Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Optimist Park 805 Northclift Drive Raleigh, NC 27609 Raleigh Red Oaks website Optimist Park website Baseball Beneath the Red Oaks The Raleigh Red Oaks are a summer collegiate baseball team playing in the Old North State League, which features 24 teams, all but one off which are located in North Carolina. The Red Oaks play their home games at Optimist Park, a city park in Raleigh. Adjacent to the main stadium are several other baseball fields used by youth organizations, as well as a swimming pool, a climbing wall, and more. The Red Oaks were originally known as the Oak City Gliders, but came under new ownership in late 2024 and changed their name to the Raleigh Red Oaks. The team leans heavily into squirrel imagery, as is depicted in their logo. Food & Beverage 3 There is one concession stand located out of a snack shack at Optimist Park down the first base line. It mostly sells snacks such as candy, popcorn and chips, although hot dogs are also available. To drink, you can choose from bottled water, Gatorade, soda, or non-alcoholic beer. Prices are reasonable, with nothing costing more than $5. Fans can also bring their own food and drink, with the exception of alcohol. This score does get brought up a notch by the food promotions the Red Oaks sometimes stage to supplement the menu. This could be anything from bringing in a local food truck to giving out free donuts. Check the Red Oaks' social media for more details. Atmosphere 4 The Red Oaks' baseball field is located in a secluded, woody area of the larger municipal park that, like the baseball field itself, is called Optimist Park. There is wooden, amphitheater style seating on ledges behind home plate, and many fans elect to bring their own chairs and sit at the top or bottom of the seating area as well. Wherever you sit, you will have an excellent view of the action, although not necessarily a comfortable one. You will be watching through a fence rather than netting, but it is not particularly obstructive. A scoreboard in right-centerfield shows the linescore and other basic information. The Red Oaks have several promotions in between innings to keep fans engaged, such as dancing to the Y.M.C.A. song. There are also several promotional nights throughout the year such as 80s Night which offer extra fun, so check the team's social media for more information on when those are planned. Fans are not permitted to keep foul balls, but can return them to the concession stand for a free popsicle. Kids love chasing after balls to claim their prize. Neighborhood 3 Raleigh is a nice enough city, but Optimist Park is located in a residential neighborhood far from most of the action. If you head south along Six Forks Road a few miles towards I-440, you will find that the North Hills area has a lot to offer. From steakhouses to burgers to tacos to sandwich shops, you will find a lot to eat or drink here. It is a few miles from the stadium, but you will likely go through it on your way to and from the ballpark coming on or off the highway. Fans 3 The Raleigh Red Oaks will draw a hundred or so fans for a typical home game, which given the small size of the seating area is a reasonable crowd. The fans can get involved at times, but at other times it will be pretty silent here. The Red Oaks have a loyal but small fan base that is passionate, yet friendly. Since kids under 12 get in for free, you will find a lot of families here, but people of all ages attend from the very young to the very old and everywhere in between. Access 2 Optimist Park is located in a residential neighborhood a few miles off I-440 and several other interstates that serve Raleigh. Follow the signs on Northclift Road to the Red Oaks parking - GPS apps will frequently misdirect you to the wrong area of the park but the signs will get you where you need to be. The lot should not fill up, but if it does, you can park in one of the others. Restrooms are located back by the parking lot, a couple minutes walk from the seating area. They are clean and sufficient for the crowds, but it will take a few minutes to walk there so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 5 Admission to Raleigh Red Oaks games is just $10, with kids under 12 getting in for free. Parking is free and concessions are highly affordable, if limited. Overall, a Raleigh Red Oaks game is an excellent value. Extras 2 Look for the merchandise table selling Red Oaks gear right next to the concession stand down the first base line. A second star for all the friendly and helpful staff. Final Thoughts The Raleigh Red Oaks have made their quaint home at Optimist Park. A visit here is a chance to see a baseball game in a scenic, bucolic, and unique setting at an affordable price. While it may not be as fancy as many other ballparks in the area, Optimist Park is still a great place to spend a warm summer's night watching some baseball.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Trustmark Park 1 Braves Way Pearl, MS 39208 Mississippi Mud Monsters website Trustmark Park website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 8,480 Trustmark Park Just Got Muddy In early 2024, it was announced that the Mississippi Braves would be leaving Trustmark Park and relocating to Columbus, GA, ending a two-decade run of Double-A baseball in the Jackson metro area. The announcement left a gaping hole in the hearts of baseball fans in Central Mississippi, and a void at Trustmark Park. Since its opening in 2005, Trustmark Park has given Mississippians a front-row seat to the rise of the Atlanta Braves’ brightest stars. Over the past two decades, fans in small-town Pearl got to watch the likes of Brian McCann, Freddie Freeman, Ronald Acuna, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Max Fried, and Spencer Strider hone their craft on their journey to the show. The stadium became a proving ground for the South’s Baseball Team, the Atlanta Braves, and a cherished part of Mississippi’s sports identity. So, when the Braves announced their departure in 2024, it delivered a gut punch to the Jackson area’s sports scene, a region all too familiar with losing professional baseball. Before the Mississippi Braves there were the Jackson Mets (1975–1990), who packed up for Binghamton, and the Jackson Generals (1991–1999), who moved to Corpus Christi. Each exit left a void, but none of those losses felt quite as personal as losing the M-Braves. But out of the mud on the banks of the Pearl River, something new rose up to take the field. The Mississippi Mud Monsters of the independent Frontier League began play at Trustmark Park in May 2025, stepping in to fill the void left by the departing Mississippi Braves. The new team’s name pays tribute to the legendary catfish that lurk in the rivers and lakes of Central Mississippi, a region that proudly calls itself the “Catfish Capital of the World.” Now, an exciting new brand of baseball has taken over, and Trustmark Park didn’t just fade into silence – it just got a little muddier.   Food and Beverage   3 Trustmark Park features four full-service concession stands on its open-air concourse, meaning you never miss one pitch of the action. Ghoul’s Grill (1st base side) and Frank N’ Stein’s (behind home plate) feature the usual hamburgers, hot dogs, sausage dogs, and nachos with prices all below $10. Creature’s Kitchen, also behind the home plate area, features catfish and shrimp po’ boys for $8, or you can get a basket of catfish and shrimp for $9. Creature’s Kitchen also features a lighted picnic area with tables and umbrellas for you to sit down and eat your grub. Alternatively, on the first base side you can get Huey Magoo’s famous hand breaded chicken tenders – Huey Magoo’s is a new chicken joint started by some Ole Miss students, who call it the Filet Mignon of Chicken; it is also the official chicken of the Mud Monsters.  You can get their tasty tenders and fries on the first base side, but just make sure you dip them in Magoo’s Sauce. There is also the State Farm Bureau Grill, a full-service restaurant in right field, and only open for select games. Pepsi is the official soft drink provider of the Mud Monsters, while for alcohol selections there are plenty including premium and domestic beer. Nearby Southern Prohibition Brewery in Hattiesburg and Lazy Magnolia provide their local beers, offering plenty of their specialties and IPAs. Or if you need more choices, Frank N’ Stein’s has the largest selection of alcohol and beers on draft. One other thing to take note of is the Mud Monsters sell their own brand of hot sauce called “The Drip”. You can purchase a bottle of this hot sauce in the team store – with its Mud Monsters-themed bottle it makes a great collector’s item.   Atmosphere   4 From the moment you arrive at Trustmark Park – now proudly known as “The Swamp” – it’s clear the stadium has fully embraced its new identity. Gone are the tributes to Braves Country; in their place, bold Mud Monsters signage welcomes fans at every turn. The iconic Ronald Acuna mural at the main entrance has been replaced with a massive, eye-catching giant catfish, setting the tone before you even step inside. Throughout the stadium a swamp-inspired theme takes over, with green and black accents painted across the railings, wall pads, concession stands, and even the bathrooms, transforming the ballpark into a true home for Mississippi’s newest team. It’s remarkable to think Trustmark Park is just over 20 years old, considering how well it has aged. From the moment you step inside it’s evident the ballpark was ahead of its time; built during the early wave of modern stadiums that prioritized open-air, wraparound concourses and fan-friendly layouts. The park features two main entrances, one behind home plate and the primary entrance in right field. As you enter through the right field gates, you're immediately greeted by a spacious team store and a lively Fun Zone packed with inflatables. That concourse stretches from right field to left, offering uninterrupted views of the field from nearly every angle – whether you're grabbing a snack, browsing the team store, or watching your kids at the Fun Zone. With a seating capacity of 8,480, Trustmark Park is the second-largest ballpark in the Frontier League, yet its design ensures an intimate feel. All seats sit below ground level, tucked beneath the concourse, giving fans clear sightlines and ensuring there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house. One of Trustmark Park’s most fan-friendly features is its thoughtful design for comfort in the Mississippi heat. Nearly half the seats in the lower bowl benefit from the shade of the press box and the 24 luxury suites above, offering relief from the sun and shelter from the frequent summer downpours. The concourse is fully covered as well, providing protection from the elements throughout the stadium, with the lone exception being the open-air picnic area behind home plate. With dimensions of 335 to left, 402 to center, and 332 to right, Trustmark Park isn’t exactly a hitter’s paradise. The ball tends to stay true with minimal wind interference, making home runs hard to come by. Down the left field line, a shaded picnic pavilion offers table seating with umbrellas and a great view of the enclosed bullpen. Towering above center field is a massive HD videoboard measuring 28 feet by 68 feet – officially the largest in the Frontier League – delivering crystal-clear replays and crowd prompts, while beyond the outfield the backdrop is mostly residential, with a scattering of homes and a quiet road lining the edge of the facility’s view.   Neighborhood   3 Located just three miles east of downtown Jackson, Trustmark Park sits in the Jackson suburb of Pearl, right off Interstate 20. When it opened in 2005 the ballpark was the center of attention in what was once a wooded, undeveloped stretch of land. In the years since, however, the venue helped transform the area into a lively commercial hub, with shops, restaurants, and retail destinations cropping up around it. Directly across the street fans can explore The Outlets of Mississippi, the state’s largest outdoor shopping center featuring over 75 stores. From athletic gear at Nike and Under Armour to fashion finds at Forever 21, Coach, and Marshall’s, there’s something for everyone just steps from the stadium gates. In addition, next door is Bass Pro Shops and a Sam’s Club, while across the street sits Cavender’s Western Wear. And if you can't get enough Huey Magoo's inside Trustmark Park, there is another of their locations just across the street. You can also take the service road from Trustmark Park over to Exit 48 at Bierdeman Road; while most of the options there are familiar chains like Cracker Barrel and Waffle House, Frisco Deli is a family-run spot known for its hearty sandwiches and laid-back atmosphere. For nearby nightlife, your best option in the neighborhood is Alumni House, a relaxed bar inside the Holiday Inn next to Bass Pro Shop, great for unwinding with a drink after the game. Just steps away, Bass Pro itself offers a uniquely themed restaurant and bar, complete with towering fish tanks and large aquariums. There are also plenty of hotels lining the I-20 corridor in Pearl, so you don't have to venture into Jackson to stay overnight. For a livelier nightlife scene, your best bet is to head about 15 minutes west to Jackson’s Fondren District, known for its eclectic bars, live music, and artsy vibe. Also, while you're in the area don’t miss the chance to explore some of Jackson’s historic landmarks, including the old and new Capitol buildings and the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. And of course, if you're heading to a Mud Monsters game, make time to sample some of the best catfish Central Mississippi has to offer. Around the Jackson area local favorites include Harvey’s Fish House in nearby Brandon, Jerry’s Catfish House in Florence (you’ll recognize it by the giant igloo-shaped dome), and Cock of the Walk up at the Reservoir, known for its riverfront views. Or, do you want a true hidden gem? If so head about 30 minutes south to Mendenhall and track down Eason’s Catfish House, a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall spot – just remember the deeper into the woods you get, and the more run-down and rustic it looks, the better the catfish they serve.   Fans   4 Despite attendance slipping in the final years of the Mississippi Braves’ run in the Southern League, a loyal core of diehard fans still showed up night after night. Baseball has always had a strong pulse in Mississippi, and the departure of the M-Braves left a hole many thought couldn’t be filled. But then came the Mississippi Mud Monsters; in their debut season the Monsters have taken the field – and the community – by storm, drawing about 2,000 fans per game and proving there’s still plenty of life at Trustmark Park. Freed from the constraints of being a Braves affiliate, the Mud Monsters have carved out a unique identity of their own. With more creative freedom than a typical minor league club, they’ve embraced quirky, fan-friendly promotions that keep things fresh every night. Their mascot – a giant, lovable catfish named simply “Fish” – has become a fan favorite, constantly roaming the concourse and stirring up excitement during on-field contests. Also, in true off-the-wall Mud Monsters fashion, there’s even a pickleball court set up on the concourse, and fans can grab custom paddles from the team store to squeeze in a quick match while catching the game. The Mud Monsters have fully embraced their fishy identity, with plenty of catfish-themed contests between innings and throughout the concourse. Nearly every Saturday home game features a giveaway; at the most recent one fans received fishing bucket hats, personally handed out by a few of the players themselves. It’s also not uncommon to see players mingling with fans on the concourse, signing autographs, snapping photos, or even grabbing a bite at the concession stand. It all adds up to a charming, small-town baseball atmosphere, something that was often missing during the M-Braves era. So far, the Mud Monsters have been a home run with fans, and there’s hope this new independent team becomes a long-term staple in the Magnolia State.   Access   4 Getting to Trustmark Park is a breeze – if you’re coming from out of town, your best routes are I-20 or Highway 49. The ballpark sits just off the I-20/Highway 49 interchange at Exit 48 in Pearl. As you're driving along the interstate, you’ll spot the stadium nestled next to the giant Bass Pro Shop and the Outlets of Mississippi, right before the I-55 exit into Jackson. Once you take Exit 48, head north on Highway 49 for about half a mile. Then, hop onto Highway 80 and take the first right onto Bass Pro Drive. From there, Trustmark Park will come into view just ahead. Parking is very simple; the ballpark is surrounded by a massive lot with plenty of space, so finding a spot is rarely an issue. Parking is free here as well, which is always a plus. Once inside, the layout is spacious and fan-friendly. The wide concourse allows for easy movement without crowding, and there are drink rails and standing room areas throughout where you won’t block anyone’s view of the field. Even with a few concession stands closed during certain games, lines tend to move quickly and the staff keeps everything clean and organized.   Return on Investment   3 Tickets are easy to come by here, as Mud Monsters games rarely ever sell out. Sigle game tickets can be found for as low as $12 to sit on the outfield berm and in the general admission section, or up to $16 to sit in chairback seats behind home plate, extending to the first and third base dugouts. There are also 3 pavilions available to rent – the first and third base party decks and the picnic pavilion down in left field. I consider this a good return on investment – when the M-Braves left we didn’t know if baseball would continue at Trustmark Park, so just being able to still see baseball here is a plus. The small town feel and fun, fish-themed atmosphere is definitely something that wasn’t evident before.   Extras   4 Being able to play pickleball during Mud Monsters games is a plus; as far as I know this is the only minor league ballpark in the country with a pickleball court on the concourse. Also, if you’re looking to explore a slice of Jackson’s professional baseball past, a visit to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame – just five miles up the road – is well worth your time. It’s a must-stop for any sports fan and makes for a perfect pregame detour before heading to a Mud Monsters game. Inside you’ll find a dedicated exhibit on minor league baseball in Mississippi, featuring historic items like the original front office desk and chair used by J. Con Maloney, longtime owner of the Jackson Mets from 1975 to 1990. The museum also showcases vintage jerseys, trophies, and memorabilia from teams like the J. Mets, Jackson Generals, Mississippi Braves, and other clubs that have called the Jackson area home. One of the most anticipated events at Trustmark Park is the annual Governor’s Game between Ole Miss  and Mississippi State , a rivalry clash that always draws a packed house. Southern Miss  also typically makes an appearance each season, and tickets for any of these marquee college games tend to sell fast, as well as at a premium. In addition to hosting high-profile showdowns, Trustmark Park has been the home field for the Belhaven Blazers  baseball program since 2022; Belhaven University, a small NCAA Division III school, is located in downtown Jackson. And of course, another plus for all the past Braves players who have come through Trustmark Park on the way to the show. Over the years, fans in Pearl got a front-row seat to watch the rise of Braves greats like Ronald Acuna, Freddie Freeman, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, Max Fried, and Spencer Strider, and the Mud Monsters are definitely continuing the legacy left behind by the M-Braves.

