Get ready for the Salem Marion Berries this summer at Willamette University’s John Lewis Field at Spec Keene Stadium. The Oregon-based ball club will be the 17th member of the summer collegiate West Coast League.  The name comes from the marionberry that was developed nearby in 1956. It was the result of cross-breeding between the Chehalem and Olallie blackberries. It hails exclusively from Oregon and earned its name after its namesake Marion County. Oregon produces 28 to 33 million pounds of marionberries annually and is the most common blackberry in the state. The logo features two ripe, purple marionberries sitting on a crate, one grinning wearing sunglasses and a backward cap with the letter “B” on it. Pat Zajac, the team’s general manager, told the Salem Reporter that they have an “avenue to have some fun and play off the mascot that they created with the logo. “Marionberries themselves kind of go through a changing of colors when they get ripe, from green to red, to that deep purple. Like, do we want to have two or three mascots? One of each of those shades to create a little berry family?”  The team branding will focus on the distinct marionberry. Team management has taken suggestions for concession items featuring the berry that will also include marionberry pie and themed drinks. Zajac added that the team will take input from fans for suggestions on jerseys, entertainment, and fun food ideas. I have a few suggestions of my own. Marionberry barbecue sauce for chicken fingers Purple colored ketchup Marionberry and bacon jam topping for a burger Marionberry milkshakes Fried marionberry pies Pie eating contests Team jerseys that ripple like marionberry: monochrome green, red, and deep purple sets throughout the summer. Staff tosses out purple-colored balls to fans Nicknames for the ballpark: “The Berry Patch” or “The Berry Bowl” The Berries ballpark, built in 1989, has planned improvements that include installing synthetic turf, new field lights, an altered entryway, and field netting. Zajac added that there will be concrete poured in certain areas to create new concession stands and hospitality areas. The upgrades will be paid for with support from a $3 million state grant to money contributed by the university and Salem Baseball LLC. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter   and his YouTube channel .   Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Toldo Lancer Centre 2555 College Ave. Windsor, ON N9B 3P4 Windsor Lancers basketball website Toldo Lancer Centre website Year Opened: 2022 Capacity: 2,000 The Centre of Lancer Basketball For many years, the Windsor Lancers played basketball in the most unique and obscure of venues. The Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse at the St. Denis Centre is an indoor track and field facility. For basketball games, the University of Windsor set up a basketball court in the centre of the 200-meter track and pulled out large bleachers for spectators. It was a Canadian venue not dissimilar to how the Syracuse Orange have played for decades in what is still commonly referred to as the Carrier Dome, just on a shrunken level. The success of the Lancer basketball program predicated a new venue and the Toldo Lancer Centre was born. Named after Anthony Toldo, who died in 2009, and whose foundation made a significant donation, the Toldo Lancer Centre is a state-of-the-art facility, perfect for OUA basketball. The Lancers began their basketball lives sometime in the early 1900s when they competed against colleges across the river, in Detroit, in friendlies as Assumption College. Founded in 1857, Assumption was granted university status in 1953 and federated with the newly established University of Windsor in 1963. In 1952, they joined the OQAA, a conference in what is now known as USports. The Lancers have enjoyed success in basketball earning the W.P. McGee Trophy as National Champions in 1963, 1964, 1966, 1967, and 1969. Windsor would also win the Wilson Cup as conference champions on ten occasions, the latest being in 2007. Currently, the University of Windsor has an enrollment of over 16,000 students Food & Beverage 2 The Toldo Lancer Centre offers a limited selection of concessions for basketball games. Soda, bottled water, chips, chocolate bars, hot dogs, candy, and popcorn encompass the entirety of the concession menu. There is just enough to keep fans happy with a snack, but for fans looking for something more satisfying, looking elsewhere before or after the game would be the best idea. Atmosphere 4 The Toldo Lancer Centre was built attached to the pre-existing St. Denis Centre which includes the Dennis Fairall Fieldhouse where the Lancers previously played. As with other OUA basketball facilities, the Toldo Lancer Centre is much more than the home of the basketball teams but is also a hub for student athletics and recreation. Entering the building from the south gives fans a look at the main entrance. The exterior is fairly simple and nondescript but by no means ugly. Fans are greeted by the main ticket office upon entry and then immediately ascend to the upper level for entry to the seating area. The breezeway before entry to the gym features a crisp, clean look and a large Lancer Pride mural. The washroom facilities are found in this area. There is plenty of space for meeting with others without having to brave the elements in the winter. The University of Windsor Athletic Hall of Fame is also found in this area with a very nice display for the most recent honourees. Passing from the breezeway into the seating area, fans can have their tickets checked to gain access. The upper level of the seating area has a three-lane running track perfect for fans who wish to keep moving during the game and not miss any of the action. Windsor has taken design cues from Toronto’s Goldring Centre. The main gym is sleek and dark with a focus on the court and LED lights throughout. The court runs from south to north with four sets of bleachers on each side. The east side provides the best view of the center logo. Behind the east bleachers are the Alumni Lounge and the press box above that. The east and west bleachers are raised above floor level and feature padded, fold-down seats. Although less comfortable, the molded plastic bench seating on the north and south end bleachers gets fans closer to the action. Proudly hanging in the north end are the five women’s and five men’s basketball National Championship banners. The dominance the men enjoyed in the sixties is on display with five championships. The women have proved to be equally dominant with their own five straight National Championships. The Toldo Lancer Centre takes technology to the next level. The south end has two large videoboards which display the OUA.tv video feed while the north side videoboard cycles advertisements. Each of the four corners also has a video board on the railing of the track which serves as the scoreboard and score clock. It would be beneficial if two of these boards could provide lineups and statistics. The gameday production is about what one would expect for an OUA basketball game. There are student-run promotions in between the quarters. The music selection is what one would expect from a student-run production. The mascot, Winston, can be found moving around the gym and partaking in the promotions. Neighbourhood 3 Toldo Lancer Centre is segregated among the University’s athletic facilities and not very close to pubs or restaurants. Probably the only venue within walking distance is the McDonald’s on Huron Church Road. However, heading toward the riverfront will allow fans to find some decent spots on both Wyandotte St. and University Ave. The Barrel House, Dominion House, and Rock Bottom Bar & Grill are all good options. There are a few other spots where fans can find other sports options. Right behind the St. Denis Centre is Alumni Field at the University of Windsor Stadium , which is the home for Lancer football. A short drive to the Capri Pizzeria Recreation Complex will find the home for Windsor Lancer hockey. The WFCU Centre is the home for the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires and is also a short drive from campus. If none of these options are satisfying, fans may consider hopping the border where all of the sports options of Detroit, Michigan are close. Other entertainment options in Windsor include the Canadian Aviation Museum and Caesars Windsor. For fans who need a place to stay in Windsor, the Holiday Inn and Best Western are pretty close to campus and are good options. Fans 4 Assessing the fan support for USports basketball is difficult as the majority of teams do not publish attendance figures. That being said, the fan support that is found at a Windsor Lancers basketball game is above average in the USA. Known for their support of the Lancers, the fans in the Lancer Centre are loud and proud. The Lancers faithful has also, historically, been very supportive of the women’s team. At the game that was reviewed, there was a strong contingent of students that sat on the ends, dressed up, and made plenty of noise with pots, pans, and buckets. This impromptu student section is truly unique in the OUA and made the fan atmosphere more like an NCAA basketball game than a Canadian college game. Access 4 Getting to the Toldo Lancer Centre is not overly difficult. The stadium is a stone's throw from Highway 3, or Huron Church Road, the main street that leads to the Ambassador Bridge, in the Bridgeview neighbourhood of Windsor. There is some parking available on campus on the opposite side of College Ave and behind the Toldo Lancer Centre. Parking will cost fans a little bit but should be less than $10 for the game. Public transit is a little bit of a walk from the stadium. Some buses run on California, Wyandotte, Felix, Tecumseh, and Campbell. Fans interested in public transit should check out the Transit Windsor website for maps, fares, and schedules. Tickets can be purchased at the main ticket window immediately inside the south entrance. . There is plenty of space to walk around with the track and breezeway and the washroom facilities are more than adequate for the crowd on hand. Return on Investment 5 Canadian University Basketball has tremendous value for little cost. Windsor Lancers tickets go for $10 for an adult with discounts for students, seniors, kids, and alumni. Each ticket is a doubleheader with the women's basketball team usually playing in the early game followed by the men. There are not too many tickets anywhere that are as cheap and provide so much value. Windsor has consistently put a contender on the court on both the men's and women's sides. Combine that with a clean, comfortable, state-of-the-art facility and it is hard to go wrong with Lancer basketball. Extras 3 An extra mark for the state-of-the-art facility and the use of technology at Toldo Lancer Centre. An extra mark for the very strong support for the Lancer Women’s basketball team also. One of the best fanbases for women’s basketball in the province. An extra mark for the consistently competitive Lancer program. Final Thoughts Basketball fans in Ontario should take some time and head to Windsor to see one of the top OUA basketball teams. The Windsor Lancers are playing in one of the best facilities in Ontario and provide a great experience for fans. The Toldo Lancer Centre is worth checking out. Fans won’t regret it. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

For two drama-filled seasons, Netflix's Last Chance U followed every move of the Eastern Los Angeles College (ELAC) basketball team. ELAC assistant "Coach Rob" was an audience favorite. Since the show, Coach Rob has moved on from ELAC and taken the head basketball coach position at MiraCosta College (MCC). Coach Rob AKA Rob Robinson was nice enough to let us play catch up.    STADIUM JOURNEY: So how does the MiraCosta position come to fruition? How difficult is the process? How many interviews did you have to go through? COACH ROB: Getting a Cali Juco job is not easy. There are a ton of candidates for every job. I had 3 interviews for this job, two of them informal.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Was there any discussion, even for half a minute, of Last Chance U shooting at MiraCosta? COACH ROB: No discussion of LCU at MCC. The production company who creates LCU had other ventures they were pursuing the moment they wrapped on our Season 2. STADIUM JOURNEY: How much contact do you have with Greg Whiteley (LCU's creator)? COACH ROB: I haven't spoken to Greg since the premiere showing of Season 2 at Netflix HQ in Hollywood. But I periodically speak to most of the people who were a part of producing the show.  STADIUM JOURNEY: LCU shot two seasons at ELAC, but there's been nothing since, basketball or football. Any insight into the future of LCU? COACH ROB: I don't think LCU will happen again. They're looking to do more shows like the cheerleading series they just did in Texas.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How did you initially connect with Coach Mosely? Also, Is ELAC on MiraCosta's schedule this season? COACH ROB: Me and Mo had a mutual friend-coach who we're both close with. That friend was the assistant coach there before me. He called me up and said go to ELAC and meet Mosley. I went down there one summer day, spent 6 hours in the gym and his office. I knew it was the place I was supposed to be at that moment.  STADIUM JOURNEY: After twenty years coaching high school ball at an elite level, you took a leap of faith and accepted a volunteer position - with a long commute. What was your mindset at that point? COACH ROB: I wanted to be a college basketball coach. I had done about as much as I could do at the high school level. My belief in hard work and doing right by the game has always paid off for me. My future was murky at best when I showed up at ELAC for my first day on the job, but I knew if I gave everything I had to ELAC, Mosley and those players, that in the end, I would be in a good spot. No one is going to outwork me. You might beat me, but you're not going to out work me. I don't ever think about the end. My focus is always on doing things that get me the result I want in the end. At ELAC, I was determined to be the best assistant coach in all of hoops each day.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Coach Hunter had one of the best moments in LCU history: his locker room pep talk to Joe Hampton, which only the cameras witnessed firsthand. Did you have any idea that this took place at the time? What were your thoughts on this wonderful moment? COACH ROB: Ken has those moments with all the guys at some point. He knows just what to say and when to say it. Joe needed more of those moments than most though. STADIUM JOURNEY: At ELAC, you hung the team's uniforms with such love and care, and you continue to do so. Discuss. COACH ROB:  Humility.  I wish I could say I was always humble, always a servant, but that's not the case. It took me some years to figure out what my purpose in basketball was. Once I started focusing on everyone around me, my teams got better. The culture in the locker room got better. And my outlook on the game became clear. I am here to make young men better. Basketball is what I use to do that. Washing the gear and hanging them each day reminds me each morning as to why I'm here and what my focus should be.  STADIUM JOURNEY: Your side hustle is making fun t-shirts and other fun accessories. Where can these items be purchased? COACH ROB:  https://www.bonfire.com/store/jumpstops-chest-passes-and-jabs/ Jumpstops, Chest Passes and Jabs | Official Merchandise | Bonfire Check out Jumpstops, Chest Passes and Jabs on Bonfire and shop official merchandise today! Featuring limited edition custom apparel, printed with care in the USA just for you. www.bonfire.com STADIUM JOURNEY: Favorite t-shirt or two that you've created? COACH ROB: Jump Stops will change your life. It's my favorite shirt and saying.  STADIUM JOURNEY: How much interaction is there between the MiraCosta basketball and surf teams? COACH ROB: Our surf team is rarely on campus. But me and the beach volleyball coach hang out every day. We both love the sand and Star Wars.  Jon Hart is @manversusball

