Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Reser Stadium SW 26th St & SW Western Blvd Corvallis, OR 97331 Oregon State Beavers website Reser Stadium website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 45,674 Beaver Nation Reser Stadium – formerly known as Parker Stadium, is and has been the home for Oregon State Beaver football since 1953.Originally holding 28,000 fans, the stadium has had expansions and upgrades to the point that it now holds 45,674. The most recent upgrade that was completed in 2016 was to the north end zone, which is home to the Valley Football Center, houses coaches’ offices, meeting facilities, and a weight room. The 2016 expansion dubbed “Victory Through Valley” included a new auditorium, locker rooms and rehab facilities, and Hall Of Fame. Reser Stadium doesn’t seem as big as it is when you enter, although it is among the smallest stadiums in the PAC-12. In spite of its size, when the game begins, it feels twice as big, and yet keeps the warm and cozy feeling. There have been more than a few major upsets at Reser Stadium over the years.In 2006 & 2008, the Beavers beat the top ranked USC Trojans and also had a 5 game winning streak over rival University of Oregon Ducks in their annual Civil War game from 1998–2006. Food & Beverage 4 Underneath the west side bleachers, there are few specialty vendors.NY Style Sandwiches offers cheese steaks, hot pastrami & pulled pork sandwiches for $10.On the east side (the more recent addition), there is much more variety. Qdoba offers burritos & nachos, both at $10.Cheesy Stuffed Burgers serves a 3 cheese burger $10, Sriracha Meltdown burger $10.50 and a guacamole BBQ bacon burger $11.50. DeMaggios Pizza has slices for $6. Both east and west sides offer the standard fare; hot dogs $4.25, polish $6, nachos $5, popcorn $5.Coffee lovers need not fret, being in the northwest Dutch Bros.coffee is available $4-6. By far the most interesting offerings here are behind the south end zone. Ice cream nachos or s’mores panini’s are available for $6. Can’t say I’ve ever heard of either of these, but the lines were pretty long so they must be popular. Atmosphere 5 The student section is down in front, which makes things very loud for the visiting team. Reser is very much underrated as far as home field advantage is concerned. There is high energy throughout the game. After every Beavers first down, the PA announcer says “And that’s another Oregon State…”and the crowd finishes with “…first down.” It gave me chills hearing that. There is a large video board on the east side of the stadium that helps keep the crowd up to date on game stats. Despite a few down years, the fan base is as strong as ever and the energy inside the stadium is proof of that. Neighborhood 4 Reser Stadium is located on the campus of Oregon State University right next to Gill Coliseum, which is the home of OSU’s basketball & volleyball teams. Corvallis has a small college town feel to it and seemingly the whole city shuts down on game day.Despite being a city of around 55,000, Oregon State football has a huge following. If you are looking for an after game destination, there isn’t much that’s really close, but if you travel about a mile away, on SW 3rd & 4th Streets you have a fair amount of choices to choose from. The Sunnyside Up is a good breakfast spot, and the Big River Restaurant & Bar is a good spot for the rest of the day’s meals. Out-of-towners looking for a place to stay have a few options within a mile or so. Hilton Garden Inn is within walking distance of the stadium. There are a few other hotels within a mile and a half of Reser. Fans 4 Oregon loves its football, and Beaver fans don’t take a back seat to anyone. “Beaver Nation” is as passionate a fan base as any in college football. That passion doesn’t go too far like some fan bases where visitors are taunted and sometimes hassled. The stadium feels very inviting for everyone, the same feeling you would get in most “small town” settings, even though Corvallis isn’t a small town. Beaver fans are very classy and set a good example for others to follow. I didn’t see many fans that were there because “it was the place to be and be seen.” True, hardcore, OSU Beaver football fans filled the stands. Access 4 Like a lot of locales in Washington, Oregon & California, Corvallis is off of I-5 although not directly. If you are not much of a fan of freeway driving, route 99W is the scenic option.Approximately 10 miles west of I-5, Reser Stadium’s parking situation is actually very good. There are plenty of places to park going to the stadium, and that doesn’t include the parking lots specifically for football fans. Lots advertise $15 – $20 for parking, which is reasonable. Once inside, the east side stands and concourse have plenty of room for fans to get around. Bathrooms are big enough for high volume. The east side also has plenty of space for handicapped fans. On the west side (the older part of the stadium), there is room to get around although not as much as the east side. I suspect that the west side will be the next phase of expansion. The one thing I see as lacking is a walkway going around the stadium. The east and south side share a common walkway but to get to the west side you have to go outside to the concourse and then walk up a circular ramp to get there. Return on Investment 4 Single game tickets for OSU football range from $35 – $99 depending on opponent. The average cost of a ticket is in the range of $45 – $55. (Note: these prices are a few years old. Was unable to get current prices, but would assume they have increased). Looking out from my vantage point, it doesn’t appear to have a bad seat in the house. Oregon State appears to have a less is more philosophy, and it works. Football fans get just that, football, and it’s refreshing to attend a sporting event that is for that type of fan. Family friendly and exciting, a football game at Reser Stadium is well worth the investment. Extras 5 Tailgating before a Beaver game is an incredible sight. The parking lots surrounding the stadium are filled with tailgaters and that seems to be as much of an event as the game itself. Whatever food you can’t find in the stadium, you can probably find outside before the game. I was offered a beer and a brat before the game by a total stranger. That’s part of that small town feel. They paid tribute to the 1964 OSU Rose Bowl team between quarters and brought them out on the field. The Beaver marching band marched at half time and also played before the game in the parking lot. The band and cheerleaders also led the crowd during pregame. Traditional stuff, but it all adds to the whole experience. Fans wanting hats or shirts to remember their visit to Reser Stadium fear not, there are numerous places to get these items. Hats range from $20 – $38, jackets – men’s $55-120 women’s $36-100, and knit hats $24 as well as other items for sale in black and orange. There is a statue on the east side of the stadium donated by the last living member of the legendary eleven ironmen of the 1933 OSU football team. Final Thoughts Corvallis was selected as the Best College Town In The PAC-12. There’s a lot at Reser Stadium for the avid football fan and it’s a top notch experience; good fans, good atmosphere, it is the total package.

Photos by Joseph Oakes, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Scott Stadium Alderman Rd & Whitehead Rd Charlottesville, VA 22903 Virginia Cavaliers website Scott Stadium website Year Opened: 1931 Capacity: 61,500 Football In The Blue Ridge Mountains Scott Stadium was built in 1931 and is the home of the University of Virginia football. Renovations in 2000 closed in the stadium to its current horse shoe configuration. While crowds may not be as large as they were in the early 2000s, the environment and atmosphere on game days around Charlottesville is still a great college football experience. Throw in the fact that the campus is surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, and you have a great setting for ACC football. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Scott Stadium are about what one would expect when attending a major college football game. There are general concession stands operated by UVA scattered around the upper and lower concourses. Specialty stands featuring Papa John’s Pizza, Chick-fil-A, and Ben and Jerry’s ice cream are located on the lower concourse, but not on the upper. The stands run by UVA often quickly except during halftime, and accept credit/debit cards. However, during the game I attended, the credit cards machines were not working at all stands. These stands offer a wide variety of food including pulled pork nachos ($6), BBQ sandwich ($5), nachos ($5), hot dogs ($4), chips ($4), and candy ($3). Pepsi products and Aquafina water are offered at Scott Stadium. Bottled water and a regular soda are $4, souvenir sodas are $5, and bottomless sodas are $8. The pulled pork nachos are definitely a hit, especially when paired with a bottomless soda. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere around a UVA football game is one of Cavalier comradery and pride. As you walk towards Scott Stadium, expect to see tailgaters and alumni groups gathered at various points around campus. The stadium is a double-decked horse shoe with metal bleacher type seats. The open end of the stadium features a large grassy bank which is popular with students. The suites and club seats are located between the upper and lower level. The field is natural grass and is always in excellent condition. One large video board is located above the grass hill in the open end zone. It does a great job providing score, down, timeouts, replays, and out of town scores. There is a ribbon board on the overhang of the upper level in the other end zone which also provides score, down, timeouts, etc. Be sure to be in your seats early to catch the Cavalier Marching Band perform pregame and team entrance. The team is led onto the field by the Cavalier mascot riding on horseback waving his sword to ignite the crowd. This is a can’t miss feature to a visit to Scott Stadium. There isn’t a bad seat in the house at Scott Stadium, and the sightlines are excellent Sitting on the west side will enable you to view the field logo correctly. Neighborhood 5 Scott Stadium is located on the beautiful UVA campus, which was designed by Thomas Jefferson. Monticello, Jefferson’s home, is also located just a few miles from campus and is great spot to visit if in town for a couple days. If you are looking for an area to eat, shop, and just walk around, make your way to downtown Charlottesville. This area offers many local eateries and shop, and is an overall nice place to stroll around on game day. If you enjoy the outdoors, there are many mountain activities around Charlottesville including hiking and camping. Also located in Charlottesville is the popular Carter Mountain Orchard, where you can buy fresh apples and enjoy a great view overlooking Charlottesville. Fans 3 Fan support has been slipping at UVA the last few years, which is undoubtedly due to the poor product on the field the past few years. Even though UVA had a good year in 2017 and went to a bowl, it is taking a while for the crowds to come back. UVA only had one game (the Virginia Tech game) in 2017 where the crowd exceeded 40,000. It is somewhat disappointing to see a beautiful stadium a little over half full on a sunny fall afternoon. This is not to say that the fans in attendance are not involved. After touchdowns and big plays, the fans lock arms and sing the Good Ole Song to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. Check out the video of this below: This video will also give you an idea of the crowd size. Hopefully, the new found success that Bronco Mendenhall has brought to the program will cause crowd numbers to increase in the next few years. Access 4 Since Scott Stadium is located on the UVA campus, access can be a little tricky. Allow yourself extra time to get through Charlottesville, get onto campus, and get parked. For a non-donor, the best bet for parking is to purchase a parking pass online before game day for $10-15 depending on location. It is $5 cheaper if you purchase ahead of time rather on game day. This will enable you to park at one of the parking decks on campus. Depending on where you park, it could be a 15-30 minute walk to the stadium. Entering the stadium is easy as there are multiple gates. Be aware that UVA enacted a clear bag policy during the 2017 season. If you are unfamiliar with this, check www.virginiasports.com for details. They are strict with this – I saw them tell several folks to take their large purses/bags back to their car. There is a concourse on both the upper and lower levels of the stadium. Both are very easy to navigate and well-marked. Handicapped accessible seating is available for advanced purchase on both the lower and upper levels. Return on Investment 4 Individual game ticket prices start at $30 and increase depending on seat location and opponent. Plenty tickets are also available on secondary market sites like stubhub.com. Expect to pay quite a bit more when high profile opponents like Virginia Tech are in town. Combine that with reasonable parking and concession, a trip to Scott Stadium will not break the bank. Extras 3 One point for the beautiful UVA campus surrounding Scott Stadium. Another point for the friendly staff and ticket collectors at the Stadium. A third for the plaza area above the grass hill that allows fans an awesome vantage of the playing field. Final Thoughts Virginia football has a great history, but the several bad seasons of late have had a negative impact on the fan support and atmosphere at Scott Stadium. That being said, the fans and surrounding community create a great college game day atmosphere. If you are looking for that college town charm, be sure to catch a game at Scott Stadium.