The stars will be in alignment in the Atlanta area from July 12-15 as Truist Park will host the 2025 MLB All Star Week. The celebration gets underway on Saturday, July 12, with the All-Star Futures Game at 4pm in Truist Park. The two teams will feature some of the top high school and college baseball prospects with former Braves legend Andruw Jones and Hall of Famer Chipper Jones leading the two squads. The Futures game will be followed by  the Legends Celebrity Softball Game. Sunday, July 13 is set aside for the Gatorade All-Star Workout Day. Fans will have the opportunity to watch batting and fielding practice as both the American  and National League All-Star squads prepare for both the All-Star Game and the always exciting T-Mobile Home Run Derby. Monday, July 14 at 8pm will find a full house at Truist Park, as individual players will go through head-to-head competition to see who can hit the most home runs, as well as the longest home runs, Fans should bring their gloves, as balls will surely be flying out of the park on a regular basis that evening. The headline event, the 2025 MLB All Star Game, gets underway at 8pm in Truist Park. This will be the 95th edition of the Midsummer Classic, and the third to be played in Atlanta. The previous games in Atlanta took place at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium and Turner Field. This year’s All-Star Week has one additional game scheduled as a pre-event. Atlanta is home to several HBCU’s (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), as well as being the hometown of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. The HBCU Swingman Classic will be held on Friday, July 11at 7pm in Truist Park. The game will pit top players from the both the SWAC AND MEAC athletic conferences against each other. The event will also feature a Divine Nine Step Show, as well as musical performances from two HBCU bands. All Star Weekend also features the Capital One All-Star Village at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The Galleria Centre is linked to Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta by a pedestrian bridge over I-285. The All-Star Village will feature dozens of interactive baseball activities, including batting cages as well as several skills-based competitions. Many MLB alumni will be on hand to sign autographs, pose for photos and to lead clinics for the kids. Mascots from most of the MLB teams will be in attendance to entertain the crowds as well. The All-Star Village will be a one stop shopping opportunity for all sorts of baseball memorabilia. Several ballpark food vendors will have stands set up in the Village to take care of fans appetites. The All-Star Village will be open from 10am-8pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 10am-6pm on Monday and Tuesday. Fans will also want to visit the stores, shops, restaurants and entertainment sites located in the Battery Atlanta, which is located just outside of the gates for Truist Park. This is a baseball-themed mixed-use facility with great food, nightlife and unique shopping opportunities that is open throughout the year. The Nike MLB Draft will take place in the Battery Atlanta on July 13. Tickets and other information about the 2025 All Star Weekend are available at www.mlb.com/all-star-week . Photos by Lloyd Brown and David Welch, Stadium Journey

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Tommy Baker Field 930 Marietta Highway Canton, GA 30114 Georgia Impact website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 4,000 Paint the Town Pink Georgia Impact is a soccer club based in Cherokee County, Georgia, fielding both boys’ and girls’ teams at the select, elite, and academy levels. The club joined the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) as part of its 2023 expansion, marking the return of the league to Georgia following Peachtree City MOBA’s departure in 2021. The WPSL is a summer semi-professional women’s soccer league with players comprised mostly of collegiate players or recent college graduates. Georgia Impact plays its home matches at Tommy Baker Field, located on the campus of Cherokee High School. The field was built in 1956 when the school opened and was dedicated in 1958 to Tommy Baker, a student who had been stricken with polio and tragically passed away after a wheelchair accident at the school. The club has a partnership with Rangers Football Club of Scotland, which provides training support through visits from Rangers Academy staff who work directly with Georgia Impact coaches and players.   Food & Beverage   3 A traditional high school concession stand is located beneath the main stands on the home side of the field, offering standard fare, hot dogs, pizza slices, chips, candy, canned Coca-Cola products, Powerade, and bottled water. As the stadium is located on public school grounds, alcohol is not served. A tent on the concourse also serves hand-grilled tacos and quesadillas. For something sweet, cups of watermelon with Tajín and Chamoy are available. In addition, the Kona Ice truck, with its endless flavors of shaved ice, is a hit with kids, especially as the match winds down.   Atmosphere   3 Tommy Baker Field is a standard high school football facility that is used for multiple sports. The turf is lined for football, soccer, and lacrosse. This does create a busyness to the pitch, but is rather standard for most high school facilities. With field houses at each end of the field, it gives the stadium a rather cozy feel. The nearside touchline is very close to the elevated seating area, creating obstructed views of plays along the sideline. Because of this, sitting either in the front row of the lower section of seating, or as high up as possible, will allow you to see action close to the stands. The stadium has just one scoreboard that is used to show match time and score, which is topped with a modest-sized videoboard that plays a live feed of the game, though that screen can be hard to follow the action on. The match presentation follows basic soccer customs, including kids walking out onto the pitch with the players for pre-match introductions. Half time of the match features skills competitions from Impact’s younger teams, as other members of the program fire t-shirts into the stands with their t-shirt cannon.   Neighborhood   3 Tommy Baker Field is on the campus of Cherokee High School. The field seems a bit out of sight directly behind the school’s basketball gymnasium. Cherokee High School is on Marietta Highway, the main thoroughfare through Canton. Dining along this route includes typical national and regional chains, but one location of interest might be Williamson Bros. Bar-B-Q, one of Atlanta’s highly regarded barbecue spots. For more of a small-town vibe, downtown Canton is a five-minute drive from the stadium, with local coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants. The Mill on Etowah, a 120-year-old cotton mill once owned by golf legend Bobby Jones’ grandfather, has been converted into a lively community space with green space, a stage and visual screen, Reformation Brewery, and retail spaces. Beyond this area, Canton offers fewer attractions for visitors, but The Mill provides a vibrant local feel.   Fans   2 (Note: This latest review was conducted during a significant rainstorm, which likely affected attendance.) There is no formal supporters’ group here, though younger players in the Georgia Impact system take on that role in spirit, banging on snare drums and occasionally setting off smoke bombs. However, this support is not sustained enough to strongly shape the match day atmosphere. For the most part, the fans at Tommy Baker Field appear to be family members of players, or the families of players in Georgia Impact’s pipeline. The team doesn’t seem to have been able to tap into the community much as of yet, though this does not necessarily lessen enjoyment of the contest.   Access   3 Cherokee High School is accessible via Interstate 575 from Atlanta, or from Highway 515 north of Canton. Traffic coming from the north is rather inconsequential, but if coming from the south, 575 can be a patience tester due to the influx of rush hour traffic during the evening commute to the suburbs. If using GPS to navigate to Tommy Baker Field, the directions likely lead to the less convenient parking lot. Instead, using the entry point at the traffic light and parking next to the gymnasium leaves the easiest access to the stadium. Inside the stadium, a walkway runs behind the home bleachers, connecting both ends. The field-level concourse divides the upper and lower seating sections. While the away side bleachers behind the benches are accessible, most fans sit on the home side.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets purchased online are reasonably priced and in line with other WPSL teams. After fees, general admission runs just under $11, with free entry for children. Parking is also free, making it a very budget-friendly family outing. Concession prices are what would be expected at a high school concession stand, e.g. $3 for pizza or a hot dog. The grilled tacos and quesadillas cost more, but offer good quality and value.   Extras   2 Following the match, the team throws miniature signed soccer balls into the stands. Though this seems like a small gesture, it goes along way in creating excitement with the younger fans in attendance. Georgia Impact has done well to try to ingrain itself locally; the team has hosted club bonding events and watch parties for the community at Reformation Brewery at The Mill on Etowah.   Final Thoughts Among the Georgia-based teams in the WPSL’s Peachtree Division, Georgia Impact appears to have a strong foundation and a clear vision for growth. Its women’s team plays an important role in advancing the professional pathway for female players in the region. With Cherokee High School preparing to relocate and the current campus transitioning to a career academy, it remains to be seen whether Tommy Baker Field will continue to serve as home to the Georgia Impact. Regardless, the club seems well-positioned for continued development and deeper community engagement as it continues to grow.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Finley Stadium 1826 Reggie White Blvd Chattanooga, TN 37402 Chattanooga FC Women website Finley Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 20, 421 One City, One Club, One Love Chattanooga FC (CFC) was founded in 2009 as a men’s soccer team, but has since grown into a multi-team club. Along with its men’s squad , CFC launched a women’s summer semi-pro team in 2014, competing in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). After going on hiatus following the 2018 season during a club reorganization, the women’s team returned in 2022 and continues to compete today. The club will also debut a developmental team, Chattanooga FC 2, in the fall of 2025. CFC Women plays in the Peachtree Division of the WPSL and are the only team in the five-club division located outside of Georgia. Founded in 1998, the WPSL is the longest-running active women’s soccer league in the country and, with 140 teams as of 2025, the largest.   Food & Beverage   3 Only one concession stand is open during CFC Women matches, but the menu covers the basics well; burgers, hot dogs, and fries headline the options. Beverages come from the Coca-Cola line of soft drinks and include Powerade and bottled water. Saturday matches may see a greater variety of food, depending on expected attendance. Beer choices include Miller Light in cans or Michelob Ultra on draft. Those with a more adventurous palate might be more interested in the Tiny Bomb, or the Hutton & Smith Tectonic Sessions and Ingenous IPAs on tap. High Noon seltzers are also offered for those who prefer something lighter.   Atmosphere   3 Finley Stadium has a split-seating design with individual seating structures along both sidelines. For Chattanooga FC women’s matches, only select sections of the south stands are used, which does a good job concentrating fans into a central location in the stadium, toward midfield and close to the pitch. When considering ideal seats, there is little in the way of a bad seat. Weekday matches seem to have limited seating, but when looking at ticket availability for Saturday matches, those seem to allow access to the grassy berm at the east end of the stadium; this makes sense for a stadium the size of Finley given typical crowd sizes. Chattanooga FC has done well to make the stadium their own, with branded signage, crest-covered padding, and kiosks promoting both the men’s  and women’s teams. UT-Chattanooga , who also use the stadium, has minimal branding during pro match days. The stadium has two scoreboards, one at field level showing basic time and score information, as well as a large video board at the east end with a live match feed and score shown. The nature of soccer does not create a lot of downtime during the match that would typically be filled with fan interaction pieces, but the drums, horns, and chants from the Chattahooligans, Chattanooga FC’s supporter group, creates an engaging atmosphere for all, even if you are not seated in their section. Also, in line with the area’s railroad history, goals are celebrated with a blast of the stadium’s train horn. This adds a small, but personalized, touch to the experience at Finley Stadium.   Neighborhood   5 Finley Stadium is in the southern reaches of downtown Chattanooga in the West Village neighborhood. The neighborhood that directly surrounds the stadium is in the process of an ongoing renaissance – while it sits along the Tennessee River, West Village was once more of an industrial area with warehouses and foundries, but has now begun to develop into one of the up-and-coming parts of town. For example, First Horizon Pavilion was the one-time Ross-Meehan Foundry, which has now been converted to an open-air events space that typically sees weekend events. Just next door is Naked River Brewing Company, the unofficial pre-match gathering spot for the march down Reggie White Boulevard to the soccer stadium, while to the east is Southside Social, an “eat, drink, play” establishment with bowling and over half a dozen other games. Soon, the Chattanooga Lookouts’  South Broad District will be less than a mile away, just on the other side of I-24. Not only will this bring another high-profile piece of Chattanooga professional sports to the neighborhood, but along with it will come several shopping and restaurant options – this will complement the extensive entertainment choices that downtown Chattanooga already has to offer. Downtown Chattanooga is less than five minutes away and is often regarded as one of the top downtown areas in the United States. Attractions there include the Tennessee Riverwalk and Tennessee Aquarium, as well as Coolidge Park with its historic carousel. Dining ranges from upscale restaurants to gems like Main Street Meats, a butcher shop and restaurant combo; North Shore is another hotspot for niche eateries and coffee shops. Chattanooga has several museums, including the International Towing and Recovery Museum and Hunter Museum of American Art. The city is also rich in historical and cultural points of significance, with landmarks tied to key Civil War battles and the starting point of the Trail of Tears at Ross’ Landing, located just downhill from the soon-to-be-retired home of the Chattanooga Lookouts minor league baseball team,  AT&T Field . Just a short walk from Finley Stadium, the Hotel Chalet is on the grounds of the famed Chattanooga Choo Choo, while those a bit more attracted to outdoor adventures might want to check out Ruby Falls, Lookout Mountain, or Point Park, all offering stunning views of the city.   Fans   3 Fan turnout for CFC Women matches seems to draw roughly between 1,000 to 1,500 fans, and they tend to be actively engaged from kickoff to the final whistle. However, what is so special about the fan involvement here is the role the supporters' group, the Chattahooligans, play in setting a fun soccer atmosphere throughout Finley Stadium. With a club like Chattanooga FC who has teams that play in various leagues, including MLS Pro Next  and WPSL, as well as a team now that will compete in the United Premier Soccer League starting in the fall of 2025, the Chattahooligans come out to support not just one team, but the entire club, even on the road. Chattanooga FC is a publicly owned organization; this seems to create a deep tie between the fans and the club.   Access   4 Finley Stadium is conveniently located just off I-24, which runs south of downtown Chattanooga. The largest concentration of parking is on the north side of the stadium, with another lot adjacent to neighboring Chattanooga Market. Chattanooga also has a city-wide bike share program with a bike rack just outside the stadium’s north side, which definitely can be useful for locals or those staying nearby. For CFC Women matches the only entry point is the gates on 19th Street, closest to Reggie White Boulevard. Fans pass quickly through these gates with little to no wait time. Inside the stadium, access to the stands is a bit restricted, however, since fans are concentrated toward the center of the field, roughly from the 18-yard boxes on each end. While it can be a good place for younger fans to be able to run around a bit, the berm at the east side of the stadium is typically not accessible. Ticket availability for Saturday matches might change this, though, so make sure to check availability ahead of time for potential additional seating options. Despite not being able to access the entire stadium, access to the seats that are available is simple; they are easy to get in and out of. The only drawback is the pitch is not visible from the concourse.   Return on Investment   4 General admission tickets run just under $13, and reserved seats at midfield just over $16. If available, berm seating costs less than $10. When purchasing tickets, all prices include taxes and fees. Parking in the lots around Finley Stadium can run $6 to $8, depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend match; Friday games have weekend rates. There is some street parking in the area that is free after 6 pm, so getting to the stadium early can be rewarded with free street parking. Concessions here are well priced and not subject to super-inflated stadium prices.   Extras   3 Flags representing each of the nationalities of the CFC players fly along the side of the supporters’ section. After the match, the entire team rushes to the supporters’ section to celebrate and show their appreciation. Gestures like these go a long way in strengthening the bond between the team and the community, fueling the passion that drives every moment on the field. Chattanooga FC is in the process of completing their headquarters, which will be within walking distance of Finley Stadium – the headquarters facility will feature  office space for the club’s staff and coaches, apartments for the players, a training facility, retail space, a restaurant, and a rooftop bar. This development should go a long way in solidifying the soccer atmosphere of the neighborhood.   Final Thoughts Chattanooga FC’s WPSL team embodies the spirit of a grassroots organization, strengthened by the unwavering support of the community. Despite the challenges of creating an intimate matchday atmosphere in a large stadium, the club succeeds through its deep local roots and authentic connection with fans. The energy and passion of the Chattahooligans also plays a vital role – turning every game into more than just a sporting event, the supporter’s group becomes a reflection of the community’s pride in the Blue.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Durham County Memorial Stadium 750 Stadium Drive Durham, NC 27704 Tobacco Road FC website Durham County Memorial Stadium website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 8,500 Soccer on Tobacco Road Tobacco Road FC, based in Durham, North Carolina, competes in USL League Two, the fourth tier of soccer in the United States. USL League Two is primarily an amateur and semi-professional league featuring players 23 or younger, and most players are college-age or have recently exhausted their college eligibility and are hoping to receive a professional contract. Tobacco Road FC plays their home games at Durham County Memorial Stadium, an 8,500 seat facility that opened back in 1958 and was renovated in 2010. The stadium also hosts several other local high school and college teams, including Shaw College football , who plays their home games here despite being located in neighboring Wake County. Food & Beverage 2 There are several concession windows at Durham County Memorial Stadium, although only one was open when we visited and it closed at halftime. This stand served a pretty basic menu consisting of candy, popcorn, hot dogs, cookies, soft drinks, and bottled water. The cookies are called "Frisbee cookies", have sprinkles, and are quite large. Prices are reasonable with nothing being more than $5. Both cash and card are accepted but there is a $1 processing fee for using a card. There was also a sign on the concourse directing fans to a stand that supposedly sold fried Oreos, but no such stand existed in the direction the arrow was pointing. There was a tub containing soda bottles underneath the sign that someone could theoretically take and drink for free, although we don't recommend this as they had been sitting out in the Carolina heat for quite some time and were probably gross. Atmosphere 2 There are large sets of bleachers on each side of Durham County Memorial Stadium, although only one side is open for Tobacco Road FC games. With only a couple hundred fans in attendance for a typical home game, even this one set of bleachers is far too large, with the crowds spread out over a great distance. The setup is typical of a stadium from the 1950s in that it is a mix of concrete and metal. While this is a throwback to another era of stadiums, it was not an era known for having the best stadium designs. A running track surrounds the field, so even the front rows are not particularly close. They are also elevated, which is not a bad thing given the viewing angles. Since Durham County Memorial Stadium, hosts many different sports, there are a lot of different lines on the field. Just remember that soccer is the yellow ones and ignore the others. The field is oriented east-to-west rather than north-to-south like most other soccer stadiums. This means that the sun sets behind the goal on the left as you face the field and there will be no shade anywhere in the bleachers in the evenings until the sun sets. The sun will also be in your eyes as you look towards that goal, so bring wear a hat and sunglasses. It does provide some pretty spectacular views of sunsets though. There is not a whole lot going on here other than the game itself. Fans sitting up close will be able to hear the coaches at the nearby benches shouting at the players and referees and everything that is going on on the field. A scoreboard behind the goal to the right of the bleachers shows only the clock and team scores, although it pretty large for this level and seems capable of showing more elaborate things if they wanted it to. Neighborhood 3 Although Durham is a fine city, Durham County Memorial Stadium is located on the northern fringes of it, far from Downtown and the heart of the action. Duke University Hospital is right next door, but there is not much in the vicinity that you would actually want to visit. There are some chain places on nearby Roxbury Street, as well as Koumi Japanese Restaurant, but we recommend driving about ten minutes south to Downtown Durham where you will find many more options. Downtown is a fantastic area, but the fact that is so far away from the stadium with not much in between means the rating here is purely average. Fans 2 Tobacco Road FC drew a couple hundred fans for the game we attended, spread out throughout the giant set of bleachers. This is far from ideal, and those fans who did attend were mostly silent throughout the match. There was one kid in attendance blowing a noisemaker and squeezing a squeaky toy to cheer on her team, but other than that, it was very quiet. Part of this is that the layout of the stadium is just not conducive for good crowds, but even taking that into account, the crowd atmosphere here is not good. If Tobacco Road does start to draw crowds, there are plenty of seats to put them in here, but right now they are not. Access 4 Durham, North Carolina is easily accessible via I-85, I-885, and I-40, with Durham County Memorial Stadium located on the northern edge of the city. A large parking lot is available on the south side of the stadium. It is half-gravel, half-paved, but the paved part never fills up so you shouldn't have to drive on the gravel. There is a giant pothole in part of the lot that is roped off, preventing fans from getting through that part of the aisle, but you should be able to go around. Although there appear to be several gates to the stadium, most of them are actually exit only. You will enter on the left end by what are signed as ticket booths, although you actually buy your ticket at a table in the stadium itself if you did not buy it online beforehand (more on that in the next section.) There are several restrooms in the stadium which are more than sufficient for the crowds Tobacco Road FC draws. If they ever come close to selling out the stadium, the restroom capacity might pose a problem, but they do not have to worry about that right now. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to Tobacco Road FC games are just $10, an excellent deal. You can buy online in advance, but the single game ticket will not list any particular home game. Just show the receipt at the table as you come in and they will let you pass. Concessions are very affordable as well, if limited, and parking is free. A Tobacco Road FC game is an excellent value overall, but there isn't enough here to earn the top score. Extras 0 There are no real extras here unfortunately. Final Thoughts A Tobacco Road FC game isn't the fanciest experience, and Durham County Memorial Stadium is a classic 1950s stadium with little charm, but a visit here can still be a fun way to spend a summer night watching soccer at a low price. The team has potential to do a lot more than they are currently doing, and we hope that they will find opportunities to grow the fan experience here.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey If you fancy yourself in Louisville for the day, leave sometimes for an evening at the races. During June, fans can watch four races, hear live music, and enjoy food specials at Churchill Downs.  Twilight Thursday At The Downs opens at 5 PM and allows visitors the opportunity to walk around the spacious grounds, along with taking in the ambiance of the historic racetrack. The tickets are $10 at the box office, and the parking is free of charge. Eight races take place, and in between fans, can grab a bite to eat at one of the rotating local food trucks in The Paddock. Each week is different, but four trucks are parked near table tops. Along with the trucks, fans can enjoy $2 domestic beers and a selection of cocktails, with many featuring bourbon from Woodford Reserve. Live music is performed on the Paddock stage. Once it is post-time, visitors make their way to the general seating area of the Paddock, where they will place bets as low as 10 cents. The first race starts at 5 PM, and the last starts at 8:23 PM. As the thoroughbreds near the finish line, the roar of several thousand fans spread out in the box seats comes alive with anticipation. Many hope to go home a few dollars richer, but many enjoy the ambiance of the historic racetrack that has been housing horse racing since 1875. In between racing, fans can get an up-close look at the horses near the track. It is not uncommon to pet a few on the head as they make their rounds around the dirt track. Also, don’t hesitate to ask a few locals about the historic venue; they will be more than happy to give you information. The Southern hospitality is on display, and many show up wearing pink and yellow dresses along with large floppy hats. Once it is over, grab a souvenir at the gift shop near the entrance. The large store has a lot to choose from shirts, shot glasses, plaques, glasses, posters, and large floppy hats for men and women. The best part is that traffic moves smoothly out of the parking lot after the event has concluded. Other special events at Churchill Downs during the Spring Meet Events from May 8 to June 28 of this year include Downs After Dark on select Friday nights, Teacher Appreciation Day on June 19, and Stephen Foster Day on June 28.  