Photos by Cory Sims, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Phog Allen Fieldhouse 1651 Naismith Dr Lawrence, KS 66045 Kansas Jayhawks website Phog Allen Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 16,300 Beware of "The Phog" Let me say this strategically; Allen Fieldhouse is the best college basketball arena, if not the best home of any sports team, and anyone who would argue otherwise is a close-minded homer. Only a Kentucky fan would argue that Rupp Arena is on the same level as "The Phog". Only someone wearing a UNC or Duke shirt would say the Dean Dome or Cameron Indoor are equivalent to the Jayhawks home court. Pauley Pavilion, The Pit, Assembly Hall, all fall short of the glory that is the temple of college basketball, where the Jayhawks play on a court named for the inventor of the game (James Naismith, who was the first KU coach), and in a building named for a man who is given credit to creating modern basketball coaching (Forrest Allen, winner of three national titles). The Jayhawks are privileged to have the best home court advantage in all of major American athletics. Discussing coach Bill Self's home record is an exercise in absurdity. Since 2003, the team has lost 10 home games, and won 13 straight conference titles, a record. There's been a winning streak of 69 games, and a few longer than 40. Self has never lost two home games in a row. KU has not lost a Senior Day game in 32 years. Self's home winning percentage is better than 95%. The Jayhawks have not missed the NCAA tournament since 1988, when they were banned from postseason play for a rule that that has since been changed. Their seeds in the NCAA Tournament since Self's arrival are 4, 3, 4, 1, 1, 3, 1, 1, 2, 1, 2, 2, and 1. No team has been more successful or consistent in the last 15 years, and no small part of that is due to the power of The Phog. Food & Beverage 4 Allen Fieldhouse has a great selection of sports snacks (nachos, popcorn, hot dogs, pizza and Coke products), all for decent stadium prices. They have several food stands shilling out local favorites, like the Bill Self Burrito from Salty Iguana and the pulled pork sandwich from Bigg's BBQ. You can also find specialty cookies and desserts at other food stands in various levels of the concourse.That being said, going to Allen Fieldhouse to experience the food scene is kind of like flying to Rome to check out the airport; it doesn't make any sense. Yes, there is food, and if you're starving, you will find something good to eat, but you're best to leave the concession line and experience The Phog, just as you would hightail it out of Leonardo da Vinci airport to see the Eternal City. My advice is grab a souvenir Coke, a box of popcorn, and get to your seat early to enjoy the show. Atmosphere 5 Simply put, nothing matches the atmosphere of the Fieldhouse. In 2017, the arena set a new Guinness World Record for loudest indoor stadium at more than 116 decibels, louder than a jet or chainsaw. And, that's not with piped in crowd noise or speakers blaring music, that is pure fan jubilation. Beyond just the crowd noise, the pep band does a really amazing job performing all the standard KU songs, but they also throw in 80s and 90s pop and rock favorites, current rap hits, and the Game of Thrones theme that's so hot right now. The cheerleaders and dance team have choreographed steps for many of these songs, just proving that every part of game production is practiced and perfected. It is an amazing place to watch ANY game, small non-conference contest or major conference rivalry. Before each game, the video board plays a highlight video that is re-cut each week to show recent highlights, or older highlights against that day's opposition. When the video gets to the Mario Chalmers tying three-pointer from the 2008 national championship game, the crowd reaction will be nearly deafening. It WILL give you chills, regardless of your team affiliation. Neighborhood 5 Lawrence, Kansas is a perfect college town. Big enough population to have movie theatres, restaurants, and shopping, but not so big that the city outshines the university. The city's political compass points liberal, like you would expect being so near a large university, but that liberal spirit keeps out a lot of the chain restaurants, and promotes a love of local spots. Mass(achusetts) Street is the heart of the downtown district, just a few blocks from the edge of campus and a short drive from Allen Fieldhouse. Papa Keno's pizza is a great place to grab a slice, and the Red Lion tavern is a casual local pub. Live music is big in Lawrence, and there are several places to catch local acts, or mid-major national artists. The best burger and fries you'll ever have are served at The Burger Stand, and the Sandbar is a great local tiki hut just off Mass. Closer to campus, and popular with the college and alumni crowd, The Wagon Wheel Cafe is one of the most acclaimed college bars in the country. It's stood in the same spot for more than 60 years. Sportscenter anchors often shout out the joint, and its famous "Wangburger" (a cheeseburger with a fried egg). Fans 5 Although #BBN (Kentucky's Big Blue Nation) may argue the point, Kansas fans are the best in the country. 16,300 pack the fieldhouse for every game (more than 200 sellouts in a row, in fact). They are the loudest, as proven with the noise record set this season. They routinely fill the stands for conference road games, often so much that you can hear them doing the Rock Chalk Chant when the Jayhawks inevitably win. They know all the players by name and face, where that player came from, and often know the same for opponents. Perhaps most importantly, they are a classy group, never cursing like the inferior fans down the river from Lawrence, and in fact applauding good play, as evidenced by the standing ovation they gave Oklahoma's Buddy Hield following his 46 point performance in the 3OT thriller in January 2016. This is a group that loves college basketball, not exclusively Jayhawk basketball, and they have an intimate knowledge of the history of the game that may just be limited to those lucky enough to be fans of the team that the inventor of the game coached. Access 4 The only issue with KU home games is that tickets do not run cheap. It used to be that you could get a non-conference GA ticket for around $20 (GA seats are in the high corner bleachers), but even those are hard to find now. It's not a stretch to say that Kansas home games are one of the largest collections of wealth in the Midwest. Any conference match-up will run North of $100 per ticket. Season tickets require a hefty annual donation. Once you've acquired your tickets, you should get to the area early to try to find free street parking nearby on campus, unless you have a parking pass for the lot that is connected to the building. Bathrooms are numerous and easy to find, and the concourses have been recently renovated to be brighter and wider. There are special sections for wheelchairs, directly behind the baskets, the best seats in the house. Return on Investment 5 Tickets aren't cheap, but like a lot in life, you certainly get what you pay for at the Fieldhouse. $80-$100 for one of the greatest live sports experiences on the planet is a fair price. The Super Bowl will cost way more and be less fun. This is truly a bucket list item. Just ask Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, who made his pilgrimage a couple years back for that very reason. Celebrity sightings are far more common than they should be for a college basketball game in the middle of the country, with comedians like Paul Rudd, Jason Sudeikis and Rob Riggle being noteworthy Jayhawks fans. Music artist Trey Songz came two years ago to watch his childhood friend, KU point guard Frank Mason. Of course, the real stars are the ones with the KU jerseys, and no shortage of those guys have gone on to NBA play, including guys like Paul Pierce, Andrew Wiggins, and Wilt Chamberlain. Extras 2 In addition to hosting an occasional basketball game, Allen Fieldhouse is a full-fledged Kansas sports museum. Trophies and uniforms and balls and rings from all KU sports are housed in museum-quality exhibits in the entryway. You're highly advised arrive early to view the cases, and test your skill on the many games in the area, like the vertical jump meter and reaction time test. The walls are plastered with action shots of former players, as well as all of Sports Illustrated covers featuring the Jayhawks. Banners hang in the halls proclaiming the numerous Final Fours, conference titles, All-Americans, and national championships. Inside the arena, there are too many banners to count displaying the same, as well as retired jerseys, and famously, the long banner above the national championships with the warning "Pay Heed, All Who Enter: BEWARE OF 'THE PHOG'". Most notably, Allen Fieldhouse is home to the original rules of basketball, the two pieces of paper, penned by James Naismith, that sold at an auction to a Kansas alum for a sports memorabilia record $4.3 million back in 2010. The building add-on, called the DeBruce Center, hosts the original rules, as well as serves as a union style building for students during the week. Dedicated in Fall of 2016, the center is also used for donor events during home games, although the original rules will be visible to the general public at all times. The rules are a must see for anyone taking a pilgrimage to the Phog.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Notre Dame Stadium 1600 Edison Rd. Notre Dame, IN 46556 Notre Dame Fighting Irish website Notre Dame Stadium website Year Opened: 1930 Capacity: 80,795 The House that Knute Built Notre Dame Stadium has been the home of Irish football since opening its doors in 1930. The college football stadium has a capacity of 77,622 and is one of the most iconic structures of its kind in the nation. It was built for $750,000 and originally sat 54,000 people. It was originally designed by Osborn Engineering Company – the same firm that designed Comiskey Park in Chicago and New York’s Yankee Stadium and Polo Grounds – and it patterned on a smaller scale after the University of Michigan’s stadium. Capacity increased in the proceeding years, but a major renovation project of $50 million in 1997 included two new scoreboards at both ends of the stadium and a capacity of 80,225. It was lowered to its present 77,622 capacity in time for the 2017 season, and the playing field is now synthetic. Further enhancements to the stadium included the Crossroad project which included three new buildings: Duncan Student Center, O’Neill Hall, and Corbett Family Hall. The renovations added new premium seating, and the total cost was $400 million. It is known by many as the “House that Knute Built” after legendary coach Knute Rockne, who was key in the stadium’s structure and design. He insisted that it would serve as a football-only stadium and kept the area between the field and the stands small to keep fans on the sideline to a minimum. He supervised the parking and traffic system that is, for the most part, still in use today. Food & Beverage 3 The food options are not as varied as expected and feature multiple stands named either the Irish Express or Shamrock Snacks throughout the concourse. The food consists of hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and snacks such as popcorn, potato chips, kernel mix, and chocolate chip cookies. The hot cocoa stands are quite popular for games late in the season that dip into the mid-20s. However, there are more options but many did not appear to be available during our visit to the stadium. The one highlight is the pot roast sandwich that is served with beer cheese, horseradish sauce, provolone cheese, and fried and caramelized onions. It is quite messy to eat and available on the lower level in section 10. The Domer Dog is a fan favorited and topped with caramelized onions, crispy bacon, and blue cheese and available at most concession stands on the upper and lower concourse. There are a few other items to look for that are not located in multiple sections. The pork tenderloin sandwich is a Hoosier favorite and is available at lower-level sections 13, 14, 31, and 32. Shamrock-shape pretzels are ideal for the game and are located in multiple sections. The Pot of Gold Nachos are worth seeking and can serve more than 1 person. These nachos are covered with 12-hour roasted beef, roasted corn, crispy jalapenos, and cotija cheese and served in a gold plastic helmet. Alcoholic drinks are not available for fans in the seating bowl and the soda pop of choice are Coca-Cola products. At the warmer games, expect to find long lines at the frozen custard stands sprinkled on the concourse. Atmosphere 5 If you are an Irish fan, there is no better place to see a game on a Saturday, if you are a college football fan, you might be somewhat envious of the atmosphere on the campus of Notre Dame. The “House that Knute” built is among the elite of college football. It has also been renovated with several nice touches and features honoring the program’s legacy. Pre-game activities include fans dressed in green and gold, tailgating in the nearby lots, and the traditional drum major and Leprechaun mascot leading the Irish into the stadium. There are various gates named after famous Notre Dame figures. The Knute Rockne gate features a bronze statue of the former coach who put the school on the map. Notre Dame Stadium blends in well with the surrounding buildings on campus. Depending on what time of year you attend the game, the fall colors may glisten brilliantly, or the warm summer or fall season could enhance the viewing experience. The layout of the main concourse is decorated with Art-Deco styles at gate entrances to vintage signs. A timeline of 35, 16-foot banners hangs from the lower concourse with replicated vintage football program covers on both sides from the 1930s to the 1970s. There is more vintage art that includes giant framed tickets with the stadium’s old wooden bleacher pieces. These two nods to the program’s history are worth taking photo opportunities with while at the game. The south concourse features various awards and accolades. 250 plaques celebrate Notre Dame’s National Championships, Heisman Trophy winners, College Football Hall of Famers, and All-Americans. The highlight could either be the giant championship rings or the massive 11 championship banners that hang above the players’ tunnel at the North Gate. Neighborhood 4 The Eddy Street Commons is within walking distance and home to regional restaurants, apartments, a hotel, and two urban parks. It makes for a great spot to grab a bite at either Brother’s, Chipotle, Five Guys, or McAllister’s Deli. Legends of Notre Dame is located on campus and also within walking distance of the ballpark. The establishment offers pub food during the day but becomes a nightclub with entertainment and live music at night. South Bend is in the midst of a renaissance with old buildings being converted into places to live and work, new companies moving headquarters to downtown, and a population book. South Bend Brew Werks and Studebaker Brewing Company are two craft beer choices that offer funky decor and tasty suds. Attractions include the Studebaker National Museum for the car enthusiast, the Potawatomi Zoo, or you may want to see a little more baseball during your visit. The South Bend Cubs play at Four Winds Field , and it has become quite the place to be seen in town, along with one of Stadium Journey’s favorite minor league ballparks. You might be able to see a game if attending an Irish game early in September. Fans 5 Irish fans can be found throughout the country, and there were 273 consecutive sell-outs from 1973-2019. Despite the end of the streak, the alumni, supporters, and student body are in action on the field of play. Fans are decked out in the colors green and gold on Saturdays. However, everyone has an ‘ND’ or four-leaf clover somewhere on their shirt or cap. Access 3 The stadium is located at the center of campus and is easily accessible from 1-90/1-80. Surprisingly, travelers can access the campus quite easily, but keep in mind the influx of 70,000 to 80,000 fans embarking on gameday. There are three main lots, Bulla Lot, White Field, and Burke Golf Course, that provide ample parking for home dates. The lots offer a shuttle service, and parking passes can be purchased for easier access. A website is available with much more information and a campus map Public transportation includes buses that travel to Twyckenham Drive and Edison Road, not far from the stadium. Check out the South Bend Public Transportation website for maps, fares, and schedules. The only suggestion would be to arrive well before kick-off, perhaps even 2 hours to grab a spot and take in all that the campus has to offer from tailgating, merchandise sales, mingling with fans, and campus views. Return on Investment 4 A ticket to a football game depends on the opponent the Irish are playing and how well they are playing that particular season. If you can pick the date for a game, look for cheaper tickets against opponents such as North Carolina and Georgia Tech. However, expect to pay more when USC, Michigan, or Ohio State come to South Bend. A ticket in the low-end price category could be anywhere from $47-$75 and $152-$200 at the higher end. The price to park is anywhere between $30-$40 in the three major lots, but there are cheaper options a little further away from the stadium. It all depends on how much you want to pay for your experience. Attending an Irish game is on the top of many college footballs, and sports travelers lists, and perhaps would pay a little extra for the cost of a ticket. The price of food for basic items will cost $5 for a hot dog, $6 for a pretzel, and $3.50-$4 for snacks. A few of the signature items include the pork tenderloin sandwich at $14, the pot roast sandwich at $14, and the Pot of Gold Nachos for $18. A Domer Dog sells for $8. Extras 4 A Notre Dame football game earns points for the various traditions and history on display throughout the building. The campus is worth a visit, and walking around before or after the game and tailgating with Irish fans is an experience in itself. The final point is for Touchdown Jesus, which overlooks the south end of the stadium. Final Thoughts It is one of the premier college football venues to watch a game in the country. Notre Dame Stadium combines history and tradition with a football experience that should be enjoyed by everyone at the game. There are many similar experiences in the nation, but there is something slightly different here in South Bend for an Irish football game. _______ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Carroll Stadium 1001 W New York St Indianapolis, IN 46202 Indy Eleven website Carroll Stadium website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 12,100 American Soccer's Best Dive Bar The Indy Eleven are members of the second-division United Soccer League. The ultimate goal of the franchise is to have its soccer-specific stadium and move up the ranks to Major League Soccer. The club operated in the North American Soccer League since its inception in 2014, before joining the USL for the 2018 season. However, during deep playoff runs, the club returns to IU-Indy for matches due to scheduling conflicts at their regular home. The club is called Michael A. Carroll Track & Soccer Stadium on the campus of IUPUI home. The 12,100-seat stadium opened in 1982 but was renovated before the arrival of the club in 2014. There were $1 million in improvements made to the stadium before the first season that included additional bathrooms, portable concession stands, seating areas, 11 private suites, and two premiere party decks. The Eleven have made headlines with their stadium woes. Club ownership proposed Eleven Park, a $550 million mixed-used development and 20,000-seat stadium, that was scheduled to open for the 2025 season. In June 2024, the City-County Council approved Mayor Joe Hogsett's plan for an MLS stadium to lure an expansion franchise separate from the Indy Eleven. The club will most likely be at the college stadium for the foreseeable future. The Eleven played at Lucas Oil Stadium from 2018 to 2020. The move improved many areas, but the atmosphere was clouded by the massive size of the stadium. The team would return to Carroll Stadium for the 2021 season. The Indy Eleven–named after the 11th Indiana Infantry Regiment that served with notoriety in the Union Army  during the American Civil War–has averaged over 9,000 fans per game over four seasons setting the standard for both casual and supporters' section at the stadium. Weekend matches at the “The Mike” include tailgating, family activities, and various tents and games set up before each home match. A strong dedicated supporter section known as the Brickyard Battalion provides the theatrics during the 90 minutes of soccer on the synthetic field. Food & Beverage 4 The food choices are varied with a majority of them served from food trucks and blue shelters behind the supporters' section. The open space allows for an outdoor food court with plenty of options for food and drink. Condado Tacos offers three types of varieties: Lucy Fire, Blue Dream, and the vegetarian Power Plant. You can also grab queso and chips and stadium nachos. Chomp's Truck serves burgers and seasoned fries, and Mac Genie serves Philly steak sandwiches, plus a variety of mac and cheese dishes from buffalo chicken, crab, and jalapeño. There are more burgers and pizza offered at the Union Jack's food truck. The opposite of the stadium is Gordon's Ice Cream which features six flavors, waffle cones, fried churros, and milkshakes. There is also Ben's Pretzels which always has long lines for its freshly made soft pretzels. If you require a wake-up, Illumine Coffee has a cup for you. The stadium features snack options, including hot dogs, popcorn, and Coca-Cola products. The beer options include Papst Blue Ribbon and Bud Light but also include varieties from nearby 450 North and Metazoan Breweries. Other alcoholic options include wine slushies and ciders, including one made specifically for the soccer club, Boysen Blueberry. Atmosphere 4 Carroll Stadium was not designed for soccer but for UI-Indy’s track and field program in 1982. The stadium shows its age in many areas from the grandstand to bathrooms and aesthetics. However, fan support has been strong during the Indy Eleven’s run, despite its struggles trying to build its soccer-specific venue. Tailgating begins early for evening games and various tents and banners are noticeable before kickoff. The Brickyard Battalion has a few tables and tents offering its brand of merchandise featuring caps, scarves, shirts, and stickers. Some of it is pretty well designed and constructed. A large track circles the pitch and pushes the fans in the grandstand away from the action on the field. The view of the playing field from the top of the stands is quite nice, but the noise from the supporters' section, Brickyard Battalion, is drowned out from this area. Many of the fans in the grandstand are casual and relaxed. The team’s official mascot Zeke is a dog dressed in Civil War regalia, while two live dogs, Victorio and Victoria, roam the stadium with their owner to adoring fans who want to pet them. There is also an official mascot that roams around the stadium as well that does not need a leash. There are two merchandise tents offering t-shirts to jerseys located behind both end-line seats. It is not uncommon to find a few discounted items that are around the $10-$20 mark along with reasonably priced novelties for the true fan or soccer jersey collector. Neighborhood 3 Carroll Stadium is located on the campus of IU-Indy near the center of downtown and a short taxi or Uber ride to Mass Ave or Fountain Square sections of Indianapolis. However, there are a few places nearby within a slight walk after the game to visit including a slew of regional chain restaurants. The Mass Ave. neighborhood is highly recommended after the game and it’s where you will find the official meeting headquarters for supporters The Chatham Tap Restaurant & Pub. The soccer-friendly atmosphere provides food, drinks, and lively conversations, try their wings, bangers, mash, or Scotch eggs. A few more spots to check out for food on the avenue would be Goodfella’s Pizza which offers giant New York-style slices for $3 and the Speakeasy Bar in the back. Bakersfield offers tequila and tacos for affordable prices, Union 50 features live music in a very hip atmosphere, and The Eagle has some of the best fried chicken in town. Fans 4 The Indy Eleven have finished either number one or two in attendance numbers in the NASL since its inception. The organization has tapped into a niche market in the city that’s blossoming with Generation X, Millennials, and beyond. The city has supported this team well through both winning and losing seasons. Perhaps, the stadium’s most dedicated and faithful group of supporters is the Brickyard Battalion. During the game, the BYB sings, shouts, cheers, and blows off a little smoke after every Indy goal. A lively group that makes its appearance felt during the game, you can’t miss them. However, do not let them spot you with an opposing jersey. With the club joining the USL, expect the BYB to do battle with nearby rivals Louisville City. Access 3 The stadium is accessible from both I-65 and I-70 and is located on the campus of IUPUI. There are plenty of parking lots that cost $10, a modest price. Leaving the game can get a little congested, but there are plenty of police officers on hand to guide you home. Inside the stadium, traffic moves fluidly and there are enough signs to guide you towards your seats. Bathrooms are located behind the main seating section and port-a-potties are featured in the back of the BYB area behind the goal. There are also a few fans who stand on top of the parking deck and watch the game with a decent view of the playing field. It is slightly obstructed in one end, but a cheap way to enjoy a soccer match. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices online range from $15 to $20. Parking is $15 for the nearby lots on campus. Concession prices are inexpensive compared to other USL Championship stadiums. The price of bottled water is $2.50, craft beer is $8-$10, and a hot dog is $6. Some team merchandise is heavily discounted to $15-$20 towards the end of the season. Extras 4 One point for the two live mascots, Victorio and Victoria, who walk around the stadium decked out in personalized Eleven jerseys. Another to the local concession menu offering items such as Gordon’s Ice Cream to Mac Genie. It's great to see local vendors at the match. A third point of the Honda Fun Zone is that the little ones will enjoy the games in a carnival-like atmosphere. A final one for the Brickyard Battalion, a strong and loyal supporters' group for the soccer club. The official supporter group of Eleven is not afraid to express their opinions to the opposing side on the field. During a typical match, expect to sing, cheer, shout, stand, and be engulfed in red, white, and blue smoke. Final Thoughts " The Mike” is nearing the end of its service for the Indy Eleven at the present moment, but the club needs a soccer-specific facility. Personally, a 9,000-seater would be ideal, but with the mayor and ownership having different aspirations with the future of soccer in Indianapolis, hold off on the shovels digging into the dirt. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Grand Prarie Stadium 1600 Lone Star Pkwy Grand Prairie, TX 75050 Major League Cricket website Year Opened: 2008 (Reconfigured for cricket 2023) Capacity: 7,200 The Next Chapter For American Cricket? When American fast bowler Ali Khan delivered Major League Cricket's first-ever ball in July 2023, he did so in a venue that had just been transformed from a baseball stadium into a venue that aims to transform cricket in the United States. It just may be successful. Food & Beverage 4 Cricket may have its roots in England, but it can thank South Asia for its status as the world's second most popular sport. The subcontinent's influence on cricket around the world is indelible. On the field, three of Major League Cricket's original six franchises bear the branding of their Indian Premier League backers. The desi flavor is also present in the stands – literally. Foodistan, a small local chain, stocks Grand Prairie Stadium's concession stands with biryani (chicken or vegetarian), samosas, and a handful of other South Asian dishes, as well as traditional American ballpark fare like burgers, nachos and popcorn. Beverage offerings were similarly varied and unique: Arka beer, an "Indian style premium lager," was available, along with a selection of wine and spirits. On the non-alcoholic side, India's Thums Up cola and mango lassi were among the choices that aren't commonly seen in U.S. stadiums. Though many menu items were uncommon, policies on outside food and beverage were not unusual. Unlike Major League Cricket's secondary venue of Church Street Park in Morrisville, NC, where fans could bring in just about any outside food and many outside beverages, entry policies in Grand Prairie were far more strict: fans were limited to a single factory-sealed water bottle (the maximum allowable size differed depending upon what set of rules one read). Atmosphere 4 Without question, Grand Prairie Stadium offers the most well-rounded cricket experience in the United States on the field and in the stands. Broward County Stadium in Lauderhill, Florida, has its pluses: As the United States' first modern cricket-specific stadium, it is to thank for first bringing high-level international cricket to the United States in the 21st century. Its relatively steep, shade-covered grandstands offer a vantage point that some might prefer to those offered by Grand Prairie. But Broward County's ability to draw crowds is inconsistent at best. There is a reason why it was not selected to host Major League Cricket matches. MLC's secondary venue Church Street Park in Morrisville, NC , draws crowds and has some spectator infrastructure, but its understated charm is in its park-like, community-centered vibe. Few would perceive the venue as "major league." Moosa Stadium in Pearland, Texas, has hosted a handful of international matches and has bigger aspirations but largely flies under the radar. And few would consider as "stadiums" the grounds hosting Minor League Cricket teams around the U.S. (Don't confuse Grand Prairie with Prairie View 225 miles to the southeast. Prairie View hosts a large cricket complex but provides little in the way of spectator infrastructure.) Grand Prairie Stadium is not a large stadium like one might find in the UK, Australia, or South Asia. After all, prior to its renovation, it hosted the Texas Air Hogs of the American Association of Independent Baseball. Approximately the equivalent of the fourth tier in professional baseball's official hierarchy, the American Association is a quality league, but it is relatively small-scale. The conversion of the former AirHogs Stadium to a cricket-specific venue upped the seating capacity from 5,445 to more than 7,000. That's big enough to feel vaguely big-time, but small enough to maintain the intimacy that one won't find in major cricketing countries. The reconfiguration also added a lot of polish. This feels like a new venue. Look hard enough, though, and a handful of signs of the venue's original purpose remain visible. Why do the upper-level luxury suites have such a strange arc rather than following the natural curve of the playing field? Because they still follow the original baseball foul lines. The playing surface, lighting system, and players' facilities received good reviews. Similarly, the spectator facilities were pleasant, though not entirely without fault. Texas is hot, and the lack of shade is unfortunate. Air-conditioned areas exist to beat the heat, but they are only available to premium ticket holders. The seating bowl itself is quite shallow in slope, which is unfortunate for those stuck behind someone tall. The video board is only readily visible to fans sitting in the stands that were once the baseball infield. These quirks are worth keeping in mind when purchasing tickets. The game presentation is top-notch. The passionate young American public address announcer performed well in both Grand Prairie and at the North Carolina venue, providing continuity between both of MLC's host sites. For the final, a team of parachutists delivered an American flag before the match, and a truly spectacular lighted drone show kept fans glued to their seats during the innings break. Details like these show that Major League Cricket truly is dedicated –and funded– to make an impression on the sports world. Grand Prairie Stadium is up to the challenge as host. Neighborhood 3 The Dallas-Forth Worth Metroplex is sprawling and car-centric, and the parking lots surrounding Grand Prairie Stadium can obscure the fact that there is actually quite a bit to do relatively close by, even though most of that is well outside of walking distance. Without traffic, the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers stadiums are only a 12-minute drive away; Six Flags Over Texas is about the same. But Grand Prairie Stadium has some immediate neighbors, too: it shares a parking lot with Lone Star Park, a horse racing track. Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie, a concert venue, sits just next door and is visible from much of the stadium. A branch of the Texas-based fast food chain Whataburger is nearby and is convenient for out-of-state visitors looking to try a local staple. Fans 4 There were numerous questions in the run-up to Major League Cricket's inaugural season, but key among them was whether fans would actually turn out to the matches. Fan support was far from a given: when the United States national cricket team hosted its first home One Day International match in 2019, ESPN CricInfo reported a total attendance of just 19 fans at Broward County Stadium in Florida. But MLC had reason to hope: the 3.5-hour T20 format is a different animal, and Major League Cricket offers more star power –and a bigger advertising budget– than the US team. Geography also matters: the Dallas area is home to a large population of expats and immigrants from South Asia's cricketing nations. But initially slow ticket sales, despite discounts on already-reasonable prices, fueled worry that the inaugural season could fizzle. Those worries proved largely unfounded, as many MLC matches in Grand Prairie ultimately sold out, even after late releases of standing-room-only tickets that were priced higher than some seated options. TV broadcasts did reveal empty seats for daytime matches under the hot Texas sun. But once night rolled in, Grand Prairie Stadium filled up with engaged fans who were eager to wave flags and cheer for their newly adopted teams. The appearance of high-profile Indian-American and Indian business leaders, like Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and IPL franchise owner Nita Ambani, further animated the crowd by reminding them that, yes, this is indeed a major league with big-time backers. Access 4 Grand Prairie Stadium is located between Dallas and Fort Worth and just south of DFW International Airport. This part of the country is not particularly convenient to navigate using public transportation, but fans should have little difficulty driving to the stadium. Parking ($20, cash preferred) is convenient, though fans should note that there are two entrances to the main lot in case one entrance backs up. Compared to MLC's secondary venue of Church Street Park in Morrisville, NC , the overall experience at Grand Prairie Stadium feels noticeably more Major League. This starts at arrival, as security checks are more thorough and the list of prohibited items is significantly longer. Though not at all out of step with entry policies that have become standard at U.S. sports venues, the checks can lead to lines for entry. Once inside, a wide concourse rings the entire playing field. Fans with premium tickets can circulate around the full perimeter of the oval, though standard ticket holders will be turned away from exclusive areas of the concourse. Return on Investment 3 When Minor League Cricket launched in earnest in 2021, cricket fans in nearly two dozen U.S. cities could watch high-quality cricket in person without getting on a plane, and they could do so for free. With the 2023 launch of MiLC's big brother, fans in two U.S. cities can enjoy an even higher level of cricket for a very fair price: for MLC's inaugural season in Grand Prairie, the least expensive tickets ranged from $15 to $40 depending on the match, and discounts were available early in the sale period. Fans familiar with baseball might liken the renovated, cricket-specific incarnation of Grand Prairie Stadium to that of a high-end AA or perhaps AAA ballpark. However, AA or even AAA baseball stadiums rarely see the star power that Major League Cricket brought in 2023. Considering that such a high standard of cricket would have previously required U.S.-based fans to travel to at least the Caribbean, there is significant value in having this experience available domestically. . Extras 2 In cricket, bonus runs are known as "extras." Bowlers avoid them; batters'll take 'em. For the first season of Major League Cricket at Grand Prairie Stadium, organizers provided plenty of extras for fans who lined up for them. Eager to attract attention to the league, teams gave away high-quality swag in quantities large enough to drive down the business at the merchandise tables. Why buy a jersey when you were virtually guaranteed a free flag and when you had a high probability of snagging a free cap and t-shirt? As is also the case in MLC's other inaugural-season venue, the comradery within the diverse crowd merits special mention. Virtually everyone in attendance shared a common interest in a sport that, while niche in the United States, seems intent on establishing a foothold. The eagerness for strangers to connect in the crowd was both noteworthy and special Final Thoughts With the completion of Grand Prairie Stadium's transformation, the United States now boasts four cricket-specific stadiums. Though one might not expect a fourth sport-specific stadium to be transformative, Grand Prairie Stadium may very well have that effect on American cricket. Between the quality of the facilities, fan support, and positive media attention, MLC's second season appears secure. Grand Prairie Stadium also appears to be a lock to host matches in the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup. There is genuine excitement around American cricket in Grand Prairie, and fittingly, it was an American, Ali Khan, who delivered the first ball here.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Marion Crawley Athletic Center 1801 S 18th St. Lafayette, IN 47905 Lafayette Jefferson Bronchos website Crawley Center website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 7,200 Crawley Stadium is the Home of the Bronchos The Crawley Center is the home of the Lafayette Jefferson Bronchos basketball team and is the 11th largest gym in Indiana. The seating capacity is 7,200, opening in 1969 and at a time when the basketball team was at its zenith. It is named after Marion Crawley, who coached the team from 1942-1967. He led the Bronchos to two state championships and 23 consecutive sectional championships before retirement. After he stepped down, the team would extend that streak to 29 sectional championships, still a state record. Crawley had a 138-22 postseason record. Since class basketball began in 1997, the school has captured only five sectional titles, and the crowds are low. However, the building hosts tournament games, including sectional and semistate matches. They bring out fans from all around the northern part of the state. There have also been a few changes to the gym’s appearance. In 2022, the playing floor and bleachers were replaced, new LED lighting was installed, and the court was renamed after former player, coach, athletic director, and principal Joe Heath.  The court also features the three state championships won by the Bronchos. Food & Beverage 3  There are three main concession stands located inside the building. One is in the corner near the entrance, and the others are on the balcony level. The food here is typical of other high school gymnasiums: nachos, popcorn, hot dogs, chips, and candy. However, the hot dogs are inside warm, steamed buns. The lines do get long for highly attended events and during halftime, but the crew makes sure to expedite orders in an orderly manner. Drinks are served fountain style in two-size cups that are from Wendy’s.  Atmosphere 4  Lafayette Jeff’s gym is large enough to host regional and semi-state games during tourney time in Indiana. When you can attract a large abundance of fans from two visiting schools to one building, the atmosphere is amped up quite a bit higher than expected. There is also a lot of history from the school's past, including historic photos of team championships in the staircases, trophies on display near the entrance, and the old school gym that hangs proudly in the outer hallway. The championship banners are visible above the south end of the gym above the concession stand.  The facility fills in nicely with fans from rival and tournament games, producing high decibels of noise. It is an exciting place to watch passionate fan bases painted in school colors, student sections near the hundreds, and the winning side burst upon the floor after a tournament victory.   The new bleacher seating features red tops, and the bleacher seatings with back support offer a great view from behind the basket in the balcony section. There is also new LED lighting inside the building. Neighborhood 4  West Lafayette is the home of Purdue University, 2 miles away from the school. The Chauncey Village neighborhood features funky little shops and restaurants. Von’s Shops offers an impressive array of new and used books, clothing, and other items in an eclectic building and storefront. A little further down the street is the famous Triple XXX Family Restaurant where one can enjoy a peanut butter burger or homemade root beer inside its small, cozy, and narrow booths.  If you are a craft beer fan, People's Brewing Company is located 3 miles north of the high school and is one of the better places for local beer in the state.  Fans can also look at the Purdue schedule to see if the Boilermakers are playing at Mackey Arena  or if there was a baseball game at Loeb Stadium , a mile and a half away from the high school. Across the street from Loeb is Arni’s pizzeria, known for thin-style pies and strombolis, and the Original Frozen Custard stand. Fans 4  The fans of the Bronchos and the visiting schools who make the trek to the MCAC for semi-state games make it quite the spectacle. The student sections are packed with synchronized cheers and chants, while older fans also show school spirit in support of various fashions, from team-colored wigs and face paint or by cheering as loud as they can.  Access 4  Crawley Athletic Center has two main levels, and access is simple to get up and down to all sections of seating. Concessions and bathrooms are marked, and aisles are wide and reasonably spacious. Crowds get large during halftime, and arriving at a game is easy as the facility offers a large parking lot. Return on Investment 4  A ticket will cost you $6 for a regular season game, while a regional or semi-state game will cost $4 more per ticket. Parking is free and ample, food at the concession stands is affordable and tasty, and when the venue is packed-the sound is deafening. Extras 3  One point for the old center court is on display in the arena. It is common in many Indiana high school gyms, but it's always a plus to see past artwork and design of Hoosier hoops past. The gym received a second point for the recent renovations that have replaced the old wooden bleacher seats that were 50 years old at the time of their removal.  The court also honors Joe Heath, who took over coaching duties after Crawley’s retirement. The gym earns a third point for the three rows of bleacher seating above each basket in the balcony area. The chairs offer back support and provide a comfortable experience watching high school hoops in Indiana. Final Thoughts The Crawley Center has never looked better. The recent renovations and new LED lighting have spruced that place up well, and in a town that offers plenty of things to do before and after the game. Sectional and semi-state tournament games are when the crowds are large, but any time would be ample to enjoy a game at Lafayette Jefferson High School. ------ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter  and his YouTube channel . Email at Marc.Viquez@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field 615 Silver Lane East Hartford, CT 06118 Connecticut Huskies Football website Pratt and Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field website Year Opened: 2003 Capacity: 38,006 Husky and the Jets The proposed relocation of the New England Patriots was a bit of a tease for Hartford. The Connecticut government was prepared to build a new, downtown stadium appropriate for the NFL's Patriots and the University of Connecticut Huskies football program. History would teach us that the Patriots would be unwilling to leave Massachusetts and the dream of the NFL in Connecticut would die. However, a stadium was still needed for UConn, and the former airfield for Pratt and Whitney, manufacturer of fine jet engines, in East Hartford, would be the location of a scaled-down football stadium. Originally named Rentschler Field after Frederick Rentschler, who founded Pratt and Whitney and its parent company United Technologies, Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field opened in 2003 with a modest capacity of over 38,000. The University of Connecticut began as the Storrs Agricultural College in 1881 and would begin playing football in 1896. Eventually becoming the University of Connecticut, the Huskies would play Division 1-AA when they made the jump to Division 1-A, or FBS as it is currently known. UConn has had a bit of a love/hate relationship with football. Widely regarded as a basketball school, UConn has a 3-3 record in six bowl appearances as of the 2022 season. Hope is on the horizon with a 2022 appearance in the Myrtle Beach Bowl. Food & Beverage 5 Considering that UConn is not a traditional football power that has a massive draw and the stadium is not on campus, Pratt and Whitney Stadium has a surprisingly strong concession scene. All of the expected stadium food is available at a variety of concession stands. Some spots that may pique the interest include the Sausage Guy, Fresh Classics, Chick-fil-A, Chicken Fry Fry, Randy’s Wooster St. Pizza, and Dude’s Donuts. Bears BBQ has an excellent BBQ selection for New England, but the spot to choose may be Ted’s. The famous Ted’s Steamed Cheeseburger is a Connecticut original and a must-try for the uninitiated. The beer selection at Rentschler Field is among the best in all college sports. Two Roads Taproom provides local brews from their brewery and the Sam Adams Brewhouse also provides the staple New England suds. Tito’s Stillhouse provides other drink options also. Considering that there is pretty much no neighborhood around the stadium, fans do not have to worry about having to go hungry at the game or being satisfied with simply hot dogs and popcorn. Atmosphere 3 Pratt and Whitney Stadium is a fairly simple design. There is plenty of exposed concrete in the stadium. The south side of the stadium provides the best exterior view with the ticket windows and large glass and siding structure that houses the pressbox and suites. There is nothing really around the stadium other than areas for parking. Inside, the stadium is very open and, as mentioned previously, there is plenty of exposed concrete. Various points in the stadium have murals to make it more attractive including the “Welcome to The Rent” mural. The astute explorer will find the history of Pratt & Whitney and Frederick Rentschler available in the stadium. Small historical tidbits can be found on each of the columns around the main concourse right when fans enter the seating bowl. The field runs from east to west and the south side is the place to be for that perfect center logo picture. The south side also has the pressbox and suites and features banners for the Huskies’ Bowl appearances and Big East championships. The southwest corner features a banner commemorating all of the championships UConn earned before moving to FBS, most of which were in the Yankee Conference. The east end concourse has an attractive memorial to Jasper “Jazz” Howard, who lost his life in 2009. The gameday production has elements of a typical college production. Gameday begins with the Husky Walk at Gate C, 3 hours before kickoff, where fans can welcome the players to the stadium. The Pride of Connecticut marching band plays outside of the stadium and then welcomes the players to the field before taking their place in the northeast corner of the stadium, behind the endzone. A guest rings the Victory Bell in the northeast corner, which is also rung by a member of the band after touchdowns. The band plays during halftime and throughout the game at key moments. The Huskies have a traditional mascot, Jonathan, who can be found around the stadium taking part in promotions, and a live mascot, Jonathan XIV. Neighborhood 2 Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field is located in East Hartford near the campus of Pratt & Whitney. It is over 20 miles from the stadium to the main campus of UConn in Storrs. There is no neighborhood immediately surrounding the stadium and there is plenty of space. The opportunity for tailgating at UConn is strong and there is a decent selection of fans who partake in the pregame tradition. For fans who wish to find a place to go for pre or post-game fare, heading west, across the Connecticut River, to downtown may be the best idea. There are a few spots on Silver Lane, but not many. Try Toby’s, Malibu Sports Ba,r or Carl’s BBQ and Jerk. UConn fields a host of other athletic teams, of which basketball is the most prominent. Depending on the game, the basketball team can be found on campus at Gampel Pavilion or the XL Center in downtown Hartford. UConn hockey is making the move away from XL Center, back to campus to the brand new Toscano Family Ice Forum. XL Center is also the home of the Hartford Wolf Pack of the AHL and the shiny, new Dunkin’ Donuts Park, home of the Hartford Yard Goats is nearby for fans looking for some Double-A Baseball. Fans may also want to consider checking out the Pratt & Whitney Hangar Museum while in East Hartford. For fans looking to stay near the stadium, the Comfort Inn & Suites East Hartford is very close by. Fans 3 For the 2022 season, there has been a significant increase in fan attendance at UConn games. UConn averages between 22,000 and 25,000 fans per game. There is a solid tailgating scene at the Rent also. The game that was reviewed saw only 15,000 fans come through the turnstiles, but the noise level the fans bring is surprisingly loud considering the number of fans and the openness of the stadium. It is understandable, with over 20 miles to get to the stadium from campus, but the student section, which is in the east endzone, is one of the most invisible in college football. Fans in attendance seem adept at complaining about everything on the field including offensive and defensive play calls and any call made by a referee. More consistency with their attendance and another increase for the next season will push the fan score a little higher going forward. Access 4 Rentschler Field is located just south of I-84 and east of the Connecticut River and Highway 2. It is 22 miles west of the main campus in Storrs, Connecticut. Getting in and out of the stadium is not as difficult as one might expect. The traffic situation has been studied and the stadium operators work hard to keep traffic flowing and lanes marked with pylons. With a greater number of fans in attendance, this could be a different story. Parking will go for $20. For fans wanting public transit, there are buses on Silver Lane, north of the stadium. Fans should check out the Connecticut Transit website for fares, maps, and schedules. Getting around the stadium is easy due to its openness and the number of fans in attendance. Washroom facilities are adequate for the number of fans in attendance. Return on Investment 4 UConn football provides a surprisingly high return for the sporting investment. Tickets are very reasonable, if not cheap, running from $30 down to $10. Parking will be $20 and concession prices are what one would expect. The product on the field has been suspect for a few years, but the turnaround under Coach Jim Mora in 2022 has breathed new life into the program. UConn does what it can to provide the expected college experience and for fans who like to tailgate, the infrastructure at The Rent is there. Overall, UConn football offers a solid return on a comparatively small investment. Extras 3 An extra mark for UConn to know where their bread is buttered. To put themselves in the best possible basketball situation, UConn left the American Athletic Conference for the Big East. However, the Big East no longer sponsors football, so UConn has become independent. An extra mark for Rentschler Field is the home of Toronto FC of Major League Soccer, during the pandemic. An extra mark for the revival of the UMass-UConn football rivalry. Final Thoughts When it comes to College Football, UConn may not be the program that fans think of right away. However, the Huskies have only a couple of BCS rivals in New England and put together a strong gameday package that fans will enjoy. A trip to The Rent willl surprises fans and has them considering a return trip. Follow all of Dave’s sporting adventures on Twitter @profan9 and Instagram .

