Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Fitzpatrick Stadium 140 Deering Avenue Portland, ME 04102 Portland Hearts of Pine website Fitzpatrick Stadium website Year Opened:  1930 Capacity:  6,000 Lead With Your Heart Since 1976, Portland, Maine has awoken every Valentine’s Day to find the city mysteriously “attacked” by hearts. Red hearts on plain white paper appeared on storefronts, lampposts, and even Fort Gorges in Casco Bay, but no one knew who was responsible. For 47 years the identity of the “Valentine’s Day Bandit” remained a secret, that is until April 2023 when Kevin Fahrman passed away and his family revealed him as the man behind the 47-year tradition. That fall, the United Soccer League announced Portland would be home to a new USL League One club, set to kick off in 2025. When the team was officially named the Hearts of Pine it connected two powerful symbols: the red hearts of Fahrman’s tradition and Maine’s signature tree, the resilient pine. The home of the Hearts, Fitzpatrick Stadium, has long been an important gathering place for Portlanders, most notably for the annual Thanksgiving Day rivalry game between Deering and Portland. So, it feels only fitting that it now brings the community together to support Portland’s newest professional team.   Food & Beverage   5 There is just one traditional concession stand at Fitzpatrick Stadium during Hearts matches, but the offerings are far from ordinary. Operated by local brewpub Brickyard Hollow, it serves up fried chicken sandwiches, signature burgers, and the unmistakable red Maine hot dog. The real standout, though, is their pizza, especially the Maine blueberry slice, which somehow just works. However, most of the food experience leans heavily into Portland’s food truck scene. Options rotate throughout the season, but a few favorites include PB&ME, with creative twists on the classic peanut butter and jelly (think grilled sandwiches, tacos, and even a PBJ Dog). Miller’s Marke also impresses with wagyu smash burgers and steak sandwiches, while Cheese the Day offers a wide lineup of grilled cheese melts. For seafood lovers, a mobile oyster bar serves not only oysters but kelp dogs, lobster grilled cheese, and full-on lobster rolls, while Falafel Mafia brings falafel bowls, chicken shawarma, and hummus. In addition, Meet on the Street offers rice bowls, pulled pork, and tacos, and Empanada Club delivers a rotating mix of hand pies and southern Alabama style barbecue. There’s even Gunnar’s Icelandic Hot Dogs, a lamb-pork-beef blend topped to order. Lastly, on hot summer days Snowology 207 has Hearts-themed shaved ice. For those looking to splurge a little, $3 Dewey’s Club offers reserved seating along the east touchline with buffet access, and even higher up the culinary ladder, High Roller Club serves the acclaimed lobster rolls from High Roller Lobster Co., arguably the city’s most talked about lobster rolls. Portland’s status as a craft beer capital is reflected throughout the stadium as well – the Hearts partnered with Allagash to debut Kickabout Lager and Bissell Brothers for the Hearts of Pine Pale Ale. Other local favorites are also on tap, including Allagash White, Bissell’s Substance Ale, Maine Beer Company’s Lunch, and Portland Zoo’s Mesa Cerveza. For those not drinking beer, there are plenty of local alternatives: Après’ Hearts of Pine Rickey, seasonal hard cider, and Blue Lobster wines are all available. Bottled Coca-Cola products and Maine Love canned water, in five locally inspired flavors, round out the beverage lineup.   Atmosphere   4 Fitzpatrick Stadium is not much more than your typical high school football venue – aluminum bleachers on both sides, a wooden press box perched above, and a basic scoreboard at the west end. But the Hearts have done an impressive job of making it feel like home. Heart-shaped overlays on the scoreboard, team crests, and branded signage over the seating areas all help transform the space into “Fitzy Park,” as supporters proudly call it. Most seating consists of standard bleachers, with chairbacks available at midfield on both sides of the pitch. The High Roller Club stretches along the near side touchline at field level, while the $3 Dewey’s suites run along the end line of the east end. That said, some of the most sought-after views are behind the benches, along the far-end touchline, or up on the grassy hillside. Or, for those chasing shade and comfort, the far side bleachers offers a break from the evening sun. There is just one traditional high school scoreboard here, at the west end of the stadium. While the facility lacks video boards and multiple scoreboards, the existing scoreboard does have capabilities to provide fans with shot, save, and penalty information, though this feature is not utilized.   Neighborhood   4 Fitzpatrick Stadium sits in a cluster of Portland’s sports venues, including Hadlock Field , home of the Sea Dogs, and the Portland Exposition Building, which hosts the Maine Celtics during basketball season. The stadium’s immediate surroundings do not offer much in the way of food or drink, but a short walk or drive opens up several great options. The Great Lost Bear, a longtime local favorite, is not far from the venue and serves an extensive menu alongside one of Portland’s best beer lists. In addition, at the top of Deering Avenue Quiero Café offers flavorful and fast Latin fare. For fans willing to go a bit further, the Old Port is Portland’s culinary and nightlife center, with an endless array of restaurants, bars, and shops along its cobblestone streets. Those looking to mix a bit of history with their visit can climb the Portland Observatory on Munjoy Hill, or visit the former home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow downtown. Alternatively, a walk along the Eastern Promenade provides amazing views of Portland Harbor and makes for the perfect picnic spot to enjoy a classic Italian sandwich from Amato’s, along with a bag of Humpty Dumpty chips. Across the Fore River at Thompson’s Point, fans will find the Children’s Museum and Theater of Maine, as well as the Bissell Brothers taproom. Nearby Bunker Brewing Co. is also a Hearts-friendly hangout, but for the most Hearts-centered experience, The Portland Zoo has become the unofficial pre- and post-match gathering spot for many.   Fans   5 Mainers have anticipated the arrival of the Hearts since the announcement that professional soccer would be coming to the state’s largest city, and no group of fans has done more to stoke the fires of that fandom than the Hearts’ supporters' group, Dirigo Union . From pregame throughout the match, the singing, chanting, and revelry of Dirigo Union goes a long way in setting a one-of-a-kind stadium atmosphere, and if the passion of the Dirigo Union is not evident enough throughout the match, a Hearts goal is enough to send them into a near riot. Already in their early going, the Hearts have set league records for sold out matches in USL League One. The popularity of Hearts of Pine soccer has been immense, with a waitlist for season tickets that numbers over 1,000.   Access   4 Parking is the stadium’s biggest logistical challenge; there’s very little on-site, so fans are encouraged to use one of two main garages, either at the University of Southern Maine ( 88 Bedford Street ) or at Maine Medical Center ( 880 Congress Street ). Both are about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the facility. The Iris Network lot is another solid option, offering $10 parking with direct stadium access (cash only). Some street parking is also available if arriving early. Fitzpatrick is also about a mile from the Amtrak station, which is served by the Downeaster line from Boston to Brunswick. Fitzpatrick Stadium is also walkable from nearby neighborhoods like Parkside, Libbytown, and Bayside, and for those biking in, the team has partnered with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine to offer a free bike valet for matches in July and August. The main entrance at Fitzpatrick Stadium, Gate A, can get congested, particularly before kickoff. A limited number of entry points and slower hand-wand metal detectors contribute to delays, especially with sellout crowds. Once inside, fans are funneled in two directions: left toward the south side stands or right toward the north. A field-level walkway runs along the north stands, allowing fans to move without disrupting views of the match. Much of the pathway that leads behind the press box is gravel, however, which can be a bit tough to navigate for those with mobility challenges. The success of the Hearts has created unintended consequences around the stadium. Capacity crowds often create bottlenecks, especially in high-traffic areas. Once through some of the choke points, though, navigation becomes much easier. At times, the popularity of the Hearts almost makes it feel as if they have already outgrown their home.   Return on Investment   4 The problem with Hearts tickets is not the cost, but that they can be extremely difficult to come by. General admission runs $20 ($18 in the supporters’ section), but most matches sell out quickly and also months ahead of time. The secondary market is not much help; tickets are in demand and priced accordingly. Parking, if you can find free street spots, keeps things affordable. Otherwise, expect to pay between $10 to $20. Concession prices are slightly above average, but the food quality more than justifies the cost.   Extras   4 Fitzpatrick Stadium’s west end features a kids’ zone with inflatable games, a mini soccer field, and a sign-making station. It is a great place for kids who might not be able to stay engaged with the game for the full 90 minutes. Moxie the Moose, the team’s mascot, named after Maine’s famously polarizing soda, makes his way around the stadium, mostly near the kids’ area. Who knows, maybe we will see Moxie crowd surfing atop the Dirigo Union one day. The Hearts of Pine truly is an organization that has rooted itself not just in the Portland community, but across the state of Maine. Win, lose, or draw, the players are quick to thank fans following the match, and Hearts owner Gabe Hoffman-Johnson is easily accessible to fans throughout, often circulating around the stadium during the match. The music during pregame, halftime, and after the match intentionally highlights songs about hearts and love – it is a small touch that goes a long way in emphasizing the Hearts’ branding.   Final Thoughts Fitzpatrick Stadium might not be flashy. It is not modern. It does not have high-end amenities. But none of that matters as much as what is there: heart, connection, and a fanbase that genuinely loves this club. The Hearts of Pine are more than a soccer team; they are a reflection of the city itself. From Kevin Fahrman’s red hearts to the roar of the crowd at “Fitzy Park,” the through-line is love. Love for the game. Love for community. And love for their team.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Dodger Stadium 1000 Vin Scully Ave Los Angeles, CA 90012 Map It Los Angeles Dodgers website Dodger Stadium website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 56,000 Sho-Time At The Ravine Upon their arrival in 1958 from Brooklyn, the Dodgers would play their home games at the L.A. Coliseum until 1961. Native Angelinos were quick to embrace the Brooklyn transplants as over 78,000 attended the Dodgers first-ever home game at the Coliseum. But not all of Los Angeles would embrace the former Flatbush Bums arrival particularly when it came to the controversy leading to the construction of Dodger Stadium .   When the dust finally settled, Dodger Stadium would officially open on April 10, 1962. The Dodgers would draw over 2.75 million fans in their gleaming new home.  Year in and year out Dodger Stadium features the highest attendance figures in all of baseball with daily crowds of over 40,000 being the norm. Over the years Dodger Stadium has had many memorable moments such as Shohei Ohtani’s historic   40-40 feat via the walk-off grand slam , Chris Taylor’s Wild Card Clinching walk-off home run to Gibson’s epic Game 1 walk off homer against Dennis Eckersley in 1988, their sweep of the Yankees in the 1963 World Series and who can forget Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam in Game 1 off of Nestor Cortez enroute to World Series triumph number 8! Dodger Stadium is the third oldest yard behind only   Fenway Park  and   Wrigley Field . Despite being the third oldest big league park, Dodger Stadium, affectionately referred to by blue-clad locals as Blue Heaven On Earth, is hardly referred to as a classic. Dodger Stadium maintains a truly unique identity as marked by its signature pastel-colored seating pallet. Food & Beverage 4 Though Farmer John is no longer the hot dog provider after being synonymous with Dodger Baseball for so many years, the famous Dodger Dog remains on the menu now provided by Papa Cantella. Kosher hot dogs and sausages are also available through their stand located in the right field section of the outfield plaza. Some of the most noticeable additions to the dining options   can be found in the outfield plaza including Shake Shack. Some of my favorite dining choices are on the left field side of the outfield plaza. The Smoked Brisket Sandwich and Burnt End Nachos are available at the Think Blue Barbecue stand. The brisket in each item is smoked overnight with the sandwich topped off with coleslaw, providing fans with one of the tastiest items in the yard. If you happen to bring a big appetite with you, Think Blue Barbecue also has an MVP Platter with burnt ends, pulled pork, hot links, coleslaw, potato salad, and jalapeno cornbread. Not only is this one of the tastier items throughout the park, but it's also big enough to feed 2 to 3 heavy hitters. Next to the Think Blue Barbecue stand is the Dueling Dogs featuring a bacon-wrapped dog and a visiting team-themed dog.  Dining areas were recently added to the outfield plaza.  Fans dining in the plaza can watch the game on the new outfield plaza screens with scoreboards providing live stats.  One of the more noticeable addition to the Dodger Stadium food lineup is The Slugger. The much talked about addition to the Dodger Stadium food lineup is a 16 inch jalapeno cheddar dog topped with  corn relish, white cheddar sauce, cilantro crema, and tortilla chips with French fries. Dodger Stadium - The Slugger, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Food selections present a differing variety that often matches the theme of that particular game such as a Salvadoran or Filipino menu or Death Star themed cookies during Star Wars Night. Dodger Stadium - Death Star Themed Cookie, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Coca-Cola products are the soft drinks of choice. Domestic and imported beers such as Budweiser and Modelo are available throughout the stadium. Two new indoor bars located beneath both the left and right field pavilions are available for fans before and during the games. The bars feature a vast variety of alcoholic drinks and provide screens of the live game action and other sporting events.  A viewing area near the bullpen mounds is also located inside each bar for fans to watch pitchers warm up. Atmosphere 5 It all starts as you enter through the grand entrance to the newly enhanced outfield plaza. As you enter the plaza, you are greeted by two legendary statues, Jackie Robinson and Sandy Koufax. Once past the statues fans will notice two lines that lead to replicas of the 2024 World Champions ring and trophy, two of the more popular photo spots for the 2025 season.   Dodger Stadium - 2024 World Series Trophy Replica, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Pregame entertainment in the outfield plaza varies each game with in-game DJ’s blasting beats to performances from various cultural performers. The pregame festivities continue inside the stadium as the pregame hype team keeps the vibes flowing. For a team as storied as the Dodgers, it may seem a bit too much as noted by certain east coast media types perhaps still bitter over last year's World Series result .  As fans roam the outfield plaza one thing they will notice are historical displays paying tribute to significant figures in Dodger history dating back to their beginnings in Brooklyn.  When not fully paying attention to the action on the field, some of the best views of the city, be it the San Gabriel Mountains beyond the outfield or the downtown skyline, can be seen from the top deck and reserve levels. Neighborhood 3 Several nice walking trails along with pregame picnic areas on the grounds of Elysian Park are outside Dodger Stadium and provide some of the natural scenery beyond Dodger Stadium. Aside from Elysian Park’s picnic areas and the scenery it provides the yard, the surrounding area does not offer a ballpark village with pre- or post-game entertainment or dining options that fans have become accustomed to in some of the post Camden Yards era venues. However, The Shortstop, a local dive bar not far from the stadium, is a favorite among Dodger fans. Chinatown and Downtown L.A. are also a short drive from the yard and offer several pre- and post-game dining options. Fans 5 Yearly crowds of over 3 million plus are the norm at Dodger Stadium. With the team coming off the excitement of 2024, in spite of rising ticket costs, there’s been talk of crossing the 4 million mark for the first time in franchise history.  With another big season anticipated, expect crowds of 40 to 50,000 plus on a regular basis. The home nine’s current run of 12 consecutive post-season appearances has done nothing to dull the enthusiasm of the Dodger Blue Faithful. Dodger Blue runs deep throughout many Angeleno’s hearts and throughout Southern California as they are a loud and passionate bunch. The Dodgers, like their purple and gold counterparts at the   Crypto.com  Arena , can attract many a Hollywood crowd. Dodger blue and white are the colors you see decked among the fans who proudly show their passion. Though some are there  to stargaze or “to be seen” as can be the case with any L.A. sporting event, Dodger fans are very passionate about their Boys In Blue as noticed by certain rival players .   Access 4 The recent enhancements to Dodger Stadium have significantly improved access throughout Dodger Stadium. Unlike years past, fans can enter through any entrance and are also free to roam throughout each level of the stadium. Additional elevators located on the left and right field corners of each concourse have been added, as well as additional escalators and stairs in the expanded exterior concourse. A pedestrian walkway has been added atop the pavilions as well as additional ADA viewing areas and a social area overlooking the outfield plaza. More restrooms have also been added to each of the two pavilions. If you choose to drive to the game, five entrances lead to the vast parking lot, which can accommodate up to 16,000 vehicles. Unless you plan on entering through the outfield plaza it’s still a good idea to research your seating location so you have a good idea where you should park. You will also want to purchase parking ahead of time on your mobile app to help reduce entry time, $35 if purchased in advance, $40 at the gate.  Various roads lead to Dodger Stadium which can be accessed by the 5, 110, or 101. Because of its proximity to downtown Los Angeles and the fact that most of the natives rely on their vehicles to get around this sprawling city, you will want to allow yourself more than ample time to drive to the stadium if you want to be at your seat by the first pitch. There’s a reason why Dodgers fans have a reputation, albeit an unfair one, as late arrivers. Another transportation option is the Dodger Stadium shuttle, which runs from outside the west main entrance at Downtown Union Station beginning 2.5 hours before game time. If using the shuttle after the game, regardless where you’re sitting, you will want to catch the shuttle from the outfield pickup stop rather than the Top Deck stop as more buses are available with significantly less wait time.  Union Station can also easily be reached by light rail via the MTA through the Red, Purple, and Gold lines. Return on Investment 3 With a team coming off a memorable championship season along with arguably the game’s most popular player comes the price of success. When attending a game at The Ravine expect a significant dent in your wallet just from the ticket prices alone. Single game ticket prices start at $38. For games against rival teams such as the Giants, Padres and Angels prices start at $53. With the Yankees in town and nights when certain promotional giveaway items are distributed expect the lowest price to start in the triple digits as much as $175. Those Shohei Bobbleheads and replica World Series players rings are just some of the most sought out items fans will be clamoring for. There’s no way around it. Attending a Dodger game will not be cheap. If you’re fortunate you may find some reasonably priced tickets on 3rd party sites.  Extras 5 In past years Dodger Stadium did not offer much regarding displaying their storied history. That recently changed with the outfield plaza enhancements most notably in both pavilion areas. Fans can view memorabilia and displays paying tribute to Dodgers legends and sit in old stadium seats. Gold Glove Awards can also be viewed below the left field pavilion. Fans entering through the Top Deck entrance will walk through the Retired Numbers Plaza featuring statues of the iconic red numbers from the Dodgers uniforms of each Dodger who had the honor of having their number retired including recently retired number 34, belonging to the late former legendary pitcher and longtime fan favorite Fernando Valenzuela. Another addition to the Top Deck before the start of the 2024 season is a   historic Japanese stone lantern . Originally gifted to the Dodgers in 1965, the eight-foot-tall, 3,921-pound Kasuga-style stone lantern was presented to the Dodger organization by Japanese sports columnist Sotaro Suzuki, who is also a member of the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame. Suzuki worked with team president Walter O’Malley on the Brooklyn Dodgers’ 1956 Goodwill Tour to Japan.   Dodger Stadium Japanese Lantern, Photo by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Final Thoughts As the season’s second half approaches, the excitement from the 2024 season highlighted by Shohei Ohtani’s memorable 50/50 season to Freddie Freeman’s walk-off slam has fans excited for another exciting run toward more October baseball.   Now in it’s 63rd year, from Gibby to Freddie, what exciting and historical moment will happen next?