When you have concluded your tour of the Louisville Slugger Museum, tasted enough bourbon at the Evan Williams Experience, or dined out somewhere in NuLu, head over to Churchill Downs for a nightcap. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .  Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Acrisure Stadium 100 Art Rooney Ave Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Pittsburgh Steelers website Acrisure Stadium website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 65,500 Black and Gold and Loved All Over If there are Meccas in the National Football League, one is undoubtedly located on the northern banks of the Ohio River in Pittsburgh. The Steelers, the oldest team in the American Football Conference and seventh-oldest in the NFL, are beloved in the city, and its fandom spreads around the world. Heinz Field, named for another Pittsburgh icon, the HJ Heinz Company (yep, the ketchup people), opened in 2001 and is just as much of a landmark as the US Steel Building, being visible from just about any entry into the city. With six Super Bowls wins, numerous Hall of Famers, and one of the most devoted fanbases in all sports to its credit, the Steelers have made sure that they have a home worthy of its history. Note: Heinz Field's name changed to Acrisure Stadium in July 2022. Food & Beverage 4 Heinz Field doesn’t attract foodies, but you can find a wide variety of food and drinks in the stadium. There’s something to everybody’s taste, from the old standbys of peanuts, popcorn and beer to local favorites like Primanti Brothers and Burgatory. Visit Hickory Bridge BBQ Co. for their famous nachos, or grab a sausage sandwich at Franco’s Gridiron Sausage Stand, named for Steelers legend Franco Harris. If the long lines at the concession stands discourage you, download the Steelers’ official app, available for iOs and Android. You can order food and beverages, including beer, from selected stands, pay, and be notified when your order is ready. A domestic beer and hot dog will run you roughly $21. Note that all Heinz Field concessions stands are currently cashless, but there are cash-converting machines on every stadium level. Atmosphere 5 At Heinz Field, there’s not a bad view in the house. No matter where you sit in one of the 65,050 seats, you’ll find it roomy and comfortable, and you’ll have no problem following the game. Unlike some stadiums, the upper deck is easily negotiable for those with balance issues. If you come early in the season for a one o’clock game, bring sunscreen because there’s not much shade. If you want an upgraded game experience or are coming with a larger group, premium suites include food, drink, and amazing views. Heinz Field has an excellent LCD scoreboard with frequent in-game updates. Although the team has a mascot, Steely McBeam, you’re not going to see too much of him, if at all, and outside of the Steelers drum corps, which plays outside the stadium and inside before a game, the Steelers are the main attraction. Nope, no cheerleaders, sorry. Then there is “Renegade,” a Heinz Field tradition. When a game is on the line, usually at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the scoreboard goes dark, and the haunting Styx classic begins. Everybody sings it, including the players. The scoreboard starts showing massive Steelers hits, pulsing along to the song’s drumbeats, and when Dennis DeYoung screams YEEEAAH the place goes insane. Even opposing teams’ fans get goosebumps. Of course, it helps that when “Renegade” is played, the Steelers almost always win, so there’s that. Neighborhood 5 Pittsburgh’s North Shore neighborhood, where Heinz Field is located, will have its share of black-and-gold-clad Steelers fans milling about on game days. There are several nearby hotels such as Holiday Inn Express and Springhill Suites by Marriott, and as far as restaurants go, The Foundry’s excellent brunch and North Shore Tavern’s “steak on a stone” are draws. However, the tailgate scene for Steelers games is one you should thoroughly check out. Concert venue Stage AE, roughly a five-minute walk from the stadium, is the site of a massive tailgate party hosted by local radio station WDVE, with food trucks, live music, games, and big-screen TVs to watch the game–it’s the next best thing to being inside the stadium. In fact, Heinz Field’s tailgate scene is so good that a ton of people who aren’t even going to the game show up to take advantage of the lively, friendly atmosphere. Fans 5 When it comes to loyalty to their team, you’re not going to find more devoted fans than Steeler Nation. Pittsburgh visitors immediately notice that people in Steelers gear are everywhere , no matter if it’s football season or not. Inside Heinz Field on game days, you’ll see so much different gear you’ll be like, “really, a Steelers logo is on that ?” Everyone will be armed with the famous Terrible Towel, which will be waved almost nonstop through a game, and chanting HERE WE GO STEELERS HERE WE GO just about as nonstop. When the Steelers are in the red zone, Heinz Field will be so loud it can actually be heard in the Strip District of the city, two miles from the stadium. Access 5 Heinz Field has its own exits from Interstates 376 and 279 and local routes 28 and 65. Stadium parking passes can be bought along with tickets, starting at $20 and going significantly up from there. You can find much less expensive parking via ParkingPanda.com and SpotHero.com around the neighborhood and across the river downtown. Port Authority buses have several routes to the stadium, and the Allegheny light rail (T) station is a half-block away, with fares starting at $2.50 one way. The T is free if you stay downtown, so keep that in mind when making lodging reservations. Inside the stadium, wide concourses and ramps abound, with plenty of escalators and elevators as well. Restrooms are clean and in good condition, with wheelchair-accessible stalls. Return on Investment 4 Going to an NFL game is an expensive endeavor, and attending a Steelers game is no different. Even upper-level seats will run in the area of $150 through standard ticket outlets, and get jacked up on third-party sites. Throw in parking and food, and it’s hard not to wince when the bill is totaled. Heinz Field, though, offers such a fun experience whether or not you’re a Steelers fan that its worth is acknowledged. It’s routinely ranked as one of the best NFL stadiums, and even if you’re there as an opposing team’s fan, you’ll have a good time. Extras 4 The Great Hall is a shrine of Steelers achievement, with all six Lombardi Trophies on display, and its exhibits are an excellent journey through not only Steelers history, but also the NFL’s. The Steelers’ pro shop is a destination no matter the season, as it’s open year-round. You’ll find Heinz Field’s staff to be helpful and friendly, even as they gently tease opposing fans. Depending on where you sit, you can enjoy a lovely view of the Pittsburgh skyline across the river, and the Three Rivers Heritage Trail that runs past the stadium offers a fun hike to work off all those tailgate calories. Final Thoughts The Steelers are one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, and Heinz Field is an admirable home for it. Well-maintained and inviting as it enters its third decade of existence, it’s the rare NFL fan who wouldn’t like to go to a home Steelers game given the chance. The Steelers put Pittsburgh on the map as one of the best sports towns in the world, and when Heinz Field is filled with screaming black and gold-clad fans on a crisp autumn Sunday, there’s few better places to be.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Empower Field at Mile High 1701 Bryant St Denver, CO 80204 Denver Broncos website Empower Field at Mile High website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 76,125 The Stadium with a Real Altitude The Denver Broncos are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. They were one of the teams to join the NFL in the NFL-AFL merger and enjoyed great success , winning championships in both leagues. The team is a two-time Super Bowl Champion and appeared in the game on four other occasions. Empower Field at Mile High Stadium has a seating capacity of 75,125. It features 8,200 club level seats and 144 luxury suites. The seating bowl at the stadium is in the shape of a horseshoe in keeping with the team’s equine-based moniker. It features a ribbon board down each of the sidelines and a huge HD scoreboard at the south end of the stadium measuring 220’ X 40’. Open captioning is projected on 4 ribbon boards in each corner of the stadium for those with hearing impairments. Throughout their existence, the team has played in a venue known as Mile High Stadium in recognition of the field’s presence in the Mile High City and its elevation of 5,280 feet above sea level. This has always been an advantage of the home team, as visiting teams often have difficulty acclimating to the altitude and getting winded easily. The first Mile High Stadium was built in 1948 and served the team through 2001. The present facility opened in time for the 2001 season. In the era of corporately tagged stadiums, Mile High Stadium has been known as Invesco Field (2001-2011), Sports Authority Field (2011-2018), Denver Broncos Field (2017-2018) and its present name of Empower Field since the beginning of the 2019 season. The Mile High Stadium portion of the name has been retained throughout all these changes. This review was done prior to the rechristening of the stadium, when it was still Denver Broncos Field at Mile High Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 Mile High Stadium offers a wide variety of food and beverages to suit all tastes. They include nachos ($5), hot dogs ($5), brats ($9), cheesesteaks ($10), burgers ($9), pulled pork sandwiches ($10), pork belly BLT’s ($15), french dip sandwiches ($12), corned beef sandwiches ($15), chicken tenders ($9), pizza ($7.50), tacos ($10) and tamales ($8). Snacks include popcorn ($5), peanuts ($4.75) and pretzels ($5). The stadium offers Coca Cola brand sodas for $5, bottled water for $7.50, domestic beers for $7, premium beers for $9.25 and wine for $7.50. Atmosphere 4 The Broncos begin building a great atmosphere for the fans before you even enter the stadium. The south end of the complex includes the Sports Legend Mall, which is the ground zero for pregame tailgating. It includes space for vendors, a stage for musical entertainment and the Ring of Fame, which includes plaques honoring the elite Broncos of the past. As you move closer to the stadium you will encounter one of the centerpiece art installations at Mile High. The Stampede features seven bronco horses charging up an elevated stream similar to the waters found in the nearby mountains. Another defining feature at Mile High is located at the northern end of the complex. The Mile High Monument is a miniature replica of Mile High Stadium. It includes exhibits highlighting the defining games and outstanding performances that have taken place inside of the stadium. The pregame Fun Fest takes place here with performances by the Stampede Drumline, the Broncos Dance Team and appearances by the Broncos cheerleaders and Miles the Mascot. Once inside the stadium your eyes will be drawn to the top of the video board in the south end zone. You will see a white bronco raising up on its back legs. This is Bucky the Bronco, a fixture of the first Mile High Stadium that has found a new life at the new venue. You will also notice the stadium seating grid is in the shape of a horseshoe in keeping with the team name. The atmosphere reaches its zenith during the pregame introduction of players. The team is led out onto the field by an Arabian gelding named Thunder, who also charges through the end zone after a Broncos score. The crowd reacts to entry of the team with a demonstration of Rolling Thunder, the stomping of the feet on the metal bleachers, which makes the whole stadium shake. Neighborhood 3 Empower Field at Mile High Stadium is in the Sun Valley neighborhood in between downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains, just west of I-25. This gives fans in the West stands a birds eye view of the downtown Denver skyline and fans in the East stands a view of the beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop to the stadium. Amongst the stadium’s neighbors are the Pepsi Center, home of the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and the Denver Nuggets of the NBA, Elitch Gardens Amusement Park and the University of Colorado Auraria campus. If the schedule works out, you can often attend a doubleheader of a Broncos game followed by a nightcap of an Avalanche/Nuggets game next door. Fans 5 Denver Bronco fans are amongst the most loyal and loudest fans in the NFL. They have sold out the 76,125-seat stadium for every game since its construction. The waiting list for season tickets presently has 85,000 names on it and has an expected wait time of 10-15 years. The fans show their loyalty by their presence in some of the most frigid conditions this side of Green Bay during the November and December portions of the regular season and the playoffs. The Denver fans are known for their bright orange attire as a show of support for the team (it also shows up very well on TV games when there is a blizzard going on). Their capability of creating noise when needed is known as Rolling Thunder and is created by the fans stomping their feet on the metal flooring of the stadium. This causes the stadium to vibrate. Access 3 The home of the Broncos can be easily accessed via I-25 and taking exit 201-C coming from the north or the south. Once off the freeway, finding parking can be problematic as there are only 7,500 spaces at the stadium itself. These typically are reserved for season ticket holders. An additional 15,000 spaces are available at nearby lots serving the Pepsi Center, the Denver Aquarium and the Aurora Campus. The Denver Rapid Transit District (RTD) light rail system is a very popular option, as its C, E and W lines service the Mile High Stadium Station. The stadium is also one of the few NFL venues that can be accessed via bike. The South Platte Bike Trail runs right by the east side of Mile High Stadium. The stadium has more than 360 bike racks available for fans who choose this mode of transportation. Once at Mile High Stadium, it is important to know your seat location before entering the venue. Because of its horseshoe shape, the stadium does not have a 360 degree concourse. You will also find the main concourse to be somewhat confusing, as you enter at one level, then need to go down a level to reach a majority of the food and beverage stands and the lower level of the stands. Empower Field at Mile High Stadium utilizes the same security precautions as all other NFL stadiums. It is best to travel as light as possible into the stadium, with any belongings in a clear plastic bag. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices for Broncos games are amongst the highest in the NFL at an average price of $297.This is due to the decades-long record of sellouts over the years. Sometimes tickets can be found in the $40-$50 range when the game features an opponent with a poor record or a non-traditional opponent from another conference. Parking is $30 in the main Broncos parking lot on a first come, first serve basis, while lots at the alternate lots average $15-$20. The best buy travel-wise is to buy a day pass on the RTD light rail for $6. The concessions prices are about average for the NFL, but they do offer a wider menu selection with many regional favorites. Extras 3 The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame is in Mile High Stadium. It salutes athletes who grew up in Colorado or had their sports careers in the state. Membership covers all sports and includes athletes from high school sports all the way up to the professional level. Empower Field at Mile High Stadium hosts a wide variety of non-Broncos events throughout the year. These include the Rocky Mountain Showdown football game between Colorado State University and the University of Colorado, CONCAF Gold Cup soccer contest and the state championship football games for every level of Colorado high school football. It was also the site of then Senator Barack Obama’s acceptance speech after he was named as the Presidential nominee at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. The Bud Light Rooftops are located on the 500 level of both the east and west stands. They offer full bar service and heated high-top tables along with terrific views of both downtown Denver and peaks of the Rocky Mountains Final Thoughts A great team history, great fans, a diverse menu of food and beverage items, along with the natural beauty of the nearby Rocky Mountains makes Empower Field at Mile High Stadium a high priority for anybody’s NFL bucket list. It also makes a great add-on activity for your ski vacation in late fall and early winter. Make sure you arrive early to enjoy the western hospitality and the many pieces of stunning public art that dot the stadium complex.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Huntington Bank Field 100 Alfred Lerner Way Cleveland, OH 44114 Cleveland Browns website Huntington Bank Field website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 67,407 The Dawg Pound Editor's Note: On September 3, 2024, Huntington Bank and the Cleveland Browns announced a 20-year partnership that included stadium naming rights. These rights continue whether the Browns play at their present stadium or move to a proposed domed stadium in Brook Park . It is difficult to argue that there is an NFL fanbase that has endured more heartache than the Cleveland Browns. Founded in 1946 and named after legendary coach Paul Brown, the Browns, more than any other NFL team, would hold steadfast to their traditions. Success came early for the Browns with four AAFC championships and four NFL championships, all before the Super Bowl era, ending in 1964. Outside of Paul Brown, legendary running back Jim Brown has captured the hearts of Clevleanders. However, with the purchase of the browns by Art Modell in 1953, the decline of the Browns would begin. Modell famously fired Paul Brown in 1963 and an ostracized Jim Brown abruptly retired in 1965. The Browns would come close to the successes they enjoyed in the forties and fifties with the Kardiac Kids of the late seventies and a pair of heartbreaking close calls for quarterback Bernie Kosar in the late eighties with trips to the Super Bowl thwarted by “The Drive” and “The Fumble.” With other professional teams in Cleveland gaining new facilities in the nineties, the Browns were left with decrepit, massive Cleveland Stadium, owner Art Modell moved the Browns to Baltimore to become the Ravens in 1995. The NFL immediately recognized the value of the Cleveland market and the steadfast loyalty of the fanbase and announced an expansion team to be granted to Cleveland for the 1999 season. The lynchpin to the Browns expansion team, which would retail all records, trademarks, and championships, was the building of Cleveland Browns Stadium. New Browns owner Art Lerner would see his team take the field in the 1999 season in the new stadium owned by the City of Cleveland with a capacity of over 67,000. The new Browns have not enjoyed much success in the past 23 years. Al Lerner died in 2002. The Lerner Family sold the Browns to Jimmy and Dee Haslam in 2012 and they remain current owners of the team. To go along with a lack of success, the Browns are most known for one of the most recognizable fan groups in the entire NFL, the Dawg Pound. Food & Beverage 4 As with any major sports venue, concessions are at the front of the consciousness of the team. The Browns offer concession options that are on par with other major sports venues. Some options include the Burger Kitchen, Tenders Love & Chicken, C-Town Eats, Michael Symon’s B-Spot, Here We Go Nachos, Meat and Cleaver, and Great Lakes Cheesesteaks. All of the expected stadium items can be found along with some items that will peak the interest of those looking for something more. The unique options at Great Lakes Cheesesteaks are one of the best choices, which include Cleveland Nachos (nachos with parmesan fondue, green onions, bacon, and thyme) and the local favorite, Polish Boy, a brat topped with coleslaw, BBQ sauce fries, and crispy onions. Cleveland Browns Stadium has a large selection of beer in multiple bar areas. Goose Island Beware of the Dawg may be the choice. A curious feature of beverages at Cleveland Browns Stadium is the lack of Coke or Pepsi. RC Cola, 7Up, and Dr. Pepper make up the soft drink selections. Atmosphere 4 The exterior of Cleveland is an attractive, almost modern-looking, silver/chrome siding with plenty of glass. There are plenty of huge player banners that hang from the exterior for fans to see as well. For many years Cleveland Browns Stadium was known under the corporate name FirstEnergy Stadium. For the 2023 season, the name has reverted to Cleveland Browns Stadium. It is obvious that the Browns and/or the City of Cleveland are looking for a new corporate partner for stadium naming rights as there is little to no signage on the exterior that says “Cleveland Browns Stadium.” The Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame can be found on plaques on the exterior of the stadium along Alfred Lerner Way, the hub of pregame activity before a Browns game. Two spots fans will assuredly want to see before entering the gates are the Otto Graham statue in the southwest corner of the stadium and the Jim Brown statue in the southeast corner of the stadium. Entering Cleveland Browns Stadium brings fans into the main concourses, which are fairly spacious and have plenty of orange highlights to give color to the otherwise dark breezeways. Several banners are honoring Browns players who are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Other highlights include a Joe Thomas mural honoring his 10,363 consecutive snaps played in the NFL. Inside the seating area, fans will find the three tiers of seating around the field which runs from west to east. The lower bowl is continuous with separated second and third tiers. The south side is the spot to get that perfect center logo picture, which for the 2023 season was Brownie the Elf. The fascia of the third deck is where the Browns showcase their highest honors. The 1946, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1954, 1955 and 1964 championships are listed in the southeast corner. The rest of the fascia notes the members of the Browns Ring of Honour, including Paul Brown, Frank Gatski, Leroy Kelly, Bobby Mitchell, Joe DeLamielleure, Mike McCormack, Lou Grozaand new for the 2023 season, and Joe Thomas. Each end of the stadium features large videoboards which are crystal clear. The other main attraction at Cleveland Browns Stadium is in the lower bowl behind the east endzone, The Dawg Pound, the preeminent team supporter section in the NFL, is found there and has found a bit of a life of its own. The gameday production at a Browns game is as good as any in the NFL. In the pregame, the Browns enter from the northwest corner through some bulldog statues with gates. The requisite pyro and smoke machine along with flagbearers and cheerleaders are part of the entry. In the pregame, a guest takes a guitar, painted in the fashion of the visiting team, and smashes it against a podium to the delight of the 65,000 fans in attendance. The Browns mascots, Chomps and Brownie, can be found throughout the stadium, interacting with fans. Neighborhood 5 Despite what seems like a popular narrative, Downtown Cleveland is one of the most underrated areas in the country. Cleveland Browns Stadium is located on the lakeshore, on the northwest side of Downtown Cleveland. There are a ton of options for pre or postgame fare for those who are not tailgating. Some options include Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar, Masthead Brewing Co., Harry Buffalo, Margaritaville, Leather Stallion, and the Winking Lizard. For fans looking for other sporting options, there are plenty. Just up the road at Progressive Field, fans can find the Cleveland Guardians of MLB. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is shared by the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA and Cleveland Monsters of the AHL. College basketball is also not that far away from the Cleveland State Vikings . There are also plenty of tourist options that are not based on sports, including the Great Lakes Science Center, USS COD, International Women’s Air & Space Museum, and the must-see, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. For fans wishing to stay near the stadium the Hilton Cleveland Downtown, Cleveland Marriott Downtown, and Doubletree Cleveland Downtown are all close by. Fans 5 Cleveland Browns fans are among the most ardent and loyal in all of sports. In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, the Browns have averaged more than 67,000 fans per game. Although that ranks the 19th and 20th in the NFL in 2022 and 2023 respectively, that does account for 100% of the capacity. Browns fans are loud and proud and show up regardless of the weather conditions, which should not be underestimated. The Dawg Pound is also the most famous fan area in the NFL. Access 4 Getting to Cleveland Browns Stadium is not difficult for a downtown stadium. Cleveland Browns Stadium is located along Lake Erie, on the northwest side of Downtown Cleveland. Cleveland Browns Stadium is surrounded by 3rd Street, Alfred Lerner Way, and Erieside Ave with Lake Erie just beyond to the north. The stadium is north of Cleveland Memorial Shoreway and north and west of I-90 so fans will have to traverse the city a bit when coming from out of town. There are plenty of parking options with the Pier to the north and plenty of downtown garages. The best option is to use a parking app and prepay for parking to ensure a spot. For fans who wish to take public transit to the game, there are a few options. The rapid transit and Amtrack and buses are found to the south. Fans should check out the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around Cleveland Browns Stadium is not too difficult and washroom facilities are decent. With security protocols in professional sports consistently changing, Stadium Journey recommends fans consult the Cleveland Browns website for the most up-to-date security protocols, including prohibited items. Return on Investment 3 The Cleveland Browns are not a cheap experience, as are all NFL experiences. According to the Fan Cost Index, the Browns are the 17th most expensive experience in the NFL at $593, above the NFL average. Tickets for the Browns begin at $70 and go up to $294 for the lower sidelines. Dawg Pound seats are $189. Concessions are what one would expect for the NFL and parking is going to go for over $20 for sure. Although the return that the Browns give the fans is solid, the steep investment is difficult to get over, as is the case for all NFL experiences Extras 2 An extra mark for the Dawg Pound, a revolutionary fan experience that began at Panorama at the grassroots and has been copied throughout the NFL. An extra mark for the perseverance of the Browns fans as they have struggled with many seasons of non-competitive teams since the team’s return in 1999. Final Thoughts The Cleveland Browns are a solid NFL experience at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Being part of a fanbase that is as ardent passionate and loyal as any in the NFL is an attractive part of the Browns experience. Cleveland is also a great tourist destination and fans will enjoy making a full weekend of it. ---- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on YouTube , Twitter , Threads and Instagram @profan9.