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Gerald J. Ford Stadium 5800 Ownby Dr University Park, TX 75205 SMU Mustangs website Gerald J. Ford Stadium website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 32,000 SMU Mustangs – Gerald J. Ford Stadium Located in the upscale section of Dallas known as University Park sits Southern Methodist University, aka SMU. Legend has it that the first brick laid for the campus back in 1941 is at the highest point in the city of Dallas. That point became Dallas Hall, known as the Hilltop, and is the focal point of the academic center of campus. In addition to being one of the nation’s top research facilities, they play a little ball at SMU as well. The SMU Mustangs first took to the gridiron in 1915. They would join the now defunct Southwest Conference in 1918, and it would be as a member of that conference that the program would experience its highest of highs and lowest of lows. Fielding such legendary players as Don Meredith, Eric Dickerson, Doak Walker, Forrest Gregg, and Raymond Berry, the Mustangs would go on to claim National Championships in 1935, 1981, and 1982. A cursory Google search – or the 30 for 30 documentary – will explain the previously inferred lows. However, with a forthcoming move to the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in 2024, SMU looks to be on the verge of another period of excellence. For much of their football history the Mustangs called Ownby Stadium their home. A campaign led by the eponymous Gerald J. Ford (no relation to our nation’s 38th President), a Texas banker and SMU alum, helped build their new stadium on top of the remains of their former home in 2000. Currently in the midst of a stadium expansion which will close in the current horseshoe and add in new boxes, the stadium, like the rest of the SMU campus, is still gorgeous. Read on to learn what makes is so special. Food & Beverage 4 The food and beverage scene at Gerald J. Ford Stadium is pretty great, to be honest. There are numerous food trucks parked outside the stadium (inside the security screening), and you can take what you buy inside the stadium. They also have numerous kiosks and stands throughout the stadium’s main concourse. Many offer up your traditional gameday fare, like hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, pretzels, soda, and beer. The vast majority of these are self-serve, which really helps speed up the process and keeps fans from missing too much of the action. If you’re looking to expand beyond the norm, the stadium has quite a few local vendors who’ve set up shop with their wares. For example, Rudy’s Country Store and Bar-B-Q offers up chopped and sliced brisket sandwiches, HTeaO has several blends of their signature iced teas, and Ruthie’s For Good has several of their signature sandwiches available. The costs, I found, are a little lower than at most other big-time college stadiums, so that is a welcome change. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at SMU is truly something special. I cannot say enough about how beautiful the campus is. While it is set literally in the middle of arguably the busiest city in the state, the campus could not be more bucolic. Once you enter University Park, you feel like you’re transported to a small-college town. The white-brick buildings and impossibly green lawns just add to what you’re experiencing. Gerald J. Ford Stadium’s main entrance is protected by Doak Walker Plaza, complete with a larger-than-life statue of the 1948 Heisman Trophy winner. Inside the stadium you’ll find a team merchandise stand where fans can purchase their Mustang gear. Beyond that things are a little vanilla – the main draw, again, is the campus itself. The construction being done on the stadium does hamper things a bit, as it can’t help but be distracting. However, by the time it’s done before next season, it will probably be spectacular. Neighborhood 5 The Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex is one of the largest and busiest areas in the country. Almost anything a person could want to see and do can pretty much be found in Big D. For sports fans it doesn’t get much better, as all five of the major sports can be found within driving distance of SMU, with the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Stars both being housed in the city’s downtown. As both the NBA and NHL seasons overlap with the college football one, fans have a unique chance to double-dip on games if they want. Also, for fans looking for something else to do and see either before or after a game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, the legendary State Fair of Texas also runs during the college football season. Famed for its smorgasbord of deep-fried delights, the State Fair should be experienced at least once in everyone’s lifetime. For history buffs, another attraction you might want to visit is the George W. Bush Presidential Library . A museum dedicated to our nation’s 43rd President, it features exhibits on the life of President Bush, his family, and his political career. It is also literally on the campus of SMU, so if you have time, it’s easy to visit. In terms of dining and lodging, even though the stadium is in the heart of the SMU campus, there are still plenty of options nearby. One such example is Bubba's Cooks Country , which bills itself as country cookin’ for city folks. Despite that their menu has a lot to offer, including house-made fried catfish, meatloaf, and fried chicken. Another option within walking distance of the stadium is Red Stix Street Food ; specializing in Asian street fare, Red Stix serves up dishes like shaken beef, orange chicken, and dynamite shrimp. For lodging, those who don’t want to use a vacation rental type property can find options near the SMU campus. The closest options are The Lumen and The Beeman Hotel – both are boutique hotels within walking distance of the stadium. However, you’re bound to find something that will fit your budget; one caveat is to book as far in advance as possible, especially during the State Fair, as those rooms fill up fast and rates rapidly increase. Fans 3 There was a really good crowd at the last SMU game I attended. The Mustangs averaged just under 25,000 fans per game in the 2022 season, and announced a significant bump in season ticket sales for the 2023 season, thanks in part to the forthcoming move to the ACC. I think that number was pretty close to what I witnessed during my last visit. SMU also boasts a really unique tailgating scene, as there aren’t the parking lots (they have garages at SMU; more on that shortly) that most schools boast. So, much like the famed Grove at Ole Miss , SMU has The Boulevard . There is a lot of civilized pre-game revelry being done under the tents on this historic part of the campus. The one thing that keeps this score from being higher is that, despite the good-sized crowd, the fans still seemed very reserved. There are far more SMU polos and various blue shades of sun dresses in the crowd than there are jerseys and face paint. I think this fits in with the setting, but it does undercut what you’d expect at a typical football game (college or high school) in most places in Texas. Access 4 Gerald J. Ford Stadium, as mentioned, is located in the heart of SMU’s campus. This is conveniently located adjacent to Interstate 75. The exit for the campus, the stadium, and University Park are clearly marked, which will make navigating Big D fairly simple. The stadium and campus are both close to the Metroplex’s two major airports, as they are 25 minutes from DFW International Airport and 19 minutes from Love Field, respectively. While not as notorious as the traffic in Houston, Dallas is no slouch in this area. For those not wanting to brave the highways and byways, the Dallas Area Rapid Transport (DART) is a pretty good option. There are multiple stops on the SMU campus for passengers. Once in the area you can choose to park on any of the side streets on campus that aren’t marked, or you can pony up (pun intended) the $20 to park in the lots or parking garages. Exiting the campus and games can get a little bottlenecky, but it really isn’t that bad. Return on Investment 5 Single-game tickets for Mustangs games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium start at $20 each. This is an incredible bargain both for a team with the history of SMU, and also one that plays at a very high level, and are about to play at an even higher one. With the relatively low costs for parking and concessions – and in a setting as unique as SMU – you’re getting a real deal when you attend games at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. Extras 4 The Mustangs pull out most of the traditional game day Extras that a lot of big-time colleges have. They have the cheer squad on the sidelines firing up the crowd as well as the SMU Pom Squad , described as an elite show team, performing routines during halftime. The SMU Mustang Band , aka the “Best-Dressed Band in the Land,” performs throughout the game and also at halftime. SMU also boasts not only a costumed mascot, named Peruna, but also a live Shetland pony mascot, the original Peruna, now Peruna IX . I have to admit to experiencing a considerable amount of joy whenever I see a live mascot at football games. Plus, there is a sense that anything can happen whenever Peruna drags his handlers across the field after a Mustang score. If you’re up for it, search for Peruna on YouTube and see some of that unexpected happen. Final Thoughts I will freely admit that I have had SMU on my bucket list for quite a while. I’m a fan of the old Southwest Conference and there is still a mystique tied to those teams for me. While that definitely added to my personal enjoyment of my experience at Gerald J. Ford Stadium, I feel like anyone who attends will enjoy themselves equally as much. With that said, college football fans, plan your trip to Dallas when you can. It looks like things are only going to get better from here. Follow Eric Moreno's Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 .