Photos by Paul Baker and Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Huntington Park 330 Huntington Park Lane Columbus, OH 43215 Columbus Clippers website Huntington Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 10,100 Clippers on the Hunt   The city of Columbus has been represented at the highest levels of the minor leagues almost continuously since 1902, first by the Senators (1902-1930) and Red Birds (1931-1955) of the American Association, then by the Jets (1955-1970) and Clippers (1977-present). For the majority of their existence the Clippers were affiliated with the New York Yankees, winning 7 Governors Cups during their partnership. Since 2009 they have been affiliated with the Cleveland Indians/Guardians, winning an additional 4 league titles during their partnership.   Huntington Park was built in 2009 to replace the aging and obsolete Cooper Stadium, which had been the home of Columbus baseball teams since 1931. The facility is part of the Arena district in the capital city of Ohio, adjacent to Nationwide Arena and Lower.com Field. The mixed-use development also contains several businesses, bars, restaurants, clubs and residential areas. It is located on the site of the former Ohio Penitentiary, which housed over 5,000 prisoners at its height before closing in 1984.   Food & Beverage 4    What you are going to remember most about the concessions experience at Huntington Park is not really the food itself, but the setup of the concession stands. These stands are unique in that the two main stands located near the seating bowl are located so that fans can still watch the ballgame while in line waiting to order food. It was considered a revolutionary design idea when the ballpark opened, but in reality doesn’t work out exactly as intended. Still, the concessions experience at Huntington Park is still a very positive one.   In addition to the two main stands near home plate, there are “end cap” stands at either end of the main building, another in the left field building, as well as several portable carts scattered throughout the rest of the ballpark.   The big stands contain standard ballpark fare, with hot dogs, burgers, chicken tenders and assorted snacks sold at both stands. The presence of bratwurst and grilled cheese sandwiches kicks up the experience a notch. Fans can add chili to virtually any menu item for an extra $1.75. The Donato’s Dugout stand had a long line during Stadium Journey’s visit (definitely due to the $5 pizza special going on that day). The other end cap stand features paninis, wraps and salads, along with ice cream (talk about serving both ends of the nutritional spectrum).   Pepsi products are featured at Huntington Park. Fans looking for adult beverages will find a good selection of mixed drinks, wines and beers, from national brands to craft brews from local favorites such as Fat Head and Outerbelt Brewing. On a hot summer Ohio night, take a stroll into Mooler’s Cooler, a self-serve stand designed like a car wash and take a respite from the heat.   Atmosphere 3   At Columbus, a more subdued, old-school game day presentation is in effect. The Clippers’ staff does not beat you over the head with a lot of noise and distraction, but that’s not to say things are boring here at Huntington Park. It’s just not over the top.   There’s a video board out in right-center field that is put to good use with game information, statistics and graphics. A solid sound system plays music at the usual times, and the PA announcer goes about his duties in a professional, if somewhat subdued, manner.   Between inning shenanigans are kept to a minimum, with the highlight being the hot dog race in the seventh inning. Each hot dog (ketchup, mustard, relish and onion) have cultivated personalities and followings, and each have their own swag available in the team store.   Neighborhood 4 Huntington Park is part of the Arena District that includes the home of the Columbus Crew soccer team Lower.com Field  and the home of the Columbus Blue Jackets hockey club Nationwide Arena . The district offers mixed-used residential and retail space. There are almost two dozen different eateries and bars located within a few steps of the ballpark that are hopping before and after the game. The R Bar is the official hockey watering hole that sits across a small pedestrian bridge offering 16 beers on tap and 32 bottles and cans. Goodwood Brewery and Restaurant and Whistle & Key are also in this area providing outdoor seating and plenty of people-watching. If with the kids, Boston’s Pizza and Ted’s Montana Grill are two nearby choices. The indoor and outdoor concert venue KEMBA Live! and A&R Music Bar are located next to the ballpark, which provides an ideal later-night atmosphere. The boundaries of the neighborhood continue to evolve, as more live, work, and play developments are added. For more complete information, check out the Arena District website .   Fans 5   Over the past few years Columbus has landed among the leaders in all of the minor leagues in terms of attendance, averaging between 7,500-8,000 fans per game. This has placed them in the top three in the International League and the top five in all of Minor League Baseball.   Fans here in Columbus will look and feel very familiar to those who travel the various minor league ballparks across the continent. Columbus has been a minor league city for decades, so the average fan knows their stuff. The Clippers’ longstanding affiliation with the nearby Guardians ensures that the fans in the stands are familiar with the players on the field and supportive of the team’s success. You’ll be sure to see a good number of families, groups and Little League teams in the stands enjoying an affordable night of entertainment in Ohio’s capital city.   Access 4   Huntington Park is located in the Arena District of Columbus, easily accessible via Interstates 70, 17 and 670. While driving is the primary method for getting to the ballpark, Central Ohio Transit Authority’s 3 and 8 buses have a stop right along Neil Street. Fans driving to a Clippers game will find no shortage of parking lots within a short distance of Huntington Park.   Most fans will enter the ballpark via the centerfield gate, although there are additional entrances all around the facility. Here’s where Huntington Park’s design flaws become evident. By placing the main structure and concession stands smack dab in the center of the concourse, there are two small walkways rather than one large walkway. Fans lined up in concession queues and in standing room areas can make it difficult to pass in some areas. The desired effect of unobstructed views of the game even when in line doesn’t really come to pass.   A unique aspect of Huntington Park is that, even though the ballpark does not feature a 360-degree concourse, fans are able to leave the ballpark via a gate in the double-deck stands in right field, walk along Nationwide Boulevard (where they can continue watching the game from outside the park) and re-enter the ballpark in centerfield by scanning their ticket.   Return on Investment 5   Clippers tickets represent an very affordable entertainment option for local sports fans. Tickets can be found for as low as $9, with prices increasing all the way up to a maximum of $24 for loge seats right behind home plate. Plenty of seats are available for $10 or less, and the majority of seats in the ballpark can be purchased for under $20. Discounts are available for children and seniors, and there are ticket deals every day of the week. Check out $5 Fridays, Senior Sundays and more!   Parking is available in the many lots and garages throughout the Arena District for only $7. Concession prices are also very affordable, especially when comparing Huntington Park with its fellow stadiums at the AAA level.   Extras 4   Extra points are awarded for some of the unique design choices incorporated into the design of Huntington Park. The wrought-iron gates along West Nationwide Boulevard allow pedestrians to look into the ballpark from the street, and the right-field double-decker general admission drink rail seats are among the most coveted spots in the entire park. The left-field building offers rooftop seating.     The Clippers honor the history of baseball in Columbus throughout the ballpark. All the former ballparks in the city are displayed in the right field food court, old team banners hang on the concourse, and you can purchase Jets gear in the team store.   A statue of longtime owner Harold Cooper greets fans as they enter the ballpark, and fans will pass the Victory Bell as they move around the concourse.   The Speed of the Game displays throughout the concourse point out just how fast baseball can move at this level, show the minute difference between victory and defeat, and display some of the tools of the trade.   Final Thoughts   When you introduce a new design element into your ballpark and no one copies it, does that mean it’s a failure? Huntington Park has many elements that you won’t find anywhere else in the minor leagues, and while you may debate their effectiveness, there’s no denying that this is a quality minor league facility.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Rate Field 333 W 35th St Chicago, IL 60616 Chicago White Sox website Rate Field website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 40,615 Southside Hospitality at Rate Field Rate Field debuted as Comiskey Park II in 1991 and, for the past 30 plus years, has seen multiple names and plenty of changes to the ballpark. Often considered one of the least favorite venues in the major leagues, team management has worked their hearts off to ensure that fans will have an enjoyable experience through various renovations. The facility was the last of its kind built before the opening of Camden Yards the next season. It stands as a symbol of a bygone era, but there have been extensive renovations at the stadium this century that have altered the exterior and interior to better the ambiance, keep up with modern technology, and keep up with current standards expected from today’s fans. The renovations have included the removal of 6,600 seats from the upper deck section of the ballpark, the repainting of every seat from blue to hunter green, the addition of party decks and restaurants, the inclusion of a kids' play area, the addition of bronze statues, and a 25-ton statue honoring the 2005 World Series team outside Gate 4 at the main entrance. If you haven’t been to a Sox game for some time, chances are that it looks a little bit different from your last visit. However, have the myriad of changes created a better ballpark? Food & Beverage 5 Rate Field offers a variety of food, from Chicago favorites to items made for the ballpark. There are numerous kiosks, eating areas, social spots, and the newly named Leinenkugel Craft Lodge and Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina. It's advisable to walk around first before making a selection. The standards are still here, including Comiskey dogs and burgers, Cuban sandwiches, Italian beef, tavern-style pizza slices, street tacos, brats, tamales, and nachos. Sweet treats include ice cream, Italian ice, and churros. The best spot for a slice or two is at the Beggar’s Pizza area in the outfield, which features tables and views of the game. The new items for this season include the fuku stands that sells Korean fried chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, and the Lucky's stand that offers bubble waffles with fried chicken and other fillings. Other new items include the Sonoran and the pineapple dogs, beef and spinach empanadas, and the speciality milkshakes. that are served in a speciality glass with marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham cracker crumbles. The Polish & Columbian kiosk has salchipapas on the menu: french fries topped with kelbasi and slaw. The Miller Lite Landing in the right field includes premium seating, a repurposed CTA car with 12 taps, and cascading water down the concourse are still there. Up in the 500-level are new outdoor bars with premium seating that were added a few seasons ago. The viral milkshakes are available at the Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina The Leinenkugel Craft Lodge is located on the ground level behind the visitor’s bullpen, offering a full-service wait staff and 75 beers from 46 different area breweries. Fans can pick them out of the refrigerators and enjoy them in the full-service restaurant. However, tables are packed with fans enjoying craft-made burgers and sandwiches. The Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Cantina (formerly the Vizzy Bar) has been scaled back a bit compared to other years. The area still provides patio views of the game, plus different food items inside the air-conditioned tap room. The Old No. 7 Bar, sponsored by Jack Daniels, offers various drinks, hard liquor, and other libations with TVs and tabletop seating. Atmosphere 4 Two hours before the start of the game, fans line up in the parking lots next to the stadium to tailgate. The area includes bags tossed in the air, the smell of smoke from the barbecue, and a few drinks between Sox fans before the first pitch. Closer to the start of the game is Championship Plaza, featuring a life-sized white bronze and granite sculpture celebrating the 2005 World Series championship team and a historical timeline of the franchise along the diamond’s base paths. Legacy Bricks are inscribed with a personalized message on the plaza. Once inside, the main concourse from the first to third baseline is somewhat narrow, but the outfield concourse opens up to a wealth of excitement that makes it one of the best areas in baseball. The wide-open area houses an array of fun areas for fans of all ages. White Sox Legends Sculpture Plaza is the highlight of the center-field concourse, featuring life-size statues of all-time greats. There are nine statues featuring Frank Thomas, Harold Baines, Luis Aparicio, and Carlton Fisk, where fans can pose and take pictures during the game. A fan cools down underneath the shower that has been a tradition since the 1976. The CIBC Fan Deck is available at times for single-season ticket holders and offers a panoramic view of the playing field on the two-tiered deck atop the center-field concession stands. However, most of the time, it is rented out to large groups. Just below the deck is an ivy-covered batter's eye. The Xfinity Kidz Zone is above the left-center concourse, overlooking the playing field that provides instruction on the game. Kids 12 and under can utilize the plaza with a youth-sized Wiffle ball diamond along with batting and pitching cages accessible from the 100, 300, and 500 levels. The best part about it is it’s free of charge. Also located above the concourse is the center-field video board that’s slightly larger than 8,000 square feet, measuring 60 feet high and 134 feet wide. It shoots off fireworks after every Sox home run or victory, provides Sox Facts of the Day, and displays the Buono Italian Beef race (where lucky fans have the opportunity to redeem a ticket for a free Italian beef the next day at one of its locations), and provides interactive activities in between innings. The 500 section of the ballpark features a nod to old Comiskey Park. The canopy is painted dark gray, and colorful murals of former White Sox players, All-Star programs, paintings, and yearbooks are on display on the brick walls. It should be noted that fans are limited to this area during games, but there are times when that rule is lax later in the game. An old CTA train is now a bar in the Miller Lite landing in right field. The Chicago Sports Depot is the team’s official two-story team shop offering much more than Chisox gear. Before the game, the ChiSox Bar & Grill offers a full-service bar with food and drink with outside patio seating. If you arrive a little earlier and aren't tailgating, this might be the spot for you to get into the mood before the first pitch. Neighborhood 2 The ballpark is bordered by the Dan Ryan Expressway and the working-class residential Bridgeport neighborhood. The area is not littered with bars, comedy clubs, and restaurants, but it is safe to walk around after the game if you happen to frequent a few places nearby. The best bet would be to hop on the L and head towards the city if searching for better entertainment options. The Chisox Bar & Grill is located across the street from the main entrance and features 65 flat-screen TVs and a large open patio that opens three hours before the game. The menu highlights include chopped brisket tacos and smoked corn on the cob with sweet maple bourbon butter. A few blocks away from the stadium is Buffalo Wings and Rings, which offers free shuttle service to and from the stadium. All management asks is that you purchase a drink or other menu options. A few feet down is the Bridgeport Restaurant, which is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, featuring breakfast specials, three-tier sandwiches, and house specialties. Antique Taco is home to traditional tacos, plus fried chicken burritos and creamed elote (Mexican Street Corn). The Duck Inn offers its signature rotisserie duck but also the duck fat dog and duck wings. About a mile away from the stadium is Ricobene’s, which is a must-go after the game; the breaded steak sandwich, deep-dish pizza slices, and Italian beef are highly recommended. The atmosphere is lively, and there is plenty of free parking across the street from the restaurant’s covered lot. Chicago's Chinatown is a tad north of the ballpark offering a collection of restaurants and businesses catering to the Chinese population of the city. From barbecue, dumplings, noodles, and Sichuan, popular restaurants include B.B.Q. King House, Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings, Mala Temptations, and Slurp Slurp Noodles. Fans 4 The White Sox fan base is a dedicated group of people who enjoy watching baseball but, more importantly, want a consistent winner on the Southside. They are among the savviest in baseball and provided stories of the season’s past. At the game, they are focused on the field and hope that within the beginning of the next decade. Access 4 The stadium is easily accessible via public transit or car. If driving, the stadium is directly off the Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) at the exit for 36th and 37th Streets. There are six lots for cars that surround the stadium, purchasing a parking pass before the game will get you to your spot quicker. The CTA Red Line drops you off at the Sox/35th Station and the CTA Green Line at the 35th-Bronzeville station. The bus stops near the stadium include stops 24, 35, and 44. The ballpark’s main concourse wraps around the stadium and provides proper access to the various concession and merchandise areas of the stadium. The facility also features a series of ramps that take fans to the upper concourse and provides access to the Chicago Sports Depot and Craft Lodge. Return on Investment 4 The price of a single-game ticket for the 500 section averages around $10 for many games, but that will depend on the date, opponent, and second-site markets. The most affordable days are Coca-Cola Family Sundays, where tickets begin at $10, and parking is $20. Parking is $25 in advance, but $27 on the day of the game for every other day of the week. Other options include the Bleacher & Brews ticket, where fans can purchase a ticket and two beers starting at $27 for a bleacher ticket. Southside Mondays offer special tickets where fans receive up to $20 in concession credit added to their mobile ticket. Family 4 Packs include a ticket, hot dog, drink, and a bag of chips for $19 per person. If you are looking to save money on parking, Buffalo Wings and Rings offers free parking and shuttle service to and from the game from 7 blocks away--just purchase a menu item or a drink while you are at the restaurant. Tuesday night games are worth visiting if you are on a budget. Except for the Crosstown Classic with the Cubbies, select food items are $5. They include 16-ounce drafts of Modelo and Miller Lite, Vienna Beef hot dogs and Polish sausages, buckets of popcorn, Coca-Cola products, nachos, and Beggar's pizza slices. Check out Sunday Family Days, including $20 parking, tickets starting at $10 in the 500-level concourse, and kids running the bases after the game. Even if you are not with the kids at the game, a $10 ticket is a great price to enjoy a major league game. Extras 4 The White Sox earns a point for 75 varieties of craft beers located throughout the concourse, with a majority of them in the Kraft Cave. Around the Bend, Pipeworks, Pollyanna, Lagunitas, 18th Street, 3 Floyds, Half Acre, and 2 Brothers are among the local breweries featured by the can in the cooler. One of the many statues in the outfield of former Sox greats The Sox earn a fourth point for the statues of former team greats from Luis Aparicio to Frank Thomas; a total of 9 figures provide fans a chance to pose for pictures and learn about these all-time greats. The South Siders earn a final point for the Plumbers 911.com Shower, a carry-over from old Comiskey Park and a fan favorite that was originally installed by owner Bill Veeck in 1976. It is near Section 160 in the outfield concourse. The shower works, and on a hot day, might be the best way to cool off. Final Thoughts The White Sox continue to provide great value and entertainment at Rate Field. The ball club's recent struggles on the field have hindered a few, but there is plenty to do when attending a Sox game on the Southside. The inexpensive tickets, easy access, food selection, and various places to enjoy the game inside the ballpark make for a great time at the game. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey I write for Stadium Journey. That means I attend various sporting events and write about and review that particular venue. The aim is to give future attendees an idea of what their own visit will be like. These official trips are not the end of my stadium “visits”. No matter where I go, it seems stadiums find me. Even on a recent European vacation, far from any sporting event I intended to cover, these structures punctuated my journey, serving as a constant reminder of my passion. I had a long European vacation. First in Germany, followed by a two-week cruise starting in Rotterdam and winding through Norway, Scotland, and England before returning to the Netherlands, was meant to be a break from work. Yet, the architectural marvels of sports venues kept appearing. In Molde, Norway, nestled amidst stunning natural beauty, an incredible seaside stadium dominated the view from our ship. I found out this was Aker Stadion, home to Norwegian Eliteserien club Molde FK. Once docked, I walked around the stadium, and although the team store was closed, I was able to catch a glimpse of one of the teams practicing on the pitch. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Later in both Trondheim and Tromsø, both in Norway, I thought about searching out the local stadium, but I thought it was more fun when I stumbled on them. It also meant more walking, and I was already averaging about 30,000 steps per day. You have to walk off that cruise ship food somehow, but a few more steps to see a stadium seemed to be out of the question. Even further north, I actually did stumble upon a remarkably small soccer stadium, high up in the Norwegian wilderness – a testament to the global reach of the sport, even in remote areas. In Honningsvåg, a small city near the famous North Cape of Europe, I saw a small venue called Honningsvåg Stadion. It was barely a “stadium” and I am not entirely sure who played there, but the pitch seemed to be very well cared for. Doing some research, it might be the home of the Honningsvåg T&IF football club, but I am not sure if it is true and what league they play in. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey As our ship sailed on, and during shore excursions, I caught glimpses of Scottish stadiums such as Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.’s Caledonian Stadium and Falkirk F.C.’s Falkirk Stadium. Both looked like ones I would have wanted to catch a match at. The theme continued when I disembarked in the Netherlands. My Amsterdam airport hotel, by pure coincidence, was situated right next to a massive soccer stadium, its imposing presence a familiar sight in an unfamiliar city. This was AFC Ajax’s 55,000-seat Johan Cruyff Arena. The road to my hotel went under the stadium, and I even ate dinner at a restaurant that night attached to the venue. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey The grand finale of my stadium-spotting vacation came at the very end. I flew to Wales for the highly anticipated first night of the Oasis reunion concert tour. The venue? The magnificent Principality Stadium in Cardiff, home to Welsh rugby. Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Photo By Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Standing there, soaking in the atmosphere of a legendary band reunited, I couldn't help but smile at the irony. Even when my purpose was purely personal and musical, a stadium was still at the heart of the experience. It just goes to show, whether I'm actively seeking them out for an article or simply enjoying a well-deserved break, stadiums are an undeniable, ever-present part of my world.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Lindquist Field 2330 Lincoln Ave Ogden, UT 84401 Ogden Raptors website Lindquist Field website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 6,700 125 Years of Baseball in Ogden Baseball has been being played in Ogden, Utah since the US cavalry introduced a version of the game to the Native Americans living in the region following the Civil War. Professional baseball began here in 1901, with the Ogden team winning the pennant. Ogden played as part of various leagues until a 10-year hiatus occurred during the Great Depression, after which the Pioneer League we know today was born. The Ogden team began their days as the Dodgers, an LA Dodgers affiliate, before moving to Calgary in 1977, and Salt Lake City in 1984, not becoming the Raptors until they moved back to Ogden in 1994. Following the MLB reorganization of minor league baseball following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Raptors emerged in 2021 as an independent team playing in the now-12 team Pioneer League. They play their home games at Lindquist Field, which opened in 1997 and has a capacity of 8,700.   Food & Beverage   4 Lindquist Field has a total of nine concessions areas, including 4 main stands which all serve the same menu, 2 beer carts, and 3 patio areas with full-service bars (one down the right the right field line, one down the left field line, and the 3rd in the top of the stands behind home plate). The food menu is a little limited, but there are plenty of alcohol selections, and the prices are very reasonable. Beer, for example, runs $6 to $10 depending on which brand you choose and whether you want can, bottle, or draft. Beer selections include Budweiser products, Coors, various seltzers, and Arnold Palmers (mix of iced tea and lemonade, with alcohol), while food selections include hot dogs, brats, burgers, chicken sandwiches, and popcorn. Soda and bottled water are also sold. In terms of food, the best day to hit up Lindquist Field is on Sunday, when they have free food day. That’s right, free food day – what can be better than that? On Sunday fans can get any food item for free, and there is no limit; you can go back as much as you want. Note there is a change for beverages, including non-alcoholic ones.   Atmosphere   4 The Raptors offer a great atmosphere for minor league baseball, with lots of the traditional bells and whistles fans have come to expect. The mascot Oggie (dinosaur, not bird) runs the bases with a selected child contestant, and competes in a dance contest with another, and is otherwise ever present in the concourse, high-fiving and taking photos with fans. The team also plays lots of fun music, including sports stadium favorites like Sweet Carolina, but also vintage baseball classics from yesteryear. They also feature the Count from Sesame Street, who appears on video to announce each time the pitcher reaches a full strike “count” during an at-bat. Lindquist Field is backdropped by the Odgen Mormon temple, something you probably won’t see at any other baseball park, and of course the Rocky Mountains are on full display. The park also offers shaded seating, as long as you sit in the main section running from third base, around home, and over to first base – the uppermost few rows there are actually under cover, but anywhere starting around row L or higher should be in the shade. Lower rows may not be covered until later in the game, depending on when it starts, and the section on the far side of third base does not offer any shade or cover. The main section is all plastic bucket-style seats, while the far section is straight metal bleachers, so most fans will sit in the main section, as high up as possible.   Neighborhood   4 A block or two from Lindquist Field is what Ogden bills as its historic 25th street, which offers a few shops and restaurants for fans to enjoy before or after the ball game. However, I also saw several rundown buildings in the vicinity, including some that are boarded up, so I am not sure the area is as nice as it is promoted to be. There are some other attractions in the immediate vicinity as well, such as Union Station and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers (DUP) Museum. Union Station features the Utah railroad museum, an antique car museum, and a rifle museum, as well as several other exhibits, while the DUP Museum celebrates the state’s pioneer heritage. While these are great attractions, the downside is Union Station is only open Wed-Sat from 11 am to 4 pm, and DUP is only open 10 am to 5 pm five days a week (closed Sunday and Wednesday), so you may not be able to visit them depending on when the Raptors game is. Another fun thing to do around town is go "horse-spotting"; all around Ogden there are statues of horses painted by local artists, many within walking distance of the ballpark.   Fans   4 The Ogden Raptors have a great fan base, averaging nearly 3,000 fans per game, good for 2nd best attendance in the Pioneer League. They cheer at all the right moments, are eager to chase down foul balls in the concourse and parking lots, and a good number of them show up in team gear. On that note, there is a HUGE selection of shirts, hats, jerseys, sweatshirts, and other Raptors memorabilia at the team store near the main entrance, a wider selection than this writer has seen at many other minor league parks.   Access   4 Access to Lindquist Field couldn’t be easier, except possibly for a slight traffic snarl coming out of Salt Lake City if you are coming from the south (no issues driving from the north). There is free parking on the street right in front of the stadium, or just across the street in a paved lot. I also saw a lot of people walking from further away, though I am not sure why, as I was able to park on the street right in front of the facility even though it was less than 10 minutes from first pitch. There is plenty of room to move around the concourse in any direction, the stairways up to the seats are plenty wide and navigable, and there are more than enough restrooms to accommodate the crowd. On free food day the concession lines near the main entrance and on the third base side can be a little long, although they move pretty fast since the staff doesn’t have to waste time taking payments. Pro tip – if you walk down to the 3rd/4th stands down the first base line, you will find a much shorter line (since these are more out of the way/hidden from immediate view when you enter the ballpark).   Return on Investment   4 I consider this a great return on investment, especially on free food day. The best tickets, i.e. right behind home plate, run about $22, but cheaper tickets can be had for as little as $9 each. Add in the free parking and low concessions, and you would be hard pressed to find a much better bargain for your sports dollar.   Extras   4 The Raptors have banners hung in the concourse showcasing their history, including one showing a 1968 Ogden Dodger by the name of Tommy LaSorda. The scenic views here are also breathtaking, and you can get really close to the action, especially if you sit in one of the patio areas behind first base or third base. There is also a cool inflatable, featuring a raging Velociraptor, at the main entrance which the kids in particular seem to enjoy taking a photo with.   Final Thoughts I would definitely recommend visiting Lindquist Field for an Ogden Raptors game – the views are great, the staff creates a fun atmosphere, and your experience won’t break the bank, either. A Raptors game in Ogden absolutely checks all the boxes.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Siegert Field 101 College Parkway Arnold, MD 21012 Patuxent FA website Siegert Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 2,500 A Soccer Sea of Green in Maryland USL League Two is one of two leagues at the fourth level of American men's soccer, along with the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). It is a semi-professional league that primarily consists of current and recently graduated college players, looking for the opportunity to move up to a fully professional team. Patuxent FA competes in League Two in the Chesapeake Division, playing other teams in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia throughout the summer. They also have a women's team who plays in the USL W League, and the teams frequently play doubleheaders. Both squads play their home games at Siegert Field, on the campus of Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, Maryland, just outside Annapolis. Stadium Journey's visit to Patuxent FA was for a men's game, but the experience for a W League game is probably similar. Food & Beverage 4 A varied if eclectic selection of concessions is available at a table next to the bleachers at Siegert Field. Meals include burgers for $7, hot dogs for $4, and half sandwiches at $4 for ham or turkey or $3 for veggie. Snacks include cookies, chips, candy, fruit cups, brownie bites, bananas, and assorted selections out of what is affectionately dubbed the "mystery box" which could include anything from peanut butter crackers to honey buns. None of these cost more than $3. Soda cans and bottled water are $2, and Gatorade is $3. You can also add value with combo meals. A burger combo is $10 and a hot dog combo is $7, each coming with chips and a drink. There is also a Kona ice truck parked by the entrance selling its wares. Fans can bring their own food in as well, except for alcohol. Atmosphere 3 There is bleacher seating at Siegert Field built into a hill along one sideline, which puts fans fairly close to the action. However, they are far larger than they need to be for the couple hundred fans Patuxent FA draws to a typical home game, which cuts down on the atmosphere and experience. As Siegert Field hosts several different sports for Anne Arundel Community College, there are many different lines on the field, but the soccer lines are clearly marked in white, so seeing them should not be a problem. A large scoreboard in the far left corner shows the score and clock and also has space to show saves and shots, although they did not actually do so when we visited. Because soccer has no natural breaks other than halftime, there is little opportunity for promotion during the game. However, Patuxent FA still manages to engage, bringing in players from the youth soccer academy the team also runs, partnering with locals to sing the national anthem pregame, and bringing kids onto the field at halftime for a chance to take shots at the goal. The PA announcer announces goal scorers and cards as well as the amount of stoppage time, none of which are a given at this level. Since the fourth official often does not have a board displaying the amount of stoppage time at this low level, announcing it is especially important. Neighborhood 4 Siegert Field is located on the campus of Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold, just outside Annapolis. While there are some places to visit in Arnold, especially if you head east towards the Chesapeake Bay, your best bet is to make the short drive into Annapolis, about 10-15 minutes away. Annapolis being located on the Chesapeake Bay, there are plenty of great seafood restaurants in the city, including Buddy’s Crabs & Ribs, The Boatyard Bar & Grill, and the Sailor Oyster Bar, all located within a couple miles of the heart of downtown. If you want an authentic sweet treat after your meal, The Boatyard sells the official state dessert of Maryland, Smith Island Cake, which is made fresh on Smith Island daily and brought up by ferry. Fans 2 Patuxent FA has a small fan base, with only about a hundred fans if that showing up to a typical home game. That being said, the fans are very knowledgeable about the team, with many of them coming to every single game. Patuxent FA has its own youth soccer program in addition to the semi-professional teams, and many young kids from the academy will show up in their own Patuxent FA jerseys. Note that when Patuxent FA plays their local rival Annapolis Blues FC , the attendance will likely be significantly larger. This is because the Blues have by far the largest fan base in the league, in addition to being Patuxent's closest opponent geographically. However, as almost all of the additional fans are rooting for the opposing team, this does not work in Patuxent's favor. Access 4 Siegert Field and the AACC campus are located just off US Route 50 via Maryland Route 2. A large parking lot is available next to the stadium which should be more than sufficient for the crowds that show up. Once inside, restrooms are available in a blue building at the top of the bleachers that one might easily mistake for the press box when looking at it from below given its location and design. Don't worry, though, what appear from ground level to be large windows are actually only at the top of the wall, so nobody will be able to see in and watch while you do your business. Due to the large away crowds the Annapolis Blues bring, access may be more difficult when they are playing, but should still not present any major issues. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $10 each, or $6 for seniors. If the men's and women's teams are playing a doubleheader, one ticket will get you into both games. Parking is free and concessions are reasonably priced too. Overall, a Patuxent FA game is an excellent value. Extras 2 Look for the merchandise tent by the entrance offering team jerseys. We will award a second star for the chance to see both a men's and women's game on the same ticket. However, keep in mind that when this happens, one game will usually not start until 8:30 PM and will end around 10:30 PM. If you have small children or a long drive home, this may be difficult. Final Thoughts A warm summer night watching Patuxent FA soccer is time well spent. This is a community soccer team in a fine stadium where you can watch a game of soccer, or even two games of soccer, at a great price. For the best experience, we suggest you check out the Annapolis Derby against the Blues, but any game at Siegert Field will be a great experience.

