the fundamental stadium food you would anticipate; sausage, popcorn, chips, beer, soda, etc. The concessions are cheap though. Every item, food ,  or beverage is no more than $4. The sausage itself was not bad, but they ran out of buns before the match even started. But the drinks come with a take-home cup, so at the price you pay, that is a fantastic deal. Atmosphere 5 While hosting the most famous club in the Czech Republic, the Letná would not be described as a large stadium. Rather than providing a fancy stadium atmosphere like big clubs do, the Lenta utilizes its small capacity of just below 19,000 to create an intimate atmosphere. The stadium is split into four different stands, each one accompanying its sideline/end line. Like most European stadiums, you only have access to the stand where your seat is located, meaning if you are sitting in the north stand, you only have access to the north stand concourse. Worried that you do not have any Sparta apparel for your upcoming match, no worries because there is the team store outside of the stadium. It is an expansive shop with apparel, decor, and many other Sparta-branded items. Just be sure to check out the team store before heading to your entrance gate.    The seating itself is very comfortable, with chairs back at every seat and plenty of legroom provided by the rows. The cheapest tickets are located on the first level behind the goal opposite the ultras section, and I highly recommend sitting here. The views from there are great and unobstructed, you can easily see any display from the ultras, and you are close to the field, so it is fun to have the Sparta players celebrate goals right in front of you. If you sit here, be careful when the stadium gets upset, cups are prone to being tossed on the field from the second deck, and many of them miss short.  There is no shortage of pre-match festivities at the Letná. The ultras start buzzing when players come on the pitch to warm up. Two hype videos are projected on the video boards, one in Czech, and one in English giving visitors a brief overview of the club’s history. Then a massive flag display takes place on the pitch as the players make their way out of the dressing rooms and onto the pitch. Throughout the entirety of the match chants, tifos, and pyros are constantly going off, and the atmosphere always stays intense.  Two TV screens are serving as video boards located in opposite corners of the stadium, meaning every seat in the stadium can view one of them. These screens serve to display the score and time, the pregame hype videos, halftime promotions, and last but certainly not least crowd control prompts. For example, occasionally an away player will dive to the ground to draw a foul, leading a chant to break out from the crowd in Czech, visitors like us will not understand the point of the chant until a “do not use foul language” prompt appears on the video board, then we can use some context clues. My favorite is when the ultras light one stick of pyro, and then the video board pops up with an animation that tells the fans pyro is not allowed, which seems to only encourage the ultras to light more.   Neighborhood 5 Out of all the stadiums in Prague, Letná Stadium has hands down the best location. Situated in Prague 7, the stadium is an easy 20-minute walk across the Vltava River from Old Town Square. Meaning the stadium is minutes away from the many attractions of Prague, and close to limitless restaurant/bar options. In terms of pre/post-match food and drinks, I would point you in the direction of Lokal Dulka for a drink and traditional Czech food located close to the city center. Mr. Hot Dog is a very popular spot for hotdogs, sausages, burgers, and drinks right next to the stadium. It often has a lively pre-match atmosphere being that it is so close to the stadium. It is almost impossible to see everything in Prague in just one trip, but attraction highlights include Old Town Square, St. Vitus Cathedral, Prague Castle, and St. George’s Basilica. Be sure to check out some of the other teams in Prague as well. Sparta HC is the most popular hockey team in town, but four other soccer clubs reside in Prague including first division sides Bohemians 1905 and Slava Praha.  Staying around the city center is highly recommended as you can find affordable options within walking distance of all of the attractions. For solo travelers, the city is loaded with cheap and clean hostels. Check out hostelworld.com as it is the most popular hotel booking site with quality reviews and prices.  For visitors looking for a hotel, Hotel Zlata Vaha is a great option and can be booked for around $70. If you book at the right time other affordable hotels in the area can be found for anywhere between $50-$90. Prague is one of the most beautiful and exciting cities in the world, and Sparta Prague plays right in the hub of all of it.  