Photo Courtesy of Football Federation of Amenia Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium 65 Vardanants St Yerevan 0070, Armenia FC Pyunik website Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium website Year Opened: 1935 Capacity: 14,403 As Beautiful as Mount Ararat Itself Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium was built between 1933 and 1935 under the auspices of architect Koryun Hakoyan. It was then known as the Dinamo Stadium but after major renovation in 1999, including a new roof, it became known as the Republican Stadium (Hanrapetakan Stadium). However in October of that year, the Armenian Prime Minister and a number of other politicians were assassinated in an attack on the parliament and the stadium was officially renamed as the Vazgen Sargsyan Republican Stadium in his honour. It’s a very beautiful stadium with neoclassical colonnades curving seductively around the arena. The external fascia of the main stand is a real architectural treasure. The modern roof could have looked incongruous against the classical lines, but instead it has a beauty of its own which complements the older parts of the stadium. With the mighty Hrazdan Stadium out of commission, all of Armenia’s international matches are now played at the Republican Stadium. It was Armenia’s 2003 match against Spain which produced the stadium’s record gate of 16,000. In 2008, through the Israeli company Green Diversified Ltd, the Republican was brought up to UEFA standard with a new pitch, VIP section, and security systems. In my opinion it is one of the most architecturally important stadiums in Europe and a visit comes highly recommended. FC Gandzasar of the Armenian Premier League were only formed as recently as 2002. Their home stadium, the Kapan City Stadium was opened in 1963 and was also home to Lernagorts Kapan before their demise. In 2013 Gandzasar opened a new training facility on the edge of Kapan, however, lack of facilities at their home stadium means that for the 2017 season at least the club are forced to play their home games in the capital, Yerevan, a six hour drive away. FC Pyunik have achieved so much in a relatively short period of time having been formed as recently as 1992. Initially they were called Homenetmen Yerevan and in their first season they shared the first Armenian Premier League title with Shirak Gyumri. In 1995 Homenetmen rebranded as Pyunik which is the Armenian word for Phoenix. However, the club ran into problems and did not compete in the 1999 and 2000 seasons. The club were reborn in 2001 with a new owner, Ruben Hayrapetyan. Rather than rejoin the League in the second tier Pyunik absorbed First League champions FC Armenicum so they were restored to the Premier League. It was the start of huge success for Pyunik, they would win 10 straight league titles between 2001 and 2010. They have only won one championship since, in 2014/15, but to highlight their domestic dominance their 14 titles is ten more than the next nearest challenger, Shirak Gyumri. Pyunik have also won eight Armenian Cups and nine Super Cups. Food & Beverage 1 No kiosks of any sort are present in the stadium. The only food available is through vendors selling water, nuts and seeds. Atmosphere 1 Despite free admission there is a spartan crowd of around 300 at the Republican Stadium. In a stadium which holds almost 15,000 people there is little noise other than the odd barracking of officials over contentious decisions. The Republican Stadium is really beautiful, with sweeping neoclassical curves and columns. The 1999 roof really sets off the stadium and complements the overall design. There is a stadium scoreboard behind one of the goals. It is fairly modern, but just displays the score. The external fascia of the main stand is a real architectural treasure. Generally only the main stand is open for league games due to the low attendances. Neighborhood 4 Yerevan is a compact and interesting city with amazing views to the fabled Mount Ararat (which is actually in Turkey). The stadium is around two miles from central Yerevan so it makes sense to stay in the city and just travel out to the game. It feels like a safe city and I neither saw or heard of any problems whilst I was there. Around Republican Square there are many restaurants and bars which for a capital city offer good value for your money. There is a relatively new pedestrian area along North Avenue which is vibrant and packed with restaurants and shops. As you would expect from a capital city there are many interesting things to see. There is the Matenadaran, a museum housing ancient manuscripts and the moving Genocide museum and memorial commemorating the 1915 genocide by Turks on the people of Armenia. The Republic Square area is a vibrant and pleasant place to spend an evening. Away from the city to the north lies Lake Sevan and the stunning south Caucasus mountains. To travel through the mountains we used Hyur Service who were good value and punctual. Fans 1 All games in the Armenian Premier League are usually free to attend. With widespread corruption in the past all clubs struggle to attract a crowd and the average attendance in a league season is typically less than 500, among the lowest for any European league. There is no chanting at all, and the atmosphere is very quiet and expectant. During my most recent visit you could even hear the players calling to each other it was so quiet. This is certainly an interesting and unique aspect of this stadium compared to many others in Europe. Access 4 It is a one level stadium so you enter at pitch level and climb steps to your chosen row. You enter the stadium on the right hand side of the entrance and you can sit where you like as no admission is charged. The closest metro station is Zoravar Andranik, which is located less than a mile west of the Republican Stadium. It would take 15 minutes to walk from here. Numerous buses stop close to the stadium at a bus stop called Vardan Mamikonyan on Khanjyan Street. Perhaps the best option is to grab a taxi which will cost less than $5 from central Yerevan. Zvartnots Airport is around eight miles west of Yerevan, and you can catch bus number 108 into the city centre or hail a taxi, which are very cheap. Your hotel may also arrange a transfer. There is a car park outside the stadium which for league matches will not be busy. Entry is free, you just walk in. There are no concourses so all seats have a pitch view and if you need toilets they are found close to the entrance. Return on Investment 5 It’s free to get in so you cannot have any complaints. Yes more could be done to raise money from refreshments and souvenirs, but that does not appear to be the Armenian way. Extras 1 A team sheet is available from the press area, but it will be in the Armenian script known as Arasan. Final Thoughts It is quite a strange feeling going to a match where it costs you nothing and there is no attempt to sell you anything! Then again in terms of aesthetics, the Republican Stadium is up there in my top ten all time stadiums visited.

Photos by Christian Shimabuku, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Stan Sheriff Center 1355 Lower Campus Rd Honolulu, HI 96822 Hawaii Rainbow Warriors website Stan Sheriff Center website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 10,300 The Best (and Only) Show in Town One of the main selling points for potential University of Hawaii athletes is the fact that there are no professional teams in the state and that UH sports are the islands’ version of a pro team. Exhibit A is the Stan Sheriff Center, home to the school’s basketball and volleyball teams. Fans who want to watch a high-caliber men’s basketball game in Hawaii know exactly where to go. Initially named the Special Events Arena upon its opening, the arena was renamed in 1998 after former athletic director Stan Sheriff, who passed away in 1993. The arena is managed by his son, Rich, who takes great pride in maintaining the arena. And it shows. Food & Beverage 3 There are 11 different vendors to choose from in the arena that seem to get their orders out in a friendly and expeditious manner. A lot of the foods are not very unique to Hawaii and are on the pricey side, but the bumbucha nachos are a must try. Dippin’ Dots, Starbucks, Gordon Biersch are among the vendors. Sheriff says that the most popular items are the bumbucha nachos and garlic fries from Gordon Biersch. The major soda brand at the SSC is Pepsi, and there are a wide range of Pepsi products to choose from. There’s also a beer stand with five different beers and two wines to choose from, as well as O’Douls non-alcoholic beers and Budweiser Lime-A-Ritas (strawberry, lime, mango and raspberry). Of course, fruit punch is one of the fan favorites and suitable for all ages. Atmosphere 4 Regardless of team success, you can count on fans in Hawaii to always be loud and engaged. There is no bad seat in the Stan Sheriff Center. Unlike other venues, no seat obstructs your view of the game. Each seat is comfortable with cup holders on each side. At the same time, the atmosphere brings an intimate feeling, but one that’s never quiet. The arena boasts a state-of-the-art scoreboard that was built in 2011 and has an LED scoreboard. The University of Hawaii band is present at each home game, playing songs that range from the school’s fight song to the Hawaii 5-0 theme song. Fans are engaged throughout, with fun and quirky activities such as promotional dance contests for cool prizes such as a night at a Waikiki hotel and free haircuts. Since there is not a bad seat in the house, the best way to get a bang for your buck is to sit in the upper section. Tickets there normally range from $5 to $20. Neighborhood 5 What more can you ask for? It’s Hawaii, and there are many things to do. It’s right on campus in Manoa, which is safe and accessible. Side Street Inn is about a mile and a half away and provides a nice mix of local and national favorites. Even Barack Obama dined there during a visit to his home state. There are other options within walking distance of campus, and these foods range from Chinese to Greek. Waikiki is just a few miles away. Although it is the area least like the rest of Oahu, it is still a fun time in and of itself. Whether it be a stroll on the beach or just shopping one of the many stores on the strip, time goes by quickly. There are many hotels in Waikiki, which is just a few miles away from campus. Although there are a bevy of options, the Hale Koa is tailored towards military members and price their rooms comparatively well. Fans 4 Hawaii fans are loud, passionate, and knowledgeable about the games they cover. Most importantly, they’re honest. Unfortunately, that might mean more groans for some teams. Attendance normally correlates with team performance. During the 2016 dream season in which the ‘Bows went 28-6 with their first ever NCAA tournament win, there were two sellouts. In 2017, besides the North Carolina game on Nov. 18, numbers have been relatively low with attendance numbers in the 3,000-4,000 range. Simply put, Hawaii fans are loud. Pound-for-pound, they are some of the loudest in the nation, which surely comes from their passion and loyalty. Access 5 The Stan Sheriff Center is very accessible, and those who wish to attend a game should have no problem going wherever it is they please. Oahu has a great public bus system (TheBus), where developments are being made to make an unlimited one-day bus pass that costs $5. Another option is to catch an Uber or Lyft to the arena, both of which are legal and functional on Oahu. Parking costs just $6 and available for almost anyone, with the exception of sellouts. Traffic is mostly smooth, with the exception again being sellouts. There are two entrances in the SSC on the same side of the arena, with a ticket counter in between the two. The inside of the Stan Sheriff Center feels spacious and there shouldn’t be a problem getting around. Although the main concourse has just a slight view of the playing surface, there are many openings in the arena which one can enter through. The restrooms are not the cleanest, and like all venues, halftime is the busiest time to go. But they get the job done. Return on Investment 4 As the highest-level team in town, you know what you’re getting when you watch a UH game. The experience is well worth it. In terms of the rest of Hawaii, nothing compares on an athletic level, unless you’re talking other UH teams. Extras 3 It’s Hawaii, and it’s the best, albeit only, show in town. And although the team has fallen down somewhat in 2017 because of NCAA sanctions, the program is on the rise under head coach Eran Ganot. Final Thoughts Overall, the Stan Sheriff Center provides a worthwhile experience and a beautiful arena in a beautiful state.