Photos by Paul Baker and Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Barclays Center 620 Atlantic Ave New York, NY 11217 New York Liberty website Barclays Center website Year Opened: 2012 Capacity: 19,000 Light It Up For The Champs   The New York Liberty are one of the original eight franchises of the WNBA and the 2024 league champions. This title marked the team’s first in six trips to the league finals. Despite the Liberty’s status as a marquee team in a marquee city, the squad has been nomadic within the five boroughs and beyond. Over their 28 seasons, the Liberty has called Madison Square Garden, the Prudential Center and Westchester County Center home. The team has even played home games at Radio City Music Hall and Arthur Ashe Stadium. Starting in 2019, coinciding with the purchase of the team by Joe and Clara Wu Tsai (owners of the Brooklyn Nets), the team has played at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.   The Barclays Center was conceived by Bruce Ratner after his purchase of the New Jersey Nets in 2004. His goals were twofold: to provide a centerpiece to his Pacific Park commercial and residential redevelopment project, and to return major league sports to the borough of Brooklyn, which had lacked a team since the Dodgers moved away in 1957. The arena was initially scheduled to open in 2006, but local opposition and financial hurdles delayed construction until 2012.   In 2007 it was announced that London-based banking group Barclays had purchased naming rights to the facility for $400 million over 20 years. This deal was later renegotiated but still surpassed the $200 million figure. Today the Barclays Center is home to the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty. In the past the arena has also served as home to the New York Islanders and the G-League’s Long Island Nets. It is currently the nation’s highest-grossing arena outside of sporting events.   Food & Beverage 4    The Barclays Center aims to incorporate authentic Brooklyn foods into the concession experience at the arena. Each stand features selections from local restaurants, vendors and suppliers from throughout the borough.   Famous Brooklyn names such as Nathan’s Hot Dogs, Junior’s Cheesecakes and Table 87 Pizza can be found at concession stands. For a departure from typical arena fare, check out Seoul Bird Fried Chicken, Italian favorites from Parm, Paisano’s Burgers, or barbeque from Mable’s Smokehouse. The Brooklyn Market presented by National Grid features food from a rotating group of local and minority owned businesses.   Pepsi products are featured at Barclays Center. As you might imagine, there’s an impressive selection of adult beverages available throughout the arena. Beers from local Sixpoint and Brooklyn Breweries are featured here.   No matter what kind of food you’re in the mood for, you’ll be sure to find it here. Just be warned, you’ll be paying high-end prices for your meal at the Barclays Center. The exorbitant pricing is what keeps this category from a maximum score.   Atmosphere 5   The Barclays Center has worked hard to cultivate a unique, “Brooklyn” attitude in its game day presentation to set it apart from the rest of the facilities in New York. Whether these efforts work for you will likely depend entirely on your date of birth. Even at a Liberty game, the staff lean hard into this Brooklyn attitude. The music is loud, constant, and beat-driven. Even the Liberty’s awesomely unique mascot, Ellie the Elephant, exudes a street attitude, twerking her way through the game from opening tip to final buzzer.   If you’ve been to an NBA game recently, much of what happens at a Liberty game will feel very familiar to you. The music is turned way up, to the point where it even drowns out the loud New York fans. The video board is incorporated into the presentation, stats are found on the ribbon boards, and the Barclay Center’s emcee and DJ make sure you don’t forget where you are. The team employs a dance squad, the Timeless Torches, a group of dancers all over the age of 40 who perform during stoppages.   Stadium Journey visited Brooklyn on a Sunday afternoon, and kudos to the Liberty staff for incorporating plenty of kid-friendly activities into the day. Stepping in for the Timeless Torches were the Li’l Torches, a group of dancers aged 6-14. There were contests and games during play stoppages geared towards the younger fans in attendance, and there were special giveaways for kids in attendance.   Neighborhood 5   Barclays Center is located at the intersection of Atlantic and Flatbush, right at the heart of Brooklyn. As you might imagine, the list of dining and lodging options is far too extensive to list here. The Atlantic Terminal Mall is located right across the street from the arena, and for a more authentic local experience, check out the pubs on 5 th  Street or further down Flatbush. Suffice it to say if you’re looking for something, you’ll find it. This is New York City, after all.   Prospect Park is a few blocks south of the venue and worth a visit if you have the time, with the Brooklyn Museum and Botanical Garden found near the northeast corner of the park. During the summer months of the WNBA season, the New York Mets play a dozen miles away at Citi Field in Queens, and the minor-league Brooklyn Cyclones play 8 miles away at Maimonides Park at Coney Island. The New York Yankees are just 15 miles away at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.   As you might imagine, the area around the Barclays Center is extremely busy, especially during game days. Concerns about safety around the arena are a bit overstated, but as always, be aware of your surroundings, especially in a big city like Brooklyn.   Fans 5   All the teams in the WNBA have experienced a surge in popularity and attendance in recent years, and the Liberty is no exception. In years past, only the lower bowl of the arena was opened for games, and not all concession stands were open. During Stadium Journey’s most recent visit in July 2025, the entire arena was accessible, and all points of sale were opened.   Fans here are extremely proud that the Liberty are calling Brooklyn home, and are boisterous in their support of the local squad. With WNBA games far more affordable than their NBA counterparts, you’re more likely to see families at the Barclays Center taking in the action, particularly for an afternoon game.   Thus far in the 2025 season, New York ranks third in the WNBA with an average attendance of just under 16,000 fans per game. This marks an increase of 3,000 fans per game over 2024, is double what the team drew just two years ago, and triple what they drew in 2022. We won’t talk about the team’s average attendance in 2021, which was under 2,000 fans per game.   Access 4   Your opinion on access to Barclays Center will entirely depend on whether you are driving to the arena or taking public transportation. The Atlantic Avenue/Barclays Center station sits right next to the arena, as does the terminus of the Long Island Railroad. Access to the rest of New York City and Long Island is quick and easy.   The same cannot be said if you are driving to Barclays Center. The arena lacks a dedicated parking facility of any type. No garage, no lots. Visiting fans will need to search the area for a place to put their car. Surprisingly, there is plenty of on-street parking in the vicinity of the arena. Finding it may be difficult, but not impossible. Dealing with the New York traffic, however, is another story. Getting to, and even more troublesome, away from Barclays Center is a chore, to put it mildly.   Access within the facility is excellent. Aside from the typical lines that form around security checks, you can get into the building fairly easily when doors open 90 minutes before tipoff.  Concourses are wide and there are numerous points of sale, ensuring that lines move quickly and you can get where you need to go without difficulty.   Critics of Barclays Center will point to the monochromatic color scheme and lack of lighting, which led to the facility’s nickname, the “Darklays Center.” Agreed, it’s not the most visually stimulating place to wander, and if you’re sitting in the upper reaches of the seating bowl you may not be able to read your program, but these don’t really interfere with the enjoyment of the game.   Return on Investment 2   This brings us to the weakest link of the Liberty game day experience; value. You’ll be paying NBA prices for parking and concessions here. For example, two Nathan’s hot dogs, a large popcorn and two large sodas cost this writer a whopping $53. Parking in one of the small garages near the Barclays Center cost $66. The sticker shock in Brooklyn is real.   Luckily, you may be able to catch a break when purchasing tickets. Upper-level seats can be found for around $40-50, and even less on the secondary market. Want to sit in the lower level? Be prepared to shell out triple digits for your seats.   Stadium Journey recommends using public transportation, eating at local restaurants and searching for deals on the secondary market to increase the value of going to a Liberty game.   Extras 4   The design of the arena deserves an extra point. The signature oculus, visible from planes as they land nearby, is unique in sporting facilities. The flagpole from Ebbets Field is planted at the corner of Atlantic and Flatbush.   Photos and artwork throughout the arena commemorate Brooklyn’s sporting past and local talent. Be sure to check out the photos of “The Black Five” and the “Diary of Brooklyn” mural by Jose Paris, among others.   An extra point is awarded for the team’s mascot, Ellie the Elephant. Why an elephant? When the Brooklyn Bridge opened, P.T. Barnum drove a herd of 21 elephants across the span to prove its sturdiness. Also, “Ellie” is a play on Ellis Island.   A final extra point is awarded for all the uniquely Brooklyn touches that permeate the facility,  in design, décor and during the game presentation.   Final Thoughts   It’s been a long time since New York City has seen a hoops title, and fans are showing their appreciation to the Liberty with unprecedented support. Brooklyn sports fans are proud to call this squad their own, and you can expect to see the team supported with open arms and full throats when you visit the Barclays Center.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Katterjohn Field 898 Longstreet Circle Gainesville, GA 30501 Gainesville Gol'Diggers website Pix Up The Gainesville Gol’Diggers began play in the Sunbelt Baseball League in the summer of 2021 under the moniker of the Gainesville Braves. In 2023 the team rebranded as the Gol’Diggers, a nod to the Georgia Gold Rush of the early 1800s in the nearby Georgia mountains. Since joining the league, the Gol’Diggers have found quick success, capturing back-to-back league championships in 2023 and 2024. Originally playing at Gainesville High School’s Ivey-Watson Field, the team moved crosstown in 2024 to Katterjohn Field, located on the campus of Riverside Preparatory Academy.   Food & Beverage   1 A small concession stand is tucked into the bottom of the press box behind home plate. The menu is limited to steamed hot dogs, chips, candy, and cookies, along with bottled water and soft drinks. It is simple and functional, similar to what you would find at a high school event.   Atmosphere   2 Katterjohn Field has all that would be expected of a high school baseball facility – aluminum bleachers, chain-link fencing, and a small game operations area/press box behind home plate. The field is sunken below the surrounding land, offering a unique setting framed by Riverside Prep’s castle-like buildings in left field, practice fields in right, and the North Georgia mountains rising in the background. While several fans make the trek down the hill from the parking lot to sit in the bleachers or set up tailgating chairs behind the backstop, others opt to stay atop the hill near the parking lot and watch from above. Entertainment during the game is minimal, including walk-up songs, inning-break music, and a few sound effects. While this low-key presentation suits the laidback nature of the game, some sound effects seem to be overused and do not fit the feel of the game’s atmosphere.   Neighborhood   3 Riverside Preparatory Academy is nestled in a residential area near Little River, which flows into Lake Lanier. The campus is about three miles north of downtown Gainesville. Nearby eateries include Mellow Mushroom and City Park Pizza for a convenient pregame meal. Downtown Gainesville, though, offers options like Alpha Gyro Grill (Greek), Collegiate Grill (burgers), and The Inked Pig (barbecue). For a laidback, local hangout, NoFo Brew Co. on the Midland Greenway is popular with locals. In addition, a unique Gainesville landmark, Poultry Park, celebrates the city’s poultry industry with a 25-foot marble obelisk topped by a bronze chicken.   Fans   2 The Gol’Diggers typically draw around 50 fans per game, mostly friends and family of players; the team has not been able to into the community much as of yet. Occasionally, passersby out for an evening walk may stop to watch from the hill beyond left field, but that’s about it.   Access   2 Gainesville is located northeast of Atlanta, accessible via I-985. While not far from the metro area, it can be a bit of a drive if coming from Atlanta or any of its other suburbs. Parking is shared with the adjacent track and football stadium. Katterjohn Field sits at the bottom of a steep hill, which can be a challenge for some fans. As a result, many choose to stay atop the hill and watch the game from up above.   Return on Investment   5 At just $5, admission is very reasonable, especially compared to other teams in the league which charge for tickets. Concession prices are as would be expected at typical high school concession stands, so all in all, it’s a solid value for a summer night of baseball.   Extras   1 Credit to the Gol’Diggers for making an effort to brand Katterjohn Field as their home. Team signage along the outfield fence and around the dugouts adds a touch of identity to the otherwise modest facility.   Final Thoughts There are not a lot of extras when it comes to the summer baseball experience with the Gainesville Gol’Diggers, and that is perfectly okay. With smaller crowds and a laidback vibe, the low-key presentation fits the setting.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Carleton Davidson Stadium 1101 Mitchell Blvd. Springfield, OH 45503 Champion City Kings website Carleton Davidson Stadium website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 1,077 Kings of Champion City   Springfield, Ohio’s entry in the Prospect League was not crowned the “Champion City Kings” out of some sense of hubris. When the Slippery Rock Sliders franchise made the move to southwest Ohio in 2014, there was amazingly already another team in the circuit named the Springfield Sliders (the team from Springfield, IL is now known as the “Lucky Horseshoes”) The “Champion City” moniker comes from when the city was the leading producer of the “Champion” combined reaper and mower. The demand was so high for these agricultural products that the manufacturing plant in town covered 54 acres and employed 2,000 people at its height in the 1870s.     Carleton Davidson was a native of Springfield. He was a local civic leader, businessman and philanthropist. He and his wife Ruth established a foundation that funded various projects in the area, including the Davidson Interpretive Center and Carleton Davidson Stadium at Whittenberg University.   The ballpark that came to bear his name was built at the site of the city’s previous baseball stadium, Municipal Stadium. Springfield’s last organized team was New York Giants’ Class D team, which folded in 1951. Built for Whittenberg University’s Division Three baseball team in 2004, the ballpark cost $2.66 million to complete. Upon completion of the ballpark, it was immediately dedicated to Davidson.   Since arriving in Ohio, the Kings have failed to live up to their moniker, qualifying for the playoffs only three times in their 15 seasons, and winning only one playoff game.   Food & Beverage 4   There is a concession stand right behind home plate. The menu doesn’t offer much more than your standard stadium fare, but that’s a lot more than you might be expecting at a small park like this.   Hungry fans can select pizza slices, burgers, hot dogs and brats here. Load up your dogs and brats for an extra dollar. There’s also a good selection of snacks on the menu, including nachos, pretzels, popcorn and ice cream treats.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Davidson Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage will gravitate towards the portable stand selling Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra and assorted White Claws.   Atmosphere 2   The game day atmosphere at Davidson Stadium is pretty much what you would expect at a small ballpark in a small city in a lower-level summer league. They do all the things you would expect to see at the bigger ballparks, but on a smaller scale. If you’re a fan of a relaxed, low-key presentation, you’ll enjoy your time in Springfield.   There are some between inning games and contests run by the team’s interns. A 50/50 raffle held each night helps to fund the team’s operations, and there’s a team store offering up some Kings swag. A video board located in left field displays player photos and game information, but does need a little TLC. The sound system is good, and is put to good use with music, sound effects and a PA announcer who goes about his business in a professional manner.   Neighborhood 2   Springfield is the 12 th -largest city in Ohio, with a population of about 60,000 residents. Davidson Stadium is located in the Annex Baseball Complex in the center of town on the shores of Buck Creek. Whittenburg University is just a couple of miles away.   While there aren’t any points of interest in the immediate vicinity of Davidson Stadium, visitors to the area will find dining and lodging options a short drive away. The Springfield Museum of Art, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Westcott House and Buck Creek State Park highlight the many attractions in Springfield. For a more complete look at dining, lodging and attractions in Springfield, check out the information page on the Whittenburg University website .   Fans 2   The small-town feel is most prevalent in the stands at Davidson Stadium. Most of the fans in attendance seem to be regulars, and most certainly have a connection with the team and the players on the field. They are enthusiastic in their support of the Kings, and knowledgeable about the action.   The Kings annually land near the bottom of the Prospect League’s attendance rankings, with an average attendance of about 400 fans per game. Fans are welcoming to out-of-towners, and you’ll likely have no problem striking up a conversation with those around you. What these fans lack in quantity, they make up for in quality.   Access 3   The city of Springfield is located in southwestern Ohio, between the larger cities of Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati. Interstate 70 runs just to the south of the city, and State Route 40 will get you close to the ballpark. Davidson Stadium is located in the center of Springfield, but a trip through the city neighborhoods is required to reach the ballfield.   Once you arrive at Davidson Stadium, you’ll find plenty of room to park in the large lot adjacent to the field. The entrance to the ballpark deposits you right behind home plate, where you’ll find the concession stand and rest rooms. The majority of the seating is located on either base line, in a covered grandstand. The old bleachers have been replaced by uncomfortable plastic bucket seats. Picnic tables and a party area are located further down the right field line, offering views unobstructed by netting.   Return on Investment 4   Tickets to Champion City games are quite affordable. Box seats are priced at $15, while General Admission tickets will cost you ten dollars. Discounts are available for children, seniors and members of the military. Parking is free of charge in the large lots around the ballpark. Concession prices are reasonable as well, making a night at a Kings game an affordable entertainment option for local fans.   Extras 1   An extra point is awarded for the tributes to Bob Pyle, former Springfield mayor and city teacher. Mr. Pyle coached local teams for 52 years, including 42 as the coach of the WBLY team. He had only one losing season during all those seasons, and qualified for 13 National Baseball Congress World Series. He passed away after suffering a heart attack during that 13 th  appearance at the age of 64. Mr. Pyle is honored on the stadium’s scoreboard and in the locker room.   Final Thoughts   Hidden treasures like Carleton Davidson Stadium are why ballpark travelers crisscross the continent visiting small towns and big cities alike. A hidden gem off the beaten path, Carleton Davidson Stadium provides a nice alternative to the noise and commotion of the bigger ballparks in the area.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Clover Stadium 1 Phil Tisi Way Pomona, NY 10970 New York Boulders website Clover Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,362 Boulder Ball at Clover Stadium Clover Stadium opened in 2011 in the town of Pamona, New York as Palisades Federal Credit Union Park.  Located about an hour north of New York in Rockland County on the New Jersey border, the ballpark was built to give suburban New York baseball fans an alternative to the more expensive ballparks in New York City. Fiserv entered into a naming-rights agreement for the ballpark in 2022 and renamed it Clover Stadium for the company’s Clover point-of-sale system.   There was initially some opposition to the construction of this ballpark by local environmental groups. Despite this opposition , the  stadium received the Ward House Award from the Lower Hudson Valley branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers  fo r its design and engineering and the ballpark has become an integral part of the local fabric.   The New York Boulders began their existence in 2011 as the Rockland Boulders of the Can-Am League, winning a championship in 2014. The Can-Am League merged into the Frontier League for the 2020 season. Concurrent with their move to the Frontier League, the team rebranded as the New York Boulders. The Boulders have qualified for the Frontier League playoffs once in their four seasons in the circuit.   In addition to serving as home of the Boulders, Clover Stadium is also the home ballfield for the Manhattan Jaspers, St. Thomas Aquinas Spartans (Division II) and Dominican Chargers (Division II).   Food & Beverage 4    There are six concession stands scattered throughout Clover Stadium. The menus at the two main stands do not stray far beyond typical ballpark fare. Aside from the typical burger/hot dog/chicken finger/pizza slice, you won’t find anything unusual here.   If you’re looking for more unique items, head down the right field line to the Kosher Heaven stand, where you’ll find a lot more than just your standard kosher hot dogs, or the Primo Hoagies stand on the left field side of the ballpark. The shaved ice truck and funnel cake stands by the ballpark entrance are popular destinations.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Boulders games. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a beer truck located right behind home plate as well as a full draft menu at the Bridge Bar in left field. O’Toole’s Pub on the third base side of the ballpark serves up several local brews, including favorites from Frog Alley and Paradox Brewing.   Atmosphere 4   At Clover Stadium, baseball may be the focus, but it’s not the only thing to do. The younger fans in attendance will undoubtedly be drawn to Boulderberg, the giant playground in right field, or the B-Train, which rides around the ballpark throughout the game. If you need a break from the action on the field, you can play a few holes of mini-golf or take a few swings in the batting cages.   Of course, there’s the focal point of the ballpark, the Bridge Bar in left field. Featuring seats at field level and a full menu of draft beers, it’s the place to be during a Boulders game. You’ll find many other staples of minor league baseball here in Ramapo, including t-shirt tosses and bands pre- and post-game. If you like fireworks, you’ll love a Boulders game. There are fireworks most Thursday, Friday and Saturday night games.   Neighborhood 1   There is really no neighborhood to speak of around Clover Stadium. There are no bars, restaurants or hotels within walking distance of the park. Fans looking for attractions will have to drive a few miles to find these amenities. Visitors to the area may want to check out the village of Sleepy Hollow, just on the other side of the Hudson River, or West Point, located about a half hour’s drive north of Ramapo.   Fans 4   The Boulders are annually one of the better draws in the Frontier League, averaging over 3,000 fans per game in each of the past few seasons. This ranks them among the top five teams in the Frontier League and the top 15 among all independent teams in the nation. Attendance is a bit down thus far in 2025 (Stadium Journey visited in early July) but tends to increase over the summer months.   As you might expect in a ballpark with so many activities geared towards the younger fan, a Boulders game is filled with families and younger fans. It gives the ballpark a great buzz throughout the game. In addition, you’ll be sure to find a good number of die-hard fans around Clover Stadium, along with some casual fans enjoying a night out at the ballpark.   Access 4   Clover Stadium is easy to get to, located right off the Palisades Parkway in southern New York near the New Jersey border. Interstate 287 is only 7 miles away, with the Mario Cuomo Bridge only 12 miles away from the ballpark. Driving is the primary method for getting to a Boulders game, but there are bike racks by the entrance to the park if you take two-wheeled transportation.   The ballpark was built to current ADA requirements and is easy to move around. The main entrance leads into a roomy, open plaza. On weekend games it’s common to see a band playing here before the game. The concourse wraps around the entire park, with the field visible from all spots. Even when there is a larger crowd in attendance the wide concourse is easy to navigate.   Do yourself a favor when visiting Clover Stadium and take a walk around and explore the various features and seating areas. The signature spot is the Bridge Bar in left field, where fans can take in the action from field level while enjoying some cold beverages from the dedicated bar. Fans not wishing to head down to field level can stay up on the bridge, which features some attractive stonework meant to evoke the overpasses on the nearby Palisades Parkway.   The biggest drawback in regards to accessing Clover Stadium is the parking situation. There is ample parking in the many lots around the park, but there are no other options. Egress is adequate given the lack of roads in the area. The issue: the Boulders charge you five dollars to park here. This sort of “captive parking” is never a good look.   