Fans 5 To put it simply, the fans are the ones who make the experience at the Letná Stadium so great. The big clubs in the world with legendary stadiums like Man United, Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich get all the attention as passionate fanbases, which is something that I don’t believe to be true. However, after attending a Sparta match, I would put Sparta as one of the most passionate in the world.  In terms of general traditions, there are many. During the player walkouts, the fans hold their scarves high while all of the supporters gave a bone-chilling rehearsal of a club anthem. Scarves are waved like Pittsburgh's terrible towel while the celebration song plays in the background after every goal. The Sparta ultras are unbelievable, their section was packed before warmups, and from the time warmups started, to well after the match they stayed buzzing with songs, tifos, and two pyro displays. Most of the atmosphere in the stadium stems from the Ultras.  These might be general things that a lot of supporters do, but the reason why I would give them the title as one of the most passionate fanbases is what happens during the game. For reference, we saw a league match vs FK Teplice. At the time of the match, Sparta was about 6 points clear of first in the division and Teplice was in the bottom third, so not the most meaningful match in the world. It was a disastrous start for Sparta as they were quickly playing with 10 men and down 1-0 early. This prompted the away side to begin early time wasting, and when a player would dive to the sidelines, the fans answered by jeering the player and sometimes even throwing cups onto the field. The away club even scored a second goal, but upon review got called back for offsides, and instead of cheering for the offsides, the fans started verbally attacking the assistant referee for missing the call in the first place, little to say the first half was incredibly tense, and filled with anger. Just to be clear, we do not condone throwing cups on a field, or any form of reckless behavior from fans not local to the club and are rather just visiting. If you are visiting a team on vacation, please act with respect no matter what is happening in the stands.  To fast forward, Sparta came back to win 2-1 being down a man the entire match. Words cannot describe the noise from the crowd when the go-ahead goal connected. There was an older gentleman in front of me who was in tears as if Sparta just won the Champions League. When I try to think about what this team means to this fanbase, there is no better example than that gentleman sitting in the row below me.  Access 4 The stadium is more than walkable from the city center, but in case you do not plan on walking, the stadium has public transport access. There is a tram stop label, “Sparta” right inform of the team shop. This stop has many different trams that serve it, so check Google or Apple Maps for what route best suits your departing location. The team store does not require entrance into the stadium, allowing everyone to check it out before the match. There is a stadium map on the front of your PDF ticket if you purchase ahead of time. This will show you what gate you need to enter, and there is signage all around the stadium using arrows to point you in the direction of the gate your ticket desires. The concourse for each stand is shared between the upper and lower levels, but it is very spacious and has tables to grab a bite before heading to your seat. I was not able to find anything about handicap access, but the guest services at Sparta were very quick to respond to my ticketing emails, so I counsel you to reach out to them for information relating to handicap access. Return on Investment 5 In terms of activities on your to-do list in Prague, the return on investment of a Sparta Prague is greater than anything else on your itinerary. General tickets are priced anywhere from 300czk – to 450czk, and VIP ticket packages go up from there. This means tickets for Sparta start at $13. That is cheaper than the following Prague attractions: the National Museum, Prague Castle, Powder Tower, and St. Vitus Cathedral. As mentioned before, the food is basic but very cheap. Food and soda are anywhere between $2-$4, beer is $3 and comes in a souvenir cup. . Extras 3 The stadium does not have anything too fancy, but props to Sparta for an expansive team store on the outside of the stadium. English was well spoken by the staff, and drinks also came with a souvenir plastic cup without an upcharge, so that was neat. There are stadium tours available, and you have to go through the website to purchase.   Final Thoughts I have been to the World Series, seen my hometown Braves win the NLCS, attended major UGA Football games, and seen an NCAA Sweet 16 and an NCAA Frozen Four. Granted, seeing the Braves finally overthrow the Dodgers in game six was one of the greatest moments ever, there is nothing that compares to the value of a Sparta Prague ticket. For $13 to be a part of an atmosphere like this, you would be a fool not to attend if you’re visiting the area.