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Waterfront Park 1204 Joe DiMaggio Dr Martinez, CA  94553 Map It Martinez Sturgeon website Waterfront Park website Year Opened: Unknown Renovated: 2018 Capacity: 360 Go Fish Marinez, CA, the birthplace of the late New York Yankee Joe DiMaggio, hosts the independent Pecos League of Professional Baseball team Martinez Sturgeon.  The team formed just a few seasons ago, beginning play in 2021.  Its inaugural season was supposed to be 2020, but the pandemic halted that. The Sturgeon won the Pacific Division Semifinals in 2021 but lost in the conference championship.  Two former major league pitchers (Ron Witmeyer and Manny Corpus) were team managers. The Sturgeon play their home games on Field Three at the city’s popular Waterfront Park. ­­­­ The park hosted the 2024 Pecos League Pacific Division All-Star Game.  It is also a favorite spot for other sports with horseshoe pits, softball fields, bocce ball courts, soccer fields, and a skate park.  Families can picnic here and go fishing. The Martinez Clippers of the Pacific Association of Baseball played at Waterfront Park in 2018.  The city of Martinez canceled the Clippers lease because of the team's ownerships fraudulent investment schemes. Food & Beverage 2 One concession stand is open during Sturgeon games.  The park has a shaded picnic area in front of the concession stand.  The menu offers hot dogs, nachos, and brats $5 - $7.  It sells snacks of candy, popcorn, peanuts, pistachios, cookies, and chips for $2 - $3.  Drinks include water, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Gatorade, and Orange Soda ($2).  Canned beers offered are Michelob Ultra, Stella, 805, Five Suns, Del Cielo, and White Claw ($5 - $7).  Not every listing on the menu is available for every game, so choices are limited.   Atmosphere 3 The Martinez Sturgeon offers a pleasant game day experience.  The City of Martinez renovated Field Three at Waterfront Park in 2017 for the Martinez Clippers of the Pacific Association. The seats consist mostly of metal bleachers with no backs.  Bring a cushion.  The venue has three rows of green chairbacks behind home plate that look to be reserved for season ticket holders.  The seating is wheelchair accessible with an easy-to-maneuver ramp up to the first base side bleachers.  The seats behind home plate and the third base side get the shade.  The first base side is in the sun but has a better view beyond the ballpark.  Additional bleachers extend beyond the first base stand with no net overhead.  A netting protects fans in front and above the seating areas.    Waterfront Park Reserved Seats, Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Sit in the first base stands (if the temperature is not too hot) to see ships pass beyond left field, and for a view of the Benicia Bridge over center and right fields. Right field has the US flag and the scoreboard, just to the left of the foul pole.  The scoreboard is a basic dot matrix with the line score.  It is not easy to read in the early innings with the sun. A female announcer calls the game well.  Unfortunately, the music person plays tunes while she’s announcing, so you can’t always hear what is said.   The team holds a 50/50 contest.  If a fan gets a foul ball, they can return it and get candy.  The entire fan base sang Happy Birthday to another fan who just turned 92 at the game I attended.  One feels a sense of strong community ties at these games. Neighborhood 4 Martinez, CA, is near the San Francisco Bay area, about a 40-minute drive northeast.   Waterfront Park is a half mile from Martinez’s vibrant downtown, where visitors can find all kinds of food, shopping, and drinking.  Recommended places to eat:  Breakfast or lunch:  Sal’s Family Kitchen, Copper Skillet Courtyard Lunch or dinner: Lemongrass Bistro (Asian), Roxx on Main, Vic’s, Luigi's Deli (sandwiches) Local breweries:  Five Suns Brewery and Del Cielo, though the city has plenty of other bars and places for adult drinks.  Click here for a more complete list.  Other tourist choices include the John Muir National Historic Site, the Martinez Museum, the Viano Winery, and the California Magic Dinner Theatre.  If you’re there on a Sunday, visit the Farmer’s Market downtown for local produce, goods, and people-watching. Downtown Martinez does not have any lodging.  A few miles away is a Best Western Jon Muir (I stayed here; it is comfortable, safe, and reasonable), a Motel 6, and a Super 8.  A little further away (6+ miles), you’ll find plenty of hotels off I-680.  Sports fans can enjoy the SF Giants or Oakland Athletics (at least till the end of 2024), the Oakland Ballers, and other Pecos League teams in Vallejo , San Rafael , and Dublin . Fans 3 The fans are a hardy group, paying attention to the game and staying to the end.  They cheer all well-executed plays. Fans appear to know each other.  Visitors often hear snippets of conversation like: “How’s your husband?” or “Did you get the invitation to Brad’s party?”  Attendees are retired folks, middle-aged supporters, and parents; it’s generally an older crowd.  Many fans have cowbells, lots of them!! Throughout the game, led by the PA announcer, you’ll hear chants of One! Two! Three! “Go Fish!” Access 4 Getting to Waterfront Park is relatively easy.  It’s only a half mile from downtown, so you can easily walk there.  It’s less than two miles off I-680, just south of the Benicia-Martinez Bridge.  If driving, park on the left side before reaching the tree-lined walkway to the field.  A golf cart picks fans up at the parking area and drives them to the field if desired. Map Courtesy of Google The closest airport is the San Francisco Oakland International Airport (37 miles away).  An Amtrak station is just outside Waterfront Park.  Bay area fans can also get to Martinez via BART and the Capital Corridor bus service. The ballpark does not have any bag rules.  It has restrooms behind the concession stand.  It is recognizably handicapped accessible.  Kudos to the city and the team for going the extra mile for those who experience mobility difficulties. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Martinez Sturgeon game is an affordable evening out.  Tickets are $10 for general admission; sit where you want and move around as desired.   Group tickets and season tickets are available for purchase.  Parking is free.  Concession prices are very reasonable. It’s a fun time here, and I encourage any baseball fan to visit Martinez and watch a game. . Extras 3 The fans are very welcoming to all visitors and are easy to strike up a conversation with.   The views beyond the outfield from the first base stands are worth mentioning again.  And the team having a golf cart to bring fans from their cars to the stands (and back) deserves extra notice. Final Thoughts Visiting Martinez, CA and the Martinez Sturgeon is a delightful day trip or evening out during the summer months.  Grab your family or friends, take a trip to this historic city, and catch a game.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Clean Harbors Stadium 101 Academy Drive Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 Mass Maritime Buccaneers football website Clean Harbors Stadium website Capacity: 2,300 Football With a View The Massachusetts Maritime Academy is a public university located in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts which was founded in 1891. It is the second oldest maritime academy in the United States. Originally established to train deck and engineering officers for the Merchant Marines, graduates today often go on to serve in branches of the United States armed forces. The academy operates a training ship, the USTS Kennedy. Football has been played at Mass Maritime Academy since 1973. The team competes in the Massachusetts State College Athletic Conference (MASCAC), a Division Three conference consisting of schools throughout the state of Massachusetts. The football Buccaneers have won two conference championships, most recently in 1983. Clean Harbors, Inc. is a provider of industrial and environmental services, including hazardous waste removal. It was founded in nearby Brockton, MA in 1980. The company purchased naming rights for the football stadium and adjoining athletic center in 2009 for $1.5 million. Food & Beverage 1 There is a small trailer located behind the grandstand which sells a limited menu. Hot dogs, bags of chips, cans of Pepsi products and bottles of water can be purchased here. For the 2022 season, the school’s baseball team operates the stand, and all proceeds from sales go towards supporting the team. While the menu is far from extensive, prices are reasonable. No item costs more than three dollars. Fans are able to bring their own snacks in if they so choose. Alcohol is not permitted at this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 3 The game day atmosphere at Clean Harbor Stadium will be familiar to anyone who has attended a game at a smaller school. It’s a simple, basic presentation without a ton of extra bells and whistles. When you factor in that Mass Maritime is an “academy,” the understated atmosphere makes perfect sense. There is a pep band that plays sporadically throughout the game, a scoreboard which displays basic game information in the western end zone and a small stand behind the grandstand which sells Mass Maritime hats, shirts and even jerseys. Free roster sheets are provided for all fans in attendance. Of course, there’s a cannon on the far side of the field which fires after every Buccaneers score. The crowd in attendance enjoy close relationships with the players on the field, consisting mainly of family members. With many of the other teams in the MASCAC located a short drive from Buzzards Bay, it’s not unusual to see a good turnout by visiting fans. Neighborhood 3 With the location of Mass Maritime Academy on the end of a peninsula jutting out into Buzzards Bay, there is nothing in the immediate vicinity of Clean Harbors Stadium. However, Route 6, the main commercial thoroughfare in the area, is located just a half mile from campus. Along this road are numerous restaurants and other places of interest in the area. While some local attractions are closed during the fall football season, many businesses in the area are open year-round. As you might expect in a town located on the coast like Buzzards Bay, seafood restaurants are excellent and numerous. Stadium Journey recommends Lindsey’s Restaurant and the Lobster Trap, both a short drive from Mass Maritime. Lodging options are plentiful in the area and are priced more affordably during fall football season than in the summer tourist months. For fans looking to venture beyond the immediate area, Cape Cod is just a few minutes away over the Bourne Bridge. Many attractions will still be open, especially early in the football season, and the summer crowds will be long gone. The whaling city of New Bedford is located a half hour to the west, and Boston is an hour to the north. Fans 3 Mass Maritime averages roughly 1,500 fans per game at Clean Harbors Stadium. This places them just above the MASCAC average. Without a huge turnout by the student body (with a total enrollment of only 1,400 students, the entire student body wouldn’t even fill the grandstand), the typical crowd is made up with many family members of the players on the field. Fans are into the action on the field, but at a small school, sportsmanship does rule the day, even during heated conference matchups. Access 3 The Mass Maritime Academy is located in the village of Buzzards Bay, MA, located on the mainland side of the Cape Cod Canal at its southern mouth. The Mass Maritime campus is easily accessible by car, with the junction of Interstates 195 and 495 located just a few miles away. Route 25 passes just north of campus as it approaches Cape Cod, and route 6, the main business thoroughfare along Massachusetts’ south coast, located just a half mile north of campus. For fans utilizing public transportation, the Buzzards Bay train station and Greyhound Bus Station are located right on Academy Drive. Fans will find ample parking along Academy Drive right across the street from the stadium as well as in the parking lot for Clean Harbors Athletic Center. There are two entrances on the north side of the facility, which lead to a walkway that crosses behind the grandstand. All seating is located on the north side of the facility, with rest rooms located in the adjacent Athletic Center. Seating consists of metal bleachers without backs. Center sections consist of individual molded plastic seats. All seating is located on one side of the stadium, as the soccer field is located adjacent to the football field on the far side. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for Buccaneers games are sold as general admission for just five dollars. Parking is free of charge on Academy Drive or in the parking lot on the other side of Clean Harbors Athletic Center. With no concession item costing more than three dollars, taking in a football game at Mass Maritime Academy is a very affordable entertainment option for southeastern Massachusetts sports fans. Extras 1 The waterfront location of Clean Harbors Field is worth another point. It’s not often that you can witness a splashdown field goal attempt, but it’s an absolute possibility here. Final Thoughts Baseball parks are often known for their views, but you don’t often talk about the view at a football stadium. From the waterfront location right at the mouth of the Cape Cod Canal to the view of the Canal Railroad Bridge and Bourne Bridge in the distance and even the wind turbine behind the west end zone, there is no shortage of things to look at here at Clean Harbors Stadium. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photo by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Bert Ogden Arena 4900 S, I-69C Edinburg, TX 78539 Rio Grande Valley Vipers website Bert Ogden Arena website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 7,688 Bert Ogden Arena - The Rio Grande Valley Vipers Nest The 2019-20 season marks the 13th that the Rio Grande Valley Vipers have played as members of the NBA G League. As affiliates of the NBA’s Houston Rockets , the Vipers have had a pretty good run of success down in the southern-most part of Texas. Since their founding, the Vipers have captured five Conference titles, three Division titles, and three G League Championships. Since 2018, the Vipers have called Bert Ogden Arena their home. Located in Edinburg, Texas, the arena is state-of-the-art and is the crown jewel of sports venues in the Rio Grande Valley. With seating of nearly 7,700 (though it can be expanded to 9,000 for certain events), the arena sports a 40-foot-by-20-foot LED video scoreboard, which is the largest in South Texas. When not in use by the Vipers, the arena plays host to some of the biggest acts to tour in this part of the country, including musical stars Jennifer Lopez, Cher, and Marc Anthony, as well as events such as WWE and the Harlem Globetrotters. The community has embraced the Vipers and are – understandably – incredibly proud of Bert Ogden Arena. After my visit, I can easily understand why. Food & Beverage 4 One of the things you will notice on your visit to take in a Vipers game is that all the concessions areas are on the main concourse. All the standard stands offer your traditional stadium fare: popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, soda, bottled water, etc. They also offer the unique combo menus that their parent club, the Houston Rockets , offer. The all-in-one combo cups feature a large souvenir cup topped with a bowl filled with either nachos (try the Valley favorite topped with Hot Cheetos), a hot dog, French fries, or hot wings for $11-$15 depending on your order. Fuddrucker’s Burgers also offers a pared-down menu including a two-foot Monster Dog ($15) and the World’s Greatest Hamburger ($8). There are also deep-fried Oreos ($5), a Hot Cheeto-topped burger ($8), loaded tater tots ($6), deep-fried corn on the cob ($5), and a souvenir, bottomless bucket of popcorn ($18) offered at these stands. In terms of local favorites, there are stands for Taco Palenque (I highly recommend the pirata taco – a beef fajita taco topped with shredded cheese and refried beans at $5), Il Forno (pizza), and Kumori (sushi). For thirsty adults, the Budlight Zone, Buddy V’s Cadillac Bar, and Viper’s Den are all open throughout the game and offer bottled and draft beers as well as cocktails and well drinks. Drink costs range from $3 bottled waters to $20 for double shots of liquor; a 16-ounce beer will run you $6 and a frozen margarita is $5. One pretty neat innovation to keep in mind is the Fanfood app that visitors can download to their mobile devices. This app allows attendees to order their food from their seats and have it ready for pickup at designated windows on the main concourse. This has helped cut down on wait times at concessions windows, and helps fans cut down on missed game action. Atmosphere 3 You can still feel the newness at Bert Ogden Arena; it still has that new stadium vibe and feel to it and that’s a good thing. The arena is configured into a traditional horseshoe shape, with fan seating on the lower bowl, main concourse level, and second floor. The third is reserved for suites. The baseline opposite the main entrance is set up for table-style seating and is known as the Baseline Zone. It is complete with table-side service and offers great views of the action on the court. The lower deck, as befitting of a seat in that area, offers plush, leather-like stadium chairs and unobstructed views of the court along both sideline areas. These are very nice seats and I would recommend them if you’re planning a visit. The Vipers feature both a dance team, the Snake Charmers , and an entertainment crew, the Venom Hype Squad. They perform during breaks in the game and also at halftime. The Vipers also have their mascot, Fang, patrolling the arena and interacting with fans. Also adding to the atmosphere are the three championship banners the Vipers proudly hang from the rafters. This is a proud franchise in a proud community, and it shows in every detail in Bert Ogden Arena. Neighborhood 2 The McAllen-Edinburg-Pharr-Mission metropolitan area is the fifth-largest such area in Texas and is by far its southern-most. It is also made up of nearly two dozen communities spread out over much of Hidalgo County, with Edinburg being the second-largest behind McAllen. Bert Ogden Arena is located right alongside Interstate 69 C, which makes it very convenient to visitors. This, however, is both a plus and a minus, as it is convenient to drive to, but in no way should anyway try to walk there. Also, being alongside the highway precludes it from being a part of any real neighborhood, and also limits what you can do immediately before and after Rio Grande Valley Vipers games. In terms of dining options, there are tons all up and down the highway in the immediate vicinity of the arena. If you’re looking for the familiar, IHOP, Subway, and Burger King are all within eyesight of the parking lot. However, if you want to try some of the true local flavor, that means Mexican food and Treviños Retaurant and Delia’s Tamales – street tacos at Treviños and, naturally, the tamales at Delia’s are true fan favorites and draw diners from miles around. If you’re in town for a game during the later part of spring, the Vipers schedule usually overlaps with another of the Valley’s pro sports teams, the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros of the United Soccer League. HEB Park , home of the Toros , is a short six-minute drive from Bert Ogden Arena, so if you stay in the area, you might get the chance to catch two games in Edinburg. If you’re looking for something different, I recommend taking in some culture at the Museum of South Texas History . This museum truly digs deeply into the rich history of the region, going back to prehistoric times and up until now with its complex geopolitical landscape exhibit. It is open Tuesday through Sunday until 5 pm, and at $9 a person for adults and $5 for kids under 12 it is a real bargain. Being along a major interstate highway does have its ups and downs. In terms of places to stay, there are truly a lot of options that are all within a short distance of Bert Ogden Arena, but none are truly within safe walking distance. Your closest option is going to be TownePlace Suites by Marriott McAllen Edinburg , which is just five minutes away. If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, Tru by Hilton Edinburg is also five minutes away. Fans 4 The Rio Grande Valley Vipers are consistently ranked among the highest attended teams in all of the G League. Being basically the only game in town has helped make the club truly the “thing to do” in the Valley, and fans have embraced their club with open arms. Anecdotally speaking, at the game I most recently attended, fans were already at the arena hours before the game and virtually everyone was decked out in red Vipers gear of some kind. The crowd was truly on the verge of being deafening at points in the game. While the concourse is always busy with fans running out to get refreshments and grub, there wasn’t a point where I felt the stadium was empty – these are good fans and they really love their team. Access 3 Getting to Bert Ogden Arena by car is no trouble at all. It can be seen from quite a distance away on the highway, and there is really good signage marking how to get there. Once on site, parking is ample and free. Navigating around the facility itself is also really simple. There is only the one main concourse to walk around and stairs take you up and down inside the bowls to the seats (there are private escalators and elevators taking guests up to their suites on the third floor, however). Where the drawbacks do come into play is in the area of public transportation, as the bus service in the city does not make a stop at Bert Ogden Arena. There are Uber, Lyft, and traditional taxi options though, if you choose to go that route. In terms of actually getting to Edinburg, that can be a task. The McAllen-Edinburg-Pharr-Mission area is roughly a four-hour drive from San Antonio, which is the nearest large city nearby to speak of. However, the McAllen International Airport does feature daily flights to and from Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Mexico City. With that in mind, you should be able to take a connecting flight from anywhere else in the country to visit the area. Return on Investment 3 From my experience, what fans can expect when they take in a Rio Grande Valley Vipers game at Bert Ogden Arena is pretty typical of what they will find at other G League games and facilities in terms of cost. Tickets for games range from $12 to $55, depending on where you want to sit, and concessions are pretty much on par with other stadiums at this level of pro sports. Extras 3 Aside from its aesthetics and the bonus of free parking, Bert Ogden Arena offers pretty much the standard in terms of Extras for minor league sports. The main concourse is littered with vendors and games where fans can win free swag and sign up for new services. The main draw in terms of Extras has to be the Lil’ Dribblers Zone located behind the Baseline Zone. This kids only area has tables for young ones to color and draw, face painting, and inflatable play areas for young ones to keep them occupied from opening tipoff to the start of the fourth quarter. It is completely supervised, but parents and guardians are allowed to be back there while their kids take a break from the on-court action. Final Thoughts I was truly impressed with the facilities that the Rio Grande Valley Vipers have to offer their fans. While I wouldn’t count Bert Ogden Arena as a bucket list stop, I would put it at the top of the list of things people visiting the RGV should do on their visit – it has the look, feel, and vibe of a big-time basketball arena. I think anyone who takes in a game at Bert Ogden Arena will feel exactly the same. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477 . Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com .