Return on Investment 3   Ticket prices to Boulder games start at $10 for bleacher seats, increasing through the many ticket levels until they max out at $18 for premium infield box seats. The majority of the seats in the main seating bowl are priced at $16 and increase by two dollars on fireworks night and another dollar on the day of the game. These prices are a bit more than you may be expecting to pay for independent baseball, but hey, this is New York.   In addition, the team charges $5 for the privilege of parking in the lot next to the ballpark. Don’t like to pay for parking? Too bad! There’s nowhere else to park here. Some concessions are priced a bit on the high side for this level of baseball.   Extras 5                                                                                                 Extra points are awarded for the activities available all around the ballpark for younger fans who may need to burn off some energy at some point during the game. The large playground (named Boulderberg), the mini-golf course and the B-train are all popular spots for the younger fans in attendance to hang out.   An extra point is awarded for the Bleacher Bar, a most unique vantagepoint from which to enjoy a beverage and take in the action. On selected Saturday nights, live music is played after games. If you’re looking for other unique seating areas, check out the Short Porch at field level in right field or the Billboard Monster seats in right-center field.   The batting cages on the concourse are worth another extra point. After you watch your favorite Boulders warm up, you can take a few hacks in the cage yourself!   If your dog loves baseball, you can bring your canine friends to the ballpark free of charge (except on fireworks nights).   The Boulders have banners of all the Frontier League teams running along the concourse. This is no small feat considering the rate at which this league is expanding.   Final Thoughts   Palisades Credit Union Park is one of the nicer ballparks you’ll come across in your ballpark travels. Unfortunately, its location serves to keep it a hidden secret to many baseball fans. If this ballpark was located in a downtown area, it may be listed among the best in all of independent baseball.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Minor league baseball names have had a long history of unusual nicknames that are have been connected to the city, geographic location, or the parent club. Many names have been lost in time, a blip on the radar, and one them comes from Terre Haute, Indiana. From 1955-1956, the Terre Haute Huts were members of the. Three-Eye League, but how did they get their name? The city had quite the history of baseball dating back to amateur teams in 1870. By 1883, one of those clubs went by “Awkwards” which meant at the time “someone difficult or dangerous to deal with.” Due to financial concerns, they merged that year with a ball club named the Blues and remained the “Terre Hautes”. Professional baseball would return1884 when Terre Haute joined the Western League. This team did not have a nickname, but by 1891, the name Hottentots, began being used for baseball teams in the city. The name would later be shorten to Tots in the following decade. It was a corruption from the term Terre Hautentots, a name historically used and found in countless articles around the state and the country to describe someone from Terre Haute.  By the 1880s, the name was used in baseball articles describing teams from the city; then in 1891 referred to the professional club in town. However, the name would be replaced throughout the following years with new names either through fan voting or team management. Terre Haute ball clubs would be called the Stags, Browns, Highlanders, Terre-iers (yes, spelled that way), and Miners. Several times, newspapers used a combination of these names in one season. A headline in the Marion (IN) Leader-Tribune, July 24, 1913 Fortunately, the Tots name never disappeared, and the local media often refer to it in bylines. It became the official name in 1921 and would remain that way until the team disbanded in mid-1937.  When baseball returned in 1946, it took the name of its parent club, the Philadelphia Phillies. The Three-Eye League club would leave town after the 1954 season, and it was time for a new name for its ball club, one that would have its own identity outside of its new parent club in Detroit. The Terre Haute Baseball Club held a name-the-team contest in the Terre Haute Tribune , soliciting hundreds of responses from fans of all ages. The winner received a $100 watch from Hillman’s Jewelers. The paper suggested names that are alive and in motion, along with ones that aren’t too long that would fit much better in newspaper headlines. “ A lot of fans like the name of the Tigers, but others oppose this on the sole ground that they believe the city should have a permitted name for a team that would be suitable under all conditions, meaning it would fill the bill regardless of the big league affiliation that the city might have.” On April 13, the name picked for the team was the Huts.  The newspaper did not provide a reason for the decision, and there does not seem to be a connection to the area, nor was it “alive and in motion”. The other top entries were the Tots, Browns, and Brownies. The winner of the contest was Ralph Nichols, a local barber, and awarded a $100 watch. The article added that another citizen, James "Hairpin" Walker, suggested Huts as well. Walker campaigned to have it adopted, and he rounded up as many votes as possible from city residents.  He was an employee at Stran Steel and suggested the name due to the Stran Steel plant is noted for making Quonset Huts for the armed forces. A modern photo of a Quonset hut that were constructed in Terre Haute A Bob Nesbit column from the Terre Haute  Tribune on April 19 shed some light on the Huts moniker. He penned the following blurb: “Those fans down at Stran Steel, who make Quonset huts, did a good job of putting up a campaign to name the new team in honor of their product. Since the name also fits well with the name of our city, everything worked out fine.” Did the Terre Haute Huts get their name from a local steel company and had its employees send ballots to the local newspaper? Has the mystery been solved after almost 70 years?  A Quonset hut is a prefabricated structure in the shape of a semicircle that was mass-produced after World War II. There were 150,000 to 170,000 produced during the war and sold to the public after the fighting ended. They are still visible in many parts of the country as homes, businesses, and even military bases. Nesbit added that the name fit the city well and probably liked that it was short for print purposes. Terre Haute is French for "high ground" and the word "Haute" would be mispronounced by locals as "hut". The name was short and similar in sound to the former team name Tots, and it did make for great print in newspaper bylines. Surprisingly, more than 121 names were proposed and listed regularly in the newspaper. Many of these names were fascinating and hinged on modern branding in today’s game. They included the following: Wabash Valley Catapults, Vigo Gems, Candlelighters, Hoosier Pacemakers, Gold Cox, Hustlers, Bowcats, Bingos, Meows, Tiger-Cats, Cavaliers, Valley Cubs, Speeders, White Hats, and Atoms.  There were many entries for the new baseball team in 1955, Terre Haute Tribune The Huts name would last a little over a year; the club folded after the first half of the 1956 season with a 40-26 record due to lack of attendance. It marked the end of minor league baseball in Terre Haute. A little over a decade later, the ballpark would be converted solely into a football stadium with artificial turf. In 2011, the summer collegiate Prospect League added a team in town. The name selected was Rex, and there was a good reason behind that decision. Besides being the Latin word for king, the name comes from Rex Coffee, produced, roasted, and packed downtown by Clabber Girl. The club also mentioned its unique name ties in with others from the past: Tots, Huts, Stags, and Terre-iers.  The Huts name briefly shined in Terre Haute between 1955 and 1956 and before anyone began to pay attention to the ball club, it was gone. However, a look back at old newspaper articles of the era produces a possible reason behind its name.  If Rex can pull out a retro jersey night, this reporter will be there.  ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Yankee Stadium 1 E 161st St Bronx, NY 10451 New York Yankees website Yankee Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 46,537 Rep The Bx 2008 marked the end of an era when Mariano Rivera induced a groundout from Oriole Brian Roberts to first baseman Cody Ransom, who stepped on the bag unassisted for the final out in the history of the original Yankee Stadium. Known as “The House That Ruth Built,” it was the site of countless iconic baseball moments and legends. As longtime Yankees PA announcer Bob Sheppard once called it, it was a true “cathedral of sports.” In 2009 the Yankees opened a new chapter in a brand-new stadium, continuing their legacy in the Bronx. No longer would the history of the stadium be authored by Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra, Ford, Mantel, Jackson, and Rivera; it would now be written by the new guard of Yankee legends, including such names as Jeter, Judge, and Sabathia.   Food & Beverage   5 Yankee Stadium features a diverse food lineup that goes well beyond standard ballpark fare; many high-profile chefs and brands have lent their names to offerings around the concourse. Lobel’s not only offers fans a look at the butcher as they carve slabs of meat, but the menu is also just as captivating. Steak and pastrami sandwiches, steak topped fries, filet topped tots, and a USDA prime burger round out an impressive menu. Meanwhile, Benihana offers hibachi and yakisoba bowls with steak, chicken, or shrimp, alongside maki rolls and poke bowls. One of the most intriguing menu items is simply bacon on a stick, which might not sound all that special, until you lay eyes on that half inch slab of bacon-y goodness. Concessions here also offer a bit of a specialized touch with Mighty Quinn’s smoky barbecue, as well as The Halal Guys’ Middle Eastern street cart favorites with signature white sauce. Mac Truck adds loaded mac and cheese to the mix, while Brooklyn Dumpling Shop, Jamaican meat pies, and empanadas contribute even more variety. Celebrity chefs also make their mark on the menu at Yankee Stadium. Bobby Flay’s Bobby’s Burgers focuses on elevated classic burgers, sweet potato fries, enormous onion rings, and thick shakes, while Marcus Samuelsson’s Streetbird serves up southern-style chicken fingers, chicken and waffles, and a spicy chicken sandwich. In addition, Christian Petroni features cheesy garlic bread, fried meatballs, and his mother’s tiramisu served in a miniature Yankee helmet, and David Chang’s Fuku offers the “OG Spicy Chicken Sando”. Beyond the stadium concessions, Hard Rock Cafe and NYY Steak offer full-service meals. Reservations are needed for NYY Steak, but keep in mind neither venue provides a view of the field. The beer selection at Yankee Stadium seems to be somewhat underwhelming, mostly comprised of typical macro-brewed beers. Goose Island’s New York Legendary Ale does seem to stand out as a Yankees branded beer, however, and there are also several full-service bars around the stadium which offer a wide variety of specialty and mixed drinks. If looking to grab food or drink, the best bet is to go early because the lines tend to swell once the game has started.   Atmosphere   4 The Yankees take a traditional approach to the game presentation; they are one of the few MLB teams without an in-game host, allowing the action on the field to be the primary focus. Fan cams, Yankee trivia, and the Subway Race on the video board offer some entertainment, but overall the in-game experience is refreshingly minimal. One polarizing feature is the “Death Star” alarm that plays when the count reaches two strikes, in anticipation of a punch out. Social spaces are subtly integrated into the stadium’s layout here – the most visible is the Mastercard Batter’s Eye Deck, which is especially popular among young adults. Other premium and social areas are enclosed, however, such as the Legends Suite, Delta 360 Suite, and the Audi Yankees Club, making them blend seamlessly into the stadium. Seating varies, with some sections offering padded or plastic seats, while the upper outfield levels are made up of aluminum bleachers. Sightlines can be an issue in the outfield seats. Many seats in these sections come with partial obstructions along the foul lines and outfield walls, so when possible, opt for infield seating to avoid these blind spots.   Neighborhood   4 Yankee Stadium sits in the South Bronx, Concourse neighborhood. When the original Yankee Stadium was built, most stadiums of that era were built surrounded by urban housing, meaning there was not a lot in the way of tourist attractions nearby. With new Yankee Stadium being built directly across from its historic predecessor, much of that lack of additional attractions remains true today. However, River Avenue, which runs along the east side of the stadium, is lined largely with apparel shops and sports bars. Also within this area is The Bronx Museum of Art, but the area is otherwise rather void of attractions. The Hip-Hop Museum is slated to open at Bronx Point in the summer of 2026, and just across the Harlem River is legendary Rucker Park, known for its elite playground basketball games, as well as a historical marker commemorating home plate of the Polo Grounds, at the northernmost building of the Polo Grounds Towers. Further north in the Bronx visitors can find the Bronx Zoo, Hall of Great Americans, and campus of Fordham University. In addition, if a visit to Yankee Stadium is part of a larger visit to New York City, the Jackie Robinson Museum in Manhattan might be of interest. What is disappointing about the area around Yankee Stadium is that, given the stadium’s prominence as such a point of pride in the Bronx, the streets outside of the main entry points are extremely littered.   Fans   4 Yankee fans are typically known as some of the most passionate in all professional sports; they can be found in all corners of the globe. Section 203 in right field is home to the Yankees “Bleacher Creatures.” – this group of fans are the most passionate concentration of fans in the facility. Beyond the passion the Bleacher Creatures bring to the stadium’s atmosphere, since the mid-1990s they have also routinely held the “Yankee Roll Call”, where each name of the starting 9 is chanted syllable-by-syllable, followed by a rhythmic series of claps. From 2013 to 2023 the Yankees missed the playoffs three times, lost three Wild Card games, and were eliminated in the Division Series three times. During this stretch they dropped as low as 8th in league attendance and averaged under 40,000 fans per game in three separate seasons. However, their return to the World Series in 2024 brought a resurgence in enthusiasm and turnout.   Access   4 The ease of getting to Yankee Stadium depends on your mode of travel. Driving can be stressful due to traffic and limited parking, but public transit can get you to Bronx Terminal Market, a short walk from the stadium and offering easy access before the game, as well as a quick exit. The most direct and convenient option is the subway; the 4, B, and D lines stop at 161st Street right outside the main gate. For those coming from north of the city, the Metro-North Railroad’s East 153rd Street station is also nearby, just past Elston Howard Field on the old stadium site. Trains and subways can get very crowded, so planning to arrive early can help avoid the largest crowds and a big push to get through the gates. Arriving early is also important if you want to visit Monument Park, which closes 45 minutes before first pitch. The concourse does become pretty congested, and concession lines stretch once the game begins. The stadium is easy to navigate overall, but much of the lower seating bowl is restricted by a moat of sorts, and is never accessible without a field-level ticket.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets in the upper deck seats in the outfield can go for under $15, and the Pinstripe Pass, a standing room ticket that includes a drink worth up to $12, starts around $24 - prices climb steeply from there, however. Once moving away from the outfield or upper levels, tickets jump to around $30 and quickly into the triple digits in the 300 level and lower bowl. If you are hoping for a comfortable view of the full field, expect to pay a premium. Parking costs are what you would expect for New York City; Bronx Terminal Market remains the best value at about $20, while lots closer to the stadium can run $35 to $50. Using the Yankees preferred parking partner, Whiz Parking, does provide discounted rates. Food pricing is about average for MLB parks when it comes to hot dogs and domestic beer, but costs begin to show when opting for the more specialized menu items.   Extras   5 One of the most notable features of the old stadium has found its way into the new, namely Monument Park, which honors Yankee legends with monuments, plaques, and retired numbers. Monument Park is a popular place to visit, and the line quickly gets long. It is also only accessible until 45 minutes before first pitch, so try to get there early. The New York Yankees Museum, near Section 210, is another popular place which draws large crowds. This museum features exhibits covering the history of Yankee Stadium from 1923 to 2008, the Yankees long line of power-hitters, a tribute to Derek Jeter, statues of Don Larsen and Yogi Berra, a look at Thurman Munson’s locker, a collection of World Series trophies from 1977 to 2009, and World Series rings from 1923 on. The use of a live organist is a great way to keep the down time in games entertaining, while keeping with many of the traditions of the game gone by. Several historic touches from the old stadium have been preserved in the new facility. Softball fields have formed Elston Howard Field where the old stadium stood, and the 138-foot Louisville Slugger chimney that stood outside the main entrance of the old stadium has also been preserved. In addition, a  piece of the original facility’s iconic roofline frieze has been incorporated into the venue, and there are also several viewfinders around the ballpark that display vintage images of Yankee Stadium. Lastly, inscribed benches remember big games, while special pavers throughout the facility commemorate notable milestones that occurred at old Yankee Stadium.   Final Thoughts While the aura and mystique that came with the previous Yankee Stadium can never be duplicated, the current version does well to give fans a bit of a taste of the old, while providing modern comforts its predecessor could not. Yankee Stadium is also one of the few Major League Baseball experiences that allows the game to remain the focus of the day, with a minimum of the distractions that have become the norm across baseball today.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Synovus Park 100 4th Street Columbus, GA 31901 Columbus Clingstones website Synovus Park website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 5,500 Everything’s Peachy As the 2024 Minor League Baseball season came to a close, it marked the end of a 19-year run of minor league baseball in Pearl, Mississippi. While it was the end of baseball in one Southern city, it marked a rebirth in another. Columbus, Georgia has a long baseball history dating back to 1885 with the Columbus Stars. Over the years, various ballparks in the city have hosted Major League spring training, beginning with the Cincinnati Reds  in 1866, followed by the Cardinals , Pirates , and Braves . Columbus opened Golden Park in 1926 and within a decade, affiliated Minor League Baseball would arrive with the Columbus Red Birds in 1936, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the Saint Louis Cardinals . In all, throughout its minor league history Columbus has hosted nine different affiliations, the last being the Columbus Catfish in 2008, the Advanced A club of the Tampa Bay Rays , before the franchise moved to Bowling Green, Kentucky and became the Hot Rods . In addition, Golden Park has not only hosted baseball over the years, but it was also home to softball during the 1996 summer Olympics. Golden Park, just off the banks of the Chattahoochee River that makes up the border between Georgia and Alabama, underwent $50 million in renovations in preparation for the return of minor league baseball, taking on the name Synovus Park as it welcomed baseball back to the Fountain City.   Food & Beverage   4 Concessions here keep things simple but creative, with regional flair adding southern character to the menu. Most options are served via self-checkout markets, but there are a good number of mobile carts along the stadium’s outer wall. Menu staples include burgers (with a vegetarian option), chicken tenders or sandwiches, à la carte nachos, grilled sausage, brisket, burnt ends, and flatbread pizza. Converted shipping containers offer local specialties, like the Fountain City Burger (topped with pimento cheese, bacon, red onion jam, and crispy onions) and Columbus Grilled Street Corn (coated with mayo, queso fresco, Tajín, cilantro, and lime). In addition, regional restaurant The Flying Biscuit provides its own take on burgers, sausage dogs, and nachos. For dessert, Whit’s Frozen Custard down the first base line offers the Clingstones’ signature Peach Cobbler, while another cart under the grandstand serves boiled peanuts, a true Southern delicacy. Funnel cakes with peach compote and caramel drizzle are also available. Adult beverages are plentiful; in addition to standard domestic beers, the Right Field Roost features two Clingstones-branded beers: Rowdy Peach IPA from SweetWater on tap and Clingstone Kölsch in cans from Columbus Cannon Brewpub. Hard teas, seltzers, pre-mixed cocktails, and frozen drinks round out the beverage selection. Columbus goes beyond typical ballpark fare, offering distinctly Southern flavors that will not be found in other parts of the country.   Atmosphere   3 Synovus Park blends the charm of a historic stadium with modern amenities. The original design of the grandstand and roof remain largely untouched, preserving its nostalgic appeal. New additions include suites above the third base line, as well as the Aflac Club atop the first base seating. Fixed seating stretches from dugout to dugout, with the central portion covered by the stadium’s classic roof. Standing room here is limited, largely in part to children gathering along the ramps in hopes of snagging loose balls. The team leans into its Clingstones identity with fun touches, like playing “Peaches” by The Presidents of the United States of America as the team takes the field. Mid-inning entertainment is standard, such as scoreboard games and fan contests, but tends to feel somewhat repetitive from game to game.   Neighborhood   4 Synovus Park is part of a larger sports complex that includes the Columbus Civic Center, home to the Columbus River Dragons, an ice hockey team, as well as arena football’s Columbus Lions . The complex also boasts the AJ McClung football stadium and the South Commons Softball Complex, the latter which has recently hosted the NAIA College Softball World Series. The scenic Chattahoochee Riverwalk runs along the back of the complex and connects to downtown Columbus, about a mile away. Most visitors to Columbus flock to Broadway, just a block from the Riverwalk, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels. Highly rated dining options include Frank’s Alley (New York-style hot dogs), Angry Wings & Things (Korean), and Bodega 1205 (Latin cuisine). Coffee shops and other eateries provide options for a range of tastes, while local breweries like Scofflaw Brewing, Cannon Brewpub, and Chattabrewchee also offer food menus.   Fans   3 Baseball’s return to Columbus was met with much excitement. While the Double-A average sits around 4,000 fans per game, the Clingstones have averaged just under 5,000 in their inaugural season. Fans are invested in the ups and downs of the game, but do seem to need a bit of prompting to get loud at key moments.   Access   3 Columbus is located in west-central Georgia near the Alabama state line. Though not adjacent to any major metro areas, I-185 provides direct access from LaGrange and Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning). There is one primary entry into the parking lot which is located beyond the right field wall and shared with the surrounding sports complex. While this lot is large, designated parking for the stadium is relatively close, requiring only a short walk. There is just one entry point into Synovus Park for general ticket holders, located in the right field corner of the stadium. On a typical night this does not create much of a problem, but during games with popular giveaways there can be a bit of congestion. The stadium has a lower, exterior concourse where most of the concessions are located, as well as a field-level concourse that runs from just beyond the end of each dugout. Ramps access this walkway at each end, which are also accessible from ramps coming from the exterior concourse; note these ramps are rather steep.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets start at $15, which seems to be the industry average for most get-in-the-door prices for Double A baseball. Parking runs just $5, however, which is relatively low for teams who charge for parking. Concessions here do appear to be a touch on the high side, but nothing out of line with what would be expected from similar stadiums.   Extras   4 Just past the entrance, fans are greeted by three archways that are a trademark of Golden Park – the back side facing of these arches tells the history of both baseball in Columbus, as well as in Golden Park. The Clingstone and Columbus signage, along with classic a Coca-Cola ad on the brick walls outside the stadium, do a fantastic job of enhancing the venue’s historic character. The Clingstones’ mascot, Fuzzy, is on hand to greet fans, take photos, and add to the excitement as patrons enter the stadium. Finally, just outside the stadium’s confines, behind home plate, is the children’s play area, including several inflatables for young Clingstone fans to enjoy while parents relax in the Adirondack chairs. Final Thoughts Renovating a historic stadium comes with the risk of it losing its original charm, but Synovus Park succeeds in both honoring its past and offering a comfortable, modern fan experience. While not flashy, its authenticity, character, and thoughtful updates create a great atmosphere for minor league baseball.