Photo by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Bowen Field 2003 Stadium Dr Bluefield, VA 24701 Bluefield Ridge Runners website Bowen Field website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 3,000 Along the Appalachian League Trail: Bluefield Bowen Field has been the home for baseball in the Bluefield area since 1939. The original structure was built as a WPA project under President Franklin Roosevelt, but was nearly totally destroyed by a fire in 1970. The stadium was rebuilt and opened again for business in 1975. The reconstructed stadium has seating for 3,000 fans. Its teams have been affiliated with several major league organizations over the years, most notably the Baltimore Orioles from 1958 – 2010 and the Toronto Blue Jays from 2011 to the present. The Bluefield Jays play at the Rookie level of the Appalachian League. The Blue Jays are shared by the neighboring towns of Bluefield, Virginia and Bluefield, West Virginia, which are separated only by the VA / WV state line. Bowen Field is located within Peters Park, which is operated by the West Virginia city. However, the baseball facility itself is located within the boundaries of the state of Virginia. Food & Beverage 5 The concession stand at Bowen Field is aptly named the Birdfeeder. It serves one of the larger selection of foods in the Appalachian League. Among the items on the menu are hot dogs ($2.50), corndogs ($2.25), chicken sandwiches ($3.50), nachos ($2.50), hamburgers ($3.50), cheeseburgers ($4), candy ($2), ice cream ($2), brats ($3.75), cheese steaks ($4.50), popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), pretzels ($2.50) and chips ($1). Ballpark beverages include bottled water ($2), Pepsi brand sodas ($2.25) and slushies ($2.25). Alcoholic beverages are sold within the Railyard at the Ballyard area along the third base line. Patrons have a front row view along a drinking rail within the area. Domestic canned beers are $3.50, craft beers are $4 and Shock Top and Bold Rock Cider sell for $4. Bowen Field offers a service found at few ballparks in the minor leagues. It has servers roaming the stands taking food orders from fans. While the Birdfeeder welcomes fans to place their orders at the concession stand this food service allows spectators to see every pitch. The service is extended to all fans, not just premium seat holders. Atmosphere 5 The beauty of West Virginia is on full display as Bowen Field is built in a valley between two mountains. Not only is this scenic, it also keeps the area shaded for most of the games in the summer and the temperatures in the very mild range. We have all heard the phrase “take ownership”…. in Bluefield they take it literally. The team is run by the community under the direction of a local board of directors. Locals help in virtually every aspect of the club… concessions, ticketing and even keeping the park spotlessly clean. The walls along the concourse are filled with plaques recognizing or remembering a local for donating funds toward some physical part of the stadium. In some cases, the money comes from a will or in other cases it comes as gifts in kind from a local business. Ballparks are nice, but what you put on the field is equally important. The Bluefield Jays can almost always be found atop the Appalachian League standings. Before the Jays arrived, the town had a nearly 50-year relationship with the Baltimore Orioles. Some of the top Baltimore Orioles ever got their start in Bluefield. Neighborhood 3 Even if you add the populations of the two Bluefield’s together they still add up to a small town. A lot of this is due to the surrounding mountains which surround the ballpark and the villages. Most of the dining establishments in town are fast food chains. Two exceptions are the Big Whiskey BBQ Co. and The Railyard. The only hotel in town is the Econolodge, but the Baker’s Hill Inn B&B has some nice accommodations at reasonable prices. As far as attractions, nature provides the most interesting sights for the visitors. There are several scenic viewpoints on surrounding roads that are worth checking out. Since you are in West Virginia, a stop at the Coal Heritage Interpretive Center can provide you with a great deal of information about the state’s largest industry. Fans 4 The fans at Bowen Field see coming to the games as a community event. Their parents and grandparents attended games there and so will the next generation. At the Rookie League level many of these fans will actually be housing a Blue Jay player during the short June-August season. The games give the fans an opportunity to see their friends and neighbors after an exhausting day at work and to relax. These fans know their baseball, as they have seen many valuable players get their start in professional baseball at this very facility. Visitors will often hear the locals sharing stories of a young Cal Ripken, Jr or Boog Powell making a great play right in front of them. The two Bluefield’s cheer as one, as they share in the civic pride and long history associated with baseball in the town. Bluefield’s main rival are the Princeton Rays, a neighboring town just a few miles