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Sandusky Speedway 614 West Perkins Ave Sandusky, OH 44870 Sandusky Speedway website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 5,000 A Short Track in Your Neighborhood Middle-America is chock full of short tracks. Sandusky Speedway is one of those that is nestled in the middle of a midwestern town. While Sandusky isn’t exactly a small town, it isn’t a thriving metropolis. It does have small-town aspects, and one of those is having a local short track. Unlike some short tracks, Sandusky is home to a half-mile paved track, not dirt. Food & Beverage 3 Sandusky has a bar and concessions stand located under the grandstands, featuring some cold beer and good old-fashioned burger-and-fries type of stadium food for a respectable price. There is also a TV nearby that is usually tuned to sports of some kind. The food is freshly cooked and not frozen, which makes the taste so much better than some stadium fare. If you grab a bite to eat on the right night, you can get yourself some fresh-picked, local-grown corn on the cob. Not much is better. Expect to pay just a few bucks for a soda, and no more than $6 for a burger. Atmosphere 3 Short track racing is good fun, and Sandusky delivers on the entertainment. Compared to other short tracks (like dirt tracks), however, the racing can be a little follow-the-leader-esque with certain races. Even if that is the case, there is a good battle for the lead all but guaranteed. The drivers on track are either local legends or young guns with dreams of breaking onto the big-time tracks around America. That ambition makes them seem to drive with even more urgency. Most of the fans in the stands also know the drivers, making the cheering that much more fervent. Neighborhood 3 Sandusky Speedway is situated on the southwest portion of Sandusky, which has a mix of quaint homes across the street from some worn down strip shops that have seen better days. Even so, the area around the track isn’t a bad one, but just needs a new coat of paint. Compared to other parts of Sandusky, the track could be in a much worse place. It is down a road on its own parcel of property with a pseudo-industrial look to the area. There aren’t any hotels immediately next to the track, but a few minutes' drive down the road can take you to the highway, where there are plenty of places to stay. You’re also not far from downtown Sandusky, home to several bed and breakfasts. The same can be said for eateries. Fans 4 Local short track fans are some of the best in sports, especially racing. They know everything there is to know about the races and teams on track, and they cheer loudly for their favorites on the track. They’re also generally kind and family-friendly. As anywhere, you may get your unruly fan here and there, but for the most part, the fans are polite. Access 2 Sandusky Speedway is kind of like Disneyland. It was built in the middle of an industrial neighborhood with businesses all around, forcing the track to battle for sign space along the main road. Because of this, you’re liable to drive right past the track if you aren’t sure where it is – the sign for it looks no different than the ones next to it advertising fas stations, fast food joints, and car part stores. Also, the main road the track is located on is off the beaten path, so it is a little bit of a drive from the main highway. A GPS app on your phone certainly won’t hurt, in this case. Once you get to Sandusky Speedway, parking is plentiful but not exactly ideal – the parking is on a grassy field that can get muddy in the rain. Also, if you come on a busy night, getting out after the race can take a lot of time. Return on Investment 4 For a meager investment in ticket price (rarely do tickets go over $15), you can get your daily dose of quality racing action on a flat short track featuring street sticks, modifieds, trucks, and sprint cars. This track is so good, nearby NASCAR Camping World Truck Series team ThorSport Racing has used it for a test track at times. So, you will get some good fun out of your ticket price, and rarely do fans go home disappointed in the quality of the on-track action. Extras 4 Sandusky Speedway features a track-championship, meaning that every weekend when there is a race, the points pile up to see who is the best driver every year in their respective class – this makes what seems like an everyday short track race on the weekend an important sports event. You can also follow along with live timing, scoring, and race results with an app on your phone. Fans may also purchase a pit pass for $30, allowing you to get up close to the cars, drivers, and teams. Before the races begin, all the cars are brought on to the front straight, and the fans are welcomed down onto the track to take photos next to the cars and to meet the drivers, get autographs, and take photos. Final Thoughts If you want some good quality racing on a local short track, you should visit Sandusky Speedway. Ohio is a hot bed for good racers who are looking to make it big on the racing scene, so you will have no trouble looking for young talent while in the grandstands. The ticket prices are low, the food is cheap, and the action is top notch. What more could you ask for?

Photos by Peter Miles, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena 2 Akaki Tsereteli Ave Tbilisi 0112, Georgia FC Dinamo Tbilisi website Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 54,549 Visiting a Boyhood Dream There was a time when Dinamo Tbilisi were a real European powerhouse. State sponsored by the Soviet Ministry of Internal Affairs, they had some magical players that formed the backbone of the Soviet national team. The likes of Aleksandre Chivadze, David Kipiani, Vitaly Dareselia, Tengiz Sulakveledze, and Ramaz Shengelia won many Soviet caps between them. Four of them would win Soviet Union Footballer of the year award between 1977 and 1981. Their zenith in European competition was their 1981 Cup Winners Final win over East German side Carl Zeiss Jena. From the formation of the Soviet Top League in 1936 to the breakup of the Union in 1991, Dinamo were one of only three clubs never to be relegated from the top flight, the others being Dynamo Moscow and Dynamo Kiev. Dinamo Tbilisi’s undoubted star player in those early years was Boris Paichadze who scored over 100 goals for them and was voted Georgia’s greatest player of the 20th century. Dinamo’s home stadium is named after him and his statue stands outside the entrance gates. Since their 70’s heyday, Dinamo continue to produce wonderfully talented players who progress to a bigger stage like Temuri Ketsbaia (Newcastle United), Shota Arvaladze (Rangers), Kaka Kaladze (AC Milan), Georgi Kinkladze (Manchester City), and Levan Kobiashvili who enjoyed an extensive career in the Bundesliga with Freiburg, Schalke, and Hertha and is the only Georgian player to date to win 100 international caps. Originally Dinamo played at the old Central Stadium which could only accommodate 35,000, so with the club’s golden era of the 1970’s a bigger venue was needed. The Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Dinamo Stadium, built on the same site, was opened in 1976 and designed by architect Gia Kurdiani. It could hold 75,000 people and contemporary reports suggest an attendance of 110,000 watched Dinamo’s epic win over Liverpool in 1979. In 1995 the stadium was renamed in honour of Georgia’s greatest player Boris Paichadze and an international match against Germany that year also reputedly saw 110,000 gather. In 2006, the stadium was turned into an all-seater arena-style stadium with a drastically reduced capacity of 54,549. Food & Beverage 1 The kiosks offer chips (3 Georgian Lei, approximately $1.20), nuts (2 GEL), popcorn (2 GEL), Coca-Cola (2 GEL), water (1 GEL), Burn energy drink (3 GEL), and Cappy orange juice (3 GEL). Kiosks may not always be open, depending on the game, so plan ahead and make sure you have eaten before the match. Atmosphere 3 The stadium is visually stunning with blue and white seats all around and the club “D” badge picked out on the opposite side of the main stand. The entrance is easy to access and has a statue of Boris Paichadze at the gates. There is a PA announcer and music is blared out before the game. There is a scoreboard that shows the team line ups at the start of the game, then displays the score interspersed with adverts. Neighborhood 5 Tbilisi is separated into old and new town and both are walking friendly and easy to navigate. Taxis are cheap and plentiful around the stadium. There are many choices for restaurants offering western dishes as well as hearty traditional fare. Tbilisi is a buzzing and vibrant modern city with an obvious tourist market. The stadium is very central to great nightlife, restaurants, and attractions. There are plenty of choices with the recommended hotel being the closest to the stadium. There are more options over the river in Mtkvari where Hotel Iliania, Radisson Blu, and City Partner Hotel Primavera are good value options. Fans 3 The small band of Tbilisi ultras are entertaining and passionate. The fans housed in the main stand are subdued by comparison. The Georgian League is not well attended in general and this powerhouse club only averages between 1,000 and 1,500 spectators for a league game. All supporters are housed in the main stand except for the small band of around 50 Dinamo ultras in the far corner who bang drums, light a flare or two, and display banners supporting the disputed territory of Abkhazia. During my most recent visit, about fifteen minutes into the game the police scurried towards one end of the stadium, and suddenly around 50 fans from opponents FC Samtredia arrive. Sadly a handful of them choose to display an “M13 Ultras” banner with a prominent swastika. Disappointingly there was also no attempt to remove it. Access 4 There are few more centrally located stadiums in Europe, and it couldn’t be easier to reach. As the crowds are low for league matches there is no restriction from moving around within your section. The stadium is centrally located and also within easy walking from the city center and central rail station, which is less than half a mile away. You can catch a bus if you don’t feel like walking and the numbers 11, 15, 20, 21, 27, 33, 46, 84, and 86 all serve the stadium. The nearest bus stop is on Akaki Tsereteli Avenue. If you are not located in the city center, then there is a metro system. The two nearest stops to the stadium are Station Square 1 on the Akhmeteli–Varketili Line (Red line) or Station Square 2 which is on the Saburtalo Line (Green line). Tbilisi International airport is around 10 miles southwest of the center and is a modern facility with many international airlines arriving there. There is only street parking available around the stadium. Probably the best option for arriving by car is to park at the central station and walk from there. There are ticket kiosks to the side of the main entrance and the tickets are very cheap indeed costing 2 GEL (80 cents). There is a cursory bag check at the entrance but it is very low key. There is a lengthy list of items that are not permitted in the stadium on Dinamo’s website, including flags and flares, but in reality these are present in the stadium. You can sit anywhere in your ticketed section for league games as there are so many seats to choose from. Everything is clean and modern and as the Georgian National stadium it’s also UEFA compliant for disabled spectators. Return on Investment 5 It has been a bit of a boyhood dream to visit this stadium such was the awe the name of Dinamo Tbilisi was held in when I was young. To walk to this legendary stadium and enter it for so little money is a real treat. Tickets for the main stand are 2 GER (80 cents), which represents an extremely good value. The VIP seat tickets were 5 GER. Extras 4 The club have an English media manager and have adopted a few things used to promote the club. They issue a modest, but glossy and attractive programme for 1 GEL (40 cents) and also have an English language Twitter feed. Final Thoughts The Dinamo Arena is a legendary venue, steeped in history, but also very modern. You will certainly enjoy a visit to this stadium and great city should you choose to make the trip.