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Road America N7390 WI-67 Elkhart Lake, WI 53073 Trans Am website Road America website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 150,000 The Cheese Capital Cup The summer of racing at Road America includes numerous events for the race fans to attend; a popular one for fans to attend is Trans Am weekend. Held over the past few years as a standalone event, this weekend features the likes of FRP, PSSA, and the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car. While not as popular as other track events at Road America, this one is no less worth a visit. And in 2025, the event was dubbed the Cheese Capital Cup thanks to its coinciding with the annual Cheese Capital Festival in downtown Plymouth just a few miles from the track.   Food & Beverage   4 There are a lot of places to eat at Road America, and the ones that exist are an absolute treat for the pallet. Unfortunately, during this event not all the stands are open. Road America is led by The Gearbox, a hillside stand and bar that features some of the best views on the property, as well as the best food around. Being in Wisconsin you can get the best cheese and sausage foods here, as well as a brilliantly tasty breakfast food called eggers ($10). Johnsonville is heavily featured, as it is literally the next town over, and their brats ($9 to $13) are a fan favorite. Sargento cheese curds ($7) are also a popular item, as are the burgers ($9 to $12.50), gearbox melt ($11), and TKA sandwich ($15). Beer is of course plentiful, and a Spotted Cow is a must-have in Wisconsin. Atmosphere   5 The atmosphere around Road America during race weekend is very family-friendly and relaxed; the best in the sport are taking part in some of the most exciting racing around, and despite the tension of the competition, everyone – including the teams and drivers – is in a relaxed and fun-loving mood. There is just something about the beauty of the countryside and the forests around the premises that put everyone in a go-racing-and-enjoy-every-minute-of-it state of mind. In addition, the quality of the on-track action is enough to make any fan excited to see what happens around the next corner. The excitement fills the air every time a car takes to the track, be it for practice, qualifying, or for a race. Road America also features some of the cleanest racetrack bathrooms anywhere. Add to that the incredible track store and free fan shuttle that can take you around to the various viewing areas, and you have a solid basis for calling this one of the best tracks around. In 2025 the track also debuted a new viewing area at the top of the hillside outside Canada Corner called the Road America North Pole, and the old walkover bridge along the front stretch was rebuilt as well – it is now large enough to drive a gold cart over. The race was also named the Cheese Capital Cup in 2025, thanks to it happening at the same time as the Cheese Capital Festival in nearby Plymouth, dubbed the Cheese Capital of the World. Neighborhood   4 The area around Road America is exactly what you would expect to find in rural Wisconsin – rolling hills, farmland, forests, and small towns. The town of Elkhart Lake is quaint and small but is seething with racing history and lore. Famed racing announcer David Hobbs calls this area home, and the fans here are all die-hards who watch everything that happens on the track. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay near Road America, there are a wide variety of small bed-and-breakfasts to pick from in and around Elkhart Lake, as well as some cabins that can make you feel like you’re roughing it…sort of. In addition, the town of Sheboygan is only 20-30 minutes away by car, providing fans a chance to stay in a hotel chain of their choice – Holiday Inn, La Quinta, etc. are all located in Sheboygan. If you’re looking for something to eat, Sheboygan also has a wide variety of restaurants, from Applebee’s to McDonald’s. But by far the most must-see eatery near Road American is the Stop-Inn Tavern at Siebkens Resort in Elkhart Lake, a local bar that all of racing royalty has passed through at some time or another. And, for those looking for something else to see and do, the Kettle-Moraine State Forest is not far from the track, providing some great hiking options. In addition, the Kohler factory is in nearby Sheboygan, and Road America’s location is just a 30-minute drive from the Great Lakes.   Fans   4 Fans at Road America are much like those in the rest of the Midwest: die-hard and series-knowledgeable. They’re also absurdly kind and sweet, willing to help in any way possible when you need assistance with something. They also pack the camping areas around the speedway, making for one brilliant fan block party. While not as popular as IMSA or IndyCar weekends, Trans Am’s weekend at Road America is no less filled with its fair share of motorsports faithful. Access   4 Getting to Road America isn’t as difficult as getting to some sports facilities. That said, it is off the beaten path – at least a 10-minute drive from the nearest highway, Road America requires you to drive down some single-lane roads through the hilly countryside. Once you’re at Road America, you may discover there are several other entrances to the track that you didn’t even know about, which can be frustrating if you have to wait in line for hours; check the fan map of the venue before you go to identify these alternate gates and entrances. The biggest plus at Road America is that the main entrance had a complete makeover in 2016, adding more entrance booths for faster processing of fans and campers.   Return on Investment   5 Road America is one of the best tracks at which you can watch a race. The facility is huge, but you are given plenty of options to watch the race without having to move from place to place. Watching from the right location can give you up to six corners of the track to see all at once, and you also get access to the grandstands all around the track, as well as access to the paddock, with your admission ticket to most races. Tickets for the Cheese Capital Cup weekend start at $25 for Friday, $35 for Saturday or Sunday, and $65 for a weekend pass. Camping starts at $55 and goes up to $325, while on-site cabins are also available for $1010 for the weekend. Fans can also rent golf carts for the weekend for $325 to $540. Various VIP upgrades to hospitality seating are also available, like the Turn 14 Chalet ($35 to $55) and the finish line tower ($295 to $360). Preferred parking near the finish line tower for the weekend is $30.   Extras   5 New for 2025, the Cheese Capital Cup featured a racecar parade from the track into downtown Plymouth on Friday night as part of the Cheese Capital Festival. Once the cars arrived at Stayer Park, fans could get up close and personal with cars from Trans Am and the Optima Search for the Ultimate Street Car, as well as their drivers, for photos and autographs. You can take a trip to Elkhart Lake just a few miles away, and follow the original track layouts through historic markers along the roadside. Before it had its current layout, Road America was once a true street course, running through Elkhart Lake itself, as well as over the hills on the various roadways in the nearby area. Back at the track, where once a zip line ended now stands a high vantage point for fans to watch the action at the track from, inside the final turn. The former zip line landing platform is now a giant viewing zone, and while you may have to climb a lot of stairs to get there, the view is well worth it. Additionally, if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at racing, you can sign up for racing school at the track. For those who can’t peel their eyes away from their mobile devices, you can also engage with the race on social media, seeing your photos and tweets on the various big screens around Road America by using specific hashtags and handles on Twitter and Instagram. Selfie stations are also set up at various parts of the track for you to capture your weekend memories. And if treetop views and social media aren’t your thing, you can also take a wandering hike through the forest on several pathways that meander through the mountains above Kettle Bottoms and Canada Corner – these trails lead from the top of the peak to the bottom of a newly-cleared pathway along the infamous straightaway. Final Thoughts If you want to see racing history and meet modern-day sports stars, take a trip to Road America – you will not be disappointed by what you find here. For those who want to go a step above that, go camping on the property during race weekend; the fans are nice, the action is top quality, and the weather is almost always beautiful.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 7721 Steam Corners Rd Lexington, OH 44904 IMSA website Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 65,000 Sportscar Racing at Mid-Ohio IMSA’s return to Mid-Ohio isn’t a full showcase of what the series usually offers. While the headliner WeatherTech Series is missing, Michelin Pilot Challenge has the chance to be the showcase series alongside other support events like Mazda MX-5 Cup and VP Challenge. Mid-Ohio was known for being a top-level destination for car racing, but the quality at the facility has fallen off in recent years. The facility provides exciting racing and has loyal fans, but unfortunately that is where the positives end; the traffic issues getting in and out aren’t much help either. Just hope it doesn’t rain too much, lest the track live up to its nickname of “Mud-Ohio.”   Food & Beverage   3 The food here ranges from the standard burgers ($8 solo, $14.50 combo) and hot dogs ($6, $10) to chicken tenders ($9.50, $12). Sides range from $2.50 to $8.25 for chips, candy, cookies, or fries. Drinks (soda and water) are standard as well, costing from $4 to $8. The main concession stands in the infield and the paddock are the main attractions, while some food trucks also fill up the infield fan area. Atmosphere   2 The atmosphere at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has declined greatly from a facility standpoint in the last few years. Where once existed great sightlines for fans, you now have catch fences and high barriers in a lot of places. The former Honda bridge in the back section of the track was removed and not replaced in the winter of 2021, leaving fans with less mobility around the track to get different viewpoints. The bathrooms are also far from clean, and their age shows as well, though the paddock restrooms were renovated and expanded for the 2023 season. Unfortunately, most of the facilities on site are also made of wood, and haven’t been upgraded in decades, meaning the carpenter bees have exploded in population in the past few years. In addition, where paved pathways once existed in the parking areas, they are now cracked and falling apart, making for a bumpy drive around the track, which has resulted in many a flat tire. The dirt paths are also never watered down, meaning dust covers everything at the track if it doesn’t rain during the weekend.   Neighborhood   2 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t in a major city, nor is it near a thriving metropolis. Instead, it is quite literally in the middle of farm country outside of Mansfield – this biggest town near the track is also not that big of a place, but has its own mall and several places to eat and stay. While nice, the track is separated from civilization, giving a bit of an isolationist feel to the facility. One of the track’s entrances actually features a driveway that goes through a farm field, while another road leading to the front entrance goes through Lexington, a small town with a 35 mile per hour speed limit – this small town does embrace race weekend, however, with local shops and restaurants putting out their best for race fans who pass through. For food, driving into Mansfield will bring you to Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, two popular stops for drivers and teams. For hotels, Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield South and The Inn on Smith’s Hill are also popular stays. For sights, the Ohio State Reformatory, located outside of Mansfield, was the filming location of the popular “Shawshank Redemption”, and even offers tours. Another popular stop is Cedar Point theme park, an hour and a half north in Sandusky.   Fans   3 The fans at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are known for packing the hillsides on race day. Even if they don’t know the drivers on track, they’ll pick their own favorite car and cheer for that team, whether they’re first or last during the race. In addition, if you get lost most are more than willing to help you find your way. While the crowds may not be as big as durin g IndyCar ere, IMSA weekend still brings a ton of locals, as well as series-loyal fans, to the facility. Access   3 Getting to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t exactly easy, as the track is in the middle of nowhere. It is also a fair driving distance from the highway, all down one-lane roads with speed limits that average about 40 miles per hour. And once you get to the track, all the parking is in grass or dirt fields, with some spots on the hills – your rarely-used parking brake will come in handy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as many parking areas are on hillsides with noticeable slants, which will become slippery if it rains. Needless to say, getting out after the races takes a lot of work and patience, as traffic is quite an ordeal. The one-lane road coming in and out, as well as the single bridge leading from the infield to the outer portions of the venue, mean you may spend hours walking or driving before you even reach the main gates.   Return on Investment   3 While it may take some travel to get to the track, going to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a track steeped in history and sporting tradition, is still worth the trip. There are plenty of places to watch from where you can see big sections of the track, and the beautiful hillside scenery makes for a great backdrop during a race. Tickets start at $45 for Friday or Saturday, $55 for Sunday, or $75 for a weekend pass. VIP hospitality is available for $500, while car corral VIP packages range from $170 to $270. Infield parking is $40 while camping spots range from $275 to $450.   Extras   3 Something that really gets fans engaged is the large fan zone in the interior of the track. With displays, shopping for souvenirs, and driver interaction events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams. In addition, autograph sessions throughout the weekend give you the opportunity to meet your favorite drivers up in the paddock areas for the MX5 Cup and Pilot Challenge series. Fans can also wander throughout some of the garage areas to see their favorite teams at work, preparing their cars for the on-track action. Perhaps the most unique thing about Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, however, is that the garages feature a fan walkway above that looks down on the old-fashioned wooden and open-air rooms; this gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the teams working on their machines, a view that few other tracks offer, especially for sportscar racing. Final Thoughts If you want a quick, action-packed racetrack that features great camping, a Mid-West hillside forest setting, some of the loudest and most passionate fans in racing, and one that is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the place for you. Just be ready, as you may leave in a long line of traffic (fair warning), and you shouldn’t expect the most modern of facilities.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course 7721 Steam Corners Rd Lexington, OH 44904 SpeedTour Events website Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course website Year Opened: 1962 Capacity: 65,000 Thunder In Central Ohio Mid-Ohio was known for being a top-level destination for car racing, but the quality at the facility has fallen off in recent years. The facility provides exciting racing and has loyal fans, but unfortunately that is where the positives end; the traffic issues getting in and out aren’t much help either. NASCAR recently left the facility altogether for greener pastures, so IndyCar and IMSA  are now the top events for fans at this track. However, the annual Trans Am, SVRA, and F4/FR SpeedTour weekend is a stacked weekend slate.   Food & Beverage   3 The food here ranges from the standard burgers ($8 solo, $14.50 combo) and hot dogs ($6, $10) to chicken tenders ($9.50, $12 combo). Sides range from $2.50 to $8.25 for chips, candy, cookies, or fries. Drinks (soda and water) are standard as well, costing from $4 to $8. The main concession stands in the infield and the paddock are the main attractions, while some food trucks also fill up the infield fan area. Atmosphere   2 The atmosphere at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course has declined greatly from a facility standpoint in the last few years. Where once existed great sightlines for fans, you now have catch fences and high barriers in a lot of places. The former Honda bridge in the back section of the track was removed and not replaced in the winter of 2021, and the other crossover bridge in Thunder Valley is blocked off, leaving fans with less mobility around the track to get different viewpoints. The bathrooms are also far from clean, and their age shows as well, though the paddock restrooms were renovated and expanded for the 2023 season. Unfortunately most of the facilities on site are also made of wood, and haven’t been upgraded in decades, meaning the carpenter bees have exploded in population in the past few years. In addition, where paved pathways once existed in the parking areas, they are now cracked and falling apart, making for a bumpy drive around the track, which has resulted in many a flat tire. The dirt paths are also never watered down, meaning dust covers everything at the track if it doesn’t rain during the weekend.   Neighborhood   2 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t in a major city, nor is it near a thriving metropolis. Instead, it is quite literally in the middle of farm country outside of Mansfield – this biggest town near the track is also not that big of a place, but has its own mall and several places to eat and stay. While nice, the track is separated from civilization, giving a bit of an isolationist feel to the facility. One of the track’s entrances actually features a driveway that goes through a farm field, while another road leading to the front entrance goes through Lexington, a small town with a 35 mile per hour speed limit – this small town does embrace race weekend, however, with local shops and restaurants putting out their best for race fans who pass through. For food, driving into Mansfield will bring you to Texas Roadhouse and Olive Garden, two popular stops for drivers and teams. For hotels, Hampton Inn & Suites Mansfield South and The Inn on Smith’s Hill are also popular stays. For sights, the Ohio State Reformatory, located outside of Mansfield, was the filming location of the popular “Shawshank Redemption”, and even offers tours. Another popular stop is Cedar Point theme park, an hour and a half north in Sandusky.   Fans   3 The fans at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course are known for packing the hillsides on race day. Even if they don’t know the drivers on the track, they’ll pick their own favorite car and cheer for that team, whether they’re first or last during the race. In addition, if you get lost most are more than willing to help you find your way. While the crowds may not be as big as d uring IndyCar h ere, Trans Am and SVRA still bring a ton of locals and series-loyal fans to the facility. Access   3 Getting to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course isn’t exactly easy, as the track is in the middle of nowhere. It is also a fair driving distance from the highway, all down one-lane roads with speed limits that average about 40 miles per hour. And once you get to the track, all the parking is in grass or dirt fields, with some spots on the hills – your rarely-used parking brake will come in handy at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, as many parking areas are on hillsides with noticeable slants, which will become slippery if it rains. Needless to say, getting out after the races takes a lot of work and patience, as traffic is quite an ordeal. The one-lane road coming in and out, as well as the single bridge leading from the infield to the outer portions of the venue, mean you may spend hours walking or driving before you even reach the main gates.   Return on Investment   4 While it may take some travel to get to the track, going to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, a track steeped in history and sporting tradition, is still worth the trip. There are plenty of places to watch from where you can see big sections of the track, and the beautiful hillside scenery makes for a great backdrop during a race. However, the decline in facility upkeep is noticeable, weighing down the return you get on your ticket investment, even if it was already low thanks to this event being a SpeedTour weekend.   Extras   3 Something that really gets fans engaged is the large fan zone in the interior of the track. With displays, shopping for souvenirs, and driver interaction events, fans can get up close and personal with their favorite drivers and teams. In addition, autograph sessions throughout the weekend give you the opportunity to meet your favorite drivers up in the paddock areas for the F4 and FR series. Fans can also wander through some of the garage areas to see their favorite teams at work, preparing their cars for the on-track action. Perhaps the most unique thing about Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is that the garages feature a fan walkway above that looks down on the old-fashioned wooden and open-air rooms; this gives you a unique bird’s eye view of the teams working on their machines, a view that few other tracks offer, especially for sportscar racing. Final Thoughts If you want a quick, action-packed racetrack that features great camping, a Mid-West hillside forest setting, some of the loudest and most passionate fans in racing, and one that is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course is the place for you. Just be ready, as you may leave in a long line of traffic (fair warning), and you shouldn’t expect the most modern of facilities.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey The largest sports and entertainment venue in Corpus Christi, Texas, American Bank Center , will soon have a new name. On Monday, June 23, the venue’s management company, the Oak View Group, announced that Corpus Christi-based law firm Hilliard Law had won the new naming rights. “Oak View Group is moving to the next phase of the naming rights process and has selected Hilliard Law to enter into exclusive negotiations to formalize an agreement for the American Bank Center,” said DeAnna Richarte, Director of Marketing for the arena. According to information from the Oak View Group released during Corpus Christi’s City Council on June 24, the agreement with Hilliard Law extends for 10 years. Over that course of time, the law firm will pay $13.3 million for the facility’s naming rights. “Following a comprehensive and strategic research process that included several factors, this marks a significant step forward in establishing a long-term partnership that will enhance the visibility and future of the venue and the region,” Richarte said. The Corpus Christi-based American Bank has been the venue’s naming rights partner since 2004. The financial institution announced in 2024 that it would be moving on from its sponsorship of the venue. This prompted a search for a new partner, which was coordinated in part by the city of Corpus Christi. Home to several of the city’s sports teams, such as the Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders  basketball squads, the Corpus Christi Tritons  of Arena Football One, and the Corpus Christi IceRays  of the North American Hockey League, the venue has been a fixture along the shores of Corpus Christi Bay since the late 1970s. ---------- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Eastwood Field 111 Eastwood Mall Blvd Niles, OH 44446 Mahoning Valley Scrappers website Eastwood Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 6,000 25 Years of Baseball at the Mall   The Mahoning Valley Scrappers were a victim of the Great Minor League Contraction of 2020. The team, who had been members of the Class A Short Season New York-Penn League since their founding in 1999, suddenly found themselves relegated to a new circuit: the MLB Draft League. For a team that had enjoyed a stable relationship with the nearby Cleveland Indians over their entire history, this move into the unknown came as a big shock.   The MLB Draft League plays a hybrid amateur-professional schedule. For half the season, the league operates as a standard summer collegiate league serving as a showcase for some of the nation’s top draft-eligible prospects.  After the draft each year, the league’s rosters are filled with paid players who have exhausted their amateur eligibility. The six teams in the MLB Draft League were all part of affiliated baseball before 2020.   Eastwood Field, named for the mall it sits behind, also serves as home for the Youngstown State Penguins  baseball team. During their time in affiliated baseball, the Scrappers won one championship, in 2004.   Food & Beverage 4   The Scrappers offer a good variety of concessions for visiting fans. While the main stands on the concourse stick to the basics (hot dogs, pizza slices, chicken tenders and fries), variety can be found at the many smaller stands and portable carts scattered throughout the ballpark. A pair of portable carts on the main concourse sell nachos and tacos, while another offers smashburgers. Fans looking for hot dogs will find cheese dogs, corn dogs, jumbo dogs and chili dogs sold throughout Eastwood Field. The Gibson Bar and Grill, located at the end of the right field concourse, sells grilled sausages and bratwurst.   Pepsi products are featured at Eastwood Field. Fans looking for an adult beverage will find a full selection at all the stands, both permanent and portable. Mixed drinks are also sold throughout the ballpark. A selection of local beers augment the national brands sold here. Fans can purchase refillable beer steins or beer bats should a plain old stadium cup not suffice.   Atmosphere 3   The game day atmosphere at a Scrappers game will feel very familiar to those who have traveled around minor league baseball. There’s an emcee who (very loudly) coordinates the between inning promotions and keeps the presentation moving. The PA announcer mixes in a bit more wackiness to his delivery, and the DJ provides music and sound effects after virtually every pitch. A video board in right-center field provides game information, player stats, and is integrated into the promotional schedule. The team’s mascot, Snappy, roams the ballpark participating in promotions and interacting with fans. It’s a non-stop attack on the senses that is all too common in the minors these days.   