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey, and Melissa Kiser Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Paycor Stadium One Paul Brown Stadium Cincinnati, OH 45202 Cincinnati Bengals website Paycor Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 65,535 Who Dey Think Gonna Beat Them Bengals? The Cincinnati Bengals have called Paycor Stadium since the 2000 NFL season. The 65,515-capacity football-only venue was built through taxpayer money to the tune of $555 million. The home of the National Football League’s Bengals has seen recent success at what is dubbed “The Jungle”. The Bengals joined the American Football League in 1968 and played temporarily at the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium for two years before relocating to the multi-purpose Riverfront Stadium with the Cincinnati Reds.  They would call the stadium home for 30 seasons before moving a few yards away along the Ohio River to what was then known as Paul Brown Stadium. Paul Brown was the founder and original owner of the Bengals until he died in 1991. The club is still owned and operated by the Brown family. The Bengals have appeared in the playoffs on 20 occasions, capturing 11 AFC Central titles and qualifying for 5 Wildcard spots. The team made three Super Bowl appearances during the 1981, 1988, and 2021 seasons, heartbreakingly losing all three times. Food & Beverage 4 There are various food options at Paycor Stadium, including fan and local favorites. The stadium has 30,328 concessions per square foot, second behind Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Also, the food prices are among the lowest in the NFL. The stadium offers 78 self-service kiosks, 7 self-order and pick-up locations, and 14 grab-and-go stands.  Several highlights include the following concessions: Cincy Burgers + Fries, Kckn Chckn, Nacho Tigre, Tenders, Love & Chicken, and Smoke & Sizzle. All of these establishments offer smash burgers, buffalo chicken tenders, nachos, chicken wings, and chicken tenders. The regional food scene is duly noted with nearby Donatos Pizza, Skyline Chili coneys, and Hudy High Point (named after the long-time Hudepohl Brewery Company). The Queen City Grill sells grilled sausages, brats, and Cincinnati mettwurst (also known as a mett). There are ample spots for beverages, including the Bud Light City Bar, Canopy Catina, The Crown’s Ruler, and Cincinnati Cocktails. The drinking areas, such as The Perch, offer a jungle theme with the Cincinnati skyline in the background. There are also massive east-side and west-side bars that provide fans plenty of drinks from cocktails, beers, seltzers, and wine in a social atmosphere. Atmosphere 4 Paycor Stadium becomes “The Jungle” on gameday and is decorated with murals from local artists, team colors, tiger striping, and team slogans. Fans can also enjoy a lot more greenery that emulates a jungle at various parts of the concourse. Lots open 4-hours before the game around the stadium for tailgating. Pregame at the Banks, between Race Street and Joe Nuxhaul Way, east of the venue. It is home to the Bud Light Tailgate Zone and the Jungle Zone, with live music, interactive games, face painting, and DJ music. Once inside the venue, fans are glued to their seat, focusing on the action on the field, concourses are filled with folks purchasing food and drink, and social areas are packed with fans talking about the Bengals. When the team is winning, the atmosphere is quite festive before, during, and after the game. Neighborhood 4 The Banks is an entertainment district that offers a place to live, work, play, and shop next to the stadium. The neighborhood offers plenty of restaurants, bars, and social spots. There are many to choose from, but favorites include the Christian Moerlein Lager House, Yard House, BurgerFi, and the Jefferson Social. The stadium is a short walk across the river to Newport on the Levee, and enjoy time at one of the following locations: Hofbrauhaus Newport, Strong's Brick Oven Pizza, and Newport Aquarium.  Cincinnati has a few places to visit, including the American Sign Museum, which houses a collection of former neon signs from different businesses past and present, Cincinnati Museum Center, located in the old train terminal and Rhinegeist in the up-and-coming Over-the-Rhine section is a must for one can sit on top of its roof, and enjoy a few beers overlooking the picturesque hills of the city.  Fans 4 Bengals fans are loyal, dedicated, and faithful. They have weathered the storm of mediocre football for several years and are now enjoying a team that has made a recent Super Bowl appearance and is a yearly contender. The “Who Dey” chant is fun to hear at a game and to say aloud while watching a Bengals touchdown or after a victory. Access 4 Paycor Stadium sits along the Ohio River on one side and I 71/75 and downtown on the opposite side. Five bridges from Northern Kentucky take fans by car to the game, and plenty of lots on the Ohio side to park for the game. Traffic can get congested closer to kickoff, but many arrive early for tailgating in the 16-plus lots. The size of the venue makes it easy to navigate during the game and to and from the seating bowl. Halftime crowds create congestion in the upper and lower concourses, and some wait lines can be long, but the 78 self-service kiosks make grabbing a bite to eat or a drink quick and easy. It is also one of three NFL venues that can be accessed by riverboat. The Queen City Riverboats depart Newport, Kentuck,y and sail across the Ohio River to the stadium for a very reasonable cost of $6 round trip. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Bengals game is one of the more economical investments in the league. The Bengals came in at number 10 in NFL concessions in a recent poll conducted by US Betting Report. The average beer price is $5.75, while a hot dog is $5.66. A small beer costs $5.25, the third-best value in the league after Atlanta and Detroit. The average price for a ticket is $131, but less on secondary ticket websites. Games against division rivals, especially Cleveland and Pittsburgh, will fetch a little more, while parking can be as high as $70 closest to the stadium. However, there are cheaper options. The parking lot on East Pete Rose Way, on the west side of Heritage Bank Center, is $15. The cost under I-471 on Eggleston Ave. is between $5-$10, and lots across the Ohio River can cost $10 or less and include a $1 bus ride on Transit Authority Northern Kentucky (TANK) every 15 minutes. Extras 3 Bengals fans earn a point for the “Who Dey?” chant that is said at every game. It comes from the Bengals Fight Song that is played after every touchdown and features the following lyrics. "Who Dey? Who Dey? Who Dey think they gonna beat dem Bengals?"  "Who Dey? Who Dey? Who Dey think they gonna beat dem Bengals?"  "Nobody!"  A second point is for the affordability of food and beverage, tickets, and parking to see the Bengals play football every weekend in the NFL. A third point is for the new decor at the stadium, which includes murals painted by local artists, several aesthetics to fit with the jungle motif, and new social areas for fans at the game. Extras The recent aesthetic changes at Paycor Stadium have been welcoming, and the atmosphere is always colorful before and after a Bengals game. It is one of the best values in the league and even better when the team plays winning football.  --- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel. Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Highmark Stadium 1 Bills Drive Orchard Park, NY 14127 Buffalo Bills website Highmark Stadium website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 71,608 Saying Goodbye to The Ralph With the merger of the AFL and the NFL, a new stadium was required for the Buffalo Bills to remain part of the league. A move from the old War Memorial Stadium, or Rockpile as it was known, required owner Ralph Wilson to explore some relocation possibilities. This hastened the stadium project and Rich Stadium was built in 1973. The capacity, which was the major drawback at the time, was inflated to the modern-day 71,000. Over the years, owner Ralph Wilson became one of the most iconic in the NFL and the Bills would go on to enjoy some dubious success appearing in four straight Super Bowls in the 90s. After the death of Ralph Wilson, and the scare of possible ownership by Donald Trump, the Bills would settle into the sports portfolio of Terry and Kim Pegula, who also own the Buffalo Sabres among other properties. The naming rights of Rich Stadium would change hands a few times and the stadium would be known by the name of the founder for quite some time. In 2021, the stadium was renamed Highmark Stadium. There is not much time left for the former Ralph Wilson Stadium as a brand new, 64,000-seat, $1.4 billion stadium has been approved and will be built across from Erie Community College in Orchard Park. Food & Beverage 4 The concession scene at Highmark Stadium is decent. All of the expected stadium items can be found including hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and others available. Some local favorite brands can also be found in the stadium including Dinosaur BBQ, La Nova Pizza, and Buffalo Wings. Pepsi products are the soft drink of choice and on most gamedays, especially later in the season, Tim Horton’s coffee would be the necessary item for warming up. In what most Canadians would find a curious development, the most prevalent beers at Highmark Stadium seem to be Molson Canadian and Labatt’s Blue, for decades fierce competitors. There is plenty available for fans to keep full, however, with such a massive tailgating scene in Orchard Park, many do not worry too much about what is available for eats. Atmosphere 3 Highmark Stadium is one of the simplest in the NFL. The exterior is not overly sophisticated and there isn’t too much about the venue itself that inspires creativity or excitement. The east entry is where the Bills Store can be found and just outside of it, fans will find the 716 sign and a Bills logo on the turf, perfect for photo ops. The Founders Plaza also features a bronze statue of Ralph Wilson which is a spot fan will want to see. On the inside, it is clear why Highmark Stadium is up for replacement. The seating bowl is wide open, not a positive characteristic when the elements of a Western New York winter are factored in. The lower bowl, which is clearly the best place to sit for some protection from the wind, features plastic stadium seats, while the upper bowl has bleacher benches with rounded backs. The field runs from west to east and the main videoboards are found above the east and west end zones. For that perfect fifty-yard line logo picture, fans will want to sit on the south side. The interior of the seating bowl gives fans a massive look at the Bills Wall of Fame. Buffalo legends are enshrined on the facia and include the names of Jack Kemp, Pat McGroder, Tom Sestak, Billy Shaw, Ralph Wilson, Elbert Dubenion, Mike Stratton, Joe Ferguson, Marv Levy, Joe DeLamielleure, Robert James, trainer Edward Abramoski, Bob Kalsu, George Saimes, Jim Kelly, Fred Smerlas, Kent Hull, Darryl Talley, Jim Ritcher, Thurman Thomas, Andre Reed, Steve Tasker, Bruce Smith, Booker Edgerson, Phil Hansen, Bill Polian, Van Miller, Lou Saban, Cookie Gilchrist and (unfortunately) O.J. Simpson. The gameday production is not over the top. At the game reviewed, a local high school marching band performed and four Apache helicopters partook in a flyover. The Bills enter the field from the east, through a number of Bills logo structures that blow smoke and pyro. The cheerleading squad, the Jills has been disbanded for a number of years under suspicious circumstances regarding being severely underpaid. Overall, there is not much that really stands out about the gameday production and there is more of a focus on the game itself, which is not a bad thing. Neighborhood 2 Highmark Stadium is located on the outskirts of Orchard Park, south of Buffalo. All of the lures of Downtown Buffalo is lost on the location of the football stadium. Highmark Stadium is immediately surrounded by parking lots. Although the Bills boast one of the top tailgating scenes in the country, there are very few options for fans before or after the game to get food or drink. The SUNY Erie Community College campus is to the west of Highmark Stadium. A couple of small options include Polked Yolk Abbott, O’Neills Stadium Inn, Danny’s South, and Louie’s Texas Red Hots. A better idea would be to stop in Buffalo proper and find an option there. There are a number of sporting options in Buffalo, but nothing really out as far as Highmark Stadium. Downtown, fans can find the homes of the Buffalo Sabres , Buffalo Bandits , and Buffalo Bisons . Canisius College plays hockey downtown at LECOM HarborCenter and basketball on their campus at Koessler Athletic Center . The University at Buffalo can be found in Amherst, northeast of Buffalo, where the Bulls play on campus. Football is found at UB Stadium and basketball is at Alumni Arena . Fans may also consider the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino downtown. There are a few options for hotels in Orchard Park. The Stadium View Inn and EconoLodge Buffalo are the closest. Fans 4 Buffalo Bills fans have the most fascinating dichotomy. Support for the Bills is stronger than ever with their most recent winning incarnation. Support was always strong for the Bills who have that “little engine that could” mentality, determined to remain afloat with the NFL giants coming from one of the smallest markets in the league. Special attention must be paid to the hardiness of the fans who brave the worst elements in the NFL. On occasions when there is tremendous snow, Bills fans will volunteer to shovel the stands to make the stadium slightly more hospitable. The Bills Mafia moniker has struck a chord in Buffalo and is a badge that is worn with pride. Bills Mafia has claimed hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to various charities, most notably to charitable organizations deemed important by opposing players. The dichotomy comes on gameday, where Bills fans are among the loudest, rowdiest, and most drunk in the NFL. The tradition of destroying tables at the tailgate is no longer newsworthy; it happens so often. Bills fans can be rude, crude, and merciless. Access 2 Highmark Stadium is one of the toughest stadiums to enter and exit. The rural stadium, located west of Highway 219, has few entry points. Due to the early nature of the tailgate, getting into the parking lot is actually much easier than getting out with fans trickling in at different times. Upon leaving after the game, fans should allot at least one to two hours just to get out of the parking lot. It is curious how difficult it is to get out of Highmark Stadium when college venues in similar situations seem to have it all figured out. There is some public transit that Abbott Road and some gameday transit available. Fans who are interested should check out the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around Highmark Stadium is not terribly difficult, however, the concourses can get crowded with the weather being an issue and during halftime. Washroom facilities are hit and miss as there are still some washroom facilities that feature the dreaded troughs. Return on Investment 3 With the recent success, the Buffalo Bills have enjoyed comes greater scarcity and cost with regard to tickets. The entire 2022 season stock of tickets was sold out very quickly and tickets on the secondary market are starting at around $130 per ticket. According to the Fan Cost Index for 2022, the Buffalo Bills are well below the NFL average of $590 and are the 27th most expensive experience in the NFL at $520. However, the NFL is an extremely expensive ordeal and the “once in a lifetime” pricing model is a detriment to their experience. Combine the price with the very real possibility of some less-than-comfortable weather and there is plenty to be desired with the return on investment for the Buffalo Bills. Extras 3 An extra mark for the Buffalo Bills galvanizing their existence in Western New York with the approval of the new stadium to be built near the current Highmark Stadium. An extra mark for the members of Bills Mafia making significant financial donations to numerous causes that have affected both Bills players and their opponents. An extra mark for the growing recognition and appreciation of the four Bills Super Bowl appearances in the 90s. An extra mark for Highmark Stadium is the only NFL stadium in New York State. An extra mark LOST for O.J. Simpson is still being recognized on the Bills Wall of Fame. Final Thoughts It will be interesting to see what a brand-new stadium will bring to the Buffalo Bills experience. There were plenty of opposing views as to what the new stadium should look like and where it should be. Until that time, the Bills are still making memories at the former Ralph Wilson Stadium. NFL fans who have yet to visit Highmark Stadium may want to make their way there before it is too late. ----- Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and on Instagram .

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 American Bank Center 1901 N. Shoreline Blvd Corpus Christi, TX 78401 Corpus Christi Tritons website American Bank Center website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 10,000 Corpus Christi Tritons – American Bank Center Known as the “Sparkling City by the Seas,” Corpus Christi, Texas has long been a vacation destination for Texans seeking a reprieve from summer heat, thanks to the cooling waters of the Gulf. The largest city along the Texas gulf coast has also often found itself the home of numerous minor-level professional sports leagues looking to gain a foothold in the Lone Star State. This is especially true of pro arena/indoor football. No less than five teams have called the Sparkling City their home, including the current Corpus Christi Tritons . Founded in 2024 as members of American Indoor Football, they would become inaugural members of the new Arena Football One (AF1) league in time for the 2025 season. Like the rest of their arena and indoor counterparts, the Tritons call the venerable American Bank Center their home. Since opening in the late 1970s, American Bank Center has seen numerous renovations over the years, all with the goal of having this venue remain the city’s premier entertainment venue. Read on to learn more about it.   Food & Beverage   2 I was almost tempted to have this score be an incomplete rather than what I gave it; I have been to multiple events over the years at American Bank Center and have eaten a lot of the food here. This time around, something was a little different. It probably had to do with the game I attended being the last one of the season for the Tritons; none of the concession venues in the upper level were open and only three of the stands on the main concourse were. At these stands you can get chopped brisket sandwiches, popcorn, candy, pepperoni and cheese personal pizzas, nachos, and soft pretzels. Fountain drinks, bottled water, and beer are offered too, and there is also a bar where alcoholic offerings are on the menu. The items they have are fine, so what keeps the score as low as I have it? The reason is I couldn’t buy a hot dog anywhere in the venue – the one true food staple of American sports was not on the menu at any of the open kiosks. This might just be my pet peeve, but it did impact my enjoyment of the event. I know I’ve had them at American Bank Center before, so again, it may have just been the time of the season.   Atmosphere   2 The one true draw in terms of atmosphere at American Bank Center is its location. I would hazard that very few venues in North America allow visitors to gaze out onto palm tree-lined beaches and rolling waves every time they visit. The north side of American Bank Center is also walled with windows overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, and that’s a good thing. Aside from that, there is not much else that would denote this facility as home of the Tritons; this is to be expected though. The team does have a small merchandise table for fans interested in picking up gear, but not much else. Still, come for the view – it is really hard to beat.   Neighborhood   4 American Bank Center is located in Corpus Christi’s scenic downtown; it’s location on Shoreline Boulevard puts it right on the path of virtually all the city’s iconic attractions. Visitors can spend a day at either North Beach or McGee Beach, two of the prime spots in the area. Must see attractions include the Texas State Aquarium, USS Lexington Museum, and Corpus Christi Museum of Science & History. All offer a great opportunity to visit and see some of the best attractions the area has to offer, and are great ways to spend time before or after Triton games. Also in the area is Whataburger Field, home of the Corpus Christi Hooks , the double-A affiliate of the Houston Astros . The seasons overlap, so if you plan your visit, you should be able to catch a minimum of two games in Corpus Christi. For places to dine, you’re going to have your pick of fresh seafood options near American Bank Center. These include Railroad Seafood & Brewery, Landry’s Seafood House, and Pier 99 Restaurant. It’s a virtual must when you come to the Texas Gulf Coast to sample some of its legendary seafood; any one of the aforementioned options will get you a great meal, and all are within five minutes of the arena. However, if you want something a little different, I can’t recommend Snapka’s Drive Inn enough. This place is as old school as it gets and features a classic Americana menu with some great Tex-Mex thrown in. For lodging, Shoreline Boulevard offers an abundance of options – these include the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel  and DoubleTree by Hilton Corpus Christi Beachfront . Vacation rentals are also extremely popular in Corpus Christi, so your budget is your only limit here.   Fans   2 This is another area where I’m almost tempted to give the score an incomplete. Since the Tritons are still in their relative infancy, it’s safe to say they have yet to build up a significant fanbase. This is especially true for a city that has seen nearly half a dozen of these types of teams come in, and then fold in short order. That being said, I feel like there was a decent enough crowd at the most recent game I attended. The number was pretty good, but American Bank Center can be especially cavernous, so it felt eerily empty. I think the Tritons will need time to grow fans. Hopefully, this version of the Arena League will be able to sustain itself, and the Tritons will be able to hang around for a while.   Access   3 Corpus Christi is just about a two-hour drive from San Antonio and a little over a three-hour drive from both Austin and Houston. This makes it the most accessible city on the Texas Gulf Coast for visitors. As mentioned, American Bank Center is conveniently located in downtown Corpus Christi. As you approach the city it is unmissable, sitting prominently near the surf line. Corpus Christi International Airport is a short 10-minute drive from American Bank Center. It has daily flights to and from Dallas and Houston, for those not wishing to drive. Once onsite, parking is ample and plentiful in lots around the venue.   Return on Investment   3 Single-game tickets for the Corpus Christi Tritons start at $21 per person, though deals can be found on the secondary market. Parking will cost $15 in the lots at American Bank Center, but concessions are where the bargains truly lie, as the most expensive food items offered top out at just $7. If you’re in the area and looking for an inexpensive way to spend an evening, a Tritons game might be what you’re looking for.   Extras   2 I know that during the season, the Tritons offer several theme nights and giveaways; at the most recent game I attended, however, that was not on the agenda. With that said, the team does offer up a few of the tried-and-true staples of sports, such as their dance team, the Corpus Christi Sirens, and their mascot King Triton. The Sirens are perched in the south end zone and perform during the half, while King Triton can be found on the main concourse before the game, and down on the sidelines during it, for photo ops.   Final Thoughts I’m a football fan, so I will take the game where I can find it. Arena football, even as niche as it is, can still be a lot of fun, especially for younger fans. With that said, I would not put the Corpus Christi Tritons on anyone’s bucket list, yet. However, if they and the new AF1 can make this work, that might change in a few years. With that said, I think you should try to make your way to American Bank Center at some point; it’s still a great venue and the location is hard to beat. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on X at @EricMoreno6477 .

To paraphrase the great Mark Twain, the rumors of Matthews Arena’s demise may have been greatly exaggerated. Earlier this week, Northeastern men’s and women’s hockey announced that they would be playing the 2025 portions of their upcoming schedules at their longtime home rink. As has been widely reported on Stadium Journey and elsewhere , Matthews Arena is scheduled to be demolished and replaced with a new facility due to structural deficiencies. The facility, which has been in use since 1910, is the original home of the Boston Bruins, the Boston Celtics, the Carolina Hurricanes, the Beanpot Tournament, and has served as home to most of Greater Boston’s college and High School hockey teams at some point in their history. Today, Matthews Arena serves as home to Northeastern’s men’s and women’s hockey teams and the men’s basketball team. In March, Northeastern submitted plans for a replacement for Matthews Arena . The review process and bureaucratic red tape pushed back the demolition and construction timeline, which will now start in 2026. With estimates of total construction time set at 30 months, the new facility will not be completed until the start of the 2028-2029 season. So, what will the Huskies do in the meantime? The men’s basketball team will simply move over to the Cabot Center alongside the women’s team, as they did during the pandemic. The situation for the hockey teams is much more complicated. Although there is no shortage of suitable rinks in and around Boston, coordinating schedules with their tenants will be difficult. Northeastern may have to play a road-heavy schedule for two seasons before moving into their new home. As it stands right now, the final hockey game at Matthews Arena is scheduled for Saturday, December 13 against Boston University. For visiting hockey fans who missed Matthews Arena’s farewell tour in 2024-25, this means, much like so many of our classic rockers, we have another farewell tour and another final chance to visit this grand old barn before it’s no more.   Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter  and Instagram  @PuckmanRI.