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center 1600 Phillip Fulmer Way Knoxville, TN 37916 Tennessee Volunteers website Thompson-Boling Arena website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 21,678 Good Ol’ Rocky Top...Woooooo!..Rocky Top Tennessee About a full court’s heave from the banks of the Tennessee River, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center has served as the home court of the Tennessee Volunteers men’s and women’s basketball programs since 1987, replacing the Stokley Athletic Center. With a capacity of 21,678, Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is the fourth-largest college basketball arena in the country. 2007 would see major renovations that added a wall of suites and club seating to the arena, decreasing the capacity from over 24,000 to the current 21,000+. The venue is named in honor of B. Ray Thompson, a key benefactor in the arena’s construction, and Dr. Ed Boling, former UT president and pioneer in raising the profile of women’s athletics at the University of Tennessee. In 2023 the arena added Food City Center to the moniker, as the supermarket chain secured a 10-year naming-rights agreement. Since joining the Southeastern Conference (SEC) in 1932, the Volunteers have established themselves as one of the more successful programs in the conference, winning 11 regular seasons championships, tied for the second most in SEC history, and 5 conference tournament titles.   Food & Beverage   5 Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center does well to provide fans with a wide selection of concessions choices, from stadium favorites to regional and national chains. Choices from eastern Tennessee’s Calhoun's include their BBQ brisket, pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, burgers, and beer cheese dip. Another Tennessee chain, Petro’s Chili & Chips, offers up their “Original Petro”, which is essentially a walking taco in a cup. Another stand is dedicated to hot sandwiches and sausages, including various forms of cheesesteak, hoagies, and Italian or Polish sausages. Limited choices from national chains Moe’s Southwest Grill and Papa John’s are also options. Carts around the concourse offer up everything from popcorn and pork rinds to Italian ice and chocolate-dipped cheesecake. Beverages include those from the Coca-Cola family, Powerade, and Dasani bottled water. 24-ounce cans of several domestic beers are also sold, along with Truly and Bud Lite Premium Seltzers, as well as Twisted Tea. The lone craft style beer is from Sweet Water Brewing. Lines do get rather backed up at concessions stands, even during play, so trying to get food before the game starts might be your best bet, as not to spend a lot of time waiting in line.   Atmosphere   5 When Tennessee builds stadiums, they tend to go big. Neighboring Neyland Stadium holds more than 101,000 football fans, making it the 6th largest college football stadium in the county. The trend of massively large stadiums continues with basketball at Tennessee, as Thompson-Boling is the 4th largest arena in college basketball, holding 21,678 fans. From the outside, the hulking, elongated octagonal Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center seems to be a bit out of date with what appears to be beige, corrugated aluminum siding, but once through the doors the arena offers a spacious, modern vibe for visitors. Dual levels of black seating nicely complement the orange and white colors of the Vols. The upper seating bowl is broken up by three levels of premium seats and suites. The pregame festivities foreshadow the excitement that entertains fans throughout the game – either from the in-house DJ who plays the hits from the ‘80s, ‘90s, and today, to the Tennessee pep band who reigns supreme as they belt out rounds of one of the most recognizable fight songs in the nation, “Rocky Top”. As festivities move from pregame entertainment to pyrotechnics, a light show amps fans up leading to player introductions and the opening tip. As players are introduced, the house spotlights randomly twirl around the seating bowl while Tennessee mascot, Smokey the Bluetick Coonhound, dances upon a fog machine as flames and sparks shoot high into the air around him; Tennessee basketball puts on one impressive show even before the ball is thrown up. Tennessee's use of their trademark orange and white checkerboard adds a distinctive touch to the game presentation. It is not uncommon for the arena’s seating sections to be checkered orange-and-white, whether through strategically placed T-shirts or glow sticks. Throughout the game, the entertainment does not stop. Two in-game hosts take fans through several segments to keep their excitement and passion for Big Orange at a high level, either by hosting on-court games, firing t-shirts from a rapid-fire cannon into the seats, or simply staying out of the way so the pep band and spirit squads can do their thing. Game information is seamlessly integrated throughout the arena, mainly via the center-hung scoreboard, consisting of eight individual rectangular screens, and two separate halo-ribbon boards. The television feed is available on the larger screens at the top of the scoreboard, while player statistics can be found on the smaller lower screens. Additional screens in the upper corners, as well as a ribbon board along the upper-level façade, provides additional game info, including more television feeds of the game, player scores, fouls, and "Hustle Stats" such as blocks, rebounds, steals, and assists.   Neighborhood   5 Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is neighbored by the famed Neyland Stadium , home of the Tennessee Volunteers football team, and baseball’s Lindsey Nelson Stadium , all on the southern edge of campus. The Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League also play less than two miles down Neyland Drive at Knoxville Civic Coliseum. The University of Tennessee is a bit of a rarity in that it has a campus with a college town feel, despite being in a city of almost 200,000 people – UT is practically cordoned off from the rest of Knoxville by White Avenue to the north and the Tennessee River that horseshoes around the south of campus. One of the most iconic landmarks in the city, the Knoxville Sunsphere, is about a 1-mile walk from campus; this orange tinted globe rises 266-feet over Knoxville. The 1982 World’s Fair relic is even open for visitors to ride to the top of, to get a bird's eye-view of Knoxville.  Basketball fans might also enjoy a visit to the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, which is a 5-minute drive from Tennessee’s campus. If looking for a bit of the college town experience, the bars along “The Strip” are just a short walk from the riverfront along Cumberland Avenue. Or, those looking for a bit more of a dining and drinking experience might head toward Gay Street with its higher concentration of restaurants, breweries, and night life. A touch further are Market Square and Knoxville’s Old City neighborhood, which are both highly populated with more shops, restaurants, and nightlife. In the coming years, Knoxville’s Old City neighborhood will be home to minor league baseball, as the Tennessee Smokies move back to Knoxville for the 2025 season.   Fans   4 The Volunteer faithful might be one of the most passionate fanbases in the nation – t heir pride in the Vols extends throughout the entirety of the sports programs at Tennessee. In fact, t he Volunteers men’s basketball program ranks in the top five in the nation in attendance, drawing more than 19,000 fans a night. The “Rocky Top Rowdies”, Tennessee’s student section, do bring a lot of energy and passion to the atmosphere. The intensity of the Vols student section cannot be underestimated, as the Rowdies tend to push the limits of rowdiness from time-to-time, albeit in line with what might be expected from a major college basketball experience. Students fill the sections at both ends of the floor, so there is no escaping the barrage of intensity brought on by the Rocky Top Rowdies toward the opponents. Although the arena is loud in response to plays, it lacks a constant buzz of energy found in similar types of arenas. It's not that Tennessee's fans lack enthusiasm; rather, they tend to be more reactive than proactive in generating noise.   Access   4 Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center is at the southernmost part of Tennessee's campus. It can easily be reached via I-40, which cuts through Knoxville from west to east, connecting to Highway 129 along the southern edge of the city. If flying in to see the Vols, the airport servicing Knoxville is about 10 miles south in Alcoa. Parking options , including lots and garages, are mainly on the northern side of the arena and in the G-10 garage to the east. If looking to save on parking there are free lots which offer shuttle service to and from the arena, while those using rideshare will find the drop-off/pickup lot beyond the right field fence of Lindsey Nelson Stadium , along Todd Helton Drive. Knoxville Area Transit (KAT) offers a free trolley line connecting the UT campus to downtown Knoxville, with the Circle Park stop on the Orange Line  being the closest to the basketball arena. To enter Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center, most fans use entry ramps at the northwest and southwest corners. Security checks are done away from the arena’s entry points, creating a small plaza area. There are six sets of doors, three on each side of the venue, where tickets can be scanned before entering. Inside, a single concourse encircles the top of the lower seating bowl, with stairs leading to the upper level. The open design ensures a clear view of the court from almost any point around the arena. Return on Investment   3 In recent years, Tennessee has established itself as one of the top teams in college basketball. With this success comes a high demand for tickets. Tennessee utilizes Ticketmaster for sales, so be prepared for hefty markups on the face value of tickets. Typical secondary market prices will run from the $20 to $100 range for conference games, prior to fees being added – it is just hard to find value in the overall price of the ticket when it is marked up 33% to nearly 50%. If looking for the most reasonable ticket rates, either plan far enough in advance to avoid the secondary market, or look for a non-conference opponent over one of the two holiday breaks; these games might not have as high of a demand. Parking can also be a bit of an expense to consider. These are not the eye-popping rates that Tennessee football must have, but university lots run $20 for lots around the arena. However, there are also free lots that offer shuttles from the G-17 lot or the UT Veterinary Medical Center (see the parking link referenced above). Concessions see the typical sports arena markup, so inflated prices should not come as much of a shock.   Extras   5 The concourse serves as a journey through Tennessee basketball history, showcasing both the men’s and women’s programs. UT Olympians, NBA and WNBA players, and other notable individual and program achievements are also recognized. Tennessee frequently has some sort of special experience up their sleeves when it comes to setting the atmosphere for the game. Whether it is orange and white t-shirts or glow sticks laid out in the Vols trademark checkerboard pattern, a nod to the brickwork of Ayers Hall, or simply an amazing pregame light show, there is a lot going on to get the fans worked up before the game. The rafters of Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center are full of banners recognizing the team and individual successes of the Vols basketball programs – on the men’s side this includes Chris Lofton (5), Dale Ellis (14), Alan Houston (20), Ernie Grunfeld (22), Bernard King (53), and coaches Ray Mears and John Ward. Shortly after the final horn, the Tennessee pep band, along with the spirit squad, stretch across half-court to sing with alumni as the school’s alma mater is played. While Smokey mostly restricts his movements during the game to the Vols end of the floor, limiting the number of fans who get an opportunity to interact with him, after the game he stays to take picture after picture with the long line of fans waiting for that photo op.   Final Thoughts As of late 2023, the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved funding for the creation of a Neyland Entertainment District to feature a hotel, condos, shops, and restaurants. While the start of construction has not been pinpointed, the University of Tennessee Master Plan does project completion within the next five years. This will only complement the already top-notch basketball game day experience in Knoxville. Historically, the University of Tennessee has been one of the more successful college basketball programs in the SEC, and the success on the floor has translated to success at the gates. It would be easy for a facility as large as Thompson-Boiling Arena at Food City Center to have a lot of empty seats, but the Volunteer faithful do a good job filling it on a regular basis. Life in the SEC can be difficult for basketball programs to cut out their own niche, and stay out of the shadow of the university’s football  and sometimes even baseball  programs. However, Tennessee basketball has created their own spotlight to bask in. While basketball will likely never supplant football  as the featured program in Knoxville, they have established themselves as one of the top college basketball experiences in the county.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Lambeau Field 1265 Lombardi Ave Green Bay, WI 54304 Green Bay Packers website Lambeau Field website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 81,441 Home Of The Lambeau Leap When people talk about NFL dynasties, the first team people think of is the New England Patriots. That may be true in recent years, but no team has come close to the Green Bay Packers in the entire league history. The team of “Frozen Tundra” fame has won a stunning 13 championships in its history. This includes 9 NFL Championships, and four championships won during the Super Bowl era. All these championship seasons occurred in the team’s only home, Lambeau Field. Lambeau Field opened in 1957 and is the oldest stadium in continuous use in the NFL. (Soldier Field in Chicago is an older structure, but there have been breaks in its use when the Bears played at Wrigley Field and other locations during renovations). It also is one of the largest stadiums in terms of capacity, with an ability to hold 81,441 fans. It is the largest stadium in Wisconsin, with Camp Randall Stadium at the University of Wisconsin coming in second. The stadium is named for Curly Lambeau, who was a team founder, player, and first coach of the Packers. Food & Beverage 4 Food is a very important element at all Green Bay home games. You can start working on your hunger pangs before you even enter the stadium by visiting the Johnsonville Tailgate Village in the east parking lot near the Oneida Gate a Lambeau Field. Johnsonville food products are widely available at the Village, which also features musical entertainment, games, giveaways, and 35 plasma TVs tuned to various NFL games around the country. Lambeau Field offers a wide variety of foods at its concession stands inside the stadium. They include everything from stadium standards to North Woods specialties. First, there is a full-service restaurant located in the Atrium at the stadium. The 1919 Kitchen and Tap offers a Northwoods menu of cheese curds, chicken wings, a beer cheese bisque, a beer cheese mac skillet, chicken pot pie, and several different specialty burgers. The Kitchen and Tap offers more than 40 different craft beers. Some of the more unique offerings at Lambeau concessions stands are meatloaf sandwiches, pot roast sandwiches, and Korean BBQ bowls. There are also stands that serve foods to knock the chill off at late-season games including chili, hot soups, and brat cheddar chowder. The Gridiron Grill serves up your typical stadium standards of burgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas. One item you will have no problem finding at a Green Bay home game is brats. Lambeau Field has lots of brats, including Pack N Cheese Brats, brat eggrolls, brat frites, brats’ tots, and brat’s mac n cheese. Lambeau Field offers one of the most extensive sets of beer offerings we’ve seen in an NFL venue. Brands available include Miller, Badger State Brewski, Blue Moon, Coors, High Life, Hinterland, Leinie’s, and Terrapin. The workers at the concession stands are volunteers from various civic clubs who are raising funds for charitable organizations in the Green Bay area. Atmosphere 4 The franchise does a terrific job of preserving the history and aura of the Packers in several ways. This is accomplished in several ways. The Packers Hall of Fame is in the Atrium of Lambeau Field and is a must-see attraction for both Packer fans and visiting fans who love football history. It features exhibits on historic games in Packers history, videos of famous Packers players of the past, the 13 championships trophies won by the team, uniforms worn by the Packers over the years, and a replica of Coach Lombardi’s office. In total, there are 27 plasma screens, 77 exhibits, and 363 graphics that tell the history of the Packers franchise. Just outside of Lambeau Field, there are several statues of notable Packer figures. These include a statue of Curly Lambeau, a statue of Vince Lombardi, and a statue of a player doing the Lambeau Leap into the stands after a Green Bay touchdown. Neighborhood 4 In many ways, Lambeau Field is a neighborhood stadium, as there is a large residential neighborhood just across Lombardi Avenue from the stadium. The folks that live in this neighborhood don’t mind having the stadium next door, as they make lots of cash each fall selling parking in their driveways or yards to fans. The neighborhood south of Lombardi Avenue is a mix of retail, restaurants, and watering holes. The Taverne in the Sky is located just west of the stadium in the Lodge Kohler. The Turn restaurant offers a wide variety of bar food, chili, and soups, as well as tacos, cheesesteaks, and burgers. Head to the Hinterlands to quench your thirst after cheering all day at the game. They offer a wide variety of IPAs, drafts, and crafts in addition to cocktails and wines. Lodging is widely available around the stadium. The Lodge Kohler is a four-star hotel just west of Lambeau Field. Just east of the stadium are the Best Western Green Bay and the Quality Inn Stadium Area. As you can imagine there are several Packer-related attractions near Lambeau Field. These include the Oneida Nation Walk of Legends and the Packer Hall of Fame. The National Railroad Museum is also close by. Fans 4 Whether you had a great time or a lousy time at an establishment, you often want to offer your opinion to the management. At Lambeau Field, that person may be sitting to your left or your right. That’s because the citizens of Green Bay own stock in the team. Like other teams, the Packers have GMs, front-office staff, and coaches. However, in the early days of football, the locals were called on to provide the basics for the team including uniforms, footballs, and other supplies. That tradition carries through to the present, with elected representatives speaking for the stockholders. The Packer fans are a hardy bunch of folks. When the snow is high and the field ices over (even though there are thermal pipes located underneath the field to prevent that) the fans feel this is ideal weather for the home team, as they practice regularly in this type of weather. Green Bay fans all seem to be local historians as well, as they share a great deal of knowledge about the important sights around the town. They can recite from memory all the details of the Ice Bowl game between the Packers and the Cowboys back in the 1960s. Our experience is that most Packer fans are midwestern-friendly, unless you are wearing Chicago Bears gear, and cheering for the guys from Chicago. There is an intense rivalry between the two cities and teams. Access 3 One of the first things that visiting fans will face in attending a Packers game is simply getting to the town. Green Bay is one of the most remote cities in the NFL. It is located 116 miles north of Milwaukee and 206 miles north of Chicago. Green Bay does have an airport, but it can only handle commuter-sized planes and fares to Green Bay are quite expensive. At the stadium, your first task is finding parking in the area. The lots immediately outside of Lambeau Field are reserved for season ticket holders. Probably your closest option is to use the parking lot at Titletown, which is a relatively new development just across Lombardi Avenue from the stadium. Parking in this lot will be $50. While parking is allowed, tailgating is prohibited in these lots. On gamedays, Titletown offers music, food booths, and a Packer’s themed playground. The development includes a public park, a microbrewery, a skating rink and a regulation-sized artificial turf football field, where visitors can pass, kick, and punt as long as they want. (Bring your own gear, as Titletown does not provide footballs and other supplies.) The Titletown development includes a Lodge Kohler Hotel. Parking is free for hotel guests. It is 100 yards to the stadium from the hotel. If you come without a parking space, on-street parking is allowed in the neighborhoods that adjoin the stadium. There are a few alternate ways to get to Lambeau Field. Uber/Lyft can pick you up before the game and pick you up after the game. The drop-off and pick-up zone at Lambeau Field is located at the corner of Mike McCarthy Way and Holmgren Way. This is a much cheaper option than parking near the stadium. The local transportation system, Green Bay Metro, offers free shuttles to Lambeau from three different routes. These routes go by the names of Lambeau Leap, the QB Sneak, the Quick Slant, and the Cheesehead. Once at Lambeau Field, you can enter through one of the eight main gates. The stadium gates open two hours before kickoff. If you arrive very early, you can kill time in the Lambeau Field Atrium, which is adjacent to the stadium. The Atrium opens four hours before the kickoff for ticketed fans. This gives you time to visit the Packers Hall of Fame, shop at the Packers Pro Shop, or get a bite to eat at the 1919 Kitchen and Tap. The restaurant carries more than 40 craft beers. Return on Investment 3 Unless you live in the area, or say nearby in Milwaukee, you probably making the trek to Green Bay as a way of marking it off a bucket list involving sports venues. We say that as a way of saying that attending a Packers game at Lambeau Field can be an expensive proposition. Here is what you can expect: Parking at regulated lots starts at $50 and goes higher as get closer to the stadium. Tickets to individual games on the Packers website start at $132 for a seat at the top of the stadium and go much higher. Tickets on the secondary markets tend to go for premium prices. Lambeau Field is a cashless facility. Extras 3 Visiting fans can get a real feel for the history of the Green Bay franchise by visiting the Packer’s Heritage Trail in downtown Green Bay. The 4.5-mile trail can be done on foot or by a tourism shuttle. The trail has markers at 25 sites that played a significant role in the town’s starting of the Packer franchise. Among the sites are Vince Lombardi’s home, team founder Curly Lambeau’s house, and the site of the Packer's first practice field. Green Bay will be hosting the 2025 NFL Pro Draft event. The entire population of Green Bay could be seated in Lambeau Field at one time. Final Thoughts Lambeau Field is one of the most iconic venues in the NFL, as it has hosted some of the most historic games in the history of the NFL. It does not sit on this laurel though. Lambeau Field is constantly refining its gameday experience for fans making the trek to the NFL’s northernmost outpost.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Crypto.com Arena 1111 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015 Los Angeles Lakers website Crypto.com Arena website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 18,997 Land O’ Lakers The Staples Center is the center of the LA indoor sports universe, as it serves as the home of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA, the LA Kings of the NHL and the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. The arena opened in 1999 and has a seating capacity of 19,079 for basketball and 18,118 for hockey. Note: The Staples Center name changed to Crypto.com Arena in Dec, 2021. Food & Beverage 3 Los Angeles is one of the most diverse cities in the country, and this is reflected in the Staples Center’s concessions offerings. Among the vendors in the arena are Blaze Pizza, BS Taqueria, Cooler by Budweiser, Dave’s Doghouse, EATS, Golden Road Brewhouse, Impact Sports Bar and Grill, Outtakes, Wetzel’s Pretzels and Smokehouse BBQ. One word of warning… while the food selection is of excellent quality, you may develop indigestion when you see the prices. They are amongst the highest in the NBA…nearly $7 for a hot dog. You may want to eat somewhere less expensive before or after the game, utilizing the Staples Center for just snacks and beverages. Atmosphere 5 As you would expect in Hollywood and the home of TV shows, the Staples Center excels in production quality. The sound system and lighting quality in the arena far exceeds what you will would find at other arenas. One of the reasons for this are the vast number of concerts held at the arena, featuring the top artists in the world, many of whom are local residents as well. They tend to be very demanding of the technical crews, and the Staples Center delivers. You’ll want to make sure to be in your seats prior to the National Anthem, as both the Lakers and the Clippers have very dramatic pregame introductions. The Lakers are definitely the aristocracy as far as indoor sports in Los Angeles. There are statues in the plaza of Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and even longtime announcer Chick Hearn. Kobe Bryant’s is sure to come soon. Once inside the arena, the sixteen banners for the championships the Lakers have won fill an entire well, while another wall carries all the retired numbers of the Laker immortals. Neighborhood 4 The Staples Center is located in the LA Live sports and entertainment district. LA Live has more than 20 restaurants, including Shaquille’s, Yard House and several of Wolfgang Puck’s brand of restaurants. Also included in the complex are a variety of night clubs, the GRAMMY Museum and even a bowling alley. There are several hotel brands represented in the area, which can save you the hassle of being in traffic trying to get to the arena. Fans 4 The fan base of the Lakers is very much like the fan base of the New York Knicks. The two teams are very popular with the celebrity set, who sit court side at many games. They range from TV/movie stars to stars from other sports and even national politicians. This adds a bit of fun for those who like to stargaze from some of the more economical seats. Lakers fans are more refined in their cheering for the team, as they expect a lot from the team, considering their past success. The team is currently transitioning from the Kobe Bryant teams of the past to the Lebron James years of the future. It has been a tough season for the team and the fans as it fell short of the playoffs for one of the few times in recent history. The two teams that will really raise the noise level at the Staples Center are the hated Boston Celtics and the team’s neighbor at the Staples Center, the LA Clippers. Access 3 Anyone who has ever driven in the Los Angeles area can tell you that LA stands for “lotta autos.” There is a vast network of interstates in the greater metropolitan area, but the two to keep in mind for the Staples Center are I-110 and I-10, as the arena is located just north of the 110/10 interchange. It is always important to leave yourself plenty of time to make it through traffic to a game. We suggest you download the Staples Center app, as it includes the WAZE app, which provides up to the minute information on accidents, road construction and alternate routes that may get you to the arena faster. Once you have reached the Staples Center, parking can become an issue. The Center owns 3,300 spaces, but there are more than 16,000 spaces within a 10-minute walk of the arena. If you plan to park in a Staples Center owned lot, you should pre-purchase your parking pass at AXS . Staple Center lots charge $30, but privately-owned lots in the area can be much cheaper. The Los Angeles Metro public transportation system can provide a less time consuming and less stressful method of reaching the Staples Center. The Metro Rail Pico Station will drop you off at the doorstep of the arena. We suggest you purchase a one-day pass for $7, which gives you unlimited rides within a 24-hour period of purchase and will allow you to visit the many other interesting sites in the Los Angeles area. Go to www.metro.net for detailed information on navigating the Metro system. The Staples Center itself provides excellent access to each of its seating levels. There are four main entry points for the general public, with many more set aside for season ticket holders and VIP’s. The concession stands are plentiful and typically the same stands have a location on each level of the seating bowl. The Staples Center has more than 60 restrooms. One word of warning if you are seated in the 300 level of the arena. Like many sports facilities, the Lakers utilize “stage lighting” to spotlight the action on the court. As a result, there is poor lighting in the upper level. This makes it difficult to identify the row you are sitting on or in finding your specific seat. The dim lighting also adds to the difficulty in ascending or descending the steeply inclined steps in this section Return on Investment 3 Like most major metropolitan areas, such as New York and Chicago, the cost of doing business is much higher. In addition, it is a very competitive market for both the tourists and local’s entertainment dollar. It is therefore not surprising that Los Angeles ranks only behind the Big Apple on the Fan’s Cost Index. Parking, concessions, tickets and traffic congestion can all add up in making a night out at a Lakers game an expensive proposition. However, this expense must be weighed against the high level of quality play the Lakers put out in most seasons. There will definitely be additional banners hung from the rafters of the Staple Center. Extras 4 The Staples Center has hosted three NBA All Star games, two NHL All Star games, eighteen Grammy Awards shows, four WTA Tennis Tour Championships, two NCAA Men’s West Regional Finals and eleven X Games competitions. The Los Angeles Lakers have won six NBA titles since moving to the Staples Center and sixteen NBA championships overall. The LA Clippers are still hunting for their first NBA title. If you are planning to go to multiple sports events at the Staples Center and purchase a souvenir at each game, you may want to check out the Team LA Store before going into the arena. The store is the licensed seller for goods for all the teams and has stores all over the city, including LA Live. By buying your merchandise before you go into the game, you can avoid lugging your goods up to your seats. You can also avoid paying the extra fee charged for a shopping bag inside the arena, as the Staples Center has adopted several “green” initiatives. Stargazing is another unique facet of attending a game at the Staples Center. It is not uncommon to see several of your favorite TV/movie stars sitting court side with their families Final Thoughts The Staples Center continues to serve as the premiere indoor sports facility in the Los Angeles area. Its mix of teams touch upon almost every demographic in a city known for being very diverse. Its location across the street from the LA Live music, restaurant and entertainment district makes it a very attractive place for a night on the town for your family and friends.

Photo by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Bevilacqua Stadium 191 Stevens Ave Lancaster, PA 17602 Thaddeus Stevens Collese of Technology Battlin' Bulldogs website Bevilacqua Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 1,000 Small College At Work Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a two-year technical college located in Lancaster, PA. It was named for Thaddeus Stevens, a nineteenth-century politician, who was a fierce opponent of slavery and discrimination against African-Americans. The college is owned by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Stevens offers associate degree programs in fields such as Cabinetmaking & Wood Technology, Computer Aided Drafting, Collision Repair, and Machine Tool and Computer Aided Manufacturing. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology was named one of 150 two-year colleges eligible to compete for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance in America’s two-year colleges. Stevens athletic teams are known as the Battlin’ Bulldogs. They compete with other two-year programs under the NJCAA banner and against the junior varsity programs of some four-year colleges. Bevilacqua Stadium is named for Richard V. Bevilacqua, a former coach and teacher at the school. Food & Beverage 3 There is a very simple concession stand located under the press box on the home side of the field. Although it is simple the food choices were good and the product of good quality. Hot dogs start at $2 and you can add choli as an option. Burgers were also available. Drinks were available for $2 as well. The concession stand had one of the better stocked condiments area I have seen for awhile. Atmosphere 2 There is not much to the stadium. Located at the rear of the Stevens campus the field looks like a typical small town high school football stadium. It may actually be smaller than many Pennsylvania high school stadiums. When you enter the stadium you need to walk down steps to the track level of the home side of the field. Weirdly enough there is no seating on the home side. You need to walk around either direction of the track to find the only seating structure. You are also free to stand and watch the game at any other location. The field itself was basic grass, but had a huge area that was just dirt. There are some picnic tables located near to the press box on the home side of the stadium. There are no other scheduled activities at the games. A local youth cheerleader program added some excitement. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located just east of downtown. There are some rough areas in the area, but overall the city has been making great strides. So make sure to walk around downtown before the game. You may not find too much right near the stadium worth walking around though. Besides downtown, the main commercial areas of the Lancaster area are the outlets area east on Route 30 and surrounding the Park City Center Shopping Mall north of downtown. Fans 2 Fans seemed to be mainly friends and family of the students. There were quite a few obvious alumni at the game. It was pretty obvious by their alumni shirts. Access 4 Lancaster is an easy area to navigate. Routes 30 and 222 are well known, large roads that any tourist visitor to the area will be more than familiar with. Even though the stadium is located in a busy town, you will seldom find traffic to be too bad. Lancaster is located about a half an hour to the state capital Harrisburg. It is also about an hour and a half to Baltimore, and the same distance to Philadelphia. There are many parking spaces around the college. Return on Investment 4 The cost of the game is a mere $5 and the food prices were also very fair. It may not be highest level of college football but the return on investment is quite good. . Extras 1 Walk around the unique college campus before the game so you can get a sense of the unique programs offered at this college. Final Thoughts Bevilacqua Stadium at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is one of the lowest levels of college football one may find. But the games presented here are fun and it is certainly an experience that a true football fan should experience if in the area.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Southport Fieldhouse 971 E Banta Rd Indianapolis, IN 46227 Southport HS Cardinals website Southport Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1958 Capacity: 7,124 Southside Party is in the Cards for Basketball The Southport Fieldhouse falls in line with one of the copious historic and spacious palaces for high school basketball in the state of Indiana. The facility can hold a robust 7,124 spectators making it the 10th largest venue of its kind in the world. It is the home to the Southport High School Cardinals basketball programs. It is located 10 miles south of downtown Indianapolis, establishing the recognition of the largest high school gymnasium in the city. The first game played in this facility took place between the Cardinals and Indianapolis Tech Titans on November 29, 1958. A full-capacity crowd was on hand to usher in a new era of sports in the city. The fieldhouse hosted the Indiana High School Athletic basketball state semi-finals and regionals, wrestling state finals from 1960-1980, and was home to Indiana Central College (now U of Indy) basketball from 1958-1960 before it relocated to its current home, Nicoson Hall. There have even been Easter morning services held inside the venerable gymnasium. The colors of red and white dominate the venue; the outside hallways feature a wonderful array of memorabilia from the school’s history of sports. Old scoreboards, center court logos, nets, trophies, basketballs, and photographs outline the hallways near the main entrance to the arena. There is still a lot of pride in many of these massive and historical sites on the south side of Indianapolis. Food & Beverage 3 There are three concession stands located on the upper level of the seating concourse. All of the favorites are offered including hot dogs ($2), pizza ($2), walking tacos ($3), nachos ($3), popcorn ($2), breadsticks ($2), and chicken sandwiches from Chick-fil-A ($4). Pepsi products are served along with coffee and hot chocolate. One added treat is Dippin Dots ice cream served in a cart adjacent to the concession stand and offered in three sizes. Atmosphere 4 There is not a bad seat in the 7,300-seat arena, fans enter through doors on the floor of the playing court and embark on their seats that are separated into two sections consisting of 26 rows in an octagonal shape. The upper section consists of the original wooden bleacher seats that are still numbered from the days when reserved seats were sold at games. The lower section seating is made of modern plastic bleacher seats. The massive gymnasium also has a lot of charm in itself from banners of the 1990 Final Four team and the retired number of Basketball Hall of Famer Louie Dampier who starred with Southport from 1962-1964. Cheerleaders and the pep band do their best to liven up the crowd and many old-timers are game for a conversation about the history of the venue. There are also special theme nights scheduled that celebrate former players, teams, or anniversaries. During my most recent visit it was Indiana Pacer night and Boomer, the team’s mascot, made a special appearance and delighted the crowd with an aerial halftime show that had him dunk off a personalized-sized trampoline, shoot t-shirts into the stands, and engage a few youngsters to join him on the court. The Cardinals also have their mascot who is among the best-looking of the high schools in the area. He also interacts with fans and will pose for a picture or two if you ask him. Neighborhood 4 The Southport section is only a 15-minute south drive from the downtown Mass Ave and Fountain Square districts of Indianapolis. However, you are also a 10-minute drive from the southern Indy suburb of Greenwood. The large shopping district area features a few great restaurants to try when in the neighborhood. Bronzini Pizzeria serves New York-style pizza, upstate New York spiedies, and St. Louis-style fried ravioli. Shallo’s Antique Restaurant & Breehaus offers a wide selection of draft and bottled beers along with huge pork tenderloin sandwiches, Caribbean-flavored chicken varieties, and open-face hot brown sandwiches. Two reputable microbreweries are gaining notoriety in Central Indiana in nearby Greenwood: MashCraft Brewing Company and Planetary Brewing Company. Fans 4 There are a variety of spectators that attend games at the fieldhouse including alumni, students, and the casual spectator. They all share one thing in common and that is their love for the Cardinal basketball team. The student section is made up of around 70 plus kids who stand throughout the game and show their support through cheers, heckles, screams, and chants. The casual spectator is on the sideline either frustrated or delighted by what is going on on the court. When the contest is closed, the excitement can be heard at high-pitched levels. Access 4 The fieldhouse is located less than two miles offExitt 2A on I-465 and SR-31. Parking is free and plentiful for most games, but higher-attended games could be a different scene. Once inside it is easy to get around to your seats, to the bathroom, or concession stands. Return on Investment 4 All tickets for adults are $6, very common among all high schools in the state. It is well worth the price of admission for basketball in a historic building. There have been a few high school hoop stars who currently play in the NBA and have played in Southport and other fieldhouses in recent times. When you include the price of concessions and souvenirs at the gift table, it makes for quite an inexpensive night of sporting entertainment. Extras 3 Southport High School features an impressive-looking mascot. However, he would be better served if he was donning a jersey over the outfit for the proper look on the court. There is an excellent collection of paraphernalia in and around the building that is featured nicely and neatly on lobby walls. The Wall of Fame and championship team photos are also on display inside the fieldhouse. The hospitality room is an interesting little room located outside the gym in the main lobby. There are pictures, photos, and various pieces of Southport memorabilia set in a 1950’s diner backdrop. It is open only to media, coaches, referees, and staff, but a quick look and you will be taken back to another era. Final Thoughts The collection of high school facilities in Indiana is impressive in design, beauty, and nostalgia. Southport’s venue fits nicely into the collection. The proximity of the facility to Indianapolis makes it an easy stop for anyone who is in town visiting other sports events. Hinkle Fieldhouse and Gainbridge Fieldhouse might grab all of the attention and praise in the city, but the Southport Fieldhouse should not be overlooked. It has been standing proudly since 1958. _____ Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on Twitter @ballparkhunter and his YouTube channel . Email at marc@stadiumjourney.com