The team has a very robust promotional schedule, with events happening most days of the season. Stadium Journey attended Eastwood Field on “Major League” night, with bobbleheads handed out to fans and the players decked out in specialized jerseys. Games happen between innings as well, keeping the casual fan and youngsters in attendance interested.   Neighborhood 4   You would figure Eastwood Field would rate highly in this category, considering it is located in the largest mall complex between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. If you factor in the total footage of the indoor mall, strip malls and other shops on the Eastwood Mall site, the total square footage totals over 3.2 million square feet. Located on the complex are numerous hotels, restaurants, and of course, shopping options. Among the lodging options onsite are a Hampton Inn & Suites and a Holiday Inn Express & Suites. Visiting fans looking for a place to eat after the game will find a Primanti Bros., as well as countless other national chains in the same parking lot as the ballpark.   Beyond the mall, Mahoning Valley contains a variety of summer attractions to round out any trip to the area. Native son William McKinley, the 25 th  President of the United States, was born in Niles, and the National McKinley Birthplace Memorial Museum is located here.   Fans 4   Mahoning Valley averaged just over 2,500 fans per game in 2024, which placed them fourth in the six-team MLB Draft League in terms of attendance, and in the top 20 of all summer college teams nationwide. This figure represented a slight increase over the 2023 season, and was comparable to the team’s final season in affiliated ball, when they averaged about 2,700 fans per game.   The crowd at a Scrappers game will look familiar to veteran minor league baseball fans. It’s a good mix of die-hard baseball fans, locals out to enjoy an inexpensive night of entertainment with friends and coworkers, and families taking advantage of the value and entertainment factor present at minor league baseball games. As always, people watching is part of the fun of being at a ball game.   Access 3   Eastwood Field is located in the northwest corner of the Eastwood Mall complex, close to the intersection of State Routes 82 and 11. Although driving is the most convenient and popular method for getting to a Scrappers game, Western Reserve Transit Authority’s  #28 bus stops at the Eastwood Mall.   Most fans will enter Eastwood Field via the main entrance, which empties onto a small and crowded concourse. The field is not visible from the concourse, and stands line both edges of the concourse. Stretching in both directions will be various concession stands, portable carts, sponsor tables, rest rooms, and everything else you would expect to see at a minor league ballpark. When there’s a decent crowd in attendance, it can be quite a hectic and crowded place.   The seating bowl stretches from foul pole to foul pole. The main seating area consists of individual folding plastic stadium seats, with a few sections of bleachers located further down the right field line. These sections are the general admission sections. There is a walkway about a third of the way up the seating bowl. A large picnic area takes up a bunch of real estate on the left field side of the ballpark. A small berm on the right field side of the park and a kids play area on the left field side give younger fans a place to burn off some excess energy.   Nets stretch in front of the majority of the seating bowl, obstructing views. Rest rooms are dated, but large enough for the typical Snappers crowd. As mentioned before, the concourse can be busy and crowded at times, but the ballpark is easy to navigate around. With a capacity of 6,000, the ballpark offers a great variety of seating options for visiting fans.   Youngstown is located almost exactly halfway between Pittsburgh and Cleveland, making it very easy to include on a ballpark roadtrip to the area.   Return on Investment 3   Ticket prices for a Scrappers game begin at $15 for Premium Box seats, with Lower Upper Box seats priced at $12. General admission seats in the bleacher sections are priced at $7. Purchasing tickets on game day will add one dollar to the price.   Parking will cost you an additional $5 in the lot adjacent to Eastwood Field. The area of the mall parking lot dedicated to the ballpark is fenced off. If you think you are clever and try to park your car somewhere else at the mall, it won’t matter. The Scrappers charge a “walk-in” fee for those folks trying to beat the system. Seriously. There’s a manned turnstile on the sidewalk next to the entrance where cars enter the lot. On the plus side, if you’re driving a Toyota, parking is free, courtesy of a local dealership and Scrappers sponsor.   Concessions prices are comparable to other facilities in the area.   Extras 2   There is a display of famous players to come from the Mahoning Valley area at the end of the concourse. Included in this display are Baseball Hall of Famers Bud Fowler, Billy Evans and Elmer Flick.   Pennants commemorating the Scrappers’ past championships are displayed on the façade of the press box.   Final Thoughts   While Eastwood Field may not stand out from its peer facilities in any way besides its location in a mall, the staff here have adapted to the Scrappers’ new reality with a fun game day experience, and local baseball fans have continued to show up, despite what could be seen as a demotion to summer college ball. A visit to Mahoning Valley is certainly a worthy inclusion in any Stadium Journey passing through the area.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photo Courtesy of Kim Montuoro Since 2019, Massachusetts native, current Astoria, New York resident Julie Goldberg has been competing at the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest at Coney Island on the Fourth of July. This year, Goldberg just missed making the finals, but she'll be watching from the sidelines with her mentor Crazy Legs Conti, arguably the most colorful character to ever speed eat competitively ( check out Stadium Journey's interview with Crazy Legs Conti here ). A few days before the big day, Goldberg took a few minutes away from her training table to answer a few questions. STADIUM JOURNEY: You have a PhD in poli sci. How'd you get into competitive eating? How long have you been doing it? Are you a lifer? JULIE GOLDBERG: I'm finishing up my PhD. I'm about halfway through my dissertation and on track to finish by the end of the year, fingers crossed. Before I moved to New York in 2017, I was living in Florida with my now 14-year-old border collie. I had a herding dog, but nothing for her to herd, so I took her running with me, about 40-plus miles a week. Needless to say, I've always had a huge appetite, but at the time, I was insatiable. My friends and family encouraged me to get into competitive eating, and as fate would have it, when I moved to NYC, I met Crazy Legs Conti, one of the OGs of competitive eating. We started training together, and I won my first qualifier for Coney in 2019. I'm a lifer, so long as I keep having fun. STADIUM JOURNEY: Do you have a pre-competition ritual? Do you fast, or is everything business as usual? JULIE GOLDBERG: In theory, I like to stay well-hydrated and eat lightly the day before, and a granola bar or banana the morning of. In practice, things don't always go as planned, and "being good" leading up to the competition hasn't always translated into better results for me. I've done everything right and have had disappointing results. In 2023, I won the DC qualifier and matched my personal best of 9.5 hot dogs in 10 minutes, but sort of went off the rails beforehand. I flew to DC from NYC and arrived several hours before the contest. I didn't want to venture into the DC heat too early, so I stopped at a bar in the airport for a beer. I intended to leave after one, but the bartender brought me a couple of freebies, and I couldn't bring myself to pass them up. I left the airport with plenty of time to spare and took home the women's trophy. What a thrill that was. STADIUM JOURNEY: What's your technique? Do you dip your buns in water? Do you eat the buns and meat separately? Please explain how you came up with your technique. JULIE GOLDBERG: Traditionally, I've eaten my hot dogs Solomon style - that is, splitting the dog from the bun, breaking the dog in half before eating, and dunking the bun in mildly hot Tang before swallowing as Crazy Legs taught me. I recently started incorporating keeping the dog and bun together and dunking them in Tang for at least part of the contest to mix things up. STADIUM JOURNEY: How do you feel after a competition? Are you hanging out after, or are you going straight home? JULIE GOLDBERG: There's always a time after a competition when you don't feel great because your belly is full and you have nitrates coursing through your body. Most of the contests I've participated in have been followed by an after-party of some sort. I generally suck up any discomfort and indulge the opportunity to hang out with my competitive eating buds. STADIUM JOURNEY: Describe your relationship with Crazy Legs Conti. What are your favorite establishments to dine out at with him? JULIE GOLDBERG: Crazy Legs and I first bonded over our love for Boston sports and then our love for hot dogs. Most of the time, when we meet up, it's to watch a Boston game on TV, so the establishments change often. I will say my favorite dining experience with him was at Madison Square Garden. He magically got us into a friend's private suite for a Celtics-Knicks game, which just happened to be my first NBA game ever. The food was awesome, and the Celts won! STADIUM JOURNEY: Which eaters do you hang with, if anyone, away from competition? JULIE GOLDBERG: I usually only see other eaters at contests, and I always look forward to seeing everyone. George Chiger is my competitive eating brother, though. We recently saw each other at a strawberry shortcake contest, and he took the brotherly initiative to check out my car for me. Larell Melee is essentially the mom of Major League Eating, and we have a tradition of going to the Perfect Pint in midtown Manhattan throughout the 4th festivities. I wish I got to see everyone more often, but we're all scattered across the country. STADIUM JOURNEY: Were you an athlete before competitive eating? Which sports, if any? Which Boston teams did you follow? Were you spending a lot of time at Fenway as a kid? JULIE GOLDBERG: I'm an armchair quarterback. I haven't played any team sports because I have terrible depth perception and coordination, but I've run three full marathons and twentyish half marathons. I'm a diehard and will root for any Boston team, but I live and breathe for the New England Patriots, and the Red Sox have a special place in my heart. I've never gone to Fenway until I was an adult. I was the youngest of three, so my family spent a lot more time cheering on the Pawtucket Red Sox at McCoy Stadium - RIP - but still holds the record for longest professional baseball game at 33 innings. We also went to a ton of Worcester Ice Cats - also RIP - games at the Worcester Centrum. STADIUM JOURNEY: What are the similarities between political science and competitive eating, if any? JULIE GOLDBERG: I would say you have to enjoy political science and competitive eating to ingratiate yourself in those worlds. They're also similar in that you need to know when to turn them off for your well-being. I'd like to think I've learned diplomacy from both as well. So much so that this Boston diehard can admit that the chicken buckets at Yankee Stadium are top-tier ballpark fare.  STADIUM JOURNEY:                                                                                                    Since we're talking political science. As far as a competition between U.S. Presidents, who are the top five finishers?                                                                     JULIE GOLDBERG:                                                                                                          1. Lincoln 2. FDR 3. Washington 4. Jefferson 5. Kennedy STADIUM JOURNEY:                                                                                                      As far as eating venues, what spots are must-stops? Recommendations, please. Need 'em.  JULIE GOLDBERG:                                                                                                      Jack Jones, a gastropub in Astoria, is my absolute favorite local place. I go there once a week and I'm always amazed by how delicious the food is. Jacob's Pickles on the Upper West Side is my favorite place for Southern cuisine. If you ever find yourself in Burrillville, Rhode Island, stop by Wright's for a family-style chicken dinner. You will not be disappointed.

After a somewhat longer than brief hiatus Paul and Dave are back! The return of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views heads into Red Sox Country ... for a Blue Jays Affiliate! How can they make this work? Grab a beer and join Paul and Dave for the latest episode of Stadium Journey's Obstructed Views for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at Delta Dental Stadium. You can find Stadium Journey's review of Delta Dental Stadium and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats game day experience here.

Photos by Terry McCutchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 ONEOK Field 201 N Elgin Tulsa, OK 74120 Tulsa Drillers website ONEOK Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 7,833 Tulsa Time Located in the historic Greenwood District near downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma, ONEOK (pronounced One-Okay) Field has been home to the Tulsa Drillers since 2010. ONEOK also serves as the home pitch for FC Tulsa of the USL and hosts numerous college baseball games and concerts. The construction of ONEOK replaced the venerable Tulsa County Stadium, later renamed Driller Park, which was originally a W.P.A. project located in the Tulsa Fairgrounds. Serving as the Double-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers , the Drillers have played in Tulsa since 1977, after the Lafayette Drillers moved from Louisiana. Prior to 1977 Tulsa was home to the Triple A Tulsa Oilers, meaning that Tulsa has hosted professional baseball continuously, except for a break during WWII, since 1932. The Drillers have been affiliated with the Los Angeles Dodgers since 2014, following many years under the Colorado Rockies and Texas Rangers , respectively. Food & Beverage 4 As you enter the park, the smell of concessions wafting through the air is intoxicating. There are over 10 different concession areas from which to choose including the more traditional Golden Driller Grill (Hornsby burger basket, chicken tenders and fries, Driller Dog, nachos, and Frito pie; $4.79 to $12.49) and the more specialty House Divided (Boomtown Coneys, burgers, and specialty Driller Dogs; $12.99 to $36.99). Snack and side items are also available at all the concession stands with options of popcorn, candy, peanuts, chips, French fries, and mac-and-cheese ($2.99 to $6.29). ONEOK offers numerous drink options from bottled water to Pepsi products and beer ($3.49 to $7.79). Soft drinks are available in either a souvenir cup or a cheaper Styrofoam cup option. Alcoholic drink offerings include Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Coors Light, Estrella, Busch Light, and White Claw. Atmosphere 4 The Driller organization creates a gameday atmosphere that is fun and interactive. With exciting music playing when the gates open and staff members, plus Hornsby the mascot, posted near the gate to greet patrons for high fives and photo opportunities, the expectation is immediately set for a positive experience. Fan interaction during breaks in play continues throughout the game, as there is an activity planned at least once per inning. Examples include Hornsby’s entrance on a golf cart, the traditional dizzy bat race, a sporting goods mascot race, Simba, and kiss and dance cams, as well as other trivia and challenge games presented on the scoreboard. On hot summer days, there is also a Splash Zone in centerfield behind the batter’s eye that is free for fans to enjoy. Neighborhood 5 The historic Greenwood District north of downtown Tulsa, once known as Black Wall Street, was one of the wealthiest black neighborhoods in the US in the early 1900s, until being devastated by a race riot in 1921. Today, the neighborhood has a mix of historical landmarks, lively entertainment options, museums, and new construction as the area continues to progress into the future. Just a few of the attractions within walking distance of the ballpark include the John Hope Franklin Center for Reconciliation , Bob Dylan Center , Woody Guthrie Center , Center of the Universe , and Greenwood Rising Black Wall Street History Center . In addition, the BMX Hall of Fame and Museum , Outsiders Museum , Tulsa Zoo , and the popular public park The Gathering Place are all just a short drive away, and worth the trip if time allows. After game drinking hangouts are easily accessible as well; Historic Cain’s Ballroom , built in 1924, plus other bars such as McNellie’s Irish Pub , Arnie’s Bar , Fassler Hall , and Elgin Park Brewery (across the street from the main gate) are all within blocks of ONEOK. No matter what your palette desires, you should be able to find a restaurant within blocks of the stadium to satisfy you. Eating establishments within a long fly ball include Sweet Lisa’s Soul Food Cafe , Honey Love Wings , Noche Woodfired Grill , Lone Wolf Banh Mi , and Sisserou’s Caribbean , as well as many others. Fans 4 Driller fans are both knowledgeable and loyal – Tulsa has averaged over 5000 fans consistently since the MiLB restructuring and Covid-19, ranking the team in the top 10 of both total and average fan attendance annually. The stands are filled with a mix of young families with children, professional adults, and older couples, all enjoying the American pastime. Children can also enjoy the freedom of open space and the playground in the outfield, while fans desiring a more serious baseball experience can do so from the comfort of their stadium seats. The fans here know baseball, and root for their hometown team. Their appreciation for mascots Hornsby and Oily, a throwback to previous generations of the team, also shows their bond with the team. Access 5 Tulsa, as the second largest city in Oklahoma with a metro population of just over 1 million and approximately 130 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, is easily accessible from any destination via Tulsa International Airport, or from major thoroughfares such as Interstate 44, Interstate 40, or Highway 75. ONEOK Field sits merely 8 miles from the airport, which is normally less than a 15 minute rideshare or drive, depending on traffic and possible construction. Downtown Tulsa and Greenwood are surrounded by an inner-dispersal loop consisting of I-244, Highway 64, and Highway 75, meaning that getting to the ballpark is fairly simple no matter from which direction you enter the city. There are three different points of entry into the stadium – the main gate and the “Oil Derrick” gate are both located along N. Elgin Avenue on the west side. In addition, the Osage Casino Hotel entry is located on the north side of the stadium along Greenwood Avenue. Return on Investment 5 The Drillers offer many promotions and giveaways during the season to help fans feel like they are getting more than quality baseball for their investment. With $2 Tuesdays, limited to outfield tickets, hot dogs, popcorn, and ice cream novelties are only $2, allowing fans to catch a game on a limited budget. Other notable promotions include Happy Half Hour, Kids Sunday, and Thirsty Thursday $3 drink offers. Ticket prices range from $10 to $28 including online purchasing fees when purchased through the MLB ticketing website, which is on the lower end of Double-A price structures. When considering the availability of plenty of free parking, as well as concession prices that are average to below average in price, the ROI at OneOK Field is near the top of minor league teams. Extras 5 The splash pad in centerfield deserves special recognition; only those who have experienced a hot Oklahoma summer day would understand. Free parking near the entrance to the ballpark is worth noting. While there are some businesses that offer cheap ($5 to $10) parking options just blocks away, there is also street side parking for no charge. Extra credit is also added for the friendliness and accommodation of the staff. Oklahomans are known to be friendly, and the ballpark staff does nothing but reinforce this image. The neighborhood and availability of American history within blocks of the stadium create a perfect setting for baseball fans and visitors to spend an entire day, or more, without ever needing a vehicle. The team store has a plethora of souvenir options, especially caps – Tulsa has as many different hat styles to choose from as many major league team. The most recent game I attended was also extremely cold, so to warm fans’ spirits and bodies, the Drillers provide patrons with unlimited free hot chocolate. Final Thoughts The Tulsa Drillers offer a wonderful gameday experience in a beautiful urban setting. Based on the promotion and giveaway schedule, most games offer either a discounted experience or a souvenir upon entry. The in-game entertainment keeps fans of all ages engaged and helps bridge the gap between innings. For pure baseball fans, Tulsa offers quality Double-A baseball with teams of the Texas League visiting. At any point in the season, top prospects on both teams will be playing, so witnessing the future of major league baseball up close becomes a privilege. This writer has found that ONEOK Field should be on any baseball fan’s bucket list, and can be combined with several other nearby destinations for weekend or longer baseball-themed trips.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Beginning July 1st, the Frost Bank Center  – home of the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs – will begin the latest round of renovations to the two decades-old facility. The project, which was announced to the public on June 17th, will look to enhance the game-day experience for fans. The effort, which will be privately funded, is highlighted by the construction of a 4,000-square-foot private space that will be called the “Superbox” – this area will offer guests an all-inclusive food and beverage experience. “We’re always paying attention to what our fans tell us, and this project is a direct response to that feedback,” said Max Brodsky, Corporate Communications Coordinator with the Spurs Sports & Entertainment (SS&E). “The Superbox upgrades will improve flow and layout for food and beverage service, while also giving the space an updated look with new finishes, fixtures and furniture.” The Frost Bank Center has been the home arena for the Spurs since 2002. The facility has undergone numerous renovations over the years, including a recent effort to upgrade the venue’s Terrace Club in 2023. “It’s all about creating a better overall experience for our guests,” said Brodsky. “These enhancements are privately funded through SS&E and our partnership with Aramark. They are not connected to any public funding or bond efforts. We expect the refreshed space to be ready for fans to enjoy by the start of preseason this fall.” ---------- Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Fifth Third Park 300 W. Henry Street Spartanburg, SC 29306 Hub City Spartanburgers website Fifth Third Park website Year Opened: 2025 Capacity: 5,000 Look LettUs Cook The 2025 Minor League Baseball season marked the return of affiliated baseball to Spartanburg, South Carolina, for the first time in 31 years with the arrival of the Hub City Spartanburgers. Baseball in Spartanburg dates back to 1904, when the city fielded a team called the Spartans. Over the years the team adopted several names, including the Red Sox and Pioneers, and initially played at Wofford College before relocating to Duncan Park in 1926. In the early 20th century, Spartanburg played independently across various leagues before settling into the South Atlantic League. The city had brief affiliations with the St. Louis Browns (1946) and the Cleveland Indians (1947–1955), but it would be the affiliation with the Philadelphia Phillies that lasted 31 years (1963-1994) which would leave a lasting impression on the city, which is still evident today. During the three decades without affiliated baseball, Spartanburg remained active in the sport through summer collegiate leagues, including an earlier incarnation of the Spartanburgers. Now affiliated baseball has returned to Spartanburg; Hub City rejoins the South Atlantic League as the High-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers .   Food & Beverage   4 Fifth Third Park does a good job blending traditional ballpark fare with unique, regionally inspired options – Firebox Corner offers not just pepperoni and margarita pizzas, but also a deep-fried version topped with “Fairy Dust” (grated Parmesan), while Bojangles Chicken Crossing serves a small sampling of the southern chain’s menu, including Cajun chicken sandwiches, Chicken Supremes, and Bo’s Bird Dogs. The star of the show, however, is the Spartan Burgers build-your-own burger bar. With nearly 70 available toppings, fans can stick to the basics or get adventurous with options like Nutella, jelly, or Froot Loops; burgers can also include veggie or meat patties. The standout “Spartanburger” is topped with pimento cheese, a fried green tomato, and onion straws, with additional food carts behind home plate specializing in sausage varieties and multiple styles of nachos. The biggest downside of the otherwise strong concessions here is the “grab-and-go” setup – with items being left under heat lamps, it can leave some of the food cold. Though the Carolinas are traditionally Pepsi country, Coca-Cola products are the stadium drink of choice. Other non-alcoholic options include Monster energy drink, Powerade, and fresh-squeezed lemonade from a stand near the left field gates. Adult beverage selections are broad; along with typical domestic beers are craft-style options including beers from New Belgium, Wicked Weed, Sierra Nevada, and Golden Road’s Mango Cart. Seltzers, canned cocktails, and individual servings of wine are also available, and the Cabooze Bar Cart behind home plate offers handmade mixed and frozen drinks. While the beer list is extensive, more local brews would be nice to see.   