Photos by David Hawkins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Tucker Stadium 1 William L Jones Dr Cookeville, TN 38501 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles website Tucker Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 16,500 The Nest of the Golden Eagles The Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles play their home football games on Overall Field at Tucker Stadium in Cookeville, Tennessee. The Golden Eagles are members of the Ohio Valley Conference. The stadium is located on the Tennessee Technological University campus and holds 16,500 fans on Saturdays in the Fall. The Golden Eagles have played their home games at Tucker Stadium since 1966. The stadium underwent an extensive renovation in 2007. The stadium is named after former football coach Wilburn Tucker. Under the guidance of Tucker, who coached the team from 1954-1967, the Golden Eagles won five OVC titles including four straight from 1958-1961. Tucker Stadium has hosted the Tennessee high school football state championships since 2009. Food & Beverage 3 There are concession stands on both sides of the stadium with the visitor’s side offering more food and drink options than the home side. The food selections are very typical. The menu includes hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, pizza, popcorn and candy. One somewhat interesting option is the BBQ pork. A few other options like cinnamon stix, chili dogs, and cheese bread can be found on the visitor’s side concession area. Drink options include Pepsi products, water, Gatorade, coffee, and hot chocolate. The concession stands accept cash as well as credit/debit cards. Atmosphere 3 Despite being over 50 years old, Tucker Stadium looks very well cared for and kept up. There is an older scoreboard at the south end of the stadium and a large sign at the north end of the stadium identifying the field. The stadium is open on both end zones and has 41 rows of metal bleacher seating on both the home (east) side and visitors (west) side. The stadium also has two-level press boxes on either side. The west side hosts the working press and the east side hosts the school’s president and their guests. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located right on the Tennessee Technological University campus and is adjacent to a quiet neighborhood filled with single family homes, apartments, churches and other commercial type structures. A few off campus dining options include Mamma Rosa’s Italian Restaurant located at 200 South Lowe Avenue and a student favorite Fuji Hibachi and Sushi located at 864 South Jefferson Avenue. Cookeville offers several hotel and motel options within a short distance of the stadium. A few non-chain options include the Key West Inn located at 663 South Willow Avenue and the Fall Creek Inn located at 1814 Salem Road. Both hotels offer rooms for less than $60 per night. If you have time before or after the game and want to see more of the area, the Burgess Falls State Park is approximately 12 miles away and offers a 136 foot waterfall. Another option is the Cookeville Railroad Depot which houses the Cookeville Depot Museum. The museum is less than 2 miles from Tucker Stadium. Fans 3 The fans are very supportive of their team. During our review in 2017, the Golden Eagles were 1-9 entering the game and the weather was very dark, cold and rainy. These factors may have been responsible for the attendance being less than 1,000 spectators. Those who were in attendance showed their enthusiasm for the home team. Access 4 Tucker Stadium is very easy to get to being just off of Route 40 at exit 286. After exiting, take 135 north to West 7th Street to either Stadium Drive or North Peachtree Avenue. There are several free parking lots and parking areas in and around the stadium. Return on Investment 3 All tickets are general admission and cost $10 for a single game. Season tickets (five home games) are available for $36 for adults and $25 for youth and senior citizens. A family season ticket plan (two adults and three children) is offered for $75. Free parking is offered very close to the stadium, and concessions are reasonably priced for a college sporting event. Extras 2 Tucker Stadium has an area where it displays awards and pictures of previous seasons, but it is not accessible during the games. There are small souvenir areas next to each concession stand selling several styles of hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies. Final Thoughts Tennessee Technological University is a small school with a very limited football history. The school has produced a handful of former NFL players including Lonnie Warwick, Jim Youngblood, Frank Omiyale, Larry Schreiber and Elois Grooms. If you’re in the area and looking for some college football, or you want to follow your team on the road, then Tucker Stadium is an affordable and accessible sports venue.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk and Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Huntington Center 500 Jefferson Ave Toledo, OH 43604 Toledo Walleye website Huntington Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 7,389 Holy Toledo – Hockey Is Really A Thing Here As far as hockey hotbeds are concerned, Toledo, Ohio might be one destination that is easy to overlook. But this city has a long and rich minor league hockey history that spans almost from the end of World War II. It all started with the opening of the Toledo Sports Arena along the shores of the Maumee River directly across from downtown Toledo. The Toledo Mercurys made an immediate splash in the International Hockey League, winning the Turner Cup in just their second year of existence. They would enjoy success on the ice throughout the 50s before sliding and folding after the 1961-62 season. The team would return to the IHL after one season, under a variety of nicknames with different ownership groups… the Blade, the Golddiggers, then becoming the Toledo Storm when the team joined the East Coast Hockey League in 1991-92. They would last until 2007, when the old arena was demolished and the team suspended operations. They returned in 2009 as the Toledo Walleye. And a new arena, the gleaming $105-million Huntington Center smack dab in the middle of downtown Toledo. The curtain was raised on a new era for hockey in Toledo. The Huntington Center has all the amenities of a larger peer NHL facility – private suites and a well appointed club level, spacious concourses, state of the art electronics, and merchandise stores with ample spaces. Food & Beverage 5 Using a nautical “Walleye” theme, the food stations here are exemplary, and offer a huge variety of concession fare at decent prices. “Bait Shacks” offer the standard hot dogs, bratwursts, popcorn, nachos and pretzels. The “Swamp Dog Grill” has tacos, mac and cheese, tater tots served poutine style, the local specialty Coney Fried Bologna Sandwich. The “Riverside Grill” offers Stanley’s Kielbasa, a local delicacy, along with chili dogs and angus burgers. The “Frogtown Burger Company” offers signature burgers and chicken sandwiches served gourmet style. Add a good selection of local craft brews and frozen drinks and nobody goes home hungry or thirsty. Atmosphere 4 These people take their hockey seriously, even at the ECHL level. Their parent club are the Detroit Red Wings, right up I-75, and there is a pretty good representation of Red Wings gear spotted in the stands and concourses. The building can be pretty loud and boisterous, aided with the antics of their two beloved mascots, Cat Trick and Spike. The Walleye front office is partnered with the AAA baseball Toledo Mud Hens, and that brings the baseball version of entertainment diversions to the hockey venue, and they present it all very well here. Neighborhood 3 Like many mid-sized northeast cities, Toledo has gone through the depths of despair and disinvestment, and now is roaring back, thanks in small part to this arena and the neighboring Fifth Third Field baseball venue just two blocks away. Old buildings are being rehabbed into office space and trendy apartments, shopping and restaurants are coming back, albeit slowly, and there is a can do spirit among the locals. Check back in a couple years, the 3 star score will most likely be moved upward. There are a couple of favorite eateries close by worth mentioning – The Blarney Irish Pub is recognized as one of downtown’s best destination spots for beer and food with an Irish flair; Ye Olde Cock ‘N Bull Tavern features sports on the screens and live music. On the other side of downtown is the Maumee Bay Brew Pub in the reconstituted Oliver House, offering a number of restaurant venues on several levels and an amazing selection of local beer. The Toledo Museum of Art, Imagination Station science museum and the local Farmers Market are other entertainment venues worth checking out. Fans 5 When the new arena opened in 2009, the local fan base turned out in droves, generating over 100 straight sellouts at one point. They continue to support the team in huge numbers, earning the team a top spot in the annual ECHL attendance rankings. It would not be farfetched to imagine this program and this venue taking a berth in the American Hockey League some day. The entire scene here is that good. Access 5 Coming into downtown Toledo one can find directional signage everywhere taking you right to the Huntington Center. There are ample surface lots and ramps in just about every direction from the arena, with costs generally running $5-$10. Street meters aren’t monitored on Sundays or evenings, so snag a spot on the street if one is available. The Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA) offers bus service with routes and stops right at Huntington Center. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices run $26 for club level or “in the swamp” seats rink side and $17 for all other seats in the main level. Add to this very reasonable concession and beer prices, parking costs which won’t break the bank, and also merchandise at attractive price points. It all makes for an economical game night experience. Extras 4 The team is so focused on promotions and fun nights to bring fans into the arena, including all sorts of things for the kids, and to keep them entertained. Just a perusal of the promotional schedule on the team website reveals everything from Star Wars Night to a pregame pizza party to Harry Potter Night to an ethnic festival. Clearly the promotions front office team at the Mud Hens has their hands in this. For all this we award 3 bonus points, and offer a template to other minor league teams looking for ways to put fannies into the seats. One point is given for the outstanding presentation of Toledo hockey history. The championship banners and retired numbers, spanning seven decades and across a coupe leagues are nicely organized and hang from the rafters with pride and distinction. Final Thoughts When you come down to it, the ECHL is the third tier of North American hockey, following the NHL and AHL, yet it is amazing how the bar has been raised in terms of the quality and opulence of the arenas at this level, and how the franchises have done so much to up their game in terms of their contribution and footprint within their respective communities. Hockey is doing just fine in Toledo. For a community that once was named as having the game’s ugliest jerseys (Toledo Storm), their graduation from a dusty yet classic old school hockey rink to a gleaming downtown destination is a true success story. Toledo and their Walleye are a must see visit for the hockey road trip enthusiast.