Photos by Chuck Uteck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kinnick Stadium 886 Stadium Dr Iowa City, IA 52242 Iowa Hawkeyes football website Kinnick Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 70,585 Riding the Wave The University of Iowa Hawkeyes football team plays their games at Kinnick Stadium, formerly known as Iowa Stadium. This 69,250 seat oval was changed in 1972 to honor Iowa’s only Heisman Trophy winner, Nile Kinnick. Greeting visitors at the south entrance is a Bronze statue of Kinnick, who died in 1942 during a training flight with the United States Navy. By capacity, Kinnick ranks 27th in largest college football stadiums. Over the last five years, attendance has it at 21st overall. In 2015, Kinnick set a national collegiate wrestling dual meet attendance record by packing in over 42,000. The stadium saw major renovations in 1956, 1983, 1990, 2006 and the last which began in 2017 and finished at the start of the 2019 season. The nearly 90 million dollar project included new concessions, restrooms, an upgraded concourse, box seating, outdoor club seating in the north end zone as well as a larger north end zone scoreboard. Food & Beverage 4 At an Iowa football game one can find both traditional sporting event fare as well as some non-traditional options. There are ample booths on the east and west sides as well as a couple on the north and south edges for fan convenience. Wimmers hot dogs are featured. A basic hot dog is $4.50; polish sausage $5.50. Peanuts, popcorn and nachos range from $5-$7, although a souvenir popcorn tub is $12 and includes one free return back for more. The B&G Burger stand provides for $7 Loaded Hawk Tots (bacon, sour cream, cheese and chives) as well as a 319 (local area code) Burger for $8.50. The Boulevard Grill on the northeast side offers cheeseburgers, pizza burgers, tenderloins, and chicken tenders all at $7.50. For a slightly different take—try the mac and cheese or BBQ pork nachos for $8.50. Coca-Cola products are served at $5 for a regular or $6.50 for a souvenir cup. Atmosphere 5 Tailgating begins early around Kinnick. Lots tend to fill up fairly fast and then the air is subsequently filled with the aroma of grills, the crackling sound of cold beers being opened and hoots and hollers from various tailgate games like bags (cornhole). Once inside, the fun continues. “The Swarm” is when players take the field as a tight group with everyone holding hands and moving at a slow pace prior to the game. This is accompanied by AC/DC’s “Back in Black” with the fans roaring. Following scoring plays, the stadium becomes 65,000 plus attended spelling bee. Only one word is on this list, IOWA. Chants of “I – O – W – A” start from one corner and work around the bricks of Kinnick. From time to time, a zealous fan will stand in a section and offer a mini version of that to get their local group fired up. In 2017, the latest and greatest tradition began at Kinnick. Following completion of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital that overlooks Kinnick, came “The Wave.” At the end of the first quarter, fans, players, coaches and staff turn to face the hospital and wave to the children and families. It is not easy to maintain a dry eye and yet smile as the legions of fans wave in unison and the children and families wave back. The Krause Family Plaza on the south side of the stadium is the place to gather pre and postgame. It has food trucks, vendor booths, and a large tent for Iowa merchandise. Players get off the bus at this area and enter the stadium. In addition, there are two stages for concerts as well as local broadcasts. There are multiple photo opportunities, including the Kinnick statue, an IOWA sign as well as the overall gathering. Just outside the plaza is a gathering area featuring a large combine. Once used as a way of life for farmers, now it’s a tailgate way of life on Saturdays. Iowa colors are black and gold. In the visiting locker room, however, is the color pink, chosen by former coach Hayden Fry. It was his thought that this would lead to a “passive mood.” Neighborhood 4 Kinnick Stadium is located between Iowa City and Coralville, Iowa. Coralville has some popular restaurants such as The Wig & Pen Pizza Pub and the Iowa River Power Co. Restaurant. For more traditional items, the Coralville Mall features various inexpensive to fine dining choices. In Iowa City, downtown has a plethora of choices, like the Airliner, The Dandy Lion, The Mill and The Bluebird Diner. A fun spot to visit is tiny John’s grocery. The legendary building that holds the over 70 year old neighborhood grocery has been a fire station, apartments, a saloon, a barbershop, and even a toiletry factory. It is a great visit before or after the game. In and around Iowa City is the Coralville Mall for a shopping experience. Just outside though are a couple gems. Twenty minutes to the west are the Amana colonies. Amana was settled in the 1850’s by Germans and is comprised of seven communities. During the year there are many festivals. During the football season, Oktoberfest is celebrated there and is a great getaway less than a half hour away from Kinnick. Fans 4 Hawkeye football saw a resurgence with the arrival of Hayden Fry. Under current coach Kirk Ferentz, fans also have enjoyed consistent winning seasons. They have come out in droves consistently for the past 40 years. The fans are knowledgeable and boisterous on game day. Check ahead for themes; certain games will be “Black Out” or Black and Gold in certain sections. “Iowa Nice” is in full affect with the fans and staff. Access 4 There is one main oval concourse where concessions, bathrooms, and exits are located. These areas can become busy during halftime but the recent renovations have helped with traffic flow. Arriving at the game can be a challenge but options are aplenty. Kinnick is situated in the middle of a neighborhood with hospitals, the Fieldhouse, Carver Hawkeye Arena and school buildings nearby. There are few lots for parking. Parking can be had in the neighborhoods for a price or depending on one’s wanting to walk for free. Before and after the game, staff and local police do a tremendous job with the throngs of spectators and keeping the traffic flowing. An outstanding option for those also wanting an exit close to I-80 is the Hawkeye Express. This train runs from just outside the mall to the stadium on game days. Cost is $15 for a roundtrip ticket. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices can vary depending on opponent. Early non-conference games average around $50 while highly sought after games like the Iowa State game (at Iowa every other year) can begin around $90. An average seat for a Big Ten game can be found a lot of times on secondary markets for $60-$70. Extras 3 The Wave is worth the price of admission. Kinnick also hosts an annual 5k in the fall that allows participants to finish on the field and wave to the hospital upon completion. The Kinnick Statue as well as his speech at the Heisman trophy ceremony are must see. Final Thoughts Kinnick Stadium is a great choice for a Saturday in the fall. Crisp air, football and 65,000 or so fans. Renovations, the Wave, and a winning football team bring a heightened level of excitement to the area. The thrill of Saturdays in the fall is captured at Kinnick Stadium.

Photos by Milwaukee Beavers Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Henry Aaron Field 4200 Green Bay Ave Milwaukee, WI 53212 Milwaukee Panthers website Henry Aaron Field website Year Opened: 1957 Capacity: 500 A Field Not Fit for a King If someone were to ask you to quickly guess where the only NCAA Division I baseball program in Wisconsin is located you would likely say in Madison, but you would be incorrect. The University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is the correct answer and Henry Aaron Field is the home of the UW-Milwaukee Panthers. Henry Aaron Field looks more like a high school or even rec league field, located in the middle of a park with only small sections of old metal bleachers. This facility is no doubt past its usefulness as a college baseball facility. Many fans bring their own folding chairs for comfort and sit right behind the chain-link backstop. Perhaps the school administration has recognized the issues with Henry Aaron Field as recent news indicates the Panthers are in negotiations with MKE Sports & Entertainment LLC to build a new multi-use facility in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. I was also informed by a team representative the 2015 season will be the final season at Henry Aaron Field as the Panthers will play home games in 2016 at a facility known as The Rock. The Rock Sports Complex located in Franklin features amenities that Henry Aaron Field lacks such as concessions, grandstands, restrooms, and a turf field. While I was not informed which field at The Rock the Panthers will call home in 2016, I was able to find out that the complex features six fields each of which are modeled after the dimensions of MLB facilities in Boston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and of course Milwaukee. Food & Beverage 1 There is no food or beverage anywhere to be found, the only reason this section receives one star is because of the fact that you can bring your own cooler. The members of the crowd bring coolers with food and beverages. While the facility isn’t much, the ability to bring in a cooler is a huge money savings and adds a unique feeling taking a picnic to a baseball game. Atmosphere 2 The field isn’t within walking distance from campus, which is likely why the majority of the crowd consists of friends and family of the players. The positive aspects of bringing a cooler and folding chair and being able to enjoy a college baseball game so close to the action can’t be ignored however. It is a unique setting, even if it is a no frills atmosphere. Neighborhood 1 The neighborhood doesn’t contain much beyond residential housing. It isn’t a bad part of town, it just doesn’t contain much in the way of businesses. The campus is not nearby as it is 4 1/2 miles southeast of the field. It is a relatively quick drive however that can be done with both Interstate 43 or surface streets. Fans 2 The fans in attendance are very polite and friendly. They also have a great knowledge of the game. It is pretty obvious though that their passion and knowledge is because they are all friends or family members of either the home or away team players. All fans are cordial and anything they shout is positive in nature beyond the occasional obligatory “that pitch looked good to me blue!” Access 2 Driving to Henry Aaron Field is a fairly easy commute, easily accessible from Interstate 43 or from surface streets. Driving from campus provides several routes to ensure the drive should go smoothly regardless of time or day of the week. An additional huge plus is that parking is free. There is plenty of street parking along with a decent sized parking lot located down the third base line. Students can take a shuttle to the field if they desire from campus. Return on Investment 5 There are no tickets so admission is free, parking is free, you can bring your own cooler with food and beverages, and you are seeing a good competitive game of Division I baseball. This is a good investment on a game day by itself but may also be a great consideration for a day game if you are already in town for a Brewers game at Miller Park that evening. . Extras 2 The ability to see a game for free and to pack your own picnic has to be mentioned again. One extra star for each of these features. Final Thoughts The opportunities to see a game at Henry Aaron Field become fewer with every game day that passes. Recent news indicates the Panthers are in negotiations with MKE Sports & Entertainment LLC to build a new multi-use facility in Oak Creek, WI. Regardless if those plans come to fruition, a team representative told me that the 2015 season will be the final season at Henry Aaron Field as the Panthers will play home games in 2016 at a facility known as The Rock. Editors Note: Milwaukee baseball has called Franklin Field home since the 2021 season after 27 seasons at Henry Aaron Field at Lincoln Park. We hope to have a review of their new home available soon.

Photos by James Hilchen and Kaytlyn Drummond, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Durham Bulls Athletic Park 409 Blackwell St Durham, NC 27701 Durham Bulls website Durham Bulls Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 10,000 The Bull City Opened on April 6, 1995, Durham Bulls Athletic Park (DBAP) is home to the Durham Bulls of the Triple-A East – Southeast Division. The current ballpark replaced the iconic Durham Athletic Park, which was the primary setting for the movie “Bull Durham.” The designers of the stadium also designed Camden Yards in Baltimore, Jacobs Field in Cleveland, and Coors Field in Denver. The Bulls moved from Single-A to Triple-A in 1998, which made it necessary for the ballpark to add more seating. This seat expansion set the current capacity, which is 10,000. Numerous other renovations have occurred since the opening. For fans, the most important change was the addition of concession stands to the upper-level concourse, which helped alleviate long lines for food/drink. Additionally, the ballpark became a 360-degree ballpark, allowing fans the ability to walk all the way around the field. DBAP has hosted the 2012 Triple-A Championship, the 2014 Triple-A All-Star Game, multiple ACC tournaments, and some Duke Blue Devils baseball games. Food & Beverage 5 In 2021 the ballpark went cashless, so be sure and bring a card to pay. Among the areas that DBAP stands out, this is one of them. No matter what your taste, you can find something you will like to eat here. Whether you are gluten free, vegan, or allergic to tree nuts, there are still numerous offerings available. A bit unique to minor league concessions, Bull City Hospitality, a local company affiliated with the team, is the food and beverage provider at DBAP. All the typical ballpark fare is covered and the list is too numerous to mention, but you have your options of numerous types of burgers (including veggie and a gluten-free bun), hot dogs, pizza, wings, and much more. I had my first BBQ Carolina Que Dog and it wont be my last. It’s a footlong hot dog topped with pulled pork, slaw, and vinegar-based sauce. Folks with dietary restriction concerns will have to go to certain food stands, but the guest services booth was very helpful. Pepsi products are the soda of choice at DBAP and water, Gatorade, etc are also available. Additionally, there are plenty of craft beers (along with domestic) to be had. A neat feature of the ballpark is that it has its own brewery. Bull Durham Beer is brewed on the property and is highly recommended. Atmosphere 5 If I could go higher than 5 stars here, I would. DBAP is an absolutely fantastic spot to take in a ballgame and very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. There is a two-level seating area. All seats are extra-wide with more leg room than your typical stadium, which is great for fans that need the extra space. The ability to walk around the entire field is an opportunity well worth taking and it is apparent that there are no bad views in this ballpark. A roof covers about a quarter of the seats. On the day I attended, it was hot and humid. The roof has industrial sized ceiling fans attached to the bottom and it makes a world of difference. Even with the weather, there was a constant breeze in the seating bowl which made it so much more comfortable. Much like the iconic Green Monster and Fenway Park in Boston, DBAP has its own Blue Monster. The ballpark’s left field wall measures 32-feet high. It has both a manual scoreboard as well as the main video board for the stadium embedded in it. There is seating above the blue monster and many people take advantage of the opportunity of the unique view. Above the blue monster is the iconic snorting bull from “Bull Durham.” This is a copy as the original one was damaged, but you wouldn’t know it by just looking at it. Beyond the center field wall is homerun hill. This is a grass berm area where you can watch the ballgame while relaxing on the grass or blanket. On particularly hot/sunny days or if rain is expected, your best bet is to sit in sections 200-208, as those are covered from the elements, but there isn’t a bad seat in the house wherever you choose to sit. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is part of the American Tobacco Campus and is located in the middle of downtown Durham. This area has been part of a renovation effort and, as such, is home to many restaurants and bars within walking distance. One spot definitely worth checking out is the Tobacco Road Sports Café. The café overlooks DPAB and serves up plenty of different food options for every taste. From the country frizzled & drizzled chicken (chicken breasts w/ drizzled honey and country gravy along with red potatoes and roasted veggies), or the bison burger to the specialty southern sides of fried green tomatoes or collard greens, you cant go wrong here. Another option that was recommended was Pizzeria Toro if you are a fan of wood-fired pizza. Head a few blocks up to Main St and you will find a litany of restaurants and bard to choose from. If you want to stay in the area, there is a SpringHill Suites right across the Durham Freeway. There are some other hotels on Main St. You can also stay a bit farther away for a little less money on I-85 where there is a slew of options. The Durham Performing Arts Center is near the main parking garage, so if you are in the area for a game, check out the schedule here as you may be able to catch a performance in addition to a game. Fans 4 Obviously, the Bulls are one of the most famous minor league teams because of the movie. Attendance was down a bit in 2021 (and this isn’t specific just to Durham), but that can be attributed to the fact that not everyone is ready to be back in crowded stadiums with Covid still being a factor. The Bulls have quite a local following as well. Far more fans here seemed invested in the game, rather than being there for a social event. The reaction after a home-team home run is especially fun to see. The fans all look towards the bull sign to see the eyes light up and smoke come out of its nose. Access 4 The ballpark is located just off Durham Freeway and is very easy to get to. Public transportation is a good option if you don’t want to deal with some of the traffic congestion that comes with any ballpark. There are numerous parking decks around the stadium, some of which are used for businesses, so it can be somewhat confusing to know where to park. The good news is there are plenty of parking attendants that are around, and they are happy to point you in the right direction. The main gate sits at the corner of Blackwell Street and Jackie Robinson Drive. This can also get a bit congested on game days with big crowds but the traffic into the ballpark seems to flow pretty well and the waits are minimal. Once inside, the concourses generally flow well and there are plenty of restrooms and concessions areas. DBAP has a clear bag only policy, so plan accordingly. Return on Investment 5 For the experience you get at DBAP, they could charge more for tickets and it would still be worth the cost. Parking is $7 in a parking deck, and you can even find some free parking if you are willing to walk a little bit. Game tickets generally run about $10-$16, depending on where you want to sit. Concession costs are very typical to what you would pay in other minor league ballparks, so all things considered, you will get a tremendous return on your investment. Extras 5 Again, if I could go higher than 5 here, I would. I’ll start with a point for the ceiling fans underneath the roof. I can’t stress enough how much difference this makes, and I’ve never seen it in any other stadium. Another point goes to the snorting bull. Seeing it in person is a great experience. Add a point for The Blue Monster, which is another unique feature of this great ballpark. The fourth point is added for the team’s connection to the movie, Bull Durham. There are plenty of reminders of the movie around DBAP, but it isn’t overstated either, which makes it nice. A final point goes to the Bulls Team Store. They have a lot of great items, some of them very unique. Final Thoughts The Bulls have a long and storied history in North Carolina. As someone who has seen my share of minor league ballparks over the years, Durham Bulls Athletic Park just might be my favorite. Great scenery, food for every taste, and fun reminders of an iconic movie makes this a ballpark that should be on every baseball fan’s bucket list. Follow my sports journeys on Twitter and Instagram : @stadiumjwriter

Photos by David Welch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Bush Stadium at Averitt Express Baseball Complex 345 University Drive Cookeville, TN 38501 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles website Bush Stadium at Averitt Express Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 1,100 Wings Up The central Tennessee town of Cookeville is home to the Tennessee Tech University Golden Eagles. Located in the Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee, Cookeville was established as a mill, logging, and mining town, which prospered from the rail line that ran through the area. The University was founded in 1909 as Dixie College; the school was soon renamed Tennessee Polytechnic Institute, and then gained university status in the 1950s, again seeing a name change, this time to Tennessee Tech University. Tennessee Tech has been a member of the Ohio Valley Conference in all but the conference’s first year of existence, 1948. Since joining the league, the Golden Eagles have won 10 OVC regular season championships, 4 conference tournament titles, and have made 6 NCAA tournament appearances, advancing to the Regional Finals in 2018.   Food & Beverage   4 A small concessions trailer is situated up the first baseline, and has a bit of a limited menu, but does grill hot dogs and burgers on site. Hot dogs can have chili and/or cheese added, while burgers can add cheese, a second patty, or chili. A signature item here, “The Dexter”, is billed as a “burger, bacon cheese, beef hot dog, more bacon, more cheese”, and can definitely be a food challenge unto itself. A handful of snack items are also available, including the traditional baseball sunflower seeds, chips, candy, peanuts, popcorn, and Italian ice. Beverages include Pepsi products and bottled water. Beer is not sold at Bush Stadium. While the concessions trailer does not offer a lot in the way of spectacular options, the fact that they grill burgers and dogs by hand really makes the experience one that brings a bit of nostalgia, reminiscent of days gone by when the grill was a staple at youth baseball concession stands.   Atmosphere   3 Bush Stadium could best be described as a low thrills facility with not a lot in the way of extras; the scoreboard gives fans basic inning-by-inning scoring and ball-strike-out information, and the restrooms consist of a cinderblock building down the right field line. The small, aluminum grandstand runs dugout to dugout and is centrally topped with a modestly sized press box. The bleachers are bookended on either side by brick dugouts, which complement the brick clubhouse down the third base line. Seating is comprised of two side sections of individual, plastic molded seats, while the section directly behind home plate has bleacher seats with back support. The playing field is comprised of a synthetic surface, backed by a padded wall running a symmetrical 335’ down both lines, 365’ to each power alley, and 405’ to dead center. For purists of the game, baseball at Tennessee Tech might be a welcome relief from an onslaught of in-game ads, scoreboard games, and sound effects during seemingly every play. Tennessee Tech keeps the game the focal point of the day, and the lack of the aforementioned features doesn’t seem to bother home fans all that much. The sun moves from the first to third base side of the field, so without an overhang to produce shade for the whole grandstand, seats on the third base side do receive shade before the rest of the seating area does. However, during cold, early season games, the sun on the first base side might be a source of welcomed warmth.   Neighborhood   3 Bush Stadium is in the northwestern corner of Tennessee Tech’s campus, neighbored by basketball’s Elban Center  and some student housing – the Golden Eagles’ softball complex is just a deep bomb away over the right field fence. Within a mile of the stadium, fans looking for a bite to eat can pay a visit to Spankie’s (for typical American cuisine), House of Thai, or get a pre-game coffee on those chilly game days, from Crepe and Creme on the front edge of campus. For more options, downtown Cookeville is about a mile from Tech’s campus center. Also, a host of chain and other restaurants can be found along North Willow Avenue, which separates the athletic fields from the rest of campus. For those wanting to learn a bit about the history of Cookeville, they may want to visit the Cookeville History Museum, or the Cookeville Depot Museum, both in the downtown area.  Alternatively, visitors wanting to take in some of the natural beauty of the Cumberland Plateau can venture north of Cookeville to Cummins Falls State Park, or to Burgess Falls State Park to the south, both within 10 miles of campus.   Fans   3 The seating area at Bush Stadium does not lend itself to extremely large crowds, but fans are dedicated to showing up, even for early season matchups where the weather might be less than desirable. Tennessee Tech baseball fans do not seem to be an overly rowdy bunch, but do show a knowledge of the game, as well as a willingness to chirp at calls like any typical fanbase would – complaints from the bleachers are consistent about what most might consider borderline calls. What is a bit disappointing is the level of student support at games. While there are pockets of students spread around the seating area, they don’t appear to have an organized backing of the Golden Eagles.   Access   4 The Tennessee Tech campus is about 3 miles north of I-40, which runs between Knoxville and Nashville from eastern to middle Tennessee. Those traveling from anywhere along that route will have a straightforward trip to Cookeville, while those coming from the Chattanooga area will primarily use TN-111, which is a scenic highway through the eastern Tennessee mountains. Once at Bush Stadium, parking is readily available in the lot along University Drive, which is close to the front entrance. The seating area is accessible from both the home and visiting sides of the field; a single walkway runs in front of the bleacher seats, so fans in the front few rows may have their view of the game temporarily interrupted by others making their way to and from their seats.   Return on Investment   5 The return on investment goes beyond the fact that there is no admission charged for Golden Eagle baseball. Of course, getting in free is a breath of fresh air, but what is equally refreshing is that concessions don’t gouge extra dollars from visitors – concession prices are kept in check here, even though there is lack of revenue coming in from more traditional sources, such as ticket prices.   Extras   3 Pennants recognizing the conference championships of the Golden Eagles wave from the top of the grandstand; this adds a nice touch in recognizing the historical accomplishments of Golden Eagles baseball over the years. Just to the left of the entry point, a plaque honors Howell W. Bush, a former Golden Eagle baseball and basketball player, and the namesake of the stadium, in recognition of his funding the addition of lighting at the baseball stadium. Free rosters and scorecards are also available in the magazine boxes along the grandstand-walkway, behind home plate.   Final Thoughts Baseball at Tennessee Tech’s Bush Stadium is as straightforward a college baseball experience as can be found out there – it is refreshingly not overproduced to the point where attention is drawn away from the reason most are there, i.e. for the baseball. The experience does not come with a lot of extras, but is a good atmosphere for those who enjoy the simplicity of the game of baseball.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McDonald Jones Stadium 294 Turton Rd Broadmeadow NSW Australia Newcastle Knights website McDonald Jones Stadium website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 33,000 Knights of Newcastle McDonald Jones Stadium opened in 1970 as part of the Newcastle International Sports Centre, servicing the Hunter region, about two hours north of Sydney. Originally an oval-shaped playing field, the venue was converted into a rectangular stadium prior to the entry of the Knights into what is now the National Rugby League (NRL) in 1988. After numerous redevelopments commencing in 2003, the stadium has a current capacity of 33,000 and is considered an important component of NSW’s stadia network. McDonald Jones Stadium is home to both the Newcastle Knights and the Newcastle Jets (A-League), and has hosted internationals for rugby league, rugby union, and football (soccer). The stadium is managed by a state government body, Venues NSW. Despite some lean periods of late (particularly around the ill-fated ownership of mining magnate Nathan Tinkler), the Knights boast a solid record of success, particularly during the late 90s and early 2000s. While recent turmoil saw the club “win” the wooden spoon for finishing last for three successive years (2015-2017), after recruiting strongly the club has shown that their rebuild is progressing solidly. Food & Beverage 3 While by no means extravagant, the caterers at McDonald Jones Stadium offer a broader selection of food and beverage than expected – the basics are well provided for and include items such as pies, sausage rolls, hot dogs, and hot chips. Prices are high, but not exorbitant; expect to pay about $5.50 on average for each of the aforementioned items. There are also a few concessions stands offering specialty items including loaded hot chips (choose your seasoning and sauce), chiko rolls, pizza subs, fairy floss, Streets ice creams, and fairly uniquely for an Australian venue, churros. Non-alcoholic drinks such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and bottled water are on average $5, and the beer selection is quite good, with several options such as Iron Jack ($6.50), Little Creatures ($8.50), XXXX Gold ($6.20), and Hahn Premium Light ($5.80). If beer is not your choice of drink, wine is also available by the glass ($6), along with cider ($9) and pre-mixed spirits ($9.50). Atmosphere 4 McDonald Jones Stadium is a classic football design, with grandstands running the length of the playing field and hills at either end. The main entrance is on the western side of the stadium with the plaza serving as an activation zone. The best feature here is the try-scoring simulation, and additional entries are located in the northeast and northwest corners. The grandstands have three tiers, with the middle deck dedicated to corporate suites and function rooms. The seats are coloured red or blue in a nod to the playing strips of both the Knights and the Jets. With a steep grade, even the upper-deck seats feel close to the action, but all grandstand seats are reserved only. The eastern stand has been named in honour of local boy Andrew Johns, one of the greatest players in the history of rugby league and an Immortal – Johns played 249 games for the Knights between 1993 and 2007, in addition to representing NSW and Australia. The hills at either end are quite small and include a few rows of fixed seating adjacent to the playing field. As these areas are general admission, you’re advised to arrive early. There are also scoreboards behind each hill, but the video board at the northern end is significantly larger than that at the southern end, and was repurposed from the old Parramatta Stadium, which was demolished in 2017 to make way for the new Western Sydney Stadium. Neighborhood 4 Newcastle was first explored by European colonialists in the 18th century. In fact, the major geographical feature of the region, a 300km river that empties into the Pacific Ocean between Nobby’s Head and Stocktown, was named after the second governor of NSW, John Hunter. The broader Hunter region is best known for its wineries and coal mines, and the city of Newcastle is traditionally a working class area, and is the second most populated city in the state of NSW after Sydney. Known colloquially as “Newy,” the coastal city is blessed with an abundance of beaches. McDonald Jones Stadium itself is a part of a broader sporting centre including the adjacent hockey centre, harness racing track, nearby basketball stadium, and entertainment centre (arena). The immediate surrounding area is mostly suburban with the best bars and restaurants to the east in the CBD, although there are plans to develop the local area to include a hotel and entertainment precinct. If you are headed east, then consider detouring past Beaumont St, Hamilton – this strip is known for its Mediterranean restaurants. Feel free to explore but one worth mentioning by name is The Depot (104 Beaumont St) which has a large restaurant and also a bar with a solid beer selection. Barbecue fans should visit The Lucky (237 Hunter St) in the CBD, but you’ll want to make a reservation and check whether the opening times correspond well with the game time. Live music has also always been popular in Newcastle; the most well-known acts to come out of Newcastle are Silverchair and The Screaming Jets. You’ll definitely want to experience the coastal vistas around the city – the best views can be had at the Anzac Memorial Walk (Memorial Dr), but another great spot is the lighthouse at Nobby’s Head, where there is also a small kiosk where you can grab a coffee. Or if you have a few days to spare then you’re advised to explore the coast north of Newcastle around Port Stephens and Nelson Bay, as well as wine-country in the Hunter Valley. Lastly, the sole opportunity for a double-header during the NRL season is the Newcastle North Stars of the Australian Ice Hockey League, who play their games at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium located 10km from McDonald Jones Stadium at Warners Bay. Fans 4 Knights fans are amongst the most loyal and passionate in the league – Novocastrians take great pride in their team and show up en masse to support their team. More recently, the Knights’ average home crowd has hovered around the 15,000-18,000 mark, which ranks them in the top echelon throughout the NRL. While the atmosphere is largely family friendly, expect a vocal crowd. Access 3 Official parking lots are available only by pre-booking through the official ticket agent, and cost $10. If you plan on driving and want to play it safe, then be sure to book early as these lots are limited. Otherwise you’ll want to arrive up to two hours before the game to try to snag a park in the surrounding streets. Public transport is available by bus and train; several bus routes run past the stadium, stopping at the Young / Turton junction, while the nearest train station is 1.5km away at Broadmeadow. The Hunter is also serviced by a regional airport at Williamtown (about 15km north of Newcastle), and flights into Newcastle Airport are available from the major east coast cities. If you are driving to the stadium from Sydney, the major connecting road is the M1 Motorway, which starts at Wahroongah and links drivers to the Newcastle Link Rd. Moving around inside McDonald Jones Stadium is relatively smooth, and the stadium is also fitted with ramps and elevators to improve accessibility for less mobile people (see the stadium’s website for more information). Return on Investment 4 Adult ticket prices start at $26 for general admission and rise to $51 for reserved seats on the half-way line, and the usual discounts apply for pre-purchasing, children, and families. Secondary spend prices for food, drinks, and parking are fair, especially in comparison to other NRL stadiums. Extras 3 The fan experience is tailored towards children, with opportunities for face painting, skills, drills, and more at the western entry plaza. Additionally, there’s a jumping castle on the hill once you get inside. The south-eastern corner also features a “fortress” which is accessible to club members. Final Thoughts McDonald Jones Stadium is among the best of the “Tier Two” suburban stadiums in NSW. In addition, Newcastle is a great town to visit and is located only two hours north of Sydney, makes it a good choice for an NRL game.