down the road. When the two teams compete, there is some good-natured banter between the opposing fans. After the game is over, the two sets of fans head off to the Dairy Queen together. In this competitive world, this small town friendliness is refreshing. Access 3 Bluefield is very isolated from any major cities as it is located amidst the Appalachian Mountains at the Virginia / West Virginia border. However, it is located only four miles from I-77. To reach the ballpark take the Bluefield exit (#1) off I-77. This will put you on Rte. 290 going west. Follow Rte. 290 to Rte. 460 West. Take Rte. 460 to the third traffic light and turn right on Leatherwood Lane. Turn left when you get to College Avenue. You will stay on College Avenue until you reach Stadium Drive. (There will be a Shell Station at the corner.) Turn right on Stadium Drive and Bowen Field will be ¼ mile ahead on your left. Parking is available just outside of the stadium. The bleachers making up Bowen Field are built into a hillside and may be difficult for some persons with walking issues to negotiate. There is plenty of seating at field level for those who cannot manage the steps in the grandstand. Return on Investment 4 The Blue Jays games will not put much of a dent in your wallet. Tickets range from $11 for a box seat to $8 for general admission. Parking at Bowen Field is free and concessions are very reasonably priced. Accommodations are limited in town, but most people at the games are locals, so you should find very reasonable rates at either the Econolodge or one of the many B&B’s in the area. The town of Princeton, West Virginia is just 12 miles away and has a large selection of lodging choices. . Extras 4 Several famous players got their starts in professional baseball in Bluefield. These players include Cal Ripken, Jr, Boog Powell, Eddie Murray and Kevin Pillar. The seats at Bowen Field were salvaged from the old Anaheim Stadium, the original home of the California Angels. The at your seat food service deserves an extra. The Bluefield Jays and the neighboring Princeton Rays compete each year for the Mercer Cup. The team with the most wins in head to head competition during the season wins the cup and gets to hold onto it until the conclusion of the next baseball season. This is a friendly rivalry, but there is a lot of civic pride involved as well. Final Thoughts Bowen Field is one of the treasures of minor league baseball. Though it does not have many of the bells and whistles of more modern stadiums, it more than makes up for it in small town friendliness, a beautiful natural setting and a community and their ball team putting their best efforts to ensure you have an enjoyable night at the ballpark. It is definitely a park you should put on your baseball bucket list.

Even as civic leaders in Portland, Oregon, prepare a bid for an expansion Major League Baseball franchise, professional baseball in the city's suburbs now has a secure future.  On March 7, 2024, the Oregon State Legislature approved the final $15 million in funding for the Hillsboro Hops' new municipally owned stadium next door to the team's current home, Ron Tonkin Field .   “This news means that the Hops are staying in Hillsboro with a new, year-round ballpark, where our community will all be able to gather for decades to come,” said Hillsboro Hops President and General Manager K.L. Wombacher in a release. “On behalf of our team, I’d like to enthusiastically thank the Oregon Legislature, as well as our many business and community champions, and most importantly, our fans who raised their voices for the Hops. We are humbled by your support, and we can’t wait to kick off another season together on April 5 and celebrate our shared future.”   The new ballpark, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks' Class-A Northwest League affiliate, will cost approximately $125 million to build, with $82 million in private funding, $18 million from the City of Hillsboro, $8 million from Washington County (OR), and $2 million from the Explore Tualatin Valley visitors' organization.  The City of Hillsboro will own and manage the stadium, located approximately 14 miles west of downtown Portland.   Notwithstanding Tonkin Field's relative youth (it opened in 2013) and good reviews, the Hops needed to make significant renovations to comply with Major League Baseball's facility standards for its 120 affiliated minor league teams.  For instance, minor league stadiums must have women's locker rooms for players, coaches, and umpires.  Additionally, visiting teams do not have a clubhouse at Tonkin Field and must use a locker room at the neighboring football stadium.  Studies concluded that construction of a new stadium would cost approximately 15 percent less than renovating Tonkin Field.   The new stadium will be located just to the northwest side of Tonkin Field, in Hillsboro's Gordon Faber Recreation Complex.  It will be designed as a year-round entertainment venue, with a capacity of 6,000 for baseball and 7,000 for concerts.     Groundbreaking for the new stadium is scheduled to happen this summer, opening before the start of the 2026 season.