Photos by Richard Smith, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Urbana High School Athletic Complex 298-100 E Michigan Ave. Urbana, IL 61801 Urbana Tigers website Urbana High School Athletic Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 1,000 Tiger Complex Urbana High School is the only public high school in Urbana, Illinois and was established in 1872. The current building was built in 1914 and is rumored to be haunted. Notable alumni of the high school include Roger Ebert and former Miss America Erika Harold. Music artist Ludacris spent some time at Urbana High School before moving away. In 2011, the Urbana began construction on several projects to update the older facilities. The school demolished its football and soccer fields in the spring of 2011 and combined them into a new state-of-the-art football/soccer field with artificial turf and several bleachers. It was called the Urbana Tigers Athletic Complex and the project cost an estimated $4.3 million. Food & Beverage 3 There is a surprisingly large menu for a high school football stadium. All the usual offerings are available and the prices are reasonable. There are some more unusual options such as walking tacos and pork chop sandwiches. Wait until the end of the 3rd quarter and the stand offers some bargains as they do not want to keep extra food items around between weeks of the game. Atmosphere 3 There is one long and basic grandstand along the home side of the field. A smaller visitor stand sits along the side of the school on the opposite side from the home stand. That is pretty much it as it is a basic stadium. The scoreboard is brand new and does offer a nice videoboard. A marching band and cheerleaders fill out the normal high school sports offerings. Neighborhood 5 Urbana is a slow pace kind of town. But there are three places that jump out as must visits. Black Dog Smoke & Ale House offers amazing barbecue, just expect to wait in line to get in and that the tasty burnt ends will go quickly. Crane Alley is a nice bar with some great beers and Masijta Grill is a great Korean barbecue. Also check out the beer garden/ art space called The Sipyard. A very short walk away is the area along Green and Wright streets called “Campustown.” There are many bars, shops and restaurants in this area, and they tend to cater to young college students. Older fans will want to center their post game activities around downtown Champaign. Once a pretty boring downtown area, one will now find many bars and restaurants. The Esquire Lounge is a local icon and should be a stop for everyone. Try a pork chop sandwich and say hi to owner Pedro. Other great downtown spots are Derailed 57, Blind Pig Brewery, the gastropub DESTIHL, sports bar Jupiter’s, and Farren’s Pub & Eatery (at a very hidden location at 308 N Randolph Street). There is also a much larger version of Jupiter’s on the outskirts of Champaign (2511 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center) that is also a good choice. If visiting that second Jupiter’s location also try Billy Balooz right next door (2521 Village Green Place at The Crossing Center). Fans 3 The fans here are pretty standard high school fans. The high school kids run and socialize without paying much attention, but the older fan base is engrossed in the action. They are a friendly bunch of people. Access 4 Champaign and Urbana are both easy cities to navigate. There is plenty of parking both near to the stadium and also on the north part of the school. Champaign-Urbana is at the crossroads of I-57 and I-74, as well as being the eastern terminus for I-72 so getting to the area from Chicago, Indianapolis and points west will be pretty easy. Return on Investment 3 The games are only $5 to attend so the value is quite good. Concession prices are also quite reasonable. There are no other costs for attendance. Extras 2 Check out the tiger statue outside the main entrance of the stadium complex. The school is very old and offers some cool architectural styles. It is pretty cool to see the various additions to the school over time and to note the change in style of design. Final Thoughts The Urbana High School Athletic Complex offers a pretty basic high school athletic atmosphere. It is worth a stop if you are in the area.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Alamo Stadium 110 Tuleta Drive San Antonio, TX 78212 San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) Athletics website Alamo Stadium website Year Opened: 1940 Capacity: 18,500 History, Tradition, & Legend are the Stars at Alamo Stadium In the state of Texas, there are few more historic venues – at least in terms of high school football – than Alamo Stadium in San Antonio, Texas. Located on a hill near the city’s famous Downtown – home of the eponymous Alamo, Riverwalk, and Tower of the Americas – Alamo Stadium is the home field for the football programs of the San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD), and the venue has become a beloved institution across the state. Known as “The Rock Pile” because of its distinct limestone facade, Alamo Stadium has been in operation since 1940, and has seen some great football moments over the years; the facility is even registered as a National Historic Landmark. In addition to being the site of one of the most historic high school games in Texas history (the 1963 “Big Game”), the World Football League, United States Football League, the original Alamo Bowl, and the U.S. Army All-American Bowl have all called the stadium home. History is just a fact of life for Alamo Stadium, and visitors soak it in on every visit. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at high school games pretty much are what they are. You aren’t going to find any signature items at these games – not even at some of the stadiums in the state that cost tens of millions of dollars to construct. Alamo Stadium has a fairly bare bones menu at its three (sometimes four depending on the magnitude of the game) cash-only concessions stands. Hot dogs ($2), sausage wraps ($2) – which are a personal favorite – and Frito pie ($1.50 for a small and $3 for a large) are your entree choices. There are also chips, pickles, popcorn, and candy, all of which are in the $1.50-$2 price range. You can also get bottled soda ($2), bottled water ($2), and sports drinks ($3). While the options are limited, it is hard to beat the prices. Atmosphere 3 As mentioned, Alamo Stadium is the home field for the high school programs of SAISD, seven of them in total. Many of these are some of the oldest schools in the city, and have some of the oldest rivalries with one another. The “Tommy Bowl”, for example, between the Thomas Jefferson Mustangs and the Thomas Edison Golden Bears, is one of the most passionate rivalries in the city, and annually draws capacity crowds. The atmosphere of the stadium overall is going to depend upon the match-up that you attend at Alamo Stadium. Regardless, there is always a palpable energy emanating from the stands during games; much of it stems from the fans, but it also has to do with the venue itself. It is as historic a venue as you will find in high school sports. Neighborhood 5 San Antonio is one of the top tourist destination cities in the country. The temperate year-round climate and multitude of family-friendly attractions make it a desirable place to hang out before and after games at Alamo stadium. There are tons of things to do in addition to those mentioned in the intro to this review. Just a short 10-minute drive from Alamo Stadium is the “official” museum of San Antonio, the recently renovated Witte Museum. Exhibits range from Texas history (Davy Crockett’s fiddle is on display) to dinosaurs (you can see a full-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex). Also near Alamo Stadium – and close to the Downtown area – is one of the city’s first and most popular craft breweries, Alamo Beer Company. The brewery’s beer garden offers outdoor seating, games (giant Jenga, anyone?), live music, and food trucks. Located near the historic and scenic Hays Street Bridge the brewery has become a true destination in the city. When it comes to food, San Antonio has everything you could possibly want. Near Alamo Stadium there are plenty of options – Tex-Mex is one of the staple foods of San Antonio, and Casa Rio and Mi Tierra are two of the city’s oldest and best. For hotels, they are all here and they are all Downtown, which is a short drive from Alamo Stadium. Located literally next door to the Alamo is the historic – and possibly haunted – Menger Hotel. Everyone from Bill Clinton to Babe Ruth has stayed the night at one of the best hotels in the country. However, if you’re looking for something a little more modern, the Riverwalk Plaza Hotel is located right on the aforementioned historic Riverwalk, and offers one of the best views of it in the city. Fans 4 Few people have more passion about their teams than Texas high school football fans. There have been countless books and numerous movies devoted to this particular subject, and Alamo Stadium tends to bring out some of the most passionate of these fan bases on a weekly basis. They are loud, they are vocal, and when it is a district game against two long-time rivals, they fill both the home team and visitors stands with their boisterousness. The one – and really only – drawback in regards to a fan experience at Alamo Stadium is that the venue really doesn’t offer or encourage any form of pre-game tailgating festivities. Access 4 Alamo Stadium can be reached from any part of San Antonio quickly and easily, as it is located directly off of Interstate 37. This puts it roughly 15 minutes from the San Antonio International Airport, and less than 10 minutes from Downtown. Parking is ample and free at Alamo Stadium – as s a nice bonus, parking for the home team is separate from the visitor parking, and each lot allows you to enter into the stands for the respective teams. There is no clear bag policy at Alamo Stadium, but guards at the gate do reserve the right to search hand bags and backpacks. Return on Investment 3 General admission seating for Alamo Stadium is $8 for both the home and visitor sides. For the experience of seeing a game – possibly even a playoff game as the venue hosts statewide contests each year – coupled with the free parking and reasonably priced concessions, games at Alamo Stadium are a bargain, and a great experience for everyone. Extras 3 Everything great about high school football can be found at Alamo Stadium. The bands, the mascots, the cheerleaders, pep squads, dance teams – all of these things are present for every game, no matter who the competing teams are. Several of the teams even bring their t-shirt cannons, which is a great way to possibly pick up a cheap souvenir. If you want to explore Alamo Stadium, from the walkway near the east end of the stadium you can see out onto the city lights of San Antonio, which is great visual to take in. Lastly, in the lower level of the venue is the SAISD Athletic Hall of Fame, which honors some of the best athletes to pass through the hall of the district’s high schools. Football greats such as Tommy Nobis, Tobin Rote, Gary Green, and Gabe Rivera are all honored with plaques near the visitor’s entrance. Final Thoughts I am possibly a little biased when I speak about Alamo Stadium, as I have great memories of seeing dozens of games from both the stands and field. However, I think anyone who attends a game here will be able to pick up on the energy and history of the stadium. To put it simply, taking in a game at The Rock Pile is something truly special and if you have the chance see one here, take it. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Stefano Romagnoli Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Stadio Luigi Ferraris Corso A. De Stefanis Genoa, Liguria 16139 Italy UC Sampdoria website Stadio Luigi Ferraris website Year Opened: 1911 Capacity: 36,599 The Blucerchiati The Unione Calcio Sampdoria was born on August 1, 1946 from the merger of two companies present in Genova from the late nineteenth century, the Andrea Doria and Sampierdarenese. Even the colors of the club’s jersey is a legacy of the previous two teams: from Andrea Doria comes blue with white strip, from Sampdierdarenese the red and black strip. Also on the chest of the Sampdoria player is the coat of arms of the city of Genova, the shield of San Giorgo. The blucerchiati, nickname of the Sampdoria players, play their home games at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium. The facility is located in the Marassi neighborhood. Opened in 1933, six years after the start of work, the Ferraris stands on the site where the Genoa CFC played their home games dating back to 1911. Before 1933 the stadium was called Stadio Comunale di Via del Piano and the appearance was very different from what we see today. The new stands in reinforced concrete replaced wooden ones. Next came the northern tier (home of Genoa fans), the southern tier (home of Sampdoria fans) and finally, in 1947 the distinct sector. The facility is named after Luigi Ferraris, Genoa CFC player and captain, who died during the First World War. Between 1987 and 1989, the Ferraris was renovated to host the 1990 FIFA World Cup. The project of the new Ferraris bears the signature of the architect Vittorio Gregotti (who had already worked on the renovation of the Olympic Stadium in Barcelona). The stadium has hosted two FIFA World Cup (1934 and 1990). The Italian national football team has played here 27 times, the first on December 22, 1912. Performances by noted musical artists include Bruce Springsteen, Frank Zappa and Lou Reed. Food & Beverage 3 On the ground floor, under the Tribuna Centrale, there is a bar. You can buy drinks, even beer, but they are served in a paper cup. Savory or sweet snacks, including hot dogs are also available. In the stadium there are other restaurant points: three for each tier (Nord and Sud), four in the Distinti sector, four in the Tribuna sectore. All are open for the big match, while only three remain open for games with less appeal. Atmosphere 5 Football in Italy arrived with the ships of the English merchants in the late nineteenth century. It is for this reason that the Luigi Ferraris is the oldest stadium in Italy still in use, and one that most resembles the British facilities. Genova is a city of trade and it was not uncommon in the early twentieth century to see British sailors play football not far from ships docked in the harbor. The Ferraris stadium is rectangular and fully covered. At the four corners rise towers of color rosso Pompei, within them there are stairs to reach the various sections. The playing field, close to various sections and separated from them by a transparent barrier, is illuminated by the lights housed in the cover and over the towers. There are two big screens; one between the Gradinata Nord and the Distinti, the other between the Tribuna Centrale and the Gradinata Sud. The entrance to the pitch is from the side of Distinti. Dressing and press room are located on the opposite side of the Tribuna Centrale. Neighbourhood 3 Genova is a city between the sea and the mountains. Marassi, is the neighborhood and Luigi Ferraris is often mistakenly referred to by the neighborhood. Around the stadium there are numerous restaurants, not only Italian, and in the day of the match there are plenty of peddlers of sandwiches. Tip: Ask for pesto at any restaurant pasta. Pesto is a special sauce that is made in Genova with basil leaves, extra virgin olive oil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, pecorino cheese, garlic, and sea salt. Fans 5 The most vocal supporters of Sampdoria follow home games from the Gradinata Sud. The reading of blucerchiata formation is accompanied by choirs (the fans repeat the surname of their heroes) and that continues throughout the match. During the match the Gradinata Sud, but also the Distinti sector, are a great spot blucerchiata, with mesh, scarves, and flags that recall the colors of the Ligurian team. Obviously, the main rivalry is the one with their cousins in Genoa. The matches between UC Sampdoria and Genoa CFC are called “derby della Lanterna”. The visiting fans find accommodation in the booth placed between the Tribuna Centrale and the Gradinata Nord. Perhaps this is the area from which the view is worse, especially if the action takes place on the opposite side of the pitch. Access 3 The Marassi neighborhood and Ferraris stadium are easily reached. Nearby there are two railway stations and highway exits (the highway passes through the city of Genoa). The city is also home to one of the main Italian and European ports, and has an international airport. Return on Investment 5 On the UC Sampdoria website you can find all the information to buy a ticket and see a home match of the Blucerchiati. Ticket prices vary from section to section. Extras 3 The Luigi Ferraris is, without doubt, one of the most fascinating stadiums in Italy. There is only one flaw. Since its last renovation, it has been more than 20 years and the time begins to be felt with some minor inconveniences. Since July 2016, the facility has been owned by the Luigi Ferraris SRL, a company founded by UC Sampdoria and Genoa CFC, which is responsible for managing the stadium. The Luigi Ferraris SRL is working on a facility renovation project. The future of the Ferraris might be without barriers between the pitch and the stands, the benches where the players stay would be between the Tribuna Centrale audience (similar to the Juventus Stadium model), with stages for VIPs and companies and many other improvements. There is also an aquarium in the city, the largest in Italy and the second in Europe for size. It is not far from the stadium by taxi, bus or car, you can reach in about ten minutes and visit it is really worth it.