Photos by Stephan Hoogerwaard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Borussia Park Hennes-Weisweiler-Allee 1 Monchengladbach, North Rhine-Westphalia 41179 Germany Borussia Monchengladbach website Borussia Park website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 59,274 Bratwurst @ Borussia Park The Borussia Park stadium is the home of German Bundesliga football club Borussia Mönchengladbach. The stadium is the center of all the sports facilities located in the ‘Nordpark’ of the North Rhine-Westphalian city of Mönchengladbach. This area was used until 1996 as Ayrshire Barracks North by the British Rhine Army. It took just two years to build the Borussia Park. After the groundbreaking ceremony on March 15th, 2002, construction began on November 13th of that year. The total construction of the stadium cost 86.9 million euros, which is quite cheap for such a large size stadium. By the end of May 2004, Borussia Mönchengladbach left the outdated and much smaller Bökelbergstadion (capacity of 34.500 spectators). This stadium consisted of one double-tiered covered stand with only seats and three stands with all uncovered terraces. You can understand why it didn’t meet modern safety standards and international requirements anymore, so it was time to move. On July 30th, 2004, Borussia Park was ceremoniously opened with a small tournament, in which, apart from Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Bayern München and AS Monaco participated. During Bundesliga matches the stadium has a total capacity of 54,014 spectators. There are 37,869 covered seats and 16,145 covered standing places. Most of the standing places are in the lower tier of the north stand (also known as ‘Nord Kurve’). The most fanatic supporters are housed there. In this standing area, there are convertible seats available, so it is easy to make an all-seater from this stadium during international matches. The capacity is then limited to 46,287 spectators. The maximum permitted building capacity is 60,250 spectators, which is reached when the lower tier of the south curve is converted into standing places. The stadium has 45 business units with 684 seats and 1,758 business seats. There are also 194 press-related places in the stands. Food & Beverage 4 On the concourse of the stadium, you'll find plenty of counters where you can buy food and drinks. There is not that much choice, but it is sufficient and the prices are average. There are various sodas to choose from and you can buy half a litre of beer. When you visit a German stadium you should try a Bratwurst, this typical German sausage comes with a small sandwich. You can add sauce yourself. They also sell Krakauers (3.10 euro), pizza slices, fries, pretzels, and other snacks. Luckily you still can pay with cash here, which is different at the Veltins Arena from FC Schalke’04 which lies 50 miles ahead where you can only pay by card (Knappen-Karte). Atmosphere 5 Walking towards the stadium you see from the outside that the stadium is rather small, but that is because a part of the lower tier lies underneath ground level. While inside you'll find a large stadium with mainly light and dark grey seats. The stadium is very compact which gives you a good view of the action on the pitch. Experiencing the atmosphere in German stadia is unique. Most of the German teams have large supporter groups. On this occasion, there were 4.500 fans from SV Werder Bremen traveling to Mönchengladbach. Neighbourhood 2 This stadium is built where the former Ayrshire Barracks from the British Rhine Army was located. It’s on the outskirts of the city of Mönchengladbach. The stadium itself lies in a quiet, remote area with only some office buildings and other sports facilities. There are no restaurants or bars in the near area of the ground. Fans 4 Borussia Mönchengladbach's most fanatic supporters are housed in the lower tier of the Nord Kurve (North Stand), where more than 16,000 fans are packed in this standing area of the ground. In Germany, you can find only one larger standing area and that is at the Signal Iduna Park from German giants Borussia Dortmund - there 25,000 fans are packed together each match. The Borussia fans support their team all 90 minutes. Most of the fans when attending a match are dressed in a white (with green and black accents) home shirt. During the match, the vocal support is very good from both sides. Supporter groups are fired up by a ‘capo’ with a megaphone. Access 4 The access to Borussia Park is good. The stadium lies next to the motorway A61 which runs along the west side of the city. Take exit Holt and turn right onto the Aachener Strasse, try to find a parking place there. From there it takes you about 20 minutes by foot to get to the ground. When you are not going by car but prefer to go by train, there is a direct shuttle bus in operation from both the Mönchengladbach and Rheydt train stations. The shuttle bus takes less than 15 minutes to the ground. Return on Investment 5 With average prices for food and drinks, a delicious Bratwurst and a couple of beers, a ticket for a Bundesliga match at the cost of 27.50 euros for a seat in the lower tier behind the goal, a great atmosphere, a very attractive match with high-quality soccer and five goals (4-1), I couldn’t wish for more. Extras 4 If you want you can book a stadium tour and experience the Borussia Park in a completely different way. You can take a look behind the scenes with a guided tour that lasts some 90 minutes. This tour costs 9.00 euros for adults and 4.00 euros for children under 15 years of age. At Borussia Park, there is also a very large club shop where you can purchase the widest range of accessories and merchandise. Final Thoughts When you are in Germany and you want to visit a Bundesliga match, there are several Bundesliga clubs in the Ruhr-area to choose from. If you pick Borussia Mönchengladbach, you have picked a good option. Tickets for most matches are available online. I’m sure you will have a great football experience. Just don’t forget to try the Bratwurst!

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 SRP Park 187 Railroad Avenue North Augusta, SC 29841 Augusta GreenJackets website SRP Park website Year Opened: 2018 Capacity: 5,000 The GreenJackets Home Hive The Augusta GreenJackets are the Class Low A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. They play in the Carolina League. Their home hive is SRP Park in North Augusta, SC. It opened in 2018 and has a seating capacity of 4,782. The field dimensions are 330 LF, 395CF, and 318RF. The venue has 10 suites, with one suite available on a game-by-game basis. There is a long baseball tradition in the area, as the GreenJackets have been the farm team for the Atlanta Braves, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Boston Red Sox, and the San Francisco Giants. Among the 28 players who have played for the GreenJackets and gone on to the MLB are Adam Duvall, Sergio Romo, Kevin Youkilis, Jon Lester, Madison Bumgarner, Pablo Sandoval, and Tim Wakefield. Food & Beverage 4 There are four concession stands located around the SRP Park concourse. Each of the stands offers ballpark standards but also sells food items unique to that stand. Bee Sweet Ice Cream - This stand is located behind home plate. It offers all types of frozen treats and sweets. Back Nine Grill - Offers hot dogs, chicken fingers, nachos, fries, Carolina dogs (a beef hot dog served with pimento cheese, a spicy sauce and pulled pork). This stand also has pimento cheese sandwiches. The Bee-stro - Offers cheeseburgers, hot dogs and BBQ sandwiches. McGavins – Offers tacos and burritos. The Southbound Smokehouse offers sit-down service and a wide menu of BBQ items. The Sweetwater Beer Garden offers a wide range of craft beers. The park has Thirsty Thursday specials, with $2 beers and $4 soft drinks. Food can be ordered remotely by using the Appetize app. This saves you from getting in a lengthy line at the concession stand. All concession stands and the Hive Pro Shop operates on a cashless basis. Atmosphere 4 When you first see SRP Park, it is hard to believe it is a Low-Class A ballpark. It offers amenities typically found in AAA parks. First, you’ll notice the quality of the construction of the venue. It features a well-designed concourse that is wide and open towards the field. It features a grass berm down one baseline and a beer garden and terraced seating down the other baseline. Instead of one or two concession stands, it offers four stands that carry far beyond just the typical stadium fare. The seating bowl is so close to the field that you are never more than 15 rows from the action. The electronics package at SRP Park is also very impressive. It has a concert quality sound system and there is a huge videoboard in center field. All of this adds up to a quality experience for the family when you attend a GreenJacket baseball game. However, SRP also plays a significant role in the community. The stadium hosts charity events throughout the year, as well as concerts, the beginning of the school-year events, and other gatherings of interest to the community. In other words, the GreenJackets home hive has a heart for service to the community. Neighborhood 5 The home of the GreenJackets is the centerpiece of a planned community known as Riverside Village at Hammond Ferry. This live/work/play neighborhood lies along the Savannah River on the South Carolina side of the river. It includes apartments, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, office space, shops, and restaurants. There are three restaurants adjacent to the ballpark, including the Southbound Smokehouse, Brinkley’s Chop House, and the Rio Cantina. All three restaurants feature views into the ballpark. SRP Park also takes advantage of its proximity to the river with a unique feature just over the right field wall. The Taxslayer Terrace is an elevated platform that provides fans an overview of the baseball action if you look one way and a great view of the North Augusta Greenway, the Savannah River, and the city of Augusta, GA if you look the other way. Fans 4 Fans are feeling the love for both SRP Park and the GreenJacket team as attendance has increased more than 48% since the move from Lake Olmstead Park across the river to SRP Park. Season ticket sales continue to rise each succeeding season. Fans appreciate the much more comfortable seats as opposed to the former bleacher seating. The upgrades in the electronic package offered through the move have also been quite popular. The fans enjoy seeing themselves and their friends on the 22’ X 42’ videoboard in the outfield. Soldiers at the nearby Ft. Gordon Army installation are big fans of the GreenJackets. The team in turn offers tickets to soldiers in the area each Warrior Wednesday and honors a soldier each game with a Salute to a Soldier. The community is very appreciative of the team’s efforts away from the ballpark in visiting the area’s schools, nursing homes, and churches. Access 3 SRP Park is very easy to get to from either downtown Augusta, GA or via I-20. Parking is the Achilles heel of the stadium. There is a parking deck just outside SRP Ballpark on the left-field side of the complex. This parking area tends to fill very quickly. You then resort to using one of the offsite parking areas in downtown North Augusta, SC. It is best to consult the GreenJackets website , for a map of these remote locations. You will not have a long walk, as golf carts will transport you to and from the stadium. Once you arrive at SRP Park, you will find the stadium to be very accessible. Entry is available through any of the three gates into the stadium. Gates open one hour before the first pitch on weekdays and 90 minutes before the game on weekend games. All seats are located below the concourse, which runs 360 degrees around the field. The signage along the concourse is very clear and the marking for each aisle is easy to follow. Many people choose to watch at least part of the games from beyond the outfield walls in the ballpark. There are no seats in these areas, but drink rails are provided. This offers a unique view of the action on the field, and usually, it is not crowded. Return on Investment 4 SRP Park offers tickets at multiple price points. They include $15 for tickets behind home plate, $13 for seats behind the dugouts, $11 for seats along the right/left base lines and $10 for standing room only/general admission on the berm near the left field foul pole. Special discounts are offered to first responders on Tuesdays and military personnel on Wednesdays. Augusta is home to Fort Gordon, a major military base. Parking is $5 in the ballpark parking deck, or any of the remote locations in downtown North Augusta, SC. Golf cart shuttles will transport fans to and from the ballpark from these remote locations. Extras 3 SRP Park is built in the shape of the state of South Carolina. Augusta has a long-standing love affair with Pimento cheese sandwiches. This is because it is one of the most popular foods available at The Masters Golf Tournament. The GreenJackets serve Pimento cheese sandwiches throughout the baseball season. They also serve Pimento cheese hot dogs and Pimento cheese hamburgers. Each year the team changes into their alter ego of the Augusta Pimento Cheeses. They wear Pimento cheese-themed uniforms, which are auctioned for charity after the game. SRP Park received the Ballpark of the Year awards from both the Ballpark Digest and Ballparks.com when it opened in 2018. Final Thoughts SRP Park and the GreenJackets continue to generate buzz in the minor-league baseball community. The facility offers amenities that are not usually found in Low Class A level stadiums. These amenities include theatre-style seating, a 360-degree concourse, a top-of-the-line video board in the outfield, and terrific views of both the field and the Savannah River thanks to the TaxSlayer Terrace in right field.

Photos by Matt Colville, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Twenty Baseball Field 1701 N State St Jackson, MS 39202 Millsaps College Majors website Twenty Baseball Fields website Year Opened: 1913 Capacity: 500 Major League: Back to the Majors Millsaps College is a private Methodist college located in downtown Jackson, Mississippi, in the Historic Belhaven Neighborhood. The small college of 700 students opened its doors in 1890 when Civil War veteran Major Reuben Webster Millsaps donated $550,000 and the land for the college, situated on 100 acres. Named after Major Millsaps, and nicknamed the Majors, the athletic teams here compete at the Division III level in the Southern Athletic Association. Millsaps is the only college in Mississippi that competes in the conference, and they are also the smallest school in the conference. Baseball is one of 18 sports fielded by Millsaps College, and is also the oldest sport here, with the first year of baseball taking place in 1913. The Majors originally competed in D1 during those early years, competing in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association, a precursor to the SEC, and the Dixie Conference until 1954, before moving down to the D2 level. The Majors joined D3 in 1989, joining the Southern Collegiate Athletic Association (SCAC), but in 2013 Millsaps and seven other schools from the SCAC branched off and formed their own conference, the Southern Athletic Association (SAA) – in their first year in the SAA the Majors advanced to their first ever D3 College World Series. After 35 years of competing in D3 the Majors have won 8 SCAC conference championships and 1 SAA conference championship, the latter in 2013 and the same year they went to the D3 World Series. In addition, the Majors have been to the NCAA D3 Regionals 8 times, with the most recent regional appearance occurring in 2015. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concessions table set up down the first base line; the only items on the menu are popcorn, nachos, pretzels, chips, and canned coke products. Nothing particularly stands out on the menu other than food prices range from $2 to $3, with sodas at $1.50. Unless you absolutely have to get something to eat at the stadium, I'd recommend getting something to eat before or after the game instead – there are plenty of Jackson restaurants nearby to choose from. However, you are also allowed to bring your own food and drinks to the baseball games here, which I saw many people doing. Atmosphere 3 The Majors play on-campus at Historic Twenty Baseball Field; the field originally opened in the early 1900s but was re-dedicated in the mid-1980s as Twenty Baseball Field, named after the 20 individuals who donated a minimum of $20,000 each to the college. Twenty Baseball Field is a nice small ballpark nestled between all the rest of the Millsaps sports facilities on the north side of campus. The stadium's facade is a brick press box behind home plate, with a cinderblock grandstand that extends down the first and third base lines. Twenty Baseball Field holds seating for about 500 fans; a bronze plaque sits at the third base entrance with the names of the twenty individuals for whom the field is named, while another plaque pays tribute to former player Tait Hendrix (2006-09), who passed away in 2014 following a motorcycle accident. The grandstand features the typical metal bleachers that extend down the first and third base lines, while about 80 chairback seats sit behind home plate. A cool thing about the bleachers and chairback seats is that they are in the Majors colors of purple and black. The field faces northwest with dimensions of 365-390-365. Along the outfield wall are all the past achievements of the Millsaps Baseball team, including the 2013 College World Series banner that hangs next to the unusually tall batter’s eye in center field. Beyond the outfield wall the field is lined with about 10 15-foot-high pine trees like you would see in the south – the trees were planted in the past 20 years and are just tall enough to peek over the outfield fence, to add that Mississippi feel to the ballpark. The trees do not block the view from the small party deck, which sits in right field. The J. Con Maloney Practice Facility sits down the left field line, which houses locker rooms, weight rooms and indoor batting cages. Maloney, a former ballplayer at Millsaps in the 1960s, is an important man in the Jackson area. He is the founder of the Jackson-based appliance chain Cowboy Maloney's Electric City, as well as being a longtime owner of the Double A Jackson Mets (1975-90) and the Jackson Generals (1991-99). The Millsaps softball complex and tennis courts sit beyond the fence in right field, while the track and field complex sits behind center field, and historic campus buildings, as well as the football stadium, take up the view from behind home plate. The huge stadium that sits across the street and looms over the Millsaps campus is the historic 60,000-seat Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, home of the Jackson State Tigers Football team. Neighborhood 3 Jackson is a beautiful city, with plenty to do for all ages. Just north of campus is the Fondren District; located near the Ole Miss Med School, this is Jackson's nightlife area, and you will find numerous bars and restaurants on this one block strip. You will find lawyers, government officials, and college students hanging out at Fondren Public, a cool bar known for its wide selection of games inside and out in the courtyard, including bocce ball, shuffleboard, giant Jenga, and a multitude of board games to name just in a few. Other popular restaurants in the Fondren District include Pig & Pint BBQ, Walker's Drive In, Highball Lanes Bowling Alley, The Pearl, Saltine Oyster Bar, and Roosters, but another place I recommend checking out nearby is Brent's Drugs – from the outside it looks just like a regular pharmacy, and with its soda fountain it is very reminiscent of a 50s-style diner. However, in the back there is a speakeasy-style bar that was used during prohibition; this bar gets very packed at night. For other bars and restaurants near downtown there is Hal and Mals, known for its live music, Fenian's Pub, known for its Irish setting, the dive pub Old Tavern on George Street, or Underground 119, which is a cool little underground blues club located near the capital. In recent years Jackson has gained a reputation as a not so safe city, but as long as you are aware of your surroundings and don't venture too far away from downtown you should be fine. For those interested in the state's rich history you can visit the state’s Capitol Building, also located downtown. Also nearby is the Old Capitol Building (used until 1904), which has now been converted into a history museum. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum sits nearby as well, and I recommend checking it out as well. The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame also sits downtown and is a must visit as well. For outdoors lovers there is the popular Natchez Trace Parkway, which runs just north of Jackson – the beautiful, paved trail runs from Natchez to Nashville and is a beautiful spot to ride a bike. The Ross Barnett Reservoir is a huge lake nearby, popular for boating and fishing, and if you are interested in camping check out LaFleur's Bluff State Park, located just across the interstate from Millsaps campus. Fans 2 For weekday games the Majors average about 100-150 fans per game, while for weekend games expect about 250 fans per game. Many of the fans in the grandstand are family and friends of players, and most of these fans are laid back and relaxed. There are also some people who bring folding chairs and sit along the baselines as well. Many of the students hang out on the Right Field Party Deck, and there are a good number of students grilling out beyond the right field fence. When the Majors play Belhaven expect a few more people – Belhaven is another small D3 school located a block away from Millsaps campus; the two schools share a heated rivalry and meet up every year in the Cowboy Maloney's Electric City Cup every year. Access 3 Millsaps College is conveniently located right off I-55 in downtown Jackson; the campus is located north of the State Capitol and Business District in a mostly residential area of town, a couple of blocks away from Belhaven University. When coming to Millsaps, the Woodrow Wilson Drive exit off I-55 is your best bet – just take rush hour traffic into account, as the interstate tends to back up quickly, especially during weeknight games. The campus can be easy to miss as it is pretty small, but just follow Woodrow Wilson Drive until you get to the State Street intersection, and the campus is right there. There is a small parking lot at the main entrance right next to the ballpark. During school days this parking lot can fill up quickly, so I recommend parking at the parking garage located on campus. The college is really small, so walking from the parking garage to the ballpark won't take long. Once at Twenty Baseball Field you should have no problem getting around. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are free, parking is free, and you are getting to see a really nice ballpark for a D3 facility. In fact, all of Millsaps Athletic Facilities stick out for a small school, and it is possible to view each one of them before the baseball game. There is also a nice disc golf course that goes around all the athletic facilities, which makes for a great thing to do before the game. The odds are you aren't watching any future Major Leaguers on the field, but still this is Mississippi small college baseball at its finest. Extras 3 In baseball the Majors are coached by Jim Page; entering his 38th season as of 2023, Page is the fifth winningest head coach in Mississippi college baseball history. The Majors have had four players play in the MLB, and two players drafted. Perhaps the best player to come out of Millsaps is pitcher Claude Passeau, who played for the Pirates , Phillies , and Cubs between 1935 and 1947. The 5x All-Star and NL strikeout leader in 1939 played football, baseball and basketball for Millsaps from 1928-31, and later pitched for the Cubs in the 1945 World Series. Another famous Millsaps alum is former Yankees right fielder Sammy Vick, who was on the first Millsaps baseball team in 1913; Vick played for the Yankees from 1917-1920, and during that 1920 season he shared the outfield with Babe Ruth. There is a pretty impressive tribute to the baseball team on display in the Maurice Hall Activities Building next door to Twenty Baseball Field – if you have time to walk around before the game they have a nice display filled with old trophies and news clippings showing the history of all the Majors sports programs; they even had a signed Passeau card on display. Millsaps College has quite an impressive history for a small D3 college. The land the college was built on was the site of the Battle of Jackson during the Civil War; the entire campus is also lined with old buildings, historic statues, and cannons from the Civil War, and Major Millsaps is even buried on campus in a huge mausoleum honoring him and his wife. The College also played an important role during World War II, as the school was selected as a Navy training school, and a total of 873 officer candidates came through Millsaps during World War II. One of the notable graduates of the school during this time was late night host Johnny Carson. The College has also played host to Presidential campaigns, welcomed two presidents, and in 1953 welcomed Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin in concert on campus. The college has also played a crucial role in the state's sports history as well – the first golf course in Mississippi was built on Millsaps campus in 1901, although it has long been abandoned. The first night football game in Mississippi was also played on the Millsaps campus in 1931 against Mississippi A&M (now Mississippi State). In addition, the basketball team plays in the affectionately named "Hangar Dome", which is a former airplane hangar from World War II. In addition, from 2006-2008 the New Orleans Saints held training camp on the surrounding practice fields around the track and field complex beyond center field; it could be said that the Drew Brees-Sean Payton era began right here at Millsaps, as 2006 was the first year for both with the Saints .