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Decatur High School Stadium 310 N McDonough Street Decatur, GA 30030 Decatur FC website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 4,500 Loud and Proud for the Black and Gold Decatur FC is a semi-professional women’s soccer club based in Decatur, Georgia. Founded in 2024, the club competes in the Peachtree Division of the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL). As of the 2025 season, the WPSL is the largest women’s soccer league in the world, featuring over 150 clubs, and is also the longest-running active women’s soccer league in the United States. The WPSL is part of the third tier of the U.S. women’s soccer pyramid, classified as an amateur and semi-professional league. It serves as a development platform for aspiring professionals, providing high-level competition and exposure during the summer months. Like many WPSL teams, Decatur FC is primarily made up of collegiate players. The club offers these athletes a valuable opportunity to train, grow, and compete throughout the summer and prepare for the start of their upcoming season in August.   Food & Beverage   4 At first glance, the concessions here might seem limited, but a closer look reveals high-quality offerings. Ford’s BBQ serves pork and brisket sandwiches, while vegetarians can enjoy a lentil sandwich; both come with two sides such as potato salad, chips, or slaw. Super EME offers quesadillas and burritos with a self-serve toppings bar that includes onions, several sauces, Pico de Gallo, guacamole, and slaw. Cups of fresh fruit, mango, pineapple, and watermelon are also available, with optional Tajín seasoning or Chamoy sauce. Beverages are a bit of a hodgepodge, with each stand selling their own drinks including Coca-Cola products, ginger ale, Gatorade, bottled water, coconut water, and Capri Sun. Given the stadium is on a high school campus, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that alcohol is not sold at Decatur FC matches. Gourmet popsicles from the popular King of Pops are also available.   Atmosphere   4 Decatur High School Stadium is a multi-purpose facility used for various sports, with football and lacrosse lines visible on the turf in addition to the soccer lines. Bleachers line both sides of the field, with the larger home section on the near side and the smaller, visitor section across the way. Seating on the visitors’ side of the stadium does provide the most relief from the sun, which sets at the far end. Apartments run along the exterior of the far side of the stadium, and fans often gather on balconies to watch from above, creating a unique addition to the atmosphere. The stadium’s scoreboard is tucked into the northwest corner of the facility. The scoreboard shows basic time and score information and is topped with a video board. While it doesn’t have a video feed of the game, the screen is typically used to show graphics of players subbing into the match, or to celebrate goals. Soccer does not have breaks in the action that would typically be filled with in-game entertainment, but Decatur FC has put in a lot of work off the pitch to help create the atmosphere in the stadium. For example, the players and coaches put on weekly free youth clinics, which not only go a long way in growing the game, but also help draw more fans into the stands, so there is more of a buzz during matches.   Neighborhood   5 The City of Decatur is one of Atlanta’s true neighborhood communities. The city square is about a five-minute walk from the stadium; this area is full of locally owned restaurants, brew pubs, and the renowned music venue, Eddie’s Attic. If grabbing a bite to eat, Grindhouse Killer Burger is directly across the street from Decatur High School Stadium, and the Iberian Pig in Decatur Square has a highly regarded Spanish tapas menu. The Brick Store Pub is well known for its extensive beer menu, and the area around the square is also home to numerous boutiques, bookstores, and coffee shops. For barbecue enthusiasts, some of Atlanta’s top BBQ joints like Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Community Q BBQ, and City Barbecue are just a short drive away. Decatur’s charm, walkability, and access to Atlanta also pair perfectly with a soccer outing.   Fans   4 Decatur is a proud community that throws its full support behind its hometown teams. In its first season in 2024, Decatur FC twice set a WPSL attendance record, with its largest attended game drawing 2,126 fans. And if the 2024 attendance is not impressive enough, this season’s opener drew 2,250 fans, again breaking the league record. The city is a strong supporter of the club – not only does the City of Decatur have their name and logo across the front of the kit, but banners are also attached to streetlights around the downtown area. In addition, MLS’ Atlanta United’s supporter groups, particularly the “Footie Mob”, lend a hand to Decatur FC in helping create a festive match experience. The support for Decatur FC runs deep and is one of the reasons the team was awarded WPSL’s “Franchise of the Year” award in its first season.   Access   4 Decatur is a city that prides itself as being Georgia’s most bikeable city; downtown Decatur has miles of protected bike lanes. Public transit is also easily accessible, with a MARTA train station just a short walk from Decatur High School Stadium, making it convenient to travel to matches without a car. Tickets are only available for purchase online, so coming prepared by purchasing prior to entering the venue might help save some time getting through the gates. Once inside the facility, fans enter a somewhat small plaza area where many often gather before heading to their seats – this area is also home to a souvenir tent, so can be a bit congested. From that point, fans can either take the rear walkway to the concession stands or go directly to the field concourse to get to their seats. The rear concourse does completely encircle the pitch, making the smaller far side bleachers behind the team benches accessible. Children tend to use the walkway closest to the school as a play area of sorts, however, so that side can be a touch more of a challenge to navigate.   Return on Investment   4 Adult tickets run just a shade under $13 after fees are added, and children’s tickets are under $7. Members of Atlanta United’s supporter groups are offered discounted tickets. Free parking is available in the school lot just south of Decatur High School Stadium. There is also street parking, and any metered parking is free after 6 pm; with Decatur matches mostly starting at 7 pm, this could be a good option. Parking at any of the pay lots around Decatur’s city square is also just a short walk from the stadium. Concession prices are a bit more expensive than what would typically be expected at this level, but the quality of the food more than justifies the higher prices.   Extras   2 Decatur FC invites its young fans on to the pitch during half time to take shots on goal, or simply to join an impromptu game. Decatur FC has also partnered with local businesses to provide up to 250 free tickets per game for community groups. This goes a long way in building a fanbase, which in turn helps build the excitement around the team and its matches.   Final Thoughts What Decatur FC has done in just its second year in existence is nothing short of amazing. Not only have they built a club that has been successful on the pitch, but has also quickly ingrained itself into the fabric of the Decatur community. The bond Decatur FC has already built with its community is evident, and goes a long way in creating a fun and worthwhile soccer experience down south.

Photos by Michael Rusignuolo, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Meritus Park 50 W Baltimore Street Hagerstown, MD 21740 Flying Boxcars website Meritus Park website Year Opened: 2024 Capacity: 4,000 Replacing a Classic in Style Meritus Park had some pretty big shoes to fill in Hagerstown. The city's former ballpark, Municipal Stadium, was built in 1930 for the Hagerstown Hubs. It provided a home to all the subsequent teams in town for nearly a century until the Hagerstown Suns fell to MLB Commissioner Manfred's contraction axe in 2020.  The ballpark would be demolished two years later.  Plans to bring baseball back to Hagerstown moved quickly, and just four years later, the newly minted team (the "Flying Boxcars," named for the military cargo plane produced locally in the post-war period) and ballpark (named for local healthcare conglomerate Meritus) had their first season in 2024. While nothing can ever quite replace Historic Municipal Stadium, Meritus Park earns high grades, giving fans a modern and welcoming new home to Hagerstown baseball for the future Food & Beverage 4 Meritus Park does a great job of offering a selection of reasonably priced food and drink, with the option to get more fancy if you so choose. The park has a better-than-average food selection, with aeronautically themed concession stands serving up reasonably priced ballpark standards ($3-$12), as well as more expensive seafood and BBQ specialties ($10-$21). There is also a grab-n-go concession by home plate, as well as a cheesesteak cart. There is a wide selection of booze to choose from. Even the regular concessions have a good selection of beers on tap ($6.50-$16), but the two outfield bars are your mecca for adult beverages. The Meinelschmidt Bar, in left field, features a dizzying array of cocktails, beers both local and international, and canned alcoholic drinks, with TV screens to watch the game; while the Power Alley Pub in right-center has a similar spread, with see-through chain-link outfield fences to keep tabs on the game. Coke products are available for non-imbibers. I always recommend trying out local brews, so grab one such as the Antietam High Heat Lager ($9) from one of the outfield bars, and I found the adventurous Brisket Burnt End Sausage ($10) from Skylines on the third-base side worth a try. Atmosphere 5 Meritus Park hits all the right notes as a ballpark, delivering everything you'd want for a visit to a ballgame. The various entrances empty out onto the main promenade that rings the park above the seating bowl. A second level for the press and luxury boxes rises above home plate, running from first base to third base. And the main video scoreboard sits in the left-field corner. The seating area stretches from short left field to short right field, and there are additional areas to sit in the two outfield bars, as well as a reservation-only picnic area in center field. The concession stands are evenly spaced around the park, with a center point at the home plate entrance, where picnic and high-back tables let you enjoy your food if you don't want to eat at your seat. One thing never discussed enough is whether the park is the "right" size. A lot of indie-league parks go whole-hog and build massive ballparks that aren't befitting the realistic crowds you can expect. One thing that Meritus Park has going for it is that this park feels exactly the right size for Hagerstown. Pilot mascot Stryker leads the on-field fun between innings. There are the standard minor/indie leagues races and contests of dubious skill to fill the time, as well as a couple of unique offerings, such as a race between the two sides of the park to pass inflatable donuts the length of their seating areas and a charming(?) alcohol-themed character race sponsored by a local liquor store, a holdover from the late, lamented Municipal Stadium. The areas in the last rows around home plate are your best bet for shade for day games, but most of the seats outside of the outfield will be in the shade for evening contests. There's not a bad seat in the house, so choose wherever you'd like. Neighborhood 3 One's mind doesn't jump to this little burg just over the border into Maryland as a travel destination, but it punches above its weight class. Some of the best places to eat in town are only a few blocks away from the stadium, including Chic's Seafood, The Broad Axe Bar & Grill, The Rhubarb House (soups a specialty), and Schmankerl Stube (Bavarian). In addition to being a Civil War buff's Mecca (just up the road from Antietam and less than an hour from Gettysburg), Hagerstown itself has some things to hold your interest as well, including railway and aviation museums, a kids' museum, a fine arts museum, and a history museum of the town's namesake. Right next to the park is the art installation, the Mural of Unusual Size, which is worth a peak before or after the game. Also, the affiliated Frederick Keys ballclub is about a half hour to the east. The Crown Hotel is right down the street from the park downtown, and new owners seem to have turned around its previous unsavory reputation. A short drive east on Route 40 has a half-dozen hotel options of various price points, as does I-81 a little to the southwest. Fans 4 In their inaugural year, the Flying Boxcars experienced some of the typical ups and downs of a new franchise: Their attendance was up with the novelty of a new park, and their performance on the field was down, as often befalls a new team. While the team is still struggling for wins, the good news is that the bloom isn't off the flower at the gates. The Flying Boxcars remain atop the Atlantic League for attendance, averaging more than 75 percent capacity for each game. Considering a sellout means 1/10th of the population of the city is at the game, that's pretty darn good. The crowd is supportive of their struggling team, but they seem more like a Rockies crowd going to a social event first and a ballgame second. Meritus, like Coors, appears to be the most happening club in town, and I'm sure the owners aren't complaining too much. Access 4 The new park is located in the heart of downtown, just south of Route 40, and it is a breeze to visit and get around. Downtown is well-serviced by I-81 and I-70 for drivers. A small bus service can get you to the park from the surrounding area, there's an Amtrak station downtown and regional airports spotting the area, but the closest major airports are Dulles or BWI.  The main parking for Meritus is the new Hub City Garage, just a block or so from the park, with its own walkway to one of the outfield entrances. It has similar pricing for various parking lots and decks further around downtown. The park has several entrances, so it is easy to get in and never seems to get too crowded. A main promenade circles the park, so there's not much trouble getting around, although a couple of walkways beyond the outfield are a tight squeeze. Return on Investment 5 The team makes it affordable to get in the door, which is important for independent clubs catering to families and social butterflies. Ticket prices are more than fair, running from $16-19 (children under 5 are free). Cheap food options abound ($3 for a basic dog / $5 for a large soda / $6.50 for domestic beer), though the specialty food and drink can get pricey if you choose to go that way. Parking is pretty much $10 in all lots, unless you use one of the unofficial lots, at your own risk. And they even still give away free game-day programs and scorecards. Extras 4 For a new park, there are little details that help make Meritus look more lived-in than you'd expect.  There are the expected modern ballpark amenities with well-stocked team stores and a kids' play area out in right field. Also in right field is a neon statue of the eponymous Fairchild C-119 that lights up during night games. The outfield bars also have bar games for those distracted from the action on the field, and a performance area by the Meinelschmidt Bar sometimes provides pre- and post-game entertainment. With a tip of the hat to history, the Hall of Fame near home plate celebrates big MLB stars that traveled through Hagerstown in their affiliated past, such as Brice Harper, Mike Mussina, and Juan Soto. And a special call-out to Erin Shank at State Farm, who somehow managed to buy a scoreboard sponsorship of every... foul... ball. By the third inning, I could recite her ad copy flawlessly with my eyes closed. It’s a little annoying, but this kind of small-town promotion is part of what makes minor and indie ball so unique. Final Thoughts Meritus Park could never fully replace Municipal Stadium in Hagerstown's hearts and minds, but it brings baseball into the new century there, with a gem of a modern park that seems tailored for its home.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Wild Health Field 207 Legends Ln Lexington, KY 40505 Lexington Counter Clocks website Wild Health Field website Year Opened: 2001 Capacity: 6,994 The Changing of the Clock in Lexington The Lexington Legends rebranded under new ownership as the Lexington Counter Clocks in 2023. Management renovated the ballpark with new seating, remodeled bathrooms and suites, and lighting. The ballpark also featured changes to the concourse, signage, and the addition of social areas down the first baseline. Counter Clocks Field, formerly known as Wild Health Field and Whitaker Bank Park, opened in 2001 as Applebee's Park and returned professional baseball to Lexington for the first time since 1954. At the time of its construction, the city was the largest market without a baseball team. Fans quickly embraced the franchise, purchasing 1,950 season tickets within hours of going on sale and establishing a new South Atlantic League record. The 6,994-seat stadium was built in an era that saw 77 minor league ballparks built within ten years. Construction of the facility cost $13.5 million and was part of a $23 million complex privately financed by a group of 23 local investors, led by principal owner Brad Redmond. In 2016, the ballpark went through $500,000 in renovations resulting in a wider entry plaza, expansion of the official team store renamed Stache Shoppe, and the addition of the Bullpen Patio. Today, the team operates in the MLB Partnered Atlantic League after being dropped by Major League Baseball in December 2020. The Legends then rebranded as the Counter Clocks for the 2023 season which included major renovations to the ballpark. This has ushered in a new era of baseball in Lexington. The ballpark is a cozy, modest facility that has a much older feel to it than its age. Its location is in a very unassuming part of town, but only a few miles from the nearest interstate or downtown corridors. Then again, there is something wonderfully simple about driving down a small road and having a baseball stadium pop into view on the horizon. Food & Beverage 3 The usual can be found at the ballpark with the addition of a few interesting concession items. A few new editions include the KoBobinit on the third base line offering steak, sausage, chicken, and veggie kabobs with house-made sauces including a siracha-mayo blend, teriyaki, and jerk. Across the way are funnel cakes, corn dogs, and loaded fries for sale. You can also get a big bag of kettle corn or Donatos pizza in this area of the ballpark. Another new edition is the Dickey’s BBQ Pit which is housed down the first baseline where the specialty hot dog and Gold Star chili stand used to be; unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, but Dickey’s logo is plastered on the cup holders throughout the seating area. Another disappointment was The Larry Mac burger that is advertised as coming with two beef patties, jalapeno beer cheese, bacon, lettuce, and tomato, but when we ordered it, only the cheese was on the burger. A staff member advised us that the ingredients had changed, but were never corrected on the menu board. It is a good thing the beer is inexpensive, Yuengling and Bud drafts sell for $6 and $11, while craft beer from local West 6th (highly recommended) cans are $5. If you are not a beer drinker, Pepsi products are available for $4. The best place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the game is the Kentucky Ale Tap Room. This full-service restaurant features an air-conditioned bar area and patio view directly behind home plate. Atmosphere 3 The ballpark's design is heavily influenced by nearby horse racing tracks; elements of the sport include steeples and two murals on the exterior of the building. In total, there are eight steeples throughout the ballpark. The ballpark itself features a steep seating bowl with excellent sight lines and a middle concourse providing access to all sections including the Pepsi Party Deck in right field, bleacher seats in left field, and the rather impressive Athena Kids play area behind the left field corner. The 2,000-square-foot Bullpen Patio down the first base line was created for anyone to enjoy the game. The patio replaced a small grassy berm and follows a path of similar “hang out” space at both major and minor league parks. The area is standing-room only and features beer and cocktail service. The Kentucky Ale Taproom sits directly behind home plate offering drafts of their beer and bourbon along with a full-service menu and waiting for staff. The area also provides a partially covered outside patio to enjoy the game. There are numerous promotional nights including Free Parking Mondays, 25 Cent Hot Dog Tuesdays, and Winning Wednesdays. Thirsty Thursdays offer $1 and $3 beer prices with Bark at the Park and Firework Fridays are two popular nights, but if you are with the kids, they get in free on Sunday afternoon. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is in a rather odd part of town, in an era when ballparks were built in downtown lots or off an entrance ramp of a major freeway, the ballpark was constructed adjacent to a small strip mall 1.5 miles from the I-64 and I-75 interchanges. The best option is to take a drive downtown or to a few other areas around Lexington where one can find great restaurants, breweries, and distilleries. The city is home to two horse racing tracks: Keeneland (thoroughbred) and Red Mile (harness) which offer racing throughout the calendar year. Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm and an educational theme park that offers attractions and is a great place for kids and racing aficionados. The area is in the heart of the Bourbon Trail. Nearby distilleries include Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Wild Turkey, Woodford Reserve, and Lexington Brewing & Distilling (located in town and also features a brewery). Castle & Key is the newest distillery that took residence in the old limestone castle built in 1887. Tours and prices will vary and all include a sample of bourbon on picturesque grounds. Downtown Lexington offers a collection of great restaurants and breweries that include Dudley’s on Short, Bourbon on Rye, Blue Door Smokehouse, Minglewood, and Creaux. Local breweries include Mirror Twin, Country Boy, Ethereal, and West Sixth. A personal favorite place to visit is the Historic Pepper Distillery District, a 25-acre entertainment complex that is less than 4 miles away from the stadium. Originally built in 1869 to produce bourbon, it is home to the James E. Pepper Distillery, Ethereal Brewing, Barrel House Distilling, The Elkhorn Tavern, Crank & Boom Ice Cream, and Wise Bird Cider Co. It is quite a popular place to visit in town. There is also the chance that your visit may coincide with a Kentucky Wildcats basketball game at Rupp Arena or a Kentucky Wildcats baseball game at Kentucky Proud Park . When you include your visit with horse racing, bourbon tours, great restaurants, and other sports, you have enough to do on a very long weekend. Fans 3 Attendance has been around 4,300 over the past few years which is respectable and above the league average. The city endured 47 long years without professional baseball and they have continued to support the team in the college basketball and horse racing-centric city. Access 4 There are 1,200 parking spaces, plus 3,000 more within a 10-minute walk from the stadium. The middle concourse provides easy access to all points and concession stands are brightly lit. The small nature of the ballpark can create a nice tour of the facility if one is interested in taking photos or enjoying the game from different vantage points. Return on Investment 4 The price of a ticket to watch a Legends game starts at $6 for bleachers and bullpen patio tickets; after that, the prices go up and alter on certain days and times. A box-level seat costs $9 in advance, $10 on Friday and Saturday, and $11 on the day of the game. The Counter Clocks have issued daily promotions that include $3 beers and sodas, $2 hot dogs, and ! chips on Tuesday. Thursday nights included $2 domestic and $3 craft beers, Saturday games feature post-game fireworks, and kids run the bases on Sunday games. Extras 3 One star for the mural of Trinity Gay down the first base side of the exterior of the ballpark. The daughter of U.S. track star Tyson Gay was killed in a cross-fire shooting at a restaurant in 2016; she was just 15 years old. The 30-foot mural was designed by Dani Green and includes the words “Pass the Baton.” Another star for the Kentucky Ale Taproom, a great spot to enjoy the game from either inside the bar or on the patio in the back of home plate on the middle concourse. This is one of the best views in the stadium and the middle of all the action. A third and final star for making every Thursday a chance to bring your dog to the game. Whitaker Bank Ballpark is one of many facilities expanding its Bark at the Park program. Fans attending a Legends game have 11-12 dates to choose from a year to enjoy the game with their best friend. Final Thoughts Counter Clocks Field was built in an era where minor league ballparks opened up across the country in record numbers. The stadium brought the pro ball back to town for the first time since 1954 until, like that season when the team ceased operations midway through the year on July 7. The ball club has placed itself among the copious sporting and entertainment options for over 20 years and growing in Lexington. A ballpark that features seats close to the diamond, cheap tickets, and cheaper eats is what minor league baseball used to be and what it should still be for the average fan. ----- Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FAN FARE Score: 2.14 Ed Price Field 2920 School Park Road High Point, NC 27265 High Point Hushpuppies website Ed Price Field website Capacity: 500 Home of the Hushpuppies The Old North State League is a summer collegiate baseball league consisting of 24 teams, mostly in North Carolina. It is a summer collegiate wood bat league where college players play over the summer after their season ends. One team in the league, the High Point Hushpuppies, plays their home games at Ed Price Field. This is part of the High Point Athletic Complex, which also includes several other fields used by various teams and groups. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concession stand at Ed Price Field, serving a very basic selection of candy, chips, popcorn, bottled water, and soft drinks. At least the prices are reasonable, with nothing more than $3, but it's best to eat before or after the game. Food and drink can also be brought into the stadium, and we saw some fans openly consuming alcoholic beverages, but as this is a municipal park and North Carolina has notoriously strict alcohol laws, we are not sure this is entirely legal. Despite the team name, no hushpuppies are for sale here, which is slightly disappointing. Atmosphere 2 Ed Price Field is built into a hill in the woods of the complex. After walking through the gate (more on that later), fans can either put their own chairs on the top of the hill, as many do, or walk down stairs or a ramp to get to the bottom of a tall set of bleachers, then walk up and sit there. You will be watching through a chain link fence instead of netting, but it does not inhibit the view too much. There is not much going on here other than the game itself - no on field promotions or anything like that. Music is played between innings, but during play you can hear all the chatter on the field. The scoreboard in left-centerfield is not used for Hushpuppies games, but the PA announcer announces the score at the end of every half inning, which helps a bit. Neighborhood 2 High Point is one of three major cities in the Piedmont Triad of North Carolina, along with Greensboro and Winston-Salem. It is a medium-sized city with a lot to offer, but unfortunately Ed Price Field is in a residential neighborhood about a ten minute drive from Downtown. If you head down there to Main Street, Sweet Old Bill's is popular with locals, as are Frady's Taphouse and Eatery and Tom's Place. Fans 3 The Hushpuppies draw decently well considering this is a low-level league in a small, obscure ballpark and the myriad of other baseball teams in the High Point area and throughout the Piedmont Triad. They will either set up chairs at the top or bottom of the hill or sit in the bleachers. Many of them know the players personally and follow the team all season long. It is a great community feel at a Hushpuppies game, although outsiders will feel welcome as well. Access 2 High Point is located along I-85 and I-74, about halfway between Durham and Charlotte. Depending on traffic, it could take you between an hour and 90 minutes to drive from either the Raleigh-Durham area or Charlotte to get to High Point. It is part of the Piedmont Triad, which also includes the nearby cities of Greensboro and Winston-Salem. Getting to the field itself involves driving along several residential streets, and once you are in the complex, it is not immediately clear where to go from there. You will need to park in the lot in between the baseball and football fields, then walk down an unsigned path through the woods to a gate where staff will be standing. You can buy tickets in advance, or buy them at the gate with cash or card. However, since the team never sells out, and you will have to wait in the same line regardless, we suggest buying at the gate to save the $1.75 convenience fee. You will also get a physical hard ticket if you do this, which is always a plus. You will then continue down the path and either set your chair up at the top of the hill or walk down to the bottom of the bleachers and back up to your seat. Restrooms are located behind the concession stand and are of a sufficient size for the crowd. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to Hushpuppies games are just $10. Concessions are very reasonably priced as well, if limited. A visit here certainly won't break the bank, but there is not enough here for it to be more than an average value. Extras 2 One star for the real physical tickets, which are sadly far too rare today. The concession stand also sells a limited amount of Hushpuppies merchandise. Final Thoughts A High Point Hushpuppies game is a decent fan experience on a summer's night. While this isn't the elaborate fancy experience you will get at most other baseball stadiums in the Piedmont Triad and throughout North Carolina, this is small, friendly community baseball up close and personal. High Point locals who are fans of baseball will want to check this out at some point.