Photos by Ashvin Lad, Stadium Journey Wintrust Arena FANFARE Score: 4.00 Wintrust Arena 200 E Cermak Rd Chicago, IL 60616 DePaul Blue Demons website Wintrust Arena website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 10,387 New Home of DePaul Basketball Doesn't Disappoint Wintrust Arena, located in Chicago’s McCormick Square area in the South Loop neighborhood opened officially on October 14, 2017, with its first official sporting event taking place on November 11, 2017. The arena is the new home to both DePaul University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams of the Big East Conference; and it will be the future home to the WNBA’s Chicago Sky starting in 2018. The arena, which broke ground on November 16, 2015 at a cost of $173 Million, offers a very intimate setting with a seating capacity of 10,387. Wintrust is a great stadium with excellent vantage points, comfortable seating, an array of food and beverage options, and a fun atmosphere located in the middle of a growing area in Chicago. Food & Beverage 5 Between the 21st Street Express, the Cermak Grill, and the BBQ stand, Wintrust Arena offers a good, high quality, and tasty mix of traditional stadium as well as fast casual food along with a variety of beverages including beer and liquor. As the main entrances are on the south side and on the east, via the walkway from the adjacent hotel, fans tend to be drawn to the first concession stand they see, the 21st Street Express on the east side of the arena. This causes longer lines, and a slower level of service, yet friendly nonetheless. Moving to the north side of the arena, fans will walk past a pop up bar selling beer and liquor on the east side, and then another bar in the northeast corner, which has a shorter line. On the south end stands both the Cermak Grill and the BBQ stand, which are away from the higher traffic areas and provide shorter and faster concession lines. All stands accept cash, credit, and debit. Note that concession stands on the second level may not be open if attendance is small. However, concession stands are spread out enough allowing fans to get to their seats from the main level to the second level in a short amount of time. Traditional stadium food such as hot dogs (both the Demon Dog and a Chicago style dog), sausages, and brats, as well as popcorn and nachos can be found at the 21st Street Express. The Cermak Grill offers up two different kinds of burgers, chicken tenders and pizza. And next door to the Cermak Grill is the BBQ stand that sells outstanding brisket, pulled pork, and sausage sandwiches. Pro Tip – get the coleslaw on top of the sandwiches and not on the side! The array of menu items allows for both affordable and higher priced food options. The sausage sandwich loaded with coleslaw is a must try. The major soda brand at Wintrust Arena is Pepsi, which is available in fountain style. There are also sports drinks, water, and juices that are available in bottles. Miller Lite, Coors Lite, and Blue Moon are available at the concession stands as well as the two pop up bars. The pop up bars also offer an assortment of mixed drink options. Atmosphere 4 Wintrust Arena provides for a very intimate atmosphere that a allows fans to be on top of the game. With a very modern look on the outside, Wintrust Arena is a two-level stadium with a standard bowl seating layout on the inside. The seats are very comfortable with decent legroom and rows high enough to provide good sightlines for even the shortest of fans. The only issue with the seats are the cupholders, which are too small for a jumbo-sized fountain drink. The court, which is very close to the seats, displays a nice rendering of the Chicago skyline which faces the east side of the court (opposite of the team benches). Wintrust provides a large scoreboard above the court and ribbon scoreboards on each end of the court, all providing for very visible in game stats. This may not hold true once the WNBA’s Chicago Sky start playing, but for the DePaul games, don’t expect much in-game entertainment or promotions, outside of the cheerleading team’s performance during time outs. However, the DePaul mascot, DIBS the Blue Demon, does make his way around the arena with much fan engagement. The in-game sound is at a perfect level to drive enthusiasm yet allow for normal level conversations with your seat neighbor. With the close proximity to the court, there really is not a bad seat in the house. To get engaged with the student section, look to sit in the Demon Deck, which is the second level on the north end of the arena. The best view of the skyline rendering on the court would come from the east side of the arena, either on the main level or the second level, facing the benches. Seats in the main level will provide for more convenient concession access as the second level stands may be closed if there is a small attendance. Neighborhood 5 Located just a few miles from Chicago’s central business district, Wintrust Arena, located in the McCormick Square area of Chicago’s near south side, is in the midst of a transformation from being solely an area for convention goers at McCormick Place to be a destination for food, sports, and entertainment. Already minutes from Chinatown, the area is seeing a rise of hotels and restaurants, and the city added an additional “El” stop for convenient access via public transportation. The area provides plenty of parking options via street parking or garages, but it is very accessible via the CTA Red Line (15 min walks from the Cermak/Chinatown) and Green Line (7 minute walk from McCormick Place) stops. Located just miles from the central business district, there are plenty of restaurant options to serve any fan’s palate. If looking close to the arena, one can venture a mile west into Chinatown where some of the local favorites include MingHin, Phoenix, and Szechuan Cuisine. Closer to the arena one can find some of the best fried chicken and seafood in town at Chef Luciano’s. Other options include Windy City Ribs for BBQ, Pizano’s for pizza, and even White Castle. The surrounding hotels also include restaurant options inside their properties. For the craft beer fanatic, Lagunitas Brewery is just a few miles away in the Pilsen Neighborhood. There are many attractions and entertainment venues to keep you busy outside of sports. Nearby attractions include the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Museum of Science and Industry, the Art Institute of Chicago, Navy Pier, Willis Tower Observatory, and the John Hancock Observatory. One can also utilize Big Bus Tours as a quick and convenient method to see the city in a “hop on, hop off” manner. The Theater District is just a few miles north and host several Broadway shows via “Broadway in Chicago.” There are plenty of hotel options at various price ranges. For convenience sakes, there are currently two hotels that are walking distance to Wintrust Arena – the Hyatt that is connected to McCormick Place, and the new Marriott Marquis which offers a walkway from the hotel directly into the arena. Additionally, there are three new Hilton properties that are under construction a few minutes away. Fans 3 The fan base at Wintrust Arena is a mix of students, academia, and casual sports fans. With the arena being off campus, it may be difficult for it to consistently draw a large passionate student fan base. Typical attendance may see the arena filled at 80% capacity, with this going up as schools in the area visit, such as Notre Dame, or consistently top ranked team like Villanova. The crowd engagement is consistent throughout the game. You may see the crowd perk up on big plays, but otherwise it’s an audience that is paying attention to most of the game. The student section, The Demon Deck, shows the most excitement throughout the game. Access 5 Wintrust Arena is one of most accessible stadiums in Chicagoland, in terms of getting to and from as well as moving around within. Public transportation options include the CTA bus, CTA elevated train (The “L”), METRA commuter train, and Divvy bike ride share. CTA Bus Routes: No. 3 King Drive is the most popular. Running north-south along Michigan Avenue, it drops off at Michigan and Cermak. No. 21 Cermak Road runs east/west and also stops at Michigan and Cermak. No. 4 Cottage Grove runs north-south along Michigan Avenue. It too drops off at Michigan and Cermak. CTA L Lines: Green Line to the McCormick Place stop, which is 2 blocks to the west. Red Line to the Cermak/Chinatown stop, which is 4 blocks to the west. Cost of a CTA ride is $2.25 with a $0.25 transfer fee if transfer is done within 2 hours of the initial ride. Cash and Ventra Card (for purchase at L stations) are accepted forms of payment on a bus whereas only Ventra Card or the Ventra App is acceptable for the L. METRA Commuter Train: The Electric line runs from Millennium Station near Randolph Street in downtown Chicago to McCormick Place’s South Building. Divvy Bike: Divvy is the local bike sharing program with hundreds of stands all over the city, including one at 2301 S King Drive and another one near the Green Line station. Parking is available in 3 different lots at nearby McCormick Place – Lot A, Lot B, and Lot C, with Lot A being the closest to the arena and to the pedestrian bridge at the Marriott Marquis. Traffic flow may be slow if there is a convention going on at the same time as a game. Otherwise, traffic in that area should be good. Lot A - 2301 South Prairie Ave is a 6 level garage priced at $23 for up to 16 hours and $36 for 16 to 24 hours. Lot B, aka 31st Lot – 3050 South Moe Dr is an outdoor lot for $15 flat rate. Lot C – Fort Dearborn Drive is an underground lot for $23 flat rate. There may be street parking options along the side streets of Cermak if a fan has the patience to drive around looking for one. There are three points of entry into Wintrust Arena – the main gate on the south side, an entrance on the north side, and a walkway from the neighboring Marriott Marquis on the east side. During the cold winter months of college basketball, entry via the Marquis, allowing for an indoor wait, is recommended. This entrance and the main entrance, however, tend to move quickly with efficient security checks and ticket scanning. Fan looking to purchase a ticket at the arena can find the window just a few feet from the main entrance on the south side. Note to those looking to save money from an online convenience fee by buying in person – there is a $3 “facility fee” for buying at the ticket window. While a compact setting, the concourses are wide enough to handle normal traffic flow, with the main level offering partial views of the court as a fan walks around. There is one bottleneck area which is on the main concourse on the southeast corner where the escalators from the lower level main entrance, pop up merchandise stand, entrance from the Marquis, the restrooms, and a concession stand all converge. The upper level, with less seating options, shows a better flow. Accessibility and seating for fans in need of assistance is more than sufficient, both in the seats, moving around the concourse, and in the restrooms. Return on Investment 4 The overall return on investment for a visit to Wintrust Arena is a good one when considering transportation to and from, ticket price, concession, and the quality of play at times on the court. For men’s basketball, DePaul offers variable pricing based on the opponent. For marquee matchups, prices range from $24 to $250 and for other games range from $18 to $200. Plan to spend between $15 and $18 for an entrée and a large fountain soda. From $2.25 on public transportation to a high of $23 for parking, pricing for transportation is very reasonable. Merchandise is priced well, but can probably be found for less at DePaul’s downtown campus store. Groups of 15 or more can save $5 per ticket. In addition, a Big East only ticket package can be purchased. Cost savings can be found by taking public transportation to and from. Extras 2 For a winter sport like basketball, being able to enter via the pedestrian bridge from the Marriott Marquis is very appealing. In addition, the neighborhood, with the arena as its new anchor, will continue to grow as new restaurant and hotel developments take off.