Photos by Chris Patton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Coaches Stadium at Monier Field 1905 4th St Charleston, IL 61920 Eastern Illinois Panthers website Coaches Stadium at Monier Field website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 500 14 Pillars of Coaches The facility formerly known as Monier Field underwent a renovation in 2002 and reopened as Coaches Stadium at Monier Field. The Eastern Illinois Panthers baseball team has played on this site since it began competing in NCAA Division I in 1982. The stadium features 14 brick pillars, each honoring a previous Panthers head coach. The seating area is made up of 500 blue chair back seats in five sections behind the backstop. There is also room for fans to stretch out down the first and third baselines. Eastern Illinois baseball is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. The Panthers have participated in different levels of the sport throughout the years: NAIA, NCAA College Division, and NCAA Division II. EIU has made two trips to the NCAA Division I Tournament, first in 1999 and most recently in 2008. Food & Beverage 1 There is one concession stand on the back side of the seating structure. The limited offerings available are hot dogs ($2.75), a 32 oz. cup of popcorn ($2) and assorted candy ($1.25). Pepsi products, Gatorade, and water (all $2) come in 20 oz. bottles. Alcohol is prohibited in the stadium. Atmosphere 3 One of the highlights of a game at Coaches Stadium is the amount of work put in by the Sports Information and Marketing students. Contests begin the second you walk through the gates. The baseball bingo cards contain a $5 off coupon to Buffalo Wild Wings in nearby Mattoon, so even if you are not the winner, you still have a prize. Staffers walk up to attendees asking them to pick who will score the first EIU run, with the winner taking home a gift certificate to a local pub. Between-inning activities may include things like a pie-eating contest and an inflatable horse race. As with most Midwestern college baseball stadiums, the atmosphere depends on the weather. If the weather is nice, expect to see a large turnout from the student body. If it’s cold and wet, family and close friends will make up the bulk of the crowd. The playing surface is dirt and grass, with the only artificial turf being a ring right behind home plate with “PANTHERS” spelled out. The dimensions are 340 feet down the lines, 360 to the power alleys, and 380 to the straightaway center. Behind the left field wall is your garden variety scoreboard, with no video board. Fans entering the park are offered two full pages worth of game notes, similar to what you would see in the press box. While the sheets do not include a scorecard, they do include rosters and statistics for both teams, along with Ohio Valley Conference standings and an EIU schedule. Neighborhood 3 Coaches Stadium, along with the rest of Eastern Illinois’ athletic facilities, is located on the west side of campus between 4th Street and Grant Avenue. The diamond is just a couple blocks away from Charleston’s main road, Lincoln Avenue. If the weather is nice, you will see folks drinking at Marty’s, just across 4th Street from Lantz Arena. Marty’s might be more of the college scene than you want if you’re not an Eastern alum looking to relive your glory days. Dirty’s Bar and Grill is right off of Lincoln Avenue and features an extensive food and drink menu. Dirty’s promotes its six homemade sauces (Buffalo, Apple Q, Kansas City Style Q, Yum Yum, Sweet Chili, and Honey Mustard) and its 20 specialty martinis. An order of ten chicken wings (tossed in one of the homemade sauces) is $8 and the specialty martinis start at $6. If you are in a hurry and need something fast and reliable, why not get a sandwich in the town where the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain started in 1983? The Charleston store is no longer in the original building, but the sign identifies the location as “Store #00001.” If I’m in Charleston, though, I’d consider heading a few miles out of the way to nearby Mattoon, Illinois, and visiting Burger King. The Mattoon Burger King is not related to the chain and has been in operation since 1957. The family-owned restaurant features a variety of sandwiches and ice cream treats but is best known for its burgers. A double cheeseburger, small fries, and extra large drink costs less than $7 and is delicious. Fans 3 The majority of the crowd is clearly family and close friends of the players and coaches. There are also a good number of students who walk over from nearby on-campus housing to enjoy the game. While the crowd isn’t huge, they are vocally behind their team. Access 3 Most game attendees park in the lot between Lantz Arena and Coaches Stadium and player families also tailgate in this lot. Pay special attention to signage in the lot if you attend a game during the week. The spots are far enough back from the stadium so you should not have to worry about your car getting hit by a foul ball. Another option for parking is the O’Brien Field lot. EIU’s football stadium is also close enough to park and walk to Coaches Stadium without having to worry about dents to your vehicle. You should be able to utilize this lot during both weekday and weekend games. The stadium has a few port-a-potties down the third base line, next to the visitor’s dugout. O’Brien Field will also be open on baseball game days and features indoor plumbing. Return on Investment 4 Parking and admission are free and the most expensive thing at the concession stand will run you $2.75. You won’t be able to find much better value in Division I sports, especially if you attend a game on a sunny weekend day after a cold, Midwestern winter. Extras 3 On the left field wall, there are banners honoring two players who have had their numbers retired and another banner honoring a fallen Panther, whose name might be familiar to football fans. Former All-Star pitcher Marty Pattin had his #19 retired in 2009, while long-time, big league infielder Kevin Seitzer had his #2 retired in 2012. Former NFL offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger, who succumbed to cancer in 2011, played center field (and wide receiver) for the Panthers in the early 1970s and is remembered via a banner on the fence. Before you enter the stadium, you will notice 14 brick pillars, with each honoring a previous Eastern Illinois head coach. The pillars list the coaches’ names and their years of service. The outer wall also features plaques honoring the Eastern Illinois squads that reached the NCAA Division II College World Series, first in 1978 and again in 1981. The plaques list the teams’ overall records and the scores of their College World Series games, along with the names of the players and coaching staff. Final Thoughts The history and tradition of the Eastern Illinois baseball program are alive and well at Coaches Stadium. The facility is comfortable and the game presentation rivals that are found at many minor league stadiums.

Photo Courtesy of Erin Ju Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Big Rock Stadium 2714 Mayberry Loop Rd. Morehead City, NC 28557 Morehead City Marlins website Big Rock Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 1,800 Catch a Big One at “The Rock” Established in 2010, the Morehead City Marlins are still the new kids on the block in the Coastal Plain League. Big Rock Stadium was also built in 2010, and has a distinctly different look from other CPL stadiums. Most CPL stadiums are former minor league stadiums, but Big Rock was built primarily for the Marlins. The field itself was built for the local American Legion team, but the local Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament provided the money to build the stadium portion once the CPL expansion was announced. In the few short years that Big Rock Stadium has been in operation, it has become a favorite night out for vacationers in Morehead City and other neighboring beach towns. Food & Beverage 3 There is one main concession stand directly behind the home plate seats. There are a few other stands, but more on that later. At this stand, you will find your most common food for reasonable prices: burgers ($4), hot dogs ($2.50), and even Chick-fil-A sandwiches ($4). You can also get sunflower seeds, Cracker Jacks, and other snacks here. Big Rock is a Pepsi stadium, and drinks are sold by the bottle or in souvenir cups. The other options at Big Rock include a kettle corn stand, a frozen yogurt bar, and a snack bar. Both the yogurt and the snack bar are located in the picnic area/beer garden in left field. The snack bar looks similar to the main concession stand, but only has snacks and drinks. This is so people can get snacks without having to leave the picnic area. The frozen yogurt bar is right next to the snack bar and features cups of frozen yogurt, along with a toppings bar. With frozen yogurt (Froyo) being all the rage right now (2013), it’s a wonder more stadiums don’t try this. There is a picnic area in left field that appears to double as a beer garden. There is a beer stand there, along with a bar along the field wall. Beer is $3-$4, a good price for a stadium. It is worth noting that Big Rock operates on the wristband system, where anyone buying alcohol must have a wristband. Be sure to pick up yours over near the main concession stand if you plan to drink. Atmosphere 3 Being a new ballpark, Big Rock Stadium doesn’t have the feel of some older CPL parks. There is no wooden grandstand or larger wooden beams around the park. It is just a simple stadium with metal bleachers and a great picnic area. Simply put, there is not a bad seat in the stadium. There are three sections of metal bleachers with backs. The outer two are general admission, and the center is for season ticket holders. There is a walkway in front of all the seats, and thankfully, an accompanying sign that tells fans not to stand in that walkway. The stadium is very busy, which is good for non-baseball fans and kids. As soon as you walk through the gate, you see the visitor bullpen and large marlin as part of an ad for a local outdoors store. The staff is all very friendly and welcoming to both in-town fans and visitors. Personally, I love hand-operated scoreboards. Even though it’s a new stadium, Big Rock has a classic hand-operated scoreboard. There is one video board, but it mostly displays a welcome message to the night’s group or sponsor. Neighborhood 4 While Big Rock Stadium is in a residential area, the surrounding neighborhood is full of both chain and local restaurants. US-70 is only minutes from the stadium, and is most likely the road you are taking to the game. West of the stadium, US-70 is full of national chains, such as Buffalo Wild Wings or Olive Garden. East of the stadium, US-70 is the gateway to local seafood. There are two iconic seafood places in Morehead City: The Sanitary and Captain Bill’s. Both have waterfront seating, but each has something just a bit different, and everyone has a favorite. The Sanitary is a restaurant as well as a fish market. It is slightly more expensive than its counterpart. Their signature dish is the deluxe shore dinner. The first course is a choice of soup or shrimp cocktail. The main course is a fried seafood platter, which includes fried fish (chef’s choice), fried shrimp, fried oysters, fried scallops and soft-shell crab. This is more than enough for a meal and is a great way to sample the local fare. Captain Bill’s is a more casual restaurant for those who still want great local seafood. Their sampler includes your choice of clam strips, popcorn shrimp or fried trout with two sides and hush puppies. As an added bonus, Captain Bill’s serves alcohol (the Sanitary does not). If you continue east down US-70, you will enter the town of Beaufort (pronounced Bo-fort – there is a SC town spelled the same, but pronounced Byu-fort). Beaufort is filled with several other waterfront restaurants and other unique dining options. If you arrive in the area early, go for a walk around Beaufort. Fans 3 The single reason that the CPL can operate a team in a beach town is because they only play in the summer months. Most of the fans are families on vacation who are looking for an inexpensive night out. Some families are more into the game than others, but this isn’t exactly a rabid fan base. Like most CPL teams, most fans are just there taking in a baseball game or having a family night out. Access 4 US-70 runs straight through Morehead City and most of North Carolina. Despite what GPS directions will tell you, N 20th Street is the best way into the park. Do not let a computer tell you different. Being just minutes from a major highway, the access is pretty easy from almost anywhere. Big Rock Stadium is a new stadium, so the restrooms are clean, as expected. Parking is free, but be sure to get to the game early. The fans will often come early. I arrived 30 minutes before first pitch, and I barely found a spot. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets are $7, while kids are $5. This is pretty much on par with the rest of the league, which is known for being a great value. Concessions are much cheaper than most sporting events. $7 for admission and $2.50 for a hot dog is a steal in the world of sports. Along with the great location of the beach, this is a great value. Extras 3 Fin the Marlin is the mascot. Fin mostly hangs out in the picnic area but occasionally visits other parts of the park. Fin also participates in on-field games, as most mascots do. The PA announcer was good, but he seemed to have a long list of product placements to read after what seemed like every pitch. Every foul ball is brought to you by an insurance agency, every inning features several local businesses, and every game has a chicken batter. The chicken batter is a batter that is chosen pre-game and, if he strikes out, someone in the audience gets a coupon for free chicken. This is a clever promotion, because it makes the fans root for this batter to strike out every time he comes to bat. Again, Morehead City is a great place for a team. The ballpark is perfectly placed away from all the craziness of the beach, but close enough to reach the people there and allow the fans options for after the game. Final Thoughts The Marlins have a great concept. They offer a night out, at the beach, for a great price. You can’t go wrong with those three together. If your travels take you to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, be sure to enjoy a game at Big Rock Stadium.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium 1396 Stadium Road Brookings, SD 57006 South Dakota State Jackrabbits website Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium website Year Opened: 2016 Capacity: 19,340 The Jackrabbits’ Burrow on the Great Plains South Dakota State University (SDSU) is a land grant university founded in 1881. It is located in Brookings, SD. The school offers more than 220 majors and is most famous for its work in the agricultural field. More than 11,000 students attend SDSU. The athletic teams at SDSU are known as the Jackrabbits. The football program at SDSU got underway in 1889 and has played in every season since, except for the war years of 1918 and 1943. The current team plays at the FCS level of competition as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. The team has been a powerhouse in the FCS under Coach John Stiegelmeier, as it has gone to the FCS playoffs 12 times and has gone to the playoffs for eleven consecutive seasons as of 2023. In 2022 the Jackrabbits won the FCS National Championship with a victory over North Dakota State University. Coach Steigelmeier retired after the 2022 season. The home of the Jackrabbits is the 19,340-seat Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium. Dana J. Dykhouse is a former player for SDSU who made a major donation towards the stadium’s construction. The stadium replaced Coughlin-Alumni Stadium, which served the Jackrabbits for more than 50 years. The on-campus stadium opened in time for the 2016 season. Since moving into Dykhouse Stadium the Jackrabbits have a record of 71-22. Food & Beverage 3 The opening of Dykhouse Stadium has enhanced the food and beverage program at SDSU. There are now 56 points of sale in the six concession stands spread equally around the stadium. The concession stands are staffed by volunteers from local community organizations who get a portion of the stand’s proceeds to fund their missions. The stands offer your typical stadium standards of hot dogs, hamburgers, tacos, popcorn, and sodas. Beer can be sold inside the stadium. All persons wishing to purchase beer must show proof of age and receive a wristband upon entering the stadium before they will be served. Sales of beer are cut off at the end of the third quarter. Atmosphere 4 Jackrabbit fans and visitors alike are raving about the sightlines and amenities at Dykhouse Stadium. Most of the seats in the venue are seatback seating. The exception to this is the bleacher seating found at the south end of the stadium. This section is used for the SDSU student section, as well as The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band. Special amenities at Dykhouse Stadium include 150 loge seats that are protected from the elements, as well as 27 suites that can hold 15-20 people each. Other improvements include a soy-based turf field, a greatly expanded press box, and the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex behind the north end zone. This facility houses locker rooms, coach's offices, training facilities, and an indoor practice facility. By far the most obvious improvement in the fan experience is the 3,100 square-foot LED video board atop the south stands. The video board was built by Daktronics, whose world headquarters is just down the street from SDSU. The stadium also utilizes the yellow and blue school colors of SDSU throughout the venue, creating even more school spirit than a plain steel structure. Neighborhood 3 The immediate neighborhood surrounding Dykhouse Stadium is the SDSU campus. If the weather is nice, it is a beautiful campus with stunning architecture and lots of trees. One on-campus spot we heartily recommend is the SDSU Dairy Bar. It offers more than 100 ice cream flavors. The cookies and cream flavor was invented by the SDSU dairy program! The campus is in Brookings, SD, which is located 55 miles north of Sioux Falls, SD (which is the closest airport with commercial air traffic). It is just west of I-29 in the eastern portion of the state. It is a small town with lots of mom-and-pop stores. Most of the lodging in the Brookings area is concentrated at the I-29 interchange. However, the Comfort Suites University is located adjacent to the campus. We have several recommendations as far as restaurants and bars in the area. If you are on a budget or have kids with you, head to Nick’s Hamburgers in downtown Brookings. They’ve been in business since 1929 and offer a tasty burger with their special seasoning. After you’ve finished your burger, try one of their thick shakes or a slice of their delicious pies. For a more sophisticated meal, head to the Pheasant Restaurant and Lounge, which has been around since 1949. There are also two brewhouses in Brookings. Eponymous Brewing Company and Wooden Legs Brewing Company offer a variety of craft beers. There are several interesting attractions in Brookings. McCrory Gardens is adjacent to the SDSU campus and offers 25 acres of gardens and a 45-acre arboretum. The Agricultural Heritage Museum features the history of farming in South Dakota and has some great displays of farm equipment from past eras. Fans 4 The Jackrabbits have one of the most “rabbit” fanbases in the Missouri Valley Conference. The spirit groups at the school do a great job of getting the fans fired up for the game. The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band plays a great selection of music along with the fight song that is played after each Jackrabbit score. The student body is seated to the left and the right of the band and is known as the Rabbit Den. Many choose to wear a uniform of striped bib jeans featuring the school colors. They can get very creative with their cheers. Another aspect of the fan base at SDSU is the tailgaters. They arrive as early as five hours before kickoff to set up some impressive spreads of food. They also do a masterful job of decorating their tailgate in the school colors. One of the most cherished traditions for the tailgates is the Jackrabbit Team Walk before the game. This procession includes the cheerleaders and The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band. Access 4 It is relatively easy to get to Dykhouse Stadium from I-29. Take the US 29 exit off I-29 and head west on Sixth Street (US 29). Turn right onto Jackrabbit Avenue. Parking is available at the roundabout located at the intersection of Jackrabbit Avenue and University Boulevard. These are general public parking spaces, and they charge $10 in cash to park. The other lots are used by the season ticket holders or for the RV’s that travel to SDSU games. Once you head over to the stadium from your car, there are five large gates to the venue. Gates open 90 minutes before the kickoff, leaving you plenty of time to get to your seats. You will find the concourses to be much wider than they have been in the past, and signage to get you to your seats is excellent. Return on Investment 5 Attending a Jackrabbits game at Dykhouse Stadium will not burn a hole in your pocket. Tickets, food purchases, and parking are all quite reasonably priced when compared with other stadiums at the same level of competition. Single-game tickets for Jackrabbit games are surprisingly low priced considering SDSU’s success in the FCS playoffs in recent years. Ticket prices begin at $17 (seats along the goal line and in the 200 level of the stadium), then go up to $22 (seats along the 20's) and top out at $32 (seats along the 50-yard line. The concessions at Dykhouse Stadium are also very reasonably priced, as they compare favorably to the prices you would find at a grocery store. Parking at SDSU games is $10 cash. Extras 3 The Jackrabbits have sent more than 50 players on to play in professional football. Among the more familiar names are NFL Hall of Famer Jim Langer, Pete Retzlaff, Steve Heiden, Dallas Goedert and Adam Vinatieri. The Jackrabbits have several rivalry games each season against some of their regional opponents. The game against the University of South Dakota is part of the Showdown Series in which the schools compete in all sports, with the school with the most athletic wins in meetings between the schools winning the trophy for the next year. The Beef Bowl recognizes the Beef Industry as a major contributor to the South Dakota economy. There is a BBQ before the game, and a live steer is auctioned off during the halftime activities. The game against North Dakota State is the Dakota Marker game, with the winner taking home the Marker trophy for the next year. The Homecoming game is known as Hobo Day. It has been an SDSU tradition since 1912. Male students are encouraged not to shave in the week before the game so that they have a scruffy appearance and women are urged to let their hair go wild. At halftime, a Hobo King and Queen are chosen. Final Thoughts Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium at South Dakota State University provides a very enjoyable environment in which to enjoy a Jackrabbits football game. The stadium is relatively new compared with many of the other Missouri Valley Conference schools. The pregame experience gets you off to a great start, with some awesome tailgating. Once inside you’ll be able to keep up with the game with the assistance of the massive videoboard atop the end zone. Best of all, it will not cost you an arm and a leg to enjoy the game….so hop to it.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 The Diamond 3001 N Blvd Richmond, VA 23230 Richmond Flying Squirrels website The Diamond website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 9,560 When Will The Squirrels Get A New Home? When the Richmond Braves left Richmond for Gwinnett in 2008, the city was left without a team for the first time since 1965. The baseball hiatus in the capital was thankfully short-lived however, because in 2009 it was announced that the Double-A Connecticut Defenders would relocate to Richmond in 2010. The Richmond Flying Squirrels began playing at the Diamond in 2010 with the promise that a new ballpark would be built in a couple of years. However, thirteen years later, the Squirrels are still playing in the Diamond. A new stadium is supposed to be completed by 2026, which cannot come soon enough. The Diamond is old, unkept, dirty, and is just a dungy place to visit. The lack of upkeep outside the stadium and in the parking areas (trash everywhere, old pallets piled up in parking lot/sidewalks) just gives. Food & Beverage 3 The majority of food at the Diamond is standard ballpark food. Items range from hot dogs to chicken sandwiches to chicken tenders as main courses. Snack items include nachos, soft pretzels, peanuts, cracker jacks, fries, mozzarella sticks, etc. A couple of fan favorites are the MacBrisket Bowl and the Buffalo Drumsticks. Bottled Pepsi products are available, as well as coffee and hot chocolate. Domestic beer and craft beer are also available. Atmosphere 2 The Diamond is a huge chunk of concrete that resembles a cut-out of the old Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium. The stadium was built in 1985 and its age shows. It is a stadium whose time has passed. However, when the Flying Squirrels moved into the stadium in 2010, all 3,200 seats in the lower bowl were replaced. The lower bowl is the best place to sit as it is intimate and close to the action. The seats on the upper deck are old and dirty, and we do not recommend sitting there. Neighborhood 3 There is not much to do right around The Diamond, and it is in some uninteresting part of town. Across the street from the stadium is the Greyhound Bus Station, and on either side of the ballpark is the Arthur Ashe Athletic Center and Sports Backers Stadium, home of the VCU soccer team. There is nowhere to eat within walking distance. Your best bet is to drive, and in a couple-mile radius, there are several good options for eating and drinking: ZZQ Barbecue, En Su Boca, Boulevard Burger and Brew, and Hardy Park Craft Brewery. A couple miles away on Broad Street is Buz n Neds BBQ which is also a great spot. There is also a movie theater nearby, Movieland at Boulevard Square, which is housed in an old manufacturing warehouse. Also nearby are the Children’s Museum of Richmond and the Science Museum of Virginia. Fans 5 Despite not being rewarded with a new stadium, baseball fans across show up in force to see the Flying Squirrels. In 2023, the Squirrels were the Double-A attendance champions who had over 428,000 fans throughout the season, which is over 6,000 average attendance per game. Access 3 The Diamond is located just off Interstates 95 and 64 near downtown Richmond and is easy to get to from wherever you may be traveling from, including Richmond International Airport. There is plenty of parking around the Diamond for $5. However, if you park behind the outfield wall, where most of the parking is, you have to walk all the way around to the front gate as there are no outfield gates, and the side gates are not utilized. There are no direct sidewalks either, so you have to meander your way through cars and random barriers in the parking lot. Tickets can be bought at the ticket window near the main entrance, with both cash and card accepted, or online in advance. The concourse is small and can get cramped when there are big crowds. Restrooms are located on the first and third base lines and have diaper-changing stations. There is an elevator near the main entrance for the handicapped and to a large, handicapped seating area on the concourse level directly behind the home plate. Return on Investment 2 Squirrels ticket prices range from $10-$20 which is on par with most minor league teams. However, due to the poor condition of the Diamond, it is simply not worth it. Extras 2 One extra point for the free game program, and one extra point for the friendly mascots Nutzy and Nutasha who make their way around the ballpark to take pictures with kids and families. Final Thoughts While the Squirrels have been a competitive team of late and have drawn well, the condition of the ballpark makes the entire experience lacking. Hopefully, the city of Richmond will keep its word and have a new ballpark for the team by 2026, but until brick and mortar are present it is doubtful. The team and their fans certainly deserve it! Unless you are definitely keen on seeing the Squirrels play or a certain player, we would recommend waiting until a new ballpark is built to go to a Flying Squirrels game.