Photos by David Hegler, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Sutter Health Park 400 Ballpark Dr West Sacramento, CA 95691 Map It Sacramento River Cats website Sutter Health Park website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 14,014 Capitol Cats The Sacramento River Cats have played on the banks of the Sacramento River in Sutter Health Park since 2000 and have been developing talent for Bay Area teams ever since. They were the Oakland A’s minor league affiliate from 2000 to 2014 and have been the Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants ever since 2015. Along the way, the River Cats have won 12 division titles, seven conference titles and five league titles, the latest of each being in 2019. Sutter Health Park has rarely strayed from its original capacity of just over 14,000 with more than 10, 600 seats and large sections of grass to sit on by the outfield as mainstays in the ballparks configuration.  Seeking a brighter future in Las Vegas, the A’s have moved into Sutter Health Park for the next couple of years and share the facility with the River Cats. Due to their move, the A’s renovated the quarter-century old park in the 2025 offseason, adding new baseball themed lights and a clubhouse behind the left field wall, as well as a video board that should be the envy of the minor leagues. Food & Beverage 4 Spread throughout the ballpark are restaurants that meet the palate of virtually anyone who has an appetite. Places such as the Golden Spike Chophouse, the Cadillac Diner, Coop & Kennel Pub serve a variety of delicacies. Sutter Health Park sells Tri-Tip sandwiches for $18 while also offering standard ballpark grub such as hot dogs for $7-$12 and cheeseburger and fries for $16 to hungry River Cats fans.  Atmosphere 5 From the moment you walk into the ballpark, you are greeted by numerous guest services representatives who are clad in Hawaiian shirts. From this look alone, it is clear that Sutter Health Park’s operators main goal is to entertain the fans. At the night of this review, it was Dino Night, so all through the game, the crowd was encouraged to dance to some tunes in imitation of dinosaurs while the film crew showed their moves on the jumbotron. During a break in the action, several people in dinosaur mascot suits (including Barney) went on the field and danced in front of the crowd.  Guest services tosses out free t-shirts and rubber baseballs  to the crowd. At the end of the evening, the crowd is invited to stick around for the fireworks show that often accompanies weekend games. It is the perfect way to end the evening. The seating consists of two levels, with most of the upper deck designated as suite seating. The most striking feature at Sutter Health Park is the bright yellow Tower Bridge beyond the right field. Neighborhood 3 With the ballpark being just down the road from City Hall, that part of West Sacramento is pretty congested with traffic and construction being a constant. Still, it’s a pretty safe place to go to a game.  Just across the Sacramento River are several excellent restaurant options for before or after the game such as Joe’s Crab Shack  and the Firehouse Restaurant . Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento  and the Delta King Hotel  are in the same neighborhood. Culturally, Sacramento has a lot to offer as well. You can go to the state capitol for a tour, check out the Crocker Art Museum or the California State Railroad Museum. For other sports in town during baseball season, you may be able to see the NBA Sacramento Kings , the USLC Sacramento Republic FC , a Sacrament State Hornets baseball game , or an MLB Athletics game (for the next few seasons). Fans 4 Even with Sacramento suffering through an intense heat during our visit, there were plenty of fans in the stands this Saturday afternoon, with nearly three-quarters of the grandstands filled. The fans are enthusiastic throughout the contest and the place is a constant celebration of the game as guest services are always keeping the crowd on its toes with different events and ball/t-shirt tosses held throughout. Access 4 Parking is aplenty at Sutter Health Park  and the prices are remarkably affordable. There’s a ride-share lot just across the street where Uber and Lyft drivers can drop and pick you up too. While there is a security check-point upon entry, the line is almost non-existent.  As you walk the concourse, lights molded in the shape of half of a baseball adorn and decorate the area. The bathrooms are clean and spacious. Return on Investment 3 Sutter Health Park and the Sacramento River Cats offer an affordable time watching America’s pastime. The grandstand goes anywhere from $30 to $45 while the section directly behind home plate is $125. The outfield grass section costs between $16 to $20. Parking goes for $15 to $24. Extras 2 Quite possibly the neatest extra in the whole ballpark is the grass area in the outfield where fans can watch the games from the comfort of their own blankets or lawn chairs (depending on the height). There are numerous trees in the back where folks who can’t stand the oppressive sun can lounge with a terrific view of the game still in their sights.  The Athletics spent a lot of time and money to give Sutter Health Park the best video board in the minors and it does not disappoint. The picture is perfectly clear and the visual effects are alluring on the massive 75 feet by 32 feet video board.  Final Thoughts Sutter Health Park has a remarkably welcoming environment that is always fully prepared to give River Cats fans the very best experience possible. From a history buff’s perspective, this site is certainly alluring. The center field wall looks like a miniature version of the Polo Grounds and the baseball-themed lights aligned throughout the concourse are a design as old as Ebbets Field. To top it off, one of the ballpark’s largest luxury suites, the Solon Club, is named after the Sacramento Solons, a team from the old PCL. Sutter Health Park is a terrific blend of old and new, you just have to look close enough.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 McCrary Park 138 Southway Rd. Asheboro, NC 27205 Asheboro Zookeepers website McCrary Park website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 1,400 Zooks Baseball in Asheboro Nestled in the small city of Asheboro, North Carolina (population just 27,000), you will find McCrary Park, home of the Asheboro Zookeepers, a summer collegiate baseball team in the Coastal Plain League. McCrary Park is a historic stadium that opened in 1946, but it has been renovated many times since then. The most recent renovation included adding a new turf field, which is less prone to rain delays and rainouts than the old grass one. The Asheboro Zookeepers were founded in 1999 as the Asheboro Copperheads, a nod to a species of snake that is prominent in the local area. In 2022, they changed their name to the Zookeepers as an homage to the North Carolina Zoo, which is located in Asheboro. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession windows located behind home plate at McCrary Park, directly in front of you as you come in, although they serve identical menus so go to whichever one has a shorter line. Meal options include Zaxby's chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers, hot dogs, pizza slices, nachos, and barbecue sandwiches. Snacks include ice cream, popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, chips, pickles, candy, and cotton candy. Bottled Pepsi products and water are available, as is Cheerwine, a cherry flavored soda that is made in North Carolina and is often served locally along with products from national brands. There is also a bar down the right field line that serves alcohol to fans of age. Prices are quite reasonable - other than alcohol, the barbecue sandwich is the most expensive thing at just $7. Note that McCrary Park is a cashless facility, so bring credit cards to pay. Atmosphere 4 McCrary Park is a classic ballpark with a brick facade reminiscent of days gone by. It is a small, intimate stadium that seats just 1,400 fans in a few sections behind home plate. The front rows are reserved chairbacks, with some general admission metal bleachers above them. Every seat will have an excellent view of the action, although you will be watching through a net due to the proximity to the field. A scoreboard in left-centerfield shows the linescore and other basic information. A few of the seats in the grandstand are behind poles and may have a partially obstructed view, but the Zookeepers draw small enough crowds that if you accidentally buy one of these seats, you should be able to move somewhere else and nobody will stop you. Most of these seats are along or near aisles, so if you sit in the middle of the row, you should be fine. The grandstand is covered, and overhead fans blow cool air on spectators, which really helps with comfort on a hot summer night. The Zookeepers have a mascot, who appropriately is known as The Zookeeper. He is in a zookeeper costume, only with the giant head and costume you would expect of a mascot, rather than the normal body proportions you would expect of a real zookeeper. The usual contests take place on the field or in the stands in between innings. The Zookeepers love playing sound effects during the game. Some of these are the usual ones, like the sound of broken glass after foul balls, but they also are quite fond of playing the old Windows XP sign-off sound after the other team makes an out, as a way of saying "good-bye" to the batter. Neighborhood 2 McCrary Park is in a residential area just off US Route 220 and Interstates 73 and 74. There is next to nothing within walking distance – or even a short drive – of the field. Most of the action is off US 64, near the North Carolina Zoo, but that is more than five miles from the stadium. The Flying Pig and Black Powder Smokehouse are a little closer, near Fayetteville Street, as are several other businesses, but these are still several miles away. Fans 3 While Asheboro typically does not sell out, they still draw good crowds to what is a small, community stadium. Asheboro is a small town of just 27,000, but still manages to draw hundreds of fans a game to the local ballpark. The fans are local community members, and while their knowledge of the teams and the game of baseball varies wildly, they are still here to cheer on the local ballclub and have a good time. This is a fine small town crowd, but they'll never draw the same crowd as some bigger teams even within the same league. Access 4 McCrary Park is located in a residential neighborhood a couple miles off I-73. There is a large lot behind home plate, with additional parking available in the outfield and on the nearby street if necessary. Keep in mind some of the closest spots are within foul ball territory, so park there at your own risk. Most of the lot should be safe to park in, so you need not worry about car damage from baseballs. Restrooms are available on the concourse behind home plate right by the entrance and are clean and sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at $8.48 for seats in the general admission bleachers. Most reserved chairbacks are just $11.63, while VIP seats in the first couple rows are $13.73. In compliance with a federal law that went into effect in 2025, these prices include all fees, which explains the odd amounts. Concessions are quite affordable as well, and parking is free. Overall, an Asheboro Zookeepers game is an outstanding value. Extras 2 Look for the statue of a young pitcher on the concourse. According to a plaque, this is meant to honor Asheboro's baseball heritage. Zookeepers merchandise is sold out of a cart on the concourse behind home plate. Final Thoughts McCrary Park is an old stadium, but it manages to carefully balance the history of the ballpark with the need to change and improve amenities for modern times. The result is a community experience that allows fans to enjoy a ballgame in a great setting for nine innings on a warm summer night at a very affordable price. Baseball fans in North Carolina will definitely want to make the trip down to Asheboro to check out a Zookeepers game.

Photos by Jack Quinn, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Coors Field 2001 Blake St Denver, CO 80205 Colorado Rockies website Coors Field website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 50,398 Major League Baseball in the Rockies Coors Field, which opened in 1995, has been the home of the Colorado Rockies for 30 years. It is the third-oldest stadium in the National League and was the first stadium to implement a heated infield, keeping the grass warm and green in the spring and fall. Due to the altitude, Coors Field holds the MLB record for most home runs in a single season with 303 in 1999.   Food & Beverage   4 Coors Field offers a variety of foods, including the typical ballpark menu of hot dogs, pretzels, nachos, etc. Concession stands and mobile servers can be found in all different parts of the stadium. Large signs and logos help direct fans towards the type of food they are looking for. Perhaps the most famous food option for fans is the Rockie Dog, a foot-long hot dog topped with peppers, onions, and sauerkraut. The funnel cake stand also falls victim to long lines of fans looking for this popular dessert item. Specialty foods include BBQ from Famous Dave’s in section 152, a gluten friendly cart in section 143, and gourmet burgers from Helton Burger in section 153. It may come as no surprise that Coors products are the most common beer available at the ballpark, with many concessions offering Miller Lite, Coors Light, and Blue Moon on tap. There are also local IPAs available at some concession stations as well; the concession prices tend to be very high, though that is typical for MLB venues. If it’s your first time attending a Rockies game, you’ve got to grab yourself a Rockie dog and an ice-cold Coors Light while you enjoy the game.   Atmosphere   5 Coors Field is a clean and classic ballpark that provides a summer atmosphere that is perfectly in line with Colorado. Attending a game adds to the long list of outdoor summer activities that Denver residents enjoy during the nice weather. The stadium offers nearly 360-degree seating with three decks up and down the first and third baselines. Center field also has a collection of seats at the second deck level, right above the nice greenery area just over the center field wall. This area contains a fountain, small waterfall, and a collection of pine trees, adding to the Rocky Mountain aesthetic. The in-game promotions every half inning are certainly enough to keep everyone entertained. The common ballpark games are played – kiss cam, follow the hats, and trivia – but they also offer raffles and promotions that can have fans walking away with anything from a Rockies hat to a brand-new car. If not attending a night game, sit on or near the third baseline to avoid the sun. Other than that it’s a great view from anywhere in the upper decks, as you can see the mountains in the background, and the left field scoreboard will be very easy to read as well.   Neighborhood   5 Coors Field is conveniently situated squarely in the downtown area, facing out towards the mountains and the suburbs. The venue is positioned near the intersection of I-25 and I-70 and is surrounded by various shops, businesses, and restaurants that are often buzzing whether there is a game or not. Tom’s is where most fans congregate before and after games – Tom’s is a multi-level sports bar and grill that offers an extensive menu and an even more extensive display of TVs. Other restaurants and bars line the third and first base sides of the stadium including The Original, The Cherry Cricket, and ViewHouse. As far as attractions in the area, Summit will often have live music during the evenings. There is also a National Ballpark Museum right across the street with a private collection of baseball memorabilia, that is worth checking out if your passion for baseball goes beyond the ballpark experience. For lodging options, there are plenty in the city of Denver including Rally Hotel, which will have 15% off sales with the use of a promo code for Rockies fans.   Fans   3 Typical attendance for a Rockies game sits around 60% to 80% of the stadium’s capacity; weekends will attract a bigger crowd, as will more popular visiting teams. Rockies fans get excited when their team does well, but opposing fans can sometimes overpower the home crowd when the visiting team has a large following, such as the Yankees , Dodgers , or Mets . Despite not having a historically successful franchise, Rockies fans still show up to games, participate in the wave, and are eager to see their squad succeed.   Access   5 With Coors Field sitting in the middle of downtown Denver, there is ample access to Uber and other forms of public transportation to the venue. The hotels within a 1 to 3-mile radius can also offer an enjoyable walk to the ballpark. Parking in a metro downtown area on gameday is as congested as it gets, and even though the city blocks off certain streets and provides designated pay-to-park lots, utilizing public transportation or walking to the stadium would be the most stress-free and cost effective. Within the stadium itself, the flow of traffic in the concourse can be crowded between innings, but none of the lines for tickets or food have waits longer than 3 to 5 minutes.   Return on Investment   4 Attending an MLB game is a high-level fan experience. Upper deck tickets at Coors Field will run in the $40 range, with lower deck seats closer to $90. You’ll be watching the highest level of baseball in the world at a unique ballpark that is designed for comfort, aesthetics, and scenery. The cost matches the environment and experience.   Extras   4 Coors Field is equipped with an LED light show when the Rockies hit a home run. The Silver Bullet Bar in right field offers a more luxury beverage experience with specialty cocktails, wine, and frozen drinks. There is a 360-seat long row of purple seats in the stadium’s second deck that indicates the mile-high mark in the stadium at 5,280 feet.   Final Thoughts Coors Field is one of the more aesthetic ballparks in the MLB due to the Rocky Mountain weather, scenery, and feel. Even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, a trip to Coors Field will fit in perfectly with your Denver vacation itinerary.