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 D. W. Rutledge Stadium 900 S. Seguin Road Converse, TX 78109 Judson Rockets website D. W. Rutledge Stadium website Year Opened: 1959 Capacity: 10,000 Historic Launchpad for Football Greatness High school football is king in the state of Texas. Few teams have reigned atop the mountain as state champions more than the co-occupants of D. W. Rutledge Stadium – the Judson High School Rockets. Located in a suburb of Converse, Texas, Judson High School has reached the Texas state football championship 11 times, and won the final prize a remarkable six times. During the entirety of this run of dominance, Judson also holds the record for the most consecutive winning seasons in the state’s history, spanning 41 seasons up through 2017 – the Rockets have called the site now known as D. W. Rutledge Stadium home for that entire time. Named in honor of their legendary former coach, the stadium was originally built in 1959, and was originally named Judson Stadium. As the district grew, the Karen Wagner High School Thunderbirds began playing at D.W. Rutledge Stadium in 2005, and the Veterans Memorial Patriots start varsity play in 2018 – Rutledge Stadium was remodeled in 2008 to accommodate that growth. The stadium, home to so much history and greatness in decades past, has been reborn to carry on the legacy into the 21st century. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions at D. W. Rutledge Stadium are quite frankly surprisingly well-above par – especially for a high school sports-only facility. One of the things that separates it from many similar stadiums is that the concessions stands – one each on the home and visitor sides – take credit cards. On the menu are the traditional favorites: popcorn, candy, pickles, nachos, bottled water, soda, and sports drinks. These are all available for $2-$3 each. Also available are hamburgers and chicken burgers (each $5), hot dogs and sausage wraps ($2.50 and $3 respectively), and chili cheese fries ($3). An added bonus – especially on cold fall Friday nights at the stadium – is Starbucks coffee, available for $3. Atmosphere 3 Calling D. W. Rutledge Stadium a “cathedral” of high school athletics might be a bit of an oversell, but not by much. The facility has all the great features of an old-school stadium, but thanks to the renovations, it has a lot of the new bells and whistles of modern facilities. These include a massive coaches/press box, and a high-tech full-color jumbotron. Judson fans have earned a strong reputation for “bringing it” at all home games at D. W. Rutledge Stadium; Wagner fans are quickly gaining a reputation of their own for filling up the stands and supplying the energy. Especially with bigger games – such as during district play – the venue is rocking with energy and with excitement that can be felt from down the block. If you plan on attending a game at D. W. Rutledge Stadium, I would personally recommend the year-end clash between Judson and Wagner – while the annual Hammer Bowl is one of the area’s newest rivalries, the atmosphere at D. W. Rutledge Stadium becomes electric when the two teams meet. Neighborhood 4 The city of Converse is one of the largest suburbs of San Antonio, which is one of the most visited tourist cities in the U.S. As mentioned in previous reviews of the area, San Antonio is ripe with attractions of any and all kinds, and you are bound to find something of interest to suit whatever your mood is. If you are interested in continuing an evening of sports, horse racing season overlaps with the high school football one. Located in nearby Selma, Texas, is one of the state’s finest establishments dedicated to the sport of kings, Retama Park. A truly gorgeous facility, Retama Park is a fan-favorite among both novices and hardcore devotees of the sport. Make sure to check their online calendar, as they frequently have theme nights that are pretty popular, including dollar night which feature $1 hot dogs, sodas, and racing programs. First-time visitors to San Antonio must visit the city’s historic Downtown, home to many of the area’s most famous attractions, including the Alamo, River Walk, Market Square, and Tower of the Americas. The Alamo, River Walk, and Market Square all offer free admittance. For dining options, San Antonio is renowned as a city where you can find good eats on just about every corner. However, if you choose to stay in Converse proper, there are more than enough choices. All of your usual chain restaurants can be found; if you are looking for something beyond that, check out a couple of local favorites: Rocket’s Feed Restaurant Bakery and Papa Dante’s Restaurant. When it comes to hotels, the same circumstance as dining can be said. You can find whatever you want in San Antonio, but in Converse proper, you have options as well. Every chain you can think of, from the highest end to the most budget friendly can be found within striking distance of the city. If you’re looking beyond the normal chains, I would recommend staying in San Antonio. Some choices include the art deco-styled Hotel Havana, or heavy on cozy A Yellow Rose Bed and Breakfast. Fans 4 There have been numerous books, TV series, and films written about how passionate people in Texas are about high school football. If you attend a game at D. W. Rutledge Stadium, you will get a glimpse of that passion. Regardless of the matchup, you can expect to see the home field stands filled. Judson Rockets fans are especially loyal and passionate toward their team, and they have been rewarded with that loyalty over the years with victories. While Wagner doesn’t yet have the same history as their older sister school, fans still come out in impressive numbers. One can only anticipate that Veterans Memorial fans will do the same, as it is in their pedigree. When you come to a Judson Rockets, though, you can expect the stands to be filled with red and to be fully engaged throughout the entirety of the game. Overall, few venues in South Texas can match that which is found at D. W. Rutledge Stadium. Access 4 If you plan on attending at game at D. W. Rutledge Stadium, you should have no problem accessing it whatsoever. Converse, again, is just a few miles outside of San Antonio as you head north on Interstate 10. If you’re flying in from anywhere in the country, the San Antonio International Airport is your best bet. You can also head in from Austin, the next nearest big city, which is just under an hour and a half north of both San Antonio and Converse. A little bit of an insider’s tip – Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Austin often has less expensive flight packages into the area. When going to D. W. Rutledge Stadium, there is no cost for parking, and there is ample amount of it thanks to the 2008 renovation. Also, one point to be aware of – while concessions accept credit cards, the admission gates do not. Return on Investment 2 Single game general admission tickets at D. W. Rutledge Stadium are $8 per person, which is pretty much the standard going rate for high school games in the area these days. This is by no means a bad thing. D. W. Rutledge Stadium has great sight lines, a great atmosphere, and – usually – great teams that compete there on a week in and week out basis. When you couple the price for admission with the low-cost for concessions, and the zero cost you pay for parking, what you get is worth the price. Extras 1 In terms of “extras,” what D. W. Rutledge Stadium offers is pretty much what is standard at all high school games. There are the bands, the cheerleaders, and dance teams, and there are also the half-time shows, the mascots, and the boosters. The main selling point of the stadium is its history and the football on the field. This is by no means a negative, it’s just a fact. In cases like D. W. Rutledge Stadium, that’s all you need. Final Thoughts Bottom line, D. W. Rutledge Stadium is a great venue for high school football. You will highly enjoy yourself at games there, no matter which team you happen to see. When attending games there, you’ll get caught up in the history of the stadium. It is everywhere. There are few finer venues for high school football in South Texas than D.W. Rutledge Stadium, so do yourself a favor and catch a game there when you have the chance. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bulldog Stadium 1 Fleming Dr Seguin, TX 78155 Texas Lutheran Bulldogs website Bulldog Stadium website Year Opened: 2014 Capacity: 1,500 Welcome to the Dog Pound When it comes to college football at the Division III level, few teams have had as much success in recent years as the Texas Lutheran University Bulldogs. Located near the flowing Guadalupe River in Seguin, Texas, Texas Lutheran first fielded a football team in 1912. In the one hundred-plus years since, they have become perennial powers on the gridiron, most recently in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference. The Bulldogs won three consecutive conference championships from 2014-2016, and earned a trip to the DIII football playoffs in 2014. They achieved all of this recent success from the confines of their new home, Bulldog Stadium, which opened in 2014. While small by college – and most Texas high school – standards, Bulldog Stadium gives Texas Lutheran a unique home field advantage while playing under the South Texas sun. Food & Beverage 1 If you are coming to Bulldog Stadium looking for gourmet, over-the-top, or outlandish food offerings, you might need to grab a bite at the tailgate before the game. However, what the facility lacks in frills, it more than makes up for in frugality. There are two food trailers stationed on opposite ends of the home field stands at the stadium, and these offer your standard food items. These cash-only stations offer hot dogs ($2.50), sausage wraps ($3), bottled water ($2.50) and bottled sodas ($3). However, you can bring in your own food items from outside the stadium – with one exception – alcohol is not allowed in Bulldog Stadium at all. Atmosphere 3 Bulldog Stadium has a great deal in common with many mid-level high school football stadiums; especially those in Texas. I don’t mean this negatively at all, mind you. The layout is very similar, with bleacher style-seating, much larger on the home field side. The all-weather track surrounds the field and the school’s marching band (which will be touched on later) sits in the stands with the student body – this style of stadium allows for the home-team crowd’s energy to be felt from one end of the home stands to the other. A great feature of Bulldog Stadium that was built into the field when it opened are the general admission seats that are on two hills, one in each end zone: Burn’s Berm and Church Hill – each named after a generous donor to the athletic program. These give not only a great vantage point for the on-field action, but also are a great overall way to watch a football game. Neighborhood 3 Located 30 miles northeast of San Antonio, Seguin has become a popular commuter city for those looking to escape from the big-city trappings of the Alamo City. While Seguin has grown – it has a population