Atmosphere   4 The Spartanburgers celebrate the city’s railroad legacy with their Hub City moniker, in reference to the city being a hub of railroads in the south. The tracks that run just beyond the third baseline are reminiscent of the early days of baseball, when fields were commonly found adjacent to the town’s train depot. Upon first sight of Fifth Third Park, the neon “Spartanburg” sign atop the stadium, in diner script, pops with city pride. The seating bowl is bi-level; the lower level is individual plastic chairbacks from midway up each line, with mesh-backed seats behind home plate. There are also several additional seating areas, including high top tables, group seating, concourse suites, drink rails, and a grassy berm stretching from left to left-center field. Though the rows are a bit steep, the seating bowl does provide excellent sightlines and plenty of leg room. The outfield wall plays pretty consistent in right, but center field is a poke at 411’. Left field is a touch short at 328’ but it is protected by a wall approximately 15 to 18 feet high. The scoreboard, situated in right-center field uses a 1950s, drive-in themed display to provide game statistics, information on the pitcher’s pitch count, pitch speed, and pitcher and batter individual statistics. Hub City does a good job keeping the burger and railroad themes going throughout the game. Strike outs are celebrated with the ringing of an “order up” style bell, the stadium announcer refers to base runners as “burgers”, and home runs are celebrated with the sounding of a train whistle – this really ties in both themes of the team well; even in-game entertainment pieces use burger-themed contests. Spartanburgers game definitely have an atypical game presentation for baseball, but it goes a long way in creating a fun stadium atmosphere. For example, the stadium’s public address announcer uses the power of the microphone to stir the energy of the crowd with chants and prompts to get loud between pitches. In an era where baseball has become more of a laid-back experience, this approach works well in creating a fun game atmosphere that feels more like a basketball game than baseball. The concourse is kept lively by Steve the Conductor, who makes his way around the concourse dressed in overalls and a conductor’s cap; Steve greets fans and gets them to join him in belting out a loud “Choo-Choo!” rallying call.   Neighborhood   4 Fifth Third Park is a short walk from downtown Spartanburg, an area with an artsy vibe and plenty of personality. Sculptures line the sidewalks and the Spartanburg Music Trail highlights local musicians via QR codes – there are 11 markers, including one honoring The Marshall Tucker Band, most notable for their song, “Can’t You See”. Downtown also has a strong collection of locally-owned restaurants along a section of Main Street, which is closed to traffic so tables can be set up for spacious outdoor dining. Music fills the air day and night, providing both pre and post-game options for food, drink, and music. One establishment of interest in the area is FR8yard, an outdoor bar and music venue that has seats from Duncan Park. Downtown Spartanburg also seems to be in the midst of a revitalization, as empty store fronts appear to be in the process of being filled. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Hub City Railroad Museum, and the free to play Sparkle City miniature golf course are all family-friendly points of consideration in the area.   Fans   4 Excitement around town is high with the return of professional baseball. Early attendance numbers over 3,000 fans per game, with crowds swelling to over 4,000 for weekend matchups, especially when rivals like the Greenville Drive  visit. If this trend continues, the Spartanburgers will finish among the South Atlantic League’s top five in attendance this season.   Access   3 Spartanburg is at the junction of two interstates that run though the southeast, namely I-85 which runs regionally from Atlanta to Charlotte, and I-26 that runs from the South Carolina coast in Charleston to Asheville, North Carolina. Fifth Third Park is just south of downtown Spartanburg. Some streets around the stadium shut down leading up to gates opening, so the easiest approach is from the north side of Morgan Avenue. This provides for the easiest access to the multi-level parking deck just beyond the left field confines, and this garage provides direct access into the ballpark. There is also some street parking within walking distance if you arrive early enough; street parking is free after 5 pm. Primary entry points can be found in the right and left field corners of the stadium, with the left field gates being the most popular. There is also a home plate gate, but it is more out of the way, so it doesn’t get nearly as much use as the other points of entry. Even with many concourse level suites and food carts, there is still plenty of room for fans to move around without feeling as though they are packed in shoulder to shoulder. Fifth Third Park is not completely circumnavigable, however – fans can only walk to center field and roughly three-quarters of the way down the right field line. In future years, though, office space and housing will begin to pop up in the open grassy area beyond right and center field, which may help to tie both sides of the field together with one continuous walkway.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets start at just $5 for weekday berm seating, increasing to $8 on Fridays and $10 on weekends and holidays. Fees typically add 21–28% to the ticket price. Parking seems reasonable at $10, but if you are willing to walk, free spots can be found in the downtown area – street parking is free after 5 pm. Concessions seem reasonably priced, in line with typical ballpark prices. Apparel and other souvenirs do seem to be on the expensive side, however, but nothing that isn’t in line with current industry standards.   Extras   4 Mascots Chuck the Burger, an anthropomorphic cheeseburger, and a yet-to-be-named Carolina Parakeet have an on-going playful rivalry that sees the feathered mascot constantly chasing Chuck around the field, concourse, or other parts of the stadium. While not engaged in the chase, both mascots are busy taking countless photos with fans around the stadium, as well as helping host mid-inning games. A display inside the home plate entrance features vintage wooden seats from Shibe Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies  from 1909 to 1970; the seats were later reused at Duncan Park. The display includes photos chronicling Spartanburg’s baseball history, with a separate exhibit behind home plate commemorating the Spartanburg Mill League in the early 1900s. A large children’s play area is located down the left field line, providing a great space for kids to burn off some energy during the game; the climbing wall there incorporates a colorful mural of Spartanburg into its design. There is a specific focus on using art as part of the wow factor at Fifth Third Park, from the mural-covered walls to the baseball-themed chandelier just inside the Home Plate Gate, and the giant bobbleheads placed at each of the outfield gates – all of these add to the artistic beauty of the stadium.   Final Thoughts A new team and stadium usually bring a lot of buzz to a city, and the Hub City Spartanburgers really deliver on that. Fifth Third Park is not just a fun spot to watch baseball; it feels like a celebration of Spartanburg. The diner and railroad themes, mixed with the recognition of the city’s baseball past and artistic vibe, bring into the ballpark much of what has shaped Spartanburg into the city it is today.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Great Dane Stadium 645 Mullinax Road Alpharetta, GA 30004 United Futbol Academy Gunners website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,600 United 4 Life In the northern Atlanta suburb of Alpharetta, the United Futbol Academy (UFA) Gunners have found a home at Great Dane Stadium, on the campus of Denmark High School. UFA fields teams at the select, elite, and academy levels. The club joined the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) as part of the league’s 2024 expansion. The WPSL is a summer, semi-professional women’s soccer league made up mostly of current or recently graduated collegiate players. Founded in 2010, the Gunners maintain a developmental partnership with Arsenal FC , the three-time Premier League champions; this relationship includes visits from Arsenal staff, who work directly with UFA coaches and players to support technical training and overall development. Food & Beverage 3 Food at Gunners matches is provided by a single vendor, Beto’s Tacos, located just inside the stadium entrance. They offer tacos and quesadillas with chicken, pork, beef, or vegetarian fillings, alongside bottled water and Coca-Cola. Additional drinks, namely Gatorade and more bottled water, are available at a nearby table. While the food is of high quality, the lack of variety is a drawback. The presence of only one vendor limits the range of options for fans. Atmosphere 2 Great Dane Stadium is a typical high school football stadium, featuring a large home section of aluminum bleachers opposite a smaller visiting section; the pitch is encircled by an eight-lane track. The setback created by the track does create a bit of separation from the stands and the match. The stadium’s multi-use nature also results in a busy field, with lines for football, lacrosse, and soccer. There is one traditional scoreboard at the north end of the stadium that tracks match time and score, but unlike traditional soccer timers, the clock counts down rather than up. Also, UFA does not announce substitutions or goals, which can create some disconnect with who is coming into a match, or who may have scored a goal. Neighborhood 2 Denmark High School sits in the far northern suburbs of Atlanta, in southern Forsyth County, where suburban neighborhoods begin to give way to rural landscapes. The school is surrounded by subdivisions with majestic homes, as well as by farmland and undeveloped land. The immediate area lacks much in the way of unique dining or entertainment options, consisting mainly of national chains. Also, despite having an Alpharetta address, the school is actually closer to the town of Cumming, roughly 15 minutes away, which has a developing downtown and several locally owned restaurants. Meadow Woodfire Grill, Dominic’s Wood Fire, and Los Compadres are among the most highly regarded. Fans 2 UFA draws between 100 and 200 fans per match; this seems to be an average turnout in the Peachtree Division, outside of clubs like Decatur FC and Chattanooga FC . Most fans at Great Dane Stadium appear to be family members of players or younger UFA athletes, giving the stands a community-focused, youth-club feel. The supporters are vocal and encouraging, cheering for saves, shots, and 50-50 balls, while voicing frustration at questionable calls. While they bring enthusiasm, the fan base does not quite reach the level of a formal supporters group. Access 3 Great Dane Stadium is in the northern reaches of the Metro Atlanta city of Alpharetta, in southern Forsyth County. The most direct access to the stadium is using Georgia Highway 400, but this route can become extremely congested during the evening commute. Those heading south on 400 receive some relief from commuters, but will still have to contend with a degree of traffic. If using GPS to navigate to the stadium, the directions likely lead to the back of campus, and may not signify the turn into the parking lot, so be on the lookout for your first chance to access parking. Parking is just a short walk to the entry point, which opens into a spacious gathering area and long ramps to access the seating area. Most seating here is limited to just one side of the stadium, which does have the benefit of not facing the setting sun, unlike the smaller visiting bleachers behind the team benches. To help expedite entry into the stadium, you should purchase tickets online ahead of time. Tickets are not available for purchase at the gate; they must be bought online. Though this is not necessarily a hindrance, it is a slight annoyance. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are reasonably priced and in line with other teams in the WPSL. After fees, general admission runs just under $6, with free entry for children. Parking is also free, making it a very budget-friendly family outing. Food prices do seem to be a bit high, but when considering the quality of what is served, the prices appear justified. Extras 2 For young soccer fans with energy to spare, a training pitch near the south end of the stadium becomes a popular gathering spot during games. Following the match, UFA players and coaches show their gratitude to the fans by hosting a meet-and-greet, signing autographs and allowing fans to take photos with players. Final Thoughts While the United Futbol Academy Gunners match day experience may not have some of the extras found at a couple of other Peachtree Division clubs, it is comparable to several of their atmospheres. UFA provides fans with an affordable, family-friendly environment to enjoy summer soccer in suburban Atlanta.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Doran Park 220 Sandwich Rd Bourne, MA 02532 Bourne Braves website Doran Park website Year Opened: 2006 Capacity: 3,000 Where Stars are Bourne   The town of Bourne has a lengthy baseball history dating all the way back to the 1860’s. Several teams representing Bourne competed in the Cape League throughout the 20th century. In the modern era of the Cape League, generally considered to have begun in 1963, Bourne was initially represented by the Clouters and Canalmen. From 1972-1988 the town of Bourne was without a team after the folding of the Canalmen. In 1988, the Cape League expanded to ten teams, welcoming Bourne and Brewster into the circuit. The name “Braves” was selected to honor the second major league baseball team to call nearby Boston home.   Doran Park is the newest ballpark, opening in 2006 behind the Upper Cape Regional Technical High School. Before moving to Doran Park, the Braves played at various sites in Bourne, including The Massachusetts Maritime Academy and Coady Field. The field is dedicated to longtime Sagamore Beach resident and avid baseball fan George Doran Sr.   Since joining the Cape League in 1988, the Braves have won three championships, in 2009, 2022 and 2023. Some notable alumni to play in Bourne include Pete Alonso, Kevin Youkilis, Mark Mulder, Bill Mueller and Mitch Moreland.   Food & Beverage 4   The Braves operate a snack bar out of a building on the third base side of Doran Park. The menu hits all the expected notes, with hot dogs, burgers and sausage sandwiches the main attractions. For the younger fans in attendance, Lunchables are sold. Items are cooked to order on a small gas grill next to the concession stand. Assorted snacks and ice cream treats are sold at the concession stand. Coca-Cola products are featured. Alcohol is not allowed at Doran Park.   There are a couple of unique items worth mentioning here. Since we’re on Cape Cod, no baseball experience would be complete without sampling some clam chowder. Quahog Republic provides the local treat here at Doran Park. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the “Brave Burger.” It’s a cheeseburger with Uncrustables as buns. Snack bar staff report that not a whole lot of Braves fans are brave enough to order the Brave Burger, but they do sell a few each night.   Atmosphere 3   For baseball fans used to the noise and commotion of your typical major or minor league baseball game, going to a came on Cape Cod will be a shock to the system. Gone are the between inning shenanigans, the annoying mascots and the non-stop distractions present at most ballparks. In the Cape League, the game is the focus. The only extraneous noise you’ll hear at a Braves game are the occasional lineup and sponsor announcements. Any noise at Doran Park is generated entirely by the fans in attendance.   Neighborhood 3   Doran Park is located behind the Upper Cape Regional Technical High School in Bourne on the eastern shore of the Cape Cod Canal. The campus has a very large footprint in a very highly traveled area. There are no places of interest directly adjacent to Doran Park. However, this is Cape Cod, and you won’t have to travel too far to find some excellent dining options, lodging choices and attractions.   If you cross back over the Cape Cod Canal via the Bourne Bridge, you’ll find yourself in the village of Buzzards Bay. Located here are campgrounds, trails, and a bustling downtown scene. You can find some incredible seafood in the many restaurants and clam shacks in the area. A little further down the road is Onset Point, which offers the quintessential Cape Cod experience on the Massachusetts mainland.   Just north of the ballpark, the village of Sandwich offers more fantastic seafood, ice cream and sandy beaches. Just be warned that the traffic in this area can be intense, especially on weekends and during peak tourist season. Give yourself plenty of extra time to get around town, especially if you need to travel over either of the bridges that span the canal.   Fans 3   The combination of success on the field and the completion of the seating areas around Doran Park has helped increase attendance in recent seasons. Over the past three seasons the Braves have averaged over 1,300 fans per game. This has placed Bourne seventh in the Cape League each season, an improvement over previous years when they would typically bring up the rear of the league.   Fans here are typical of those you would find elsewhere on the Cape, with a mix of locals and tourists taking in the action. As with other ballparks in this league, crowds grow as the season wears on into the meat of the tourist season. If you wish to avoid the larger crowds, get to a game in June, before school lets out and the heavy tourist season begins. Part of the fun of watching games on the Cape is the people watching, including the many young fans in attendance chasing foul balls around the facility.   One thing to know about Cape League fans: while they are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, they are hardly cutthroat. The typical Cape League fan is laid back and interested in watching some of the highest quality summer ball in the nation. Great plays by both teams are met with appreciation and applause. Sportsmanship rules the day on the Cape.   Access 4   The most difficult aspect of reaching Doran Park is dealing with Cape Cod traffic during the height of the summer tourist season. Since Doran Park is located close to the only access points onto the Cape (Bourne Bridge and Sagamore Bridge), fans will need to fight the ever-present traffic just to get to the ball field. Once you arrive at Upper Cape Regional High School, access becomes much easier. Doran Park is located behind the school, with parking available in a large lot a short walk from the field.   The landscape around Doran Park has undergone some changes in recent years. It has taken some time, but the berm on the first base (visiting) side of the field has been finished. In front of the model homes that are used to learn HVAC and electric wiring skills is a magnificent, terraced berm. Most fans continue to sit on the third base (home) side of the park, where that berm provides plenty of room for fans to spread out their blankets or lawn chairs. The landscaping and floral designs that adorn the ballpark set Doran Field apart from its peers on the Cape.   The snack bar and rest rooms are located in the building located beyond the dugout. Fans who do not bring their own chairs are able to use the terraces as seating, so there are no metal bleachers to break up the aesthetic here. The team store has been moved from its longtime location underneath the press box to a trailer closer to the parking lot.   One issue fans will have with Doran Park is the fact that there are few unobstructed seats here. Netting runs down both baselines, and thick support poles obstruct views. The dugouts, with their sloping roofs, block more views, and the snack bar takes up some prime real estate on the third base line. For unobstructed views, fans will need to sit far down the baselines, beyond the dugouts and snack bar.   Return on Investment 5   As is the case with all Cape Cod League games, there is no charge for admission at Doran Park. The team will happily accept a donation for admission in exchange for roster sheets, a media guide and a Cape League Magazine. Free parking is also available in the large lot at the high school. Seasoned fans will bring their own refreshments, making it possible to take in the action featuring some of the best collegiate players in the country without spending any money. Even if you purchase refreshments, the prices are reasonable.   Extras 2   In 2024 a total of 415 Cape Cod League alumni played in the Major Leagues. This means that one out of every four players to play in the Majors spent a summer on the Cape. If you are going to a game here, you’re not seeing a few guys who might make it someday, you’re seeing an All-Star game every night of the summer.   Another interesting fact about this field is that much of the work done in building the ballpark, from construction to electrical work to wiring, was done by students. It seems fitting since Doran Park is located at a technical high school.   Final Thoughts   The Cape Cod League is considered to be the premier summer collegiate baseball league in the nation. With one out of every four major leaguers today able to trace his roots to the Cape, the numbers bear out this claim. While the talent is certainly Major League, the feel at the ballparks is small town. This is certainly true in Bourne, where the entire facility has been designed, built and maintained by the students at the technical high school on site.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Guv Fuller Field 790 Main St Falmouth, MA 02540 Falmouth Commodores website Guv Fuller Field website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 8,000 Easy Like a Sunday Morning   Organized baseball has been played in the town of Falmouth since before the Civil War. The first report of an organized game in town was reported by the Barnstable Patriot in 1857. Teams representing towns across Cape Cod played against each other throughout the late 19th and early 20th century. Central Park Field, located just steps from the ocean in Falmouth Heights, served as the home of the Falmouth teams until the 1960s. The official “Cape League” began play in 1923. Leagues came and went over the following decades, undergoing numerous forms and with numerous teams representing towns until 1963, when the NCAA officially sanctioned the league.   In 1964 the Commodores moved from the waterfront to a new home at Guv Fuller Field, located in downtown Falmouth. Guv Fuller Field was constructed in the 1930s in conjunction with the Work Projects Administration. The field was dedicated in 1952 in honor of Elmer E. “Guv” Fuller, longtime coach and athletic director at Falmouth’s Lawrence High School. Fuller’s nickname referenced 1920s Massachusetts Governor and Falmouth native Alvin Fuller, who remained a figure in Falmouth High School athletics until his retirement.   In 2004 the baseball diamond was named in honor of Arnie Allen, who began his association with the Commodores at the age of seven as a bat boy. Allen remained with the club for 46 years, serving mostly as the team’s equipment manager. He received the Cape League’s initial Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.   In the modern era of the Cape League, which is generally considered to have begun in 1963, the Commodores have won six titles. Their most recent title was won in 1980. Dozens of Major Leaguers have played in Falmouth over the years. Some of the more notable players to play in Falmouth include Baseball Hall of Famer Pie Traynor, Darin Erstad, Tino Martinez, Jeff Weaver and Adley Rutschman.   Food & Beverage 2    The Commodores operate a concession stand in the old football press box building far down the right field line. A decent menu is served here, with chicken tenders, hot dogs, empanadas, burgers and veggie burgers available. Fans can also grab some french fries, a fried dough, or an ice cream treat to enjoy during the game.   Cans of Coca-Cola products and water are available at the concession stand. You may be wondering, did he just say “cans” of water? Single-use plastic has been outlawed in the town of Falmouth, so cans it is at Fuller Field.   Fans are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks to Cape League games. No alcoholic beverages are allowed.   Atmosphere 3   The atmosphere at Fuller Field is similar to most Cape League ballparks. Going to a Cape League game is a bit like stepping back in time. Absent is much of the noise and distraction present at so many ballparks today. The game on the field is the focus here. Music is only played between innings, and PA announcements during the game are limited to lineup details and the occasional sponsor announcement. A small scoreboard in left field shows basic game information. Fans looking for some Commodores swag will find a good assortment of gear in the team store behind home plate.   There are some features here at Fuller Field designed to entertain the more casual fan. There is a game area behind home plate featuring a cornhole setup and a fast pitch booth. There is a large video screen on the side of the press box building should you want to catch a replay or find yourself on the broadcast. Team staff roam the crowd selling 50/50 tickets. On the Cape, more than just a cash prize is up for grabs. Several local sponsors put up prizes for the daily raffle. A mascot named Homer, a person dressed in a Commodores uniform with a giant baseball head, participates in the day’s festivities as well.   Neighborhood 5   The town of Falmouth has a year-round population of over 32,000 residents, making it the second-largest municipality on Cape Cod. Fuller Field is located just off of Main Street, tucked in behind the Police Station, Senior Center and Community Center. Downtown Falmouth is less than a mile from the ballpark. Visitors to the area will definitely want to check out the walkable downtown, which is filled with restaurants, shops and hotels. Also located here is a statue of Katherine Lee Bates, the author and poet best known for writing “America the Beautiful.” Be aware that the area will be crowded (and pricey) during the height of the tourist season.   Falmouth Heights is another popular destination in town. In addition to the aforementioned Central Park Field, the town beach is located here, as well as the finish line of the popular Falmouth Road Race. Woods Hole, is located a 15-minute drive away. Ferries to Martha’s Vineyard arrive and depart here, and an aquarium, waterfront restaurant and shops attract summer visitors.   Beyond the town of Falmouth, Cape Cod is filled with popular destinations, world class eateries and first-rate beaches. There’s no wonder this is one of the more popular summer destinations on the east coast.   Fans 3   Going to a game in Falmouth can feel like crashing a private party. It seems like everyone here knows everyone else. It’s not a bad thing, it’s just the close-knit nature of games on the Cape. These games are community events, and many people here have been involved with the teams for most of their lives. With the tight geographic footprint of the league, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout from visiting fans as well. If you would like to avoid the larger crowds and busier traffic of the summer tourist season on Cape Cod, plan to visit earlier in the season, before the tourist crowds hit the area.   