For Sandy Mangarella, teaching is a 24/7 labor of love and a mission to educate and spread smiles. Not surprisingly, the Union High School English teacher has won numerous awards and accolades over her 43-year career. Just last week, the Rotary Club of Union NJ honored her for her efforts. (TAPinto Union article on Sandy: Union Rotary Honors Two with Excellence in Education Award | Union, NJ News TAPinto | TAPinto ). Outside the classroom, Sandy is a devoted a Houston Astros fan. Sandy took a few moments away from inspiring young minds and grading to discuss the Astros, Bruce versus Bon Jovi, pizza and some other miscellaneous topics. STADIUM JOURNEY:  Teaching was never easy, but now phones make it that much more difficult. What's your phone policy?  SANDY MANGARELLA:  Our school district has a no-cell-phone policy in classrooms, which I generally support. However, as any good teacher knows, flexibility is key. In my screenwriting class, for example, streaming platforms like Netflix are blocked on school devices. So, when students need to analyze a film or TV show to compare it to their own screenplay drafts, I occasionally allow them to use their phones for that specific purpose. It’s always structured and intentional — never a free-for-all. The goal is to keep technology as a tool, not a distraction.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  How did you start following the Houston Astros? What's special about this franchise? SANDY MANGARELLA:  I started following the Astros when I moved to Houston in 1980 to be with my boyfriend —who later became my husband. We were both avid baseball fans, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with the team, the Astrodome, and later Minute Maid Park. I had grown up a diehard Mets fan in New Jersey — Rusty Staub was my childhood hero — so I shocked myself in 1986 when I found myself screaming at the TV for the Astros to maim   the Mets. That’s when I knew I had officially switched allegiances. We couldn't always afford to go to games, but when we could, we soaked in the atmosphere. Houston was all things Astro back then — Astroturf, Astroworld and a real sense of community around the team. STADIUM JOURNEY: What was it like to attend a game at the Dome? What did you love about it? Was it ventilated? SANDY MANGARELLA: I absolutely loved attending games at the Astrodome. Living in Houston felt like walking through a cloud most days — 99% humidity practically year-round. When I moved back to New Jersey, I actually had to start putting oil on my face because I never had to worry about dry skin or aging in Houston, LOL. The Dome was paradise in comparison. It was fully air-conditioned — after all, Houston might just be the most air-conditioned city in the country. The atmosphere inside was always comfortable, and the acoustics were fantastic. One of my favorite things was the scoreboard. It was something special, and when the team moved to a new stadium, it just wasn’t the same. I have lots of photos somewhere in my storage – sorry I don’t have any to share. The Astrodome also gave the world astroturf — an innovation in itself. And those old Astros uniforms? The bold orange, blue, and white were astronomical — literally. The Astros name and theme were inspired by the nearby space center where astronauts train, which made the whole experience feel bigger than baseball. Going to games there with my husband was pure joy. Those are memories I’ll never forget. I’m also glad the Dome still stands today, right next to the football stadium. And beyond baseball, I loved attending the annual Livestock Show and Rodeo at the Dome. It was a whole other kind of fun. So many great memories, all tied to one incredible place.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  Have you attended lots of games? What's your favorite Astros memory?  SANDY MANGARELLA:  We went to as many Astros games as we could afford, and each one felt special. One of my all-time favorite memories was at Minute Maid Park — though it’s gone through a few name changes since then — when I witnessed a grand slam home run. That had been a bucket-list moment for me as a fan, and I was absolutely ecstatic. Another standout memory was during my first year reading AP Literature exams for the College Board in Kansas City. The Astros were playing the Royals, and I couldn’t believe my luck. I rallied some fellow readers to come with me. We had a blast, and I got to share my Astros fandom with a whole new group.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  Advice. Advice. Advice. Someone has a weekend in Houston. What spots should they hit? SANDY MANGARELLA: There’s so much to do in Houston; it’s hard to know where to begin. For something really unique, visit the Orange Show — a whimsical folk-art monument built by a retired mailman obsessed with oranges. Nearby, you’ll find other creative landmarks like the Flower Man’s House and the Beer Can House, both unforgettable. In Montrose, you can shop for vintage clothes and quirky finds, or head downtown and explore the underground tunnel system —built to beat the Texas heat — and full of hidden gems you won’t see above ground. Houston's museum district is a must, especially the Museum of Natural Science with its stunning Butterfly Center, the incredible art museums, and the powerful Holocaust Museum. The Houston Zoo is another favorite of mine. And the food — don’t leave without indulging. Goode Company Seafood makes a flounder po’ boy with homemade sauce that I still dream about. Their barbecue is equally amazing — smoked brisket on freshly baked rolls. For more seafood, head to the Kemah Boardwalk, where you can eat fresh off the dock or dine inside the Aquarium restaurant. There’s one there and another downtown. If you’re up for a drive, go east to see alligators in the bayou, or head west to Brenham for Blue Bell Creamery, which has the best ice cream ever, and nearby Chappell Hill, which hosts charming festivals like the Bluebonnet and Scarecrow festivals. Houston is packed with surprises, culture, and flavor. You’ll never run out of things to do.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  Now that you're in Jersey, do you still get a chance to see the Astros play? Do you attend games for other baseball teams, or are you strictly Astros?  SANDY MANGARELLA:  I haven’t had the chance to see the Astros play since moving to New Jersey. I’m not particularly fond of going into New York City, so I don’t make it out to Yankees or Mets games. When I visit Houston, that’s when I reconnect with my ‘Stros. That’s where I feel most at home cheering them on. There's just something special about watching them in their city.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  Since you're in Jersey, who do you lean towards – The Boss or Jovi? Neither? SANDY MANGARELLA:  It’s hard to choose. When I was a freshman in college, a guy asked me to a concert — he had waited all night in line to get tickets for Bruce Springsteen. I had no idea who Springsteen was at the time, but we sat in the third row, and when he sang “Fourth of July, Asbury Park (Sandy),” I was completely swept away. I felt like he was singing just to me. Instant love.  At the same time, I have a soft spot for Bon Jovi. I did my student teaching in Sayreville while he was in high school — though I was teaching in the junior high — and one of my former students was actually friends with him. So, I have connections to both. That said, I do miss the days when artists just sang. Bruce has gotten a little too political for me lately. I’d rather not know my musical heroes’ political views — I just want the music.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  Which does Jersey do better — bagels, pizza, or ice cream?  SANDY MANGARELLA:  Bagels just aren’t what they used to be. They’ve gotten too doughy, and I’ve honestly lost my love for them. But pizza — that’s a different story. You can’t go wrong with Esposito’s in Matawan, especially their sesame seed crust. They’ve got another location down the shore, and both are worth the trip. As for ice cream, I’m a soft-serve fan through and through. When I lived in Morris Plains, Denville Creamery had the best homemade ice cream I’ve ever tasted. It’s still my gold standard.  STADIUM JOURNEY:  So you were quite a twirler back in the day. How did this come about? How did you get so good? Are you still twirling?   SANDY MANGARELLA:  I followed my best friend to twirling tryouts in high school. It turned out to be the hardest and best thing I ever did. There was a three-month clinic to learn how to twirl, and most of the girls already had experience. I had no idea what I was doing, but I was determined. My parents’ living room ceiling still bears the marks from all the times I tossed that baton into the air, and I left a few dents in the high school hallways too. When I found out I made the team, I did cartwheels through the school halls. I had beaten out girls who had experience. Not only did I make the team — I eventually became co-captain. I even won the school’s Tigger Award for being “bouncy, flouncy, fun fun fun fun fun!” Twirling was my world back then—from parades to halftime shows to competitions — and I loved every second of it.    STADIUM JOURNEY:   You have a special relationship with the Union High School basketball team. Please discuss. Do you attend lots of Union High School sporting events?  SANDY MANGARELLA:  I have a special relationship with my students, and that naturally extends to those involved in sports. I’ve been recognized by both the basketball team and the girls’ softball team —specific students have made it a point to acknowledge my support. They know I cheer them on, even if I’m not always in the stands. I’ve even made a few lighthearted “bets” with them. If they accomplish something big in their sport, I’ll reward them in class. Lots of smiles all around. That said, I don’t get to attend many games because my teaching load is intense. I usually teach five or six different classes and grade a mountain of essays. But they know my support is always there, and I celebrate their wins in my own way.    STADIUM JOURNEY:  You enjoy travelling. When you're on the road, what do you like to do?   SANDY MANGARELLA:  Last summer, my sister took me to France. I didn’t fall in love with Paris, surprisingly — but the countryside completely stole my heart. I think that’s one of the biggest changes in how I travel since COVID — I’m more drawn to quieter, more grounded places. As an Anglophile, I’ve explored all of Great Britain and Ireland, but Scotland is my favorite. There’s just something about the castles, the golf courses, and yes — the scotch — that speaks to me. I’ve been to Iceland in hopes of seeing the Aurora Borealis, no luck, sadly, and to Spain —because, well, it’s Spain. I also love being in Texas whenever I can. I can’t quite explain it, but it just feels right when I’m there. And next summer, my sister is planning a trip for us to South Korea. I’m a huge fan of K-beauty and K-dramas, so that will be a dream come true. I only wish my husband and I had gotten the chance to travel more together while he was still alive. But I carry him with me wherever I go.   Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Fleming Stadium 300 Stadium St SW Wilson, NC 27893 Wilson Tobs website Fleming Stadium website Year Opened: 1939 Capacity: 3,000 Where the Tobs are in Wilson Historic Fleming Stadium has been home to baseball in Wilson, North Carolina since 1939. The stadium has hosted many teams in several different leagues over the years, with the affiliated Wilson Tobs playing there until 1973. "Tobs" was short for "Tobacconists' in homage to the local crop of North Carolina, although the team occasionally went by other names, such as the Bugs and Pennants. After 1973, Fleming Stadium went without a full-time tenant until 1997, when a new team, also known as the Wilson Tobs, joined the Coastal Plain League, a summer collegiate league with teams in Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia. The team mostly draws players from the southeast United States, many of whom go on to play professionally. The future of Tobs baseball in Wilson beyond 2025 is uncertain, as the Carolina Mudcats are relocating to a new stadium in Wilson from nearby Zebulon. It remains to be seen if Wilson can support both an affiliated minor league franchise and a summer collegiate franchise, although as they will not play at the same stadium, there is not necessarily a conflict. Ironically, the Mudcats briefly played at Fleming Stadium while their current home, Five County Stadium, was being built. Food & Beverage 4 There are several different concession stands fans can choose from at Fleming Stadium. Behind home plate right by the entrance, a stand offers typical options such as burgers, hot dogs, and chicken tenders. Directly across from that, right by the ramp to the grandstand, the sweet shop offers ice cream, both hard-serve and Dippin' Dots. If you head up the right field foul line, there is a food truck with a more expansive and fancy selection, including a pulled pork sandwich, a fried chicken sandwich (buffalo sauce and ranch optional for an extra dollar) and freshly grilled burgers. You can smell the smoke from the grill throughout the stadium. Prices are reasonable, with everything under $6 or so. On Tuesdays, hot dogs and peanuts are discounted to just $2 each. Both cash and credit card are accepted. Atmosphere 4 Fleming Stadium is a simple ballpark typical of the pre-World War II era with a covered grandstand located behind home plate. The lower half of the grandstand is reserved chairbacks while the upper half is general admission bleachers. Overhead fans ensure the fans stay cool no matter how hot it is outside. Despite the simple structure, the team has made some improvements to amenities over the years. Further down the lines, there are group and picnic areas with tables and overhead lights on strings, which can be a fun place to hang out on a summer's night. As the Tobs are introduced and after each run they score, smoke billows from a smoke machine near the Wilson dugout. Depending on which way the wind is blowing, this can make the field slightly hazy for a little while, although you should still be able to see the action. The Tobs have between-inning contests on the field and these may be linked to the theme of the night (e.g. dogs get to participate in contests for Bark in the Park) or may just be the usual contests. The team mascot is a tobacco worm named Slugger who will interact with fans throughout the game. Smoke billows from near the Wilson dugout as the Tobs are introduced before a game. Neighborhood 3 Fleming Stadium is situated in a residential neighborhood not too far away from I-95 and I-795 exits. There are a few retail shopping centers near the I-95 exit and a few great places to eat in town as well that should not be overlooked. Parker's Barbecue is wildly popular and has been in business for many years serving classic Carolina barbecue. Like many joints in the area, they are known for their long lines and may sell out of the popular foods before closing, so get there early if you want to eat there. Be warned they are a cash only business. Fans 3 Fleming Stadium is not a large stadium, but the Tobs do draw good crowds most nights. While the games will seldom sell out, the fans in attendance are loud and passionate about their team. They cheer, clap, and even wave noisemakers to make the atmosphere even louder. They know a lot about their team and the players on the field and love cheering the Tobs on to victory. This is a community crowd, as is typical of these small town venues, but by no means are they quiet. Access 2 Wilson is located about 10 minutes from both I-95 and I-795 as well as a short distance from US 264/I-587. It is in a residential neighborhood with parking available in a grass lot. Staff will helpfully direct you to a space when you get there. There is some street parking available down the left field line as well, but it was full before we arrived well before the game, so it is best to park in the grass lot like you are told. A lot of the street parking is in foul ball territory as well, while the grass lot generally avoids this and is closer. Restrooms are available on the concourse behind the grandstand and are generally of a sufficient size for the small crowds. When in the grandstand itself, the first step up the stairs to the seats is a bit high up compared to the bottom of the grandstand, so be careful. After that you should be fine. The numbering scheme for reserved seats is also a bit weird as numbers do not repeat across rows like you would expect, so the seats in higher rows will number in the hundreds. It is still easy to find your seat if you pay attention, as they go sequentially. Return on Investment 5 Tickets are just $9 for adults and $7 for kids 12 and under. When buying online, the general admission bleachers cost the same as the reserved chairbacks, so we recommend going for the latter. On Tuesdays, tickets are just $2 each. Concessions are very affordable as well - you can easily get a meal and drink for around $10. Parking is free. Overall, a Tobs game is an excellent value. Extras 3 The North Carolina Baseball Museum is located down the third baseline of the ballpark and offers a collection of material that includes jerseys, photographs, equipment, and other memorabilia. The museum highlights some of the players from the state who are enshrined in Cooperstown including Catfish Hunter, Jim Perry, and Hoyt Wilhelm Admission is free with your game ticket. There are free programs available at a tent by the entrance. A team store is located behind home plate as well, selling Tobs merchandise. Final Thoughts Fleming Stadium is a historic, old-fashioned baseball stadium that is a fine place to spend a summer night watching the Wilson Tobs. With an old covered grandstand and a small-town community feel, this is baseball as it used to be played. While Fleming doesn't have all the amenities of more modern stadiums, it is still a great place to watch a game.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Sebring International Raceway 113 Midway Dr Sebring, FL 33870 SRO America website Sebring International Raceway website Year Opened: 1950 The Other Sebring Sportscar Weekend The race season at Sebring may be more well known for the annual IMSA 12 Hours , but another event is on the schedule to garner the attention of fans. The annual SRO America weekend, featuring no less than five race series on track, showcases sportscar racing’s best machines on this historic circuit. Running the former WWII B-17 airfield course, this race is a great place for families and car enthusiasts, complete with car shows and thrilling race action.   Food & Beverage   3 There are only a few food vendors around the track at Sebring, all of them located in the paddock area by victory lane. The ever-popular Track Shack by the main tower closes during the weekend and operates out of a smaller location by the podium area. There are also a few food trucks and vendors that set up over there as well, with a large open-air tent set up for you to enjoy your food and drinks in the shade with a trackside view. The cost of everything is also what one may consider moderately fair, as food and snack items range from just a few dollars to $12-$14 for bigger items at the Snack Shack.   Atmosphere   3 The Sebring facility is steeped in racing history; fans from around the world regard it as one of the best tracks for many reasons. SRO America’s race weekend features a much more laid-back vibe compared to the IMSA 12 Hours , and everyone seems to be here to have a great time. This track lacks many of the conventional amenities one would expect from a top-level racetrack, but makes up for it with its viewing access and history. Access to Green Park is included all weekend, something not always open during smaller events, and fans can also watch from the main tower’s second level viewing platforms, an area roped off during IMSA weekend; reserved then only for suite guests. The biggest downside to SRO’s date in May is that the early summer heat of Central Florida means temperatures can soar into the 90s – this makes for quite a steamy day of watching racing, with very little shade to be had for fans without suite access. This year also saw the addition of a fully electric go kart race competition between local high schools taking place in the paddock. Held on Saturday of race weekend just outside the Turn 1 area, fans were given an up close view to students working on their karts and then racing against each other to show their engineering skills.   Neighborhood   3 There isn’t exactly anything around Sebring International Raceway, as it is located in the middle of nowhere. Sebring itself is a town located in the middle of Florida, at least an hour and a half drive from the nearest major city or population center. Thus, while the town of Sebring itself may have some shopping and dining, as well as a few hotels, you are likely better off camping at the track and staying there the whole weekend.   Fans   3 The fans at SRO America weekend cross over from other events at Sebring, inc luding IMSA , SCCA, and HSR events. Trackside camping is popular all around the track, and as usual, several fans decorate their campers and campsites with lights and decorations, though nowhere to the level of 12 Hour attendees. Thankfully, the craziness of IMSA weekend is nowhere to be found here, and a much more family-friendly atmosphere can be enjoyed because of it. Without a doubt, Saturday is the best day to attend, with the most racing action on track happening that day, as well as car shows and fan access to several grid walks on pit road throughout the event. Unfortunately, fan interest in this event has dropped over the past few years, leaving a much less busy track, as well as fewer trackside campers seen in the infield. Access   3 The roads in and out of Sebring aren’t exactly major highways, with the biggest road being US-27 running towards Miami to the South and Orlando to the North. There is plenty of parking at the track, however, and trams are available to help take you from the further parking lots to various points of interest around the track. At Sebring International Raceway you never feel like you are too far from anywhere either, as there are several perfectly placed crossover bridges around the track to get you to key points of interest throughout the weekend. Any fan can also come down to the paddock and get up close to the stars and cars that are in attendance.   Return on Investment   4 Tickets to SRO America weekend here are much less expensive than the IMSA  event in March – this means you get to enjoy the sights and sounds of similar race cars and drivers without breaking the bank. Without a doubt, SRO weekend is a great event to take younger fans to as well, and your access during this event is much more up close than at traditional races you may go to. Friday tickets are just $15, with tickets for Saturday or Sunday at just $25. A 3-day ticket runs $50, with weekend parking sold for $20. Camping trackside is $200, while car corral access runs anywhere from $60 to $100. Various club access options are also available for the event.   Extras   3 Taking in the race at Sebring has its perks for fans, with various autograph sessions held throughout the weekend. In addition, fans also have the opportunity to get into the paddock area of the track free of charge, giving an up-close view of the teams as they prepare for racing on the historic circuit. Also, before the main event on Sunday all the teams bring their cars out to the pit lane before the race starts, so fans can come to see the cars and drivers up close. Final Thoughts The annual SRO America weekend is a great place to watch some racing action on one of America’s most historic race circuits. Filled with exciting action, this weekend is a must-go for all the fans who don’t want the craziness of the IMSA 12 Hour  weekend, and instead are looking for a family friendly race day. While the heat of early Florida may be rough for some, you get a great weekend with lots of race action if you’re willing to brave it.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Finch Field 7003 Ball Park Rd. Thomasville, NC 27360 Thomasville HiToms website Finch Field website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 2,000 No Doubting Thomas Baseball has been played at Finch Field in Thomasville, North Carolina since 1937, when it was home to the Thomasville Chair Makers of what was then the North Carolina State League. It hosted affiliated minor league ball under many names over the years, before the High Point-Thomasville Hi-Toms (with a hyphen in the nickname) moved away in 1969. Baseball finally returned 30 years later, when the High Point-Thomasville HiToms (no hyphen in the nickname) joined the Coastal Plain League, a summer collegiate league in the southeast. In the intervening years, Finch Field underwent some renovations, as the grandstand burned to the ground in 1982 and was rebuilt, but the stadium still exists today much as it did then. The HiToms have produced several players who have gone on to play in the big leagues, including Todd Wellemeyer and Zach Gelof. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concession stands at Finch Field. One stand is located behind the seating bowl and sells hot dogs and nachos in addition to ice cream, popcorn, Snow-cones, candy, and peanuts. Soda and bottled water are also available at this stand. The prices are quite reasonable with nothing being more than a few dollars, but the selection is limited, and, other than the ice cream, which was rich and creamy, the food is not the best quality. There is a second stand in left field that serves much better burgers, fries, and chicken sandwiches. Prices here are a bit higher than the home plate stand, but a cheeseburger with fries will cost $10, or an extra 50 cents if you want the TomKat Burger with special sauce. This stand takes longer since everything is made to order, but there is a picnic area with tables and chairs you can watch the game from while you wait, or you can just stand along the fence. Still, we recommend ordering from this stand before the game starts if possible. Atmosphere 4 Finch Field is a historic, classic ballpark that is a throwback to the days of yore. There is still an old-fashioned, manual scoreboard in left-centerfield although it is no longer used. Instead, there is a small digital scoreboard to its left. The grandstand at Finch Field is located behind home plate and is partially covered by a slanted roof. The first few rows are chairbacks which are technically reserved, although this is not always enforced, while the remainder of the seats are bleachers that are general admission. The HiToms have several contests on the field in between innings, including classics such as the dizzy bat race as well as children racing down the foul line on hopping balls. The in-stadium host will call kids down to the HiToms dugout to come onto the field like he is the announcer on The Price is Right telling people to come on down because they are the next contestant. Neighborhood 3 The park itself is just off the business loop of Interstate 85 near where it meets North Carolina Route 68, US Route 70, and US Route 29. There is not much to do in the immediate vicinity of the ballpark, but if you head south on Route 68 a bit, you will find a part of town with several local businesses. Rosa Mae's Cafe serves homestyle comfort food, and there are several Mexican restaurants including Tortilleria El Tio. There isn't a lot going on in Thomasville, but you should find something to do. Fans 3 The HiToms will almost never sell out a home game, but they do draw a loyal group of fans from the Thomasville community. They partner with local schools to bring children to the game, and many of them keep coming back for more afterwards. Expect a couple hundred fans in attendance for a typical game, which won't fill even the small grandstand, but will bring some energy to the game on a warm summer night. Access 2 There are several roads to Finch Field, including the I-85 business loop, US 29, US 70, and NC 68. However, once you get near the ballpark, where to go is tricky. There is a sign for the entrance, but you then may need to make several more turns after that. Parking is in a gravel and grass lot, and part of it is within foul ball territory so be careful. Confusingly, there is a portion where you have to drive through a gate that looks like it may be the gate to the stadium. It is not, it is the gate to the parking lot, and you can drive through it to go park. The gates to the stadium are built into a brick facade and will be obvious, though there is a fancier gate in left field that bizarrely remains locked. The restrooms inside the stadium are behind home plate. They are sufficient for the crowds but the toilets had not been cleaned well when we visited, and had what appeared to be dead bugs on the inside of the bowl. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to HiToms games are $7 for general admission bleacher seating or $8 for chairbacks, although when we visited nobody was checking to make sure people were sitting in the appropriate seats so you could probably get away with buying the $7 seats and sitting in a chairback. Many fans appeared to be doing just that. Concessions are reasonable priced and parking is free. This makes a HiToms game an outstanding value. Extras 4 Volunteers roam the stands and the concourse selling tickets for a 50-50 raffle for the chance for fans to win a prize. There is a small team store behind home plate selling HiToms gear starting as low as $10. The picnic table seating in left field is worth an extra star here for providing a unique vantage point to watch a game. Look for the banners behind home plate honoring the HiToms' championships, both in the Coastal Plain League and in the days of affiliated ball. Final Thoughts Finch Field is a historic baseball stadium that is still going strong. The High Point-Thomasville HiToms manage to put on a great fan experience while still having that community feel. Baseball fans in North Carolina will definitely want to spend a summer night watching baseball at this fine old ballpark.