The Commodores generally land in the middle of the Cape League attendance rankings each season, drawing about 1,500 fans per game to Fuller Field. You’ll find a mix of locals, tourists, die hard baseball fans and families out to enjoy an affordable evening of entertainment.   Access 4   Fuller Field is located just off of Main Street near downtown Falmouth. Main Street, also known as Route 28, is the main drag that runs along the south coast of Cape Cod from the Bourne Bridge to the Orleans Rotary. The ball field is tucked in behind a municipal complex. The recently renovated parking lot here contains ample parking for the typical Commodores crowd. Visiting fans will find the rest rooms for the facility inside the Community Center. Plan ahead, it’s a bit of a hike from the bleachers.   Fans will enter Fuller Field in deep right field from behind the old football press box. The field is no longer used for football, but the football bleachers remain. The old wooden bleachers have been replaced with new aluminum bleachers. The old press box building is now the snack bar. Most fans will proceed towards the ball field, where both sides of the field contain bleachers and a berm. Many will settle in on the home (first base) side of Fuller Field. The berms here are not as large as at other Cape League fields, and are not terraced, so if you bring your chairs you’ll be looking to sit at the top or the bottom of the hill. Netting runs past the bases on both sides of the field. Seats further down the lines are free from obstructions.   Return on Investment 5   There is no charge to attend a Commodores game. The team will happily accept a donation, in exchange for which they will give you a program, rosters, and Cape League Magazine. Parking is free in the parking lot adjacent to the Community and Senior Centers. If you purchase food at the concession stand, prices are affordable.   Extras 2   In 2024 a total of 415 Cape Cod League alumni played in the Major Leagues. This means that one out of every four players to play in the Majors spent a summer on the Cape. If you are going to a game here, you’re not seeing a few guys who might make it someday, you’re seeing an All-Star game every night of the summer.   Behind the football bleachers in right field is an informational display describing the migratory patterns of the osprey and Falmouth’s Osprey Project, which strives to create safe nesting areas for these birds that are such a symbol of the Cape. If you look around Fuller Field, you’ll see several Osprey nests atop the light poles surrounding the field.   Final Thoughts   While Guv Fuller Field is rarely mentioned as being one of the better fields in the circuit, it shares many features with the most popular ballparks. Fuller Field’s location in downtown Falmouth makes it a destination location in a league filled with them. With all ten teams located within an hour of each other, there is no need to choose just one field during a visit to Cape Cod. It’s entirely possible to visit them all in a short period of time.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Joseph L. Bruno Stadium 80 Vandenburgh Ave Troy, NY 12180 Tri-City Valleycats website Joseph L. Bruno Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 6,500 The Show at The Joe   The Tri-City ValleyCats were victims of the Great Minor League Contraction of 2021. The team, which began play in 2002, were members of the New York-Penn League from their inception until the folding of the league. During their time in affiliated ball, the ValleyCats qualified for the NYPL playoffs nine times (a league record) and won three championships.   After being bumped from affiliated baseball, the franchise announced that it would be joining the independent Frontier League. In their first four seasons in the Frontier League, the ValleyCats have qualified for the playoffs once, in 2024. Even though the team has been out of affiliated baseball for half a decade, they still boast that 116 players went from “The Joe to The Show.”   The “Tri-Cities” are the three New York Cities that make up New York State’s Capital District: Albany, Troy and Schenectady. The home of the ValleyCats, Joseph L. Bruno Stadium, is located on the campus of Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. The ballpark is named in honor of the New York State Senator who helped secure funding for the facility.   Food & Beverage 5   The two main concession stands are located on either side of the stadium entrance. Standard arena fare passes through these windows, as the menus in these stands consist of burgers, chicken tenders and hot dogs. All the expected snacks can be found here as well (french fries, nachos, pretzels, cotton candy, peanuts, etc.). There’s a good selection of beverages here, from hot beverages for those cold early-season nights, to a complete selection of sodas and beers.   Where Bruno Stadium shines is in the myriad small stands and food carts that line the concourse down both foul lines. Hungry ValleyCat fans will find anything they may need at these stands and carts, from coal-fired personal pizzas to your choice of traditional soft-serve or Mini-Melt ice cream. Vamos Tacos serves up a variety of Mexican favorites, from empanadas to burritos and tacos, to batting helmets filled with nachos.   Buddy’s Grill far down the right field line grills up sausage and pepper sandwiches, ½ pound burgers, bratwurst and salt potatoes. Down the left field line, Rowdy’s at the Joe and the Sam Adams Corner serve up drinks and snacks with dedicated tables and bar rails overlooking the field.   Coca-Cola products are featured at Bruno Stadium. Fans looking for an adult beverage will have no problem finding what they need at any stand in the ballpark. Check out the Taste of New York stand for wine or Vamos Tacos for margaritas. Fans of craft beer will undoubtedly head towards Brown’s Brewing, where a variety of locally brewed beers are sold, including the ValleyCats specialty beer, ValleyCats Pale Ale.   Atmosphere 4   As is the case with most minor league baseball teams, the staff of the ValleyCats do their best to fill the empty spaces in a ballgame with noise and activity to keep the casual and younger fans in attendance interested. The team holds a lot of the usual between innings games and contests, including dress like a ValleyCat, the pizza toss and more. Fans looking for swag can check out the information booth right by the entrance or the well-stocked team store.   Southpaw, the team’s mascot, roams the ballpark interacting with fans and taking part in the promotions. The sound system is good, and the emcee and PA announcer work in tandem to keep the action moving. There’s a well-stocked kids play area down the left field line for those younger fans needing to burn some energy. One drawback is the constant hum coming from the generator plant located just beyond the left-centerfield fence. It can be quite loud and distracting at times.   Neighborhood 3   Hudson Valley Community College is located in a mixed-use neighborhood on the outskirts of Troy, NY. Fans who haven’t visited Bruno Stadium in a while will notice a lot of new development in recent years.   Directly across the street from campus is a small strip mall containing a few eateries and small shops. A few chain restaurants, including a Chili’s, a Denny’s, a Cracker Barrel and an Applebee’s, are located near I-90. Fans looking to stay near campus will find a Residence Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and a College Suites nearby.   Fans looking for a bit more local flavor can head to downtown Troy, located a ten-minute drive away, or downtown Albany, a 12-minute drive away. Visiting fans looking to complete the Capital District trifecta will have to take a half hour drive to reach downtown Schenectady.   Fans 4   In 2024, the ValleyCats set a high-water mark for attendance since joining the Frontier League, drawing over 3,000 fans per game. This ranked the team third in the circuit. The strong numbers have continued thus far in 2025. The 3,000 fan milestone is an important one, as it has been identified by team ownership as necessary to ensure the viability of the franchise. However impressive this figure may be, it still lags a bit behind what the ValleyCats drew during their affiliated days. In 2019, the team’s last season in the New York-Penn League, the ValleyCats averaged 3,800 fans per game.   A crowd in Tri-City will look very familiar to fans who attend minor league baseball games regularly. There’s a good mix of dedicated die-hard fans, fans with a personal connection with the team (family members, host families), groups and families enjoying an affordable night of entertainment at the ballpark. There’s a good buzz going on in The Joe, and fans are into the action.   Access 4   Bruno Stadium is located on the eastern edge of the Hudson Valley Community College campus in Troy, NY. The campus, located on the southern edge of the city in a neighborhood with a suburban feel, is easily accessible if driving, as it is located near the intersection of Interstates 90 and 787. Once on campus, fans can arrive at the ballpark via either the North Drive or South Drive entrance. Bruno Stadium is located at the far end of the campus at the top of the hill, just be aware of the speed dips as you navigate campus roads. Fans taking public transportation can take the Capital District Transit Authority’s  85 or 224 buses to campus.   Fans can park in one of several lots located adjacent to the ballpark. The lots closest to the park are reserved for season ticket holders. The entry plaza to The Joe contains the ticket offices and team store. Fans will enter the ballpark directly onto the main concourse behind home plate. This concourse stretches from deep left field around to deep right field. Due to the presence of numerous portable carts and extra stands throughout Bruno Stadium, getting around the ballpark can be difficult at times.   Since The Joe is a fairly large ballpark, fans will have many choices for where to take in the action, including a pair of berms on either end of the seating bowl, bar seating at certain points, and group areas. The park is still intimate enough that all seats have good views of the action. A pair of restrooms are located by the main entrance to the ballpark. They are on the smaller side, but are large enough for the typical ValleyCats crowd.   Return on Investment 5   Tickets for ValleyCat games start at just $8 for berm seats, with prices maxing out at $14 for premium box seats. Waiting until the day of the game to get your tickets will increase the price by two dollars.   Parking is free in the lots adjacent to the ballpark. With affordable concessions prices, a ValleyCats game is a very affordable entertainment option for Capital District baseball fans.   Extras 2   As you enter Bruno Stadium, you will be greeted by a mural listing all the players who played in Tri-City and made it to the Major Leagues. The team is proud to share that 116 players made it from The Joe to The Show. Homer’s Bar, located just inside the entrance to the ballpark, features a great view of the game from behind home plate and a mural displaying all the ValleyCats’ championships.   Final Thoughts   Even though The Joe was a victim of Minor League Baseball’s downsizing, it remains a solid facility, and an excellent addition to the growing Frontier League. Here’s hoping that Capital District baseball fans realize that the ValleyCats remain as entertaining as ever, and that the baseball played on the field might actually be better than what they saw in their affiliated days.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Jack Ruhr Field 14221 240th St E Miesville, MN 55033 Miesville Mudhens website Jack Ruhr Field website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 600 Minnesota's Field of Dreams Take one look at Jack Ruhr Field and it all begins to seep in; the small ballpark located off a state road in tiny Miesville, Minnesota, is just off the beaten path, but close enough to the Twin Cities for a quick visit for any ballpark traveler. It’s the one town ballpark that everyone seems to mention as their favorite, even author Todd Mueller described it as the ‘ground zero for Minnesota baseball” in his book Town Ballparks of Baseball. Miesville has a population of 126 people and a history of baseball dating back to the 1920s when amateur games were played on farmland pastors around town. The current ballpark was constructed in 1961 after the league stipulated the town would lose its ball club if a new stadium was not constructed. A total of 25 local businessmen put up $100 to build a new stadium on five acres of land. What may be the most impressive part of Jack Ruhr Field is that everything from field manicuring, ballpark improvements, concession items, and routine maintenance are handled by a group of dedicated volunteers who rent the ballpark from the city. It costs $40,000 to $50,000 to operate the club and a bulk of that money comes from its annual banquet dinner and a bowling tournament that is held the weekend before the Super Bowl. However, the group has found a myriad of ways to improve the ballpark throughout the years. A recent event that attracted 1,200 customers to “The Jack” was a St Paul Saints barnstorming exhibition. The event helped pay to improve the flooring near the main entrance and concession area. Lights were added to the field in 1994 after being transported 174 miles away from the southwestern part of the state for a price of $15,000. A few years ago, a $25,000 twenty-two-foot scoreboard was erected due to a sponsorship from a nearby Treasure Island Resort & Casino. The Mudhens have captured seven Class B State Championships and have made 26 playoff appearances in the State Amateur Baseball Tournament. The president of the club for the first five state championships was Jack Ruhr, who was also instrumental in the construction and maintenance of the field. In 1990, the stadium was renamed in his honor and a plaque near the concession stands is a reminder of his legacy. Food & Beverage 4 The small concession stand offers cheap prices and the best brats in all of baseball. The smoked brats are specially made for the ball club by Greg’s Meats in nearby Hampton, Minnesota, and cannot be found anywhere else. They are finely ground and seasoned a bit differently than your normal brat. After one bite, it would be hard not to order another one before you leave for the night. The ballpark also has award-winning hot dogs, also made by Greg’s, that are grilled up to perfection. They are locally made and have a natural casing and make a perfect snap when you bite into them. There are also dollar bags of fresh popcorn that some say is the best of the town ballparks. The best part is that the prices are inexpensive with brats selling for $4, hot dogs for $3, hamburgers for $4, nachos for $3, and candy and Coca-Cola products for a buck. There are also six different cans of beers and Mike’s Hard Lemonade on sale for $3. The ever-popular Michelob Golden Light is among the most popular beer choice. Atmosphere 4 The 600-capacity ballpark offers covered grandstand seating behind home plate, open-air bleacher seating down the first base line, and one row of stadium seating between both dugouts. The right field and left field lines offer grass seating, except for a picnic area down the left field line. The outfield walls are decorated with local advertisements with corn fields in the back of the right, adding a “Field of Dreams” quality to the ballpark. St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery lies east of the stadium’s parking lot and Miesville Fire Station on the opposite side. The dirt parking lot offers enough parking space for cars and includes a championship placard of the club’s championships on the way to the entrance of the field. The concession stand is a popular spot located behind the Mudhens dugout; the small space offers a selection of food and it’s hard not to leave full from the tastiness of the brats, popcorn, and beer. There is also an area for team shirts and caps to the right of the area where there is also a memorial plaque to Jack Ruhr. The press box features at times radio broadcasts for both home and visitors, especially if the rival Red Wing Aces are in town for a game. They usually bring in a crowd from just 15 miles down the road. There is also no love lost between these two foes; it’s a storied rivalry. The crowd is friendly, easy-going, and will conjure up a few conversations about baseball with an out-of-town ballpark hunter like myself. When you settle into a game with a beer and brat in hand and find yourself a seat underneath the grandstand, there is not much different than being at a college or professional baseball venue. Neighborhood 3 Miesville is a town of 126 people, but there are two iconic restaurants near the ballpark. Kings Bar & Grill is among the top burger destinations in Minnesota and features well over 75 different types of burgers from the Bat Girl (peanut butter and jelly), Sacrifice (corn beef, sliced ham, bacon, cheddar, and sour cream), and the Pick Off (shredded pork, barbecue sauce, coleslaw, and gouda cheese). It is also a great place for beer and cocktails and an ideal hang-out destination before or after the ballgame. Wiederholt’s Supper Club is under the fourth generation of ownership and just as close to the ballpark. A few of its popular entrees include prime rib, steak, lobster tail, baby back ribs, and chicken Kiev. The fish burger walleye is another popular choice. Miesville is also near the river towns of Red Wing and Hastings, both places offer antique shops, small restaurants, breweries, parks, trails, and scenic views of the Mississippi River. Treasure Island Resort & Casino is the second largest hotel in Minnesota offering 788 rooms, The Lagoon water park and Wave Spa, an indoor and outdoor concert hall, a 24-alley bowling alley, an arcade, and a lounge. Fans 5 There was a high percentage of rain during our visit to the ballpark and the weather had canceled the previous game a few days ago, but the covered grandstand was packed with fans for the 2 pm start. Many of them have been coming to games for many years and have stories to tell about the men who have suited up in a Mudhens uniform. To say they are knowledgeable would be an understatement; they know the game and they know it well. Access 4 Jack Ruhr Field is located on Route 61 and is about a 45-minute drive from the Twin Cities. Its location is off the main interstate, but the state roads of Minnesota get you to town rather quickly. Inside the ballpark, it is easy to get around from the grass seating down both outfield lines. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket is three dollars, the parking is free of charge in the dirt lot behind the right field corner, and concession prices are all under four dollars. Watching amateur baseball with a dedicated fan base and enjoying great conversations is well worth the price of admission. Extras 3 Jack Ruhr gets a point for cooking the best brats in all of baseball–minor league and major league. Many of the town ballparks offer locally made products, but the taste of these brats is the best in the business. Jack Ruhr gets a second point for the volunteer support who put in an effortless amount of time to ensure the ballpark is well maintained from cutting the grass, lining up the field, stocking the concession stand, and other routine repairs. Their work pays off for the many visitors who take in a game each summer. Jack Ruhr gets a final point for having Kings Bar & Grill just down the street; if you are planning a night out at the game and then burgers afterward–or before–it does not get much better than baseball, burgers, and beers in Miesville. Final Thoughts When I first traveled to Minnesota two years ago to visit town ballparks, Miesville always came up with my discussions with fans at the other ballparks in the state. My interest further peaked with Todd Mueller’s book a few months later. Perhaps, if you had one town ballpark to visit and you were located in the Twin Cities, Miesville might just be your place. .

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium 931 N 1st St Terre Haute, IN 47807 Terre Haute Rex website Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 2,000 The Kings of Baseball in the Wabash Valley Professional baseball has a long history in Terre Haute, dating back to 1884; from 1901-1956, the city regularly fielded minor league teams in the Three-Eye League, a Class B Loop considered one of the finest in the nation. However, midway through the 1956 season, the Terre Haute Huts closed up shop, and a little over a decade later, its ballpark was drastically altered as a football-only facility. For many, it appeared that summer-time baseball would never return, but early this century, many began wondering if some form of baseball could return to the city. Soon, a feasibility study was conducted from a Sports and Recreation class at Indiana State University in 2005, and talk of baseball began percolating again in the Wabash Valley. Around the same time, discussions of renovating the ISU baseball field also developed; within four years, the new and improved Bob Warn Field at Sycamore Stadium debuted for the 2009 season. It was built in 1978 and called Sycamore Field. Warn coached the baseball team from 1976-2006, leading them to six conference championships and an appearance in the 1986 College World Series. The Rex were originally founded by the ISU Foundation in 2010 and sold to six local business people in 2013, who all had ties to the university. Today, it is owned by Wabash Valley Baseball LLC. The name Rex is an homage to Rex Coffee, which was first produced in town by Clabber Girl in 1905. The unique name is a nod to past team monikers, including the Tots, Huts, Stags, Terry-iers, and Awkwards. The Rex have won five division titles and have added two Prospect League titles in 2015 and 2018. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession area near the main entrance of the stadium. There is not an abundance of choices, and prices are from moderate to high. The area is behind the seating concourse and away from the seating bowl. The options include hot dogs, brats, burgers, chicken sandwiches, nachos, and pretzels. They are all offered in a combo form, including a drink and a bag of chips. Pepsi products are sold, and beer is available either on draft or can. Options include Bud and Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and Bush Light. Hard alcoholic seltzers and Cutwater varieties are also at the concession stand. Atmosphere 3 The stadium incorporates a salmon stucco exterior design and features a main grandstand and aluminum bleacher seating along the first base side. Blue plastic seat back chairs are situated behind the backstop. Fans enter the stadium behind the right field foul line. This is where you will find the box office, concession stand, restrooms, and merchandise tent. The right field bleachers and grandstand are separated by the visiting team's dugouts. There is no bleacher seating on the left field line, but there is access for fans to watch the game along the fence. The stadium expands to 2,000 for Rex games, and the club does its best to provide a minor league-style atmosphere for the fans who attend each game. It is a step back to a simpler type of wood bat ball and does not feature too many annoyances that might strike a chord with traditionalists. The Rex play on a FieldTurf infield and natural grass outfield.  The Rex attracts a pleasant crowd to their home games. A merchandise tent that offers quite a few different styles of attire, from caps to shirts to sweaters with the Rex logo. A kid's bounce house is behind the area, with a few stools and tables overlooking the right field line. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is north of campus and is adjacent to a cemetery. Before renovations, the tombstones were highly visible from behind the outfield walls. The stadium sits on 3rd Street, the main artery of town, where you will find a collection of local proprietors and national restaurant chains. The stadium is nearly three miles north of I-70, where many of these options are, but downtown Terre Haute is close and has the potential to become a burgeoning hot spot in town. The Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center was created in 1995 by Holocaust survivor Eva Mozes. The impressive museum features holograms of her memories and stories that visitors can view as if she is still with them. The cost is only $8 a person for adults and is well worth your time when in town. The Terre Haute Children’s Museum is also worth a visit with the little ones, $9 for admission. The Sycamore Winery is not too far from the ballpark and is set on beautiful grounds where visitors can enjoy both wine and beer brewed on-site. The best options are nearby downtown. M Moggers is a venerable establishment that offers typical pub food and drinks across the street from the Terre Haute Brewing Company. A tad bit down the road is J Gumbo’s - my destination for cheap eats and creative thinking; try the Black and bleu dip with nachos, bumblebee stew, Cajun nachos, Jean Lafitte po’boy, creole ratatouille. Rick’s Smokehouse & Grill is another option for smoked ribs and pulled pork. Terre Haute is near other Prospect League clubs in Danville and Lafayette. Danville Stadium  and Loeb Stadium  are two other Prospect League facilities offering lovely vibes during the summer months. Another ballpark, Victory Field , is located a little bit over an hour in downtown Indianapolis and is one the best in the minor leagues. Fans 3 The Rex attracts a collection of casual and dedicated fans to the ballpark. Many come out to enjoy the winning baseball by the club, and many others find it a great way to entertain the kids or socialize with friends during the summer months. The ballpark is never fully packed, but they are impressive in numbers at times that bring a livelihood to the place. Access 4 Bob Warn Field is two and a half miles north of I-70. The best way to get there is to exit onto 3rd Street from the interstate and continue north. You will pass the campus to your right, and once you cross over the bridge, the stadium is on your left. The parking is free and close to the entrance of the stadium. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Rex games are as low as $8 for adults and $5 for youths. The price of a backstop grandstand seat is $10, reserved seats are $12, and scout seats up against the field are $15. There is a charge to park on the paved lot outside the entrance, but ample free parking on the asphalt lot across the street. Food prices consist of $3 regular hot dogs to $8 cans of domestic beers. Extras 2 Bob Warn Field earns a point for offering team programs for $3, including raffle numbers inside for prizes throughout the game. A second point is for the abundant collection of merchandise with the stylish Rex logo. Final Thoughts Whether it's spring college games or summer collegiate wood-bat baseball, Bob Warn Field in Terre Haute is a great spot to enjoy the action. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com