Photos by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 ExtraMile Arena 1401 Bronco Ln Boise, ID 88725 Boise State Broncos website ExtraMile Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 12,820 Going the ExtraMile to Deliver a Great Fan Experience Boise State has made its mark in college athletics as a football school, but a visit to ExtraMile Arena proves that basketball hardly plays second fiddle. In the Spud State’s Capitol, a high-energy hoops experience awaits Bronco fans. Opened in 1982 as the BSU Pavilion and sitting adjacent to the trademark blue turf of the university’s imposing Albertson Stadium , the arena saw a 15-year run as Taco Bell Arena end in 2019 when convenience store chain ExtraMile signed on as naming rights sponsor for $8.4M over 15 years. In addition to serving as home for the Bronco men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and women’s gymnastics teams, ExtraMile hosts concerts for national touring acts, plus BSU’s graduation ceremonies and those of local high schools. Food & Beverage 4 You can’t walk the two concourses (Parquet – first level and Mezzanine – second level) for too long without encountering a concession stand. Standard stadium fare dominates, but there are specialty options like BBQ, pizza, and Mexican, from outposts of local eateries. My $14 steak burrito from La Tapatia, prepared at a cart, was a bit bland, clearly catering to those who like their salsa mild. Most entrees throughout the arena are priced in the same range, with snacks hovering around $4-$7, including BSU-branded potato chips. The craft beer craze is alive and well in Boise, with selections like Kona Big Wave, Golden Horseshoe, and Westwater available, some on tap and others canned. Expect to pay $12-$15 for a cold one, with domestics plus wine and seltzer on the lower end of the spectrum. There is no hard alcohol at ExtraMile Arena. Atmosphere 4 Approaching the main entrance of ExtraMile Arena in its southeast corner, you know you’re headed for a well-staged college sports event. There’s a bright video marquee and an NBA feel to the venue. Bronco fans appeared to be an early-arriving crowd, walking and mingling on the concourses in a sea of blue branded gear, where mascot Buster is roaming and eager for photo ops. The dedicated student fan section is called the Corral, and in addition to seats behind the basket, students are enticed with free Domino’s pizza. Free Pizza for Students at ExtraMile Arena, Photo by Ben Alkaly, Stadium Journey Pregame intros involve swirling lights, flames shooting in the air, and deafening hip-hop to get the crowd energized. A cavernous, three-level arena means those removed from the action might not catch everything, so there are flat-screen TVs positioned throughout to provide close-ups, including on the underside of the third deck for those at the back of the second level. Neighborhood 3 Most of the pregame action is found southeast of ExtraMile and Albertsons Stadium along Broadway, with classic college sports bars like The End Zone and Suds Tavern interspersed with inexpensive eateries spanning the culinary gamut. Allow for a brisk 15 minute walk to reach the arena. About a mile north, across the Boise River in downtown is the Baque Block, with shops and eateries owned by the city’s sizeable community with roots in Spain’s Basque region. Expect hearty, meat-based fare. Fans 4 The halo effect from years of football success, plus a number of March Madness appearances under current head coach Leon Rice has cultivated a passionate Boise State fan base. As is often the case in cities without pro sports, this is “the big show in town,” attracting the current student body, alums, and local families alike. Boise State basketball fans are a loud and knowledgeable bunch, enthusiastically supporting players for strong plays. Access 3 Expect to get your steps in when attending a game at Extra Mile Arena. The lots adjacent the basketball and football venues, to the north of University Dr., are reserved for season ticket holders and donors. Casual fans are instructed to park in the school-owned lots and garages south of University, where attendants are on-hand to collect the $10 fee. I was able to find free street parking on Denver Ave., after carefully examining the posted restrictions and confirming with a BSU employee. I was grateful to return postgame and not find a ticket! Return on Investment 4 Like most venues, how close you sit determines the cost of admission. Upper mezzanine tickets can be had around $15, to premium courtside seats in the triple-digits. Tickets are readily available on third-party apps, which is where I purchased mine. I opted for a center court seat near at the top of level of the Parquet level for $28. Tickets to Boise State women’s basketball and gymnastics cost less, and the athletic department offers promos that can potentially allow you to cheer on these teams for free with the purchase of men’s tickets. Extras 1 ExtraMile Arena has hosted the opening rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament nine times, and was the site of one of March Madness’ iconic moments. In 1995, UCLA’s Tyus Edney drove coast-to-coast  in 4.8 seconds for a buzzer-beating layup to defeat Missouri 74-73 in the second round, en route to the Bruins’ national championship run.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Joe Cannon Stadium 7611 Ridge Chapel Rd Hanover, MD 21076 Maryland Monarchs website Joe Cannon Stadium website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 1,500 Arundel Mills Baseball The Maryland Collegiate Baseball League is a summer collegiate league with players from many colleges, but mostly from regional colleges and universities, such as Towson, Maryland, Penn State, UMBC, and Mount St Mary's. The Monarchs play at Joe Cannon Stadium in Arundel County, Maryland. Joe Cannon Stadium is also home to the Coppin State University baseball program. When Joe Cannon Stadium was opened in 1990, the area was not very developed. Since then, this area has been the center of rapid growth and development. The large Arundel Mills Mall and Maryland Live Casino are nearly across the street from the stadium. BWI Airport is also located nearby, and the sight of airplanes taking off is not uncommon. Food & Beverage 0 There are no food options available for a Monarchs baseball game. A concession stand exists at Joe Cannon Stadium, but is not used during Monarchs games.  Neither soda nor snack machines are located here. Atmosphere 2 The seating section sits pretty high off the field, which limits fan participation. And that is if there are fans at the game. The atmosphere is almost non-existent, although a PA announcer keeps you in the game with announcements and music played between players. The seats are metal bleachers with no backing. It may be worth it to go all the way to the top of the stands so that you will have a better view of your seat, but you will be a bit further from the action. Many of the fans do not even sit in the stands, but bring their chair to sit along the chain link fence along the foul lines. This may offer a bit more interesting view than in the main grandstand. The stadium did have a recent renovation that added an artificial turf field and other player amenities. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is located in the woods but is across from a thriving development. Arundel Mills Mall is very popular, so much so that parking can be difficult at times. The addition of the Maryland Live Casino adds to the popularity of the area. Luckily, the casino has added a large parking garage to alleviate some parking problems. Food options are varied. The closest options are within walking distance across the parking lots. Subway and The Greene Turtle are close and offer options for both carry-out and eat-in. The Greene Turtle has a diverse menu, offering more intriguing options, including everything from Raspberry Turkey Flatbread down to a more usual bar food menu. They also offer many happy hour foods and drink specials at the bar. There are so many other food options in the area, from standard fast food fare to upscale restaurants at the casino. There are a few hotels also in the area, with ALoft and Element located within walking distance of Joe Cannon Stadium. Fans 2 The fans at the stadium appear to be mostly family and friends. Access 3 Joe Cannon Stadium is near most of the large highways in the area, such as I-295, I-95, and Maryland Route 100. So, access is technically very good. The abundance of highways does not tell the whole story. The traffic around Arundel Mills Mall can be stifling. You can expect to sit through many lights just to make simple and small turns. Weekend games will be worse than weekday games. Plan your trips accordingly, as you may need to be patient for the most simple of rides. Parking at the stadium is plentiful and free. Return on Investment 4 Games are free to attend, and there are no other costs associated with the stadium, so the value for the fans is very good. Extras 1 The large water tower located beyond the left field wall is an interesting sight to see at a baseball game. It may not be the Green Monster or the Camden Yards Warehouse, but it gives fans at Joe Cannon Stadium an interesting view. Final Thoughts The stadium is an enjoyable place to watch a game, especially since it is free. You will not be wowed by the field, nor probably the talent level, but it can offer a good option away from the crowded shopping environment located nearby. A good option for many fans is to drop those of their party who wish to shop at the mall while others take in a game.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Truist Field 324 S Mint St Charlotte, NC 28202 Charlotte Knights website Truist Field website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 10,200 Baseball the Queen City Located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, Truist Field is home to the Charlotte Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The gorgeous ballpark opened in 2014 and offers sweeping views of the Charlotte skyline beyond the outfield fence. The ballpark is one of three major sporting venues in Uptown, including Bank of America Stadium, home of the Carolina Panthers , and the Spectrum Center, home of the Charlotte Hornets . Food & Beverage 5 Truist Field has some top notch concessions. In addition to the classics here such as burgers, hot dogs, and personal pizzas, you will find everything from barbecue sandwiches to pulled pork nachos to chicken and waffle sandwiches and much, much more. Even more unusual options include Italian beef sandwiches, fried PB&J, and empanadas. These options are scattered at concession stands and mobile carts throughout the ballpark, so we suggest doing a 360 degree walk around before deciding what to order. Keep in mind that Truist Field is a cashless facility, so only credit cards are accepted at the stands. Atmosphere 5 Truist Field is a gorgeous baseball stadium, and a Charlotte Knights game is a fun atmosphere from the moment you walk into the ballpark. The stadium has a 360 degree concourse, and the field is visible from everywhere on it except when it passes behind the home plate club and the batter's eye in centerfield. There are some group areas in the outfield, but all the seats in foul territory are chairbacks. No matter where you sit, you will be up close to the action. There are also some rails on the concourse where fans can set down their food and drink, stand, and watch the game. These are especially popular for early afternoon games where it can be very hot and only a small portion of the seating bowl will be in the shade,, so fans prefer to stand on the concourse under cover than sit in the brutal sun and heat. A large videoboard is located in left-centerfield, while a smaller digital scoreboard built into the right-centerfield fence shows the linescore. Before the game starts, the Knights will bring a young fan onto the field to be "knighted" by the team's mascot, Homer the Dragon. The team leans heavily into the dragon theme - there is a dragon statue beyond the left field fence that blows smoke after Knights home runs and victories. In addition to the traditional seventh inning stretch, the team plays "Sweet Caroline" during the middle of the sixth inning. At the line "Look at the night", the scoreboard will actually display the lyric as "Look at the knight" as a reference to the team's nickname. During the song, Homer will dance on the field with a second Dragon mascot, Caroline, who seems to only come out for this purpose. Neighborhood 5 Truist Field is located in the heart of Uptown Charlotte, what would be called downtown in most other cities. This is a fantastic area with many hotels, restaurants, and bars, most of which are within walking distance of the stadium. Here, you will find everything from diners to tacos to fine dining and everything in between. Uptown is the heart and soul of the city of Charlotte and you will find just about anything you want to eat or drink within the vicinity of Truist Field. Fans 4 The Charlotte Knights average about 7,000 fans per home game, which ranks them near the middle of the International League but towards the top of Minor League Baseball. Of course, how many will show up depends on the day. Saturday nights tend to draw the most, but afternoon games don't necessarily draw well due to the heat. if it is a fireworks night, you can expect a good crowd as well. The fans will cheer during big moments but most of the crowd here is pretty casual. Access 5 Numerous highways lead to Charlotte, but the final stretch to the ballpark may involve multiple rapid merges and lane changes due to the way the streets and highways are designed. Parking can be reserved in advance for the Mint Street garage, and this is your best bet as it costs under $15. Just scan the pass on your way into the garage. On your way in, you may pass by other lots offering parking for exorbitant prices, especially if there is an event going on at Bank of America Stadium that day, but the Mint Street Garage is both closer and cheaper. Note that despite the name, the gameday entrance to the garage is not on Mint Street but on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, directly across from the right field gate. You can also take the Blue Line light rail to Mint Street, although it only runs every 30 minutes. If there is another event at Bank of America Stadium before or after the game, things can be a bit chaotic as the two venues share the garage. However, workers do a good job separating the entering traffic from the leaving traffic, and police officers direct vehicles and pedestrians outside the garage to make sure everything flows smoothly. Once inside, the concourses are more than wide enough and the restrooms more than sufficient for the crowds. Return on Investment 4 Knights games are pretty expensive, with tickets starting at $23, and going up to above $30 for seats directly behind home plate. However, this is the highest level of minor league baseball, and the quality of play on the field as well as the quality of fan entertainment is as good as you will get in minor league baseball. Parking prices are not bad for a downtown location, considering it can cost five times as much to park in that same garage for events at Bank of America Stadium. Concessions are decently priced as well. Overall, a Charlotte Knights game is a good value for fans. Extras 4 Free programs are available as you come in, a rarity nowadays as so much has switched to digital. A second star for the beautiful views beyond the outfield fence of the Charlotte skyline. The dragon billowing smoke in the outfield after home runs is worthy of an extra star here. A fourth star for a wacky mascot race tradition. Every home game, King Meck, Queen Charlotte, and Jerry the Jester race around the warning track during the Royalty Race, a reference to Charlotte's nickname, the Queen City. They are subject to get into wacky hijinks like getting pelted with orange balls by the mascot. It is always fun and amusing to watch. Final Thoughts Truist Field is one of the finest fields in minor league baseball. With a 360 degree concourse, a multitude of seating areas, a fan favorite mascot, and more, a trip here is a must for any baseball fan in the Carolinas.

A packed group of kids attending a Schaumburg Boomers game, photo by Michael Rusignuolo. Scientists interested in such things trade arguments between the 1883 eruption at Krakatoa and the 1997 sub-oceanic bloop as the loudest noises ever recorded by man. I'd like to throw a third contender into the ring: The sound of any mascot giving away a t-shirt at a "School Day" event in a full ballpark. After a recent week of baseball travels during these events, I know that my hearing might never be the same. WHAT ARE SCHOOL DAYS? Variously named "School Days," "Education Days," or some improvisation on that theme, promotional events where teams offer blocks of discounted tickets to educational institutions in their area, usually in early- to mid-May at independent or low-minor league affiliated baseball. The events line up with the waning of the school year when field trips and other fun events are common.  Although the teams aren't getting full price for every butt in a seat, this is a win-win, as it helps fill the park at the start of the season (which begins later than MLB and other upper-level leagues), giving an early boost to their attendance numbers, as well as spinning the turnstiles for weekday games, which can otherwise often see poor tallies. Students wave their hands for a free t-shirt at a Gary Railcats game, photo by Michael Rusignuolo. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR YOU? Whether you're just looking to catch a late spring game, or you're on a whole trip collecting new ballparks, School Day events have some very important ramifications. Check the time. School Day events generally have absurd start times as early as 10 AM, though they usually start between 11 AM and noon. Unless you are a Beantown diehard on Patriot's Day, that's not when you'd normally expect to see a ballgame. You need to roll out of bed and get yourself directly to the park. You'd usually have all afternoon to do other things, but you'll need to push them back until after the game ends, usually around 1 or 2 PM. It also pays to have your hotel be as near as possible to the park to shorten the early commute. Check your seats. You are going to be watching a game in the hottest hours of the day. If you worship the sun god, this is your time to shine. Berm or outfield seats will let you catch all the rays you can soak. If you are more sun and heat-adverse, be sure to ask for a ticket in the shade. With the large blocks of tickets going to schools, it might be hard to get a seat in the few areas that will be in the shade for the entire game.  Busses line up outside the home of the Joliet Slammers, photo by Michael Rusignuolo. If the ticket seller says they can't get you one in the shade, ask if it is okay to move if one is available. The answer is almost invariably "yes," but it is polite to ask. Other options include hanging out at standing counters on the shaded promenade or finding barstools, tables, or other non-assigned seating in the shade with a view of the field. Check your ears. While I was slightly exaggerating above, these games can get loud , with thousands of screaming children, especially around kid-friendly events such as mascot appearances, giveaways, and on-field events featuring their classmates. Check your expectations. If you are traveling with kids of your own, while they may be able to make a ton of new friends during these games, they are nearly assured of being shut out of any on-field events, which are usually pre-filled with students from the school groups. And they definitely will be fighting for the attention of the mascot-- which can be a child's favorite part of a trip--as well as their turn in any play areas in the park, which will likely be at capacity. Kids enjoy the grass berm seating at the Gary RailCats game, photo by Michael Rusignuolo . And even though many parks provide special areas for a few groups to get their food, lines will be longer than expected at concessions and stores during the game. (Though alcohol will still be on sale if you want to start drinking before noon.) Grab your consumables and merch before the start of the game for the least problems. And don't get caught on the promenade when the school groups go to their seats for the first time. "Traffic jam" doesn't do it justice. Also, parking may be more of a chore than normal, as some ballparks use nearby municipal lots as their main parking areas, but they may not be free during the day, as opposed to after-hours when the games usually start. Give yourself some extra time for parking. All that said, they can be fun experiences. One park employee said, "It is nice to see the stadium filled up." These are the best-attended weekday games for the team or any game of the year. You get a lively environment to watch a game with kids having fun, even if they aren't particularly paying attention to the action on the field.

Photos by Gregory Koch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Atrium Health Ballpark 1 Cannon Baller Way Kannapolis, NC 28083 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers website Atrium Health Ballpark website Year Opened: 2021 Capacity: 4,930 A New Stadium For Kannapolis Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis, North Carolina is home to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, the Carolina League affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The Kannapolis franchise was known as the Intimidators from 2001 to 2019, in reference to Kannapolis native Dale Earnhardt's nickname. However, legal issues with Earnhardt's widow over the rights to the name forced the team to rebrand in 2021. At the same time, the franchise, now known as the Cannon Ballers, moved into their gorgeous new downtown stadium after spending the prior years at the aging Intimidators Stadium. The Cannon Ballers nickname reflects Kannapolis's racing history, with the team logo depicting a stuntman with a mustache similar to Earnhardt's. Food & Beverage 5 Kannapolis offers a wide range of concessions options that should satisfy any fan. You have all the classic options such as hot dogs, sausages, chicken tenders, and burgers, but also more unique options, not to mention unique versions of more traditional foods. The Carolina smash burger in left field is topped with American cheese, chili, and slaw. Carolina barbecue is available at several stands and mobile carts, and there is a smokehouse stand in centerfield. For those with a sweet tooth, you can get not only ice cream but funnel cakes and mini-donuts, each of which have many toppings to choose from. There is also a grab and go stand behind home plate that just sells drinks and basic snacks, but will involve less waiting time than the other stands - perfect for the fans who just want to grab something small and don't want to wait on line. You should be in and out in under a minute. The Cannon Ballers also offer special items during certain games. Select Sundays are Southside Sundays, where they will serve Chicago-themed concessions such as Chicago dogs in reference to the team's affiliation with the Chicago White Sox. The night before we visited was Salute to Cheerwine Night, where the donut stand served Cheerwine glazed donuts. Speaking of Cheerwine, it is a North Carolina-made cherry flavored soda,, and it is available at the concession stands along with more traditional soda offerings and bottled water. Alcohol is also available to those of age. Prices at the concession stands are quite reasonable, and you can get additional value at the main stands by choosing a basket combo, which comes with fries and a drink at a discounted price. Atmosphere 4 Atrium Health Ballpark contains a 360-degree concourse that surrounds the entire field. There is an open plaza in the right field corner with concessions and a team store. You should be able to see the field from most of the concourse, except when it goes behind the batter's eye in centerfield. There is a berm in left field where fans can bring blankets and sit (but cannot bring their own chairs) and some group areas with tables, but the other seats are typical chairbacks. No matter where you sit, you will have a great view of the action as this is a small, intimate stadium. There is a large scoreboard located in left-centerfield and the linescore will be displayed on the right field fence as well in a digital graphic that ironically resembles the manual scoreboard at Wrigley Field, the home of the White Sox' cross town rival, the Chicago Cubs. The Cannon Ballers have a mascot named Boomer who resembles the stuntman in the team logo. He roams the stands and the concourse before and during games, interacting with fans. The team has many contests on the field and even some in the stands. One fan favorite involves the third base and first base sides attempting to pass giant oversized pizza boxes down to the emcee located behind home plate. The Cannon Ballers' mascot, Boomer Neighborhood 4 Although Kannapolis is not the largest city, Atrium Health Ballpark is right in the heart of the social district. Old Armor Beer Company, Sabor Latin Street Grill, the Corner Crust Pizza, and many more places are all located within a few blocks of the stadium. If the Cannon Ballers strike out seven opposing batters during the game, fans can take their ticket to Corner Crust for $5 off a giant 28-inch pizza. NASCAR fans may also want to check out the Dale Earnhardt tribute plaza at the corner of Cannon Baller Way and Main Street just east of the ballpark. Fans 4 The Cannon Ballers draw about 3,000 fans a game, which is slightly above average for the Carolina League. The fans in attendance can get loud at times and are deeply familiar with the team. It is not uncommon to hear them commenting in great detail as to what is going on on the field, or even what the team did in a previous game and what the manager is doing right or wrong. This is a relatively small ballpark that is just the right size for the crowds the team draws. Access 4 Kannapolis is easily accessible via several exits off I-85. There is a small $5 lot right next to the ballpark, but there is also ample free parking on the street and in municipal lots, much of it within a block of the ballpark, so we suggest parking in one of them instead. Not all of the lots are clearly signed. They are signed as municipal lots, but the signs do not always specifically say they are for gameday parking. Still, fans can park in any municipal lot. Some private lots are for customers of local businesses only, and signage clearly forbids event parking. There is a map on the city's website, though the situation is subject to change. The Kannapolis train station is also located a couple blocks away and is served four times a day in each direction by the Piedmont , which runs from Charlotte to Raleigh. The Carolinian , which runs all the way from Charlotte to New York City via Washington, D.C, also serves the station once daily in each direction. Once inside, the concourse is more than wide enough for the fans, and there are several large, clean sets of restrooms. Return on Investment 5 Tickets start at just $15 for seats further up the foul line, and other than club seats, the most expensive tickets behind home plate are just $22.50. Concessions are quite affordable, especially if you buy a combo, and parking is free if you know where to go. There are also ticket packages for select home games that can enhance your value even more, so check the Cannon Ballers' website for more details. Extras 5 Atrium Health Ballpark has not one but two team stores, a large one in the right field corner by the ticket office and a smaller one down the first base line closer to home plate. A second star for the 360 degree concourse and the many vantage points and areas from which to watch the game. There is a kids' play area in left field that earns a third star here. The stadium is open to the public on non-gamedays, and kids can even play in the play area. A fifth and final star for the plaques on the ground on the right field plaza honoring Kannapolis baseball history. Final Thoughts Atrium Health Ballpark is one of the finest new ballparks in Minor League Baseball. The experience at a Kannapolis Cannon Ballers game is top-notch and baseball fans in the Carolinas will definitely want to make the trip here to see a game.