of just under 28,000 – it still is able to maintain a small-town vibe. The Texas Lutheran University campus is one of the most beautiful in the area, set among sprawling native pecan trees, and not too far from the Guadalupe River. This part of Texas is full of history, especially concerning the Texas Revolution (the city changed its name in 1838 to honor Texas hero Juan Seguin). Driving around the city, you’ll find numerous markers denoting some of the legends and historical events that took place in the area. For nature lovers, Walnut Springs Park is truly something special. It has been revitalized in the past decade, and is now recognized as one of the best small-town urban parks in the state. It is perfect for hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, or just enjoying a day in the outdoors. If you’re looking for something with a little more adrenaline, look no further than ZDT’s Amusement Park. Roller coasters and other thrill-seeking rides abound – and the park is very reasonably priced for families. For dining options, the Dixie Grill has been a favorite of locals for many years, and is located right off Interstate 10; you can’t miss it as you head into Seguin from either the East or the West. Another popular spot is the Powerplant Texas Grill; built on the grounds of an old utility plant on the Guadalupe, this is a popular spot for all kinds of local fare – plus, you can hit the river either before or after your meal. When it comes to hotels, all the usual chain suspects can be found in Seguin, and all are fairly close (not within walking distance though) of Bulldog Stadium. If you want something a little off the beaten path, check out the Olivia Mansion, a B&B housed in an old Victorian-era mansion. You might also look for the Park Plaza Hotel in downtown Seguin. Fans 3 While attendance figures for football in the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC), of which TLU is a member, aren’t available colloquially, I can tell you that Bulldog fans show up to support their team in droves. There is something to be said for being the proverbial only game in town – fans will get behind you and come out, and they are also enthusiastic. Tailgating can be found before the game for several hours before the gates open, and there is also a special alumni tailgate that stays open the whole game, and allows fans to mingle during halftime. In recent years, the team has given the home fans a lot to cheer about, and the fans have rewarded their squad with their enthusiasm and their support. While there may not be many, they are a vocal bunch. Access 3 Bulldog Stadium is easily accessible via either Highway 90 or Highway 46. San Antonio is the closest major city to Seguin; Austin is also within shouting distance by traveling the new 130 toll road. From San Antonio, it is just around 30 minutes away; from Austin, a shade under an hour. Signs clearly mark the way, and you won’t be able to miss Bulldog Stadium as it rises from the Seguin hills. Parking is ample at the stadium and is free. One caveat though, seating tends to fill up fast – especially on the visitor’s side. If you’re not interested in sitting on one of the hills, you might want to get there early. Return on Investment 3 A single-game, general admission ticket for games at Bulldog Stadium starts at $10 per person; for children 6-18 (younger get in free) and seniors (65 and up) tickets are only $5. This is a great bargain, especially for a program with the history of success that Texas Lutheran has had. With free parking and the low cost for concessions items, you are getting a bargain at these games. Extras 2 There is not much in the way of extras at Bulldog Stadium; what they do have though is enough to delight the crowd. First, I personally am a sucker for live mascots. The Bulldogs bring out the live version of their mascot, Lucky, before every game to serve as the official greeter for the players as they take the field. The costumed version of Lucky also wins the hearts of fans as he patrols the sidelines, and interacts with kids on the two hills. Like all great college programs, Texas Lutheran boasts their own band. The “Hounds of Sound” sit in the stands with their fellow students, and they do a great job of firing up the crowd. Final Thoughts While Division III action might not be everyone’s cup of tea, I would venture a guess that any attendee will be drawn in by the action, the skill, and the passion of the players. Bulldog Stadium will remind many visitors of a high school facility; however, this is not always a bad thing. Getting the chance to see the action up close in an intimate venue puts all the focus on the players and the game. If you’re in the vicinity during football season, make a visit to Bulldog Stadium in Seguin, TX. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Provost Umphrey Stadium 4400 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway Beaumont, TX 77705 Lamar Cardinals website Provost Umphrey Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 16,000 Lamar Cardinals Rule the Roost The Lamar Cardinals first began playing organized football in 1923, when the school was known as South Park Junior College. The school has had a few interruptions in the course of their athletic history, but formally brought the sport back in 2010, and are now members of the Southland Conference competing in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). With the return of the football team came the remodeling of their home stadium, renovated and rechristened Provost Umphrey Stadium (after a local law firm that was a benefactor of the remodeling). Since that time, the Cardinals have somewhat struggled to find their footing at the DI level. However, the fans have shown up for the home team, and have been rewarded with high-level competition at a great venue. Food & Beverage 3 Food options abound at Provost Umphrey Stadium. There are four food concessions on the home side and two on the visiting team’s side. They parallel each other with the same options on each side. There are, of course, the standard options, such as hot dogs ($4), popcorn, nachos, fountain sodas ($5 for standard, $7 for souvenir cups), and Frito pies. Papa John’s Pizza has slices for sale; a slice of pizza (cheese or pepperoni) is one of four combo meals you can purchase for $7 or $8 (sliced brisket, pulled pork, and fried chicken sandwiches are the others) – each combo meal comes with a regular non-souvenir drink. Despite not having that “wow factor” item as an offering, what Provost Umphrey Stadium does have is a good selection at reasonable prices. I would not be doing my due diligence if I failed to mention one small “strike” if you will against the concessions at Provost Umphrey Stadium – it tends to get fairly frigid in East Texas the closer to winter that the calendar gets. With that said, to date, there are no hot beverages (e.g. hot chocolate or coffee) on the menu; it was the one complaint I audibly heard from several fans regarding the stadium. Atmosphere 3 The remodeling done to Provost Umphrey Stadium makes it truly one of the best looking in the FCS. It has a great overall look and feel; the over $4 million face lift brought in new benches and chair-back seating, new restrooms and concession facilities, a new concourse area, new lighting, and a new playing surface; all of this greatly adds to the overall atmosphere. Also adding to the atmosphere is the actual layout. On one end of the field, up a sloping hill, is the brick facade of the field house. At the half, both the Lamar Cardinals and their opponents march up the hill on zigzagging walkways toward the locker rooms. This is a great visual, and is a treat for fans looking for photo ops. On the other end of the field, up another sloping hill, are the Morgan Suites, which feature the luxury boxes and a 21-and-over only lounge. Finally, yet another unique feature which greatly adds to the overall atmosphere is the fact that both the home and visiting team’s bands are seated in the visiting side bleachers. Neighborhood 3 Beaumont is the largest city in East Texas that is close to the Louisiana border; Provost Umphrey Stadium is located in the heart of the Lamar University campus. As such, you get a great view of the school on your drive to Cardinals games. While Beaumont is not your typical college town, it still has a lot of the same look and feel in certain spots, especially as you get closer to the campus. When looking for entertainment options before and after games, one of the region’s most popular is located right on campus – Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum celebrates the oil boomtown heritage of the region. If you come on the right day, you’ll get to see a reenactment of an actual oil gusher! For some out-of-the-box fun, head on down Interstate 10 to Gator Country Adventure; this is exactly what it sounds like – an actual swamp that is home to dozens of rescued alligators. If you like up-close interaction with animals, this is for you. When it comes to food, the Kampus Korner Bar & Grill is your closest bet to grab a bite either before or after games. For something a little more in line with the geography – you are in the bayou, after all – give Suga’s Deep South Cuisine a try. As for hotels, Beaumont has all of the usual chains; if you are looking for variety, try the MCM Elegante or the Book Nook Inn in nearby Lumberton, Texas. Fans 2 The maximum capacity for seating at Provost Umphrey Stadium since its remodeling is 16,000; the largest attendance is 18,500. That took place way back in 1980 against a visiting Baylor team though. Last season, the average attendance for the Lamar Cardinals was 7,429, far below capacity, and on my most recent visit, this was the case as well. In all fairness though, it was one of those aforementioned chilly East Texas nights, so that could have been the factor behind the low turnout. That being said, the fans that did brave the cold and turn out were engaged in what was happening on the field. They were decked out in their red and black gear, and cheered from beginning to end. One more positive to mention is the area surrounding Provost Umphrey Stadium and how supportive the businesses appear to be of the Lamar Cardinals – there were numerous “Go Cards!” signs and banners throughout the neighborhood. Access 3 Beaumont and Provost Umphrey Stadium are easily accessible from both San Antonio and Houston (the two closest major cities in Texas) via Interstate 10. It’s a short jaunt off the highway to the facility, and the route is clearly marked. From Houston, Beaumont is about an hour and a half drive; San Antonio is just a 4 ½-mile drive. Coming from Louisiana, Lake Charles is about an hour away. At Provost Umphrey Stadium itself, a good portion of the parking is for season ticket holders and is reserved. However, there is visitor parking at the stadium; there is a free area and a $10 parking area a little closer to the stadium. There is also ample free parking throughout the neighboring area; if you’re up for a walk, this might be the way to go, plus you get the chance to stroll the campus, which is nice. As of now, there is no clear bag policy at Provost Umphrey Stadium, but security will search any large bags and/or backpacks. Return on Investment 3 General admission seating for Lamar Cardinals games at Provost Umphrey Stadium start at $20 per person. These are your standard stadium/bench type seats. For $30, there are reserved chairback seats; if you’ve got some issues with sitting for long periods of time, like you would at a college football game, this might be the best bet for you. The Lamar Cardinals play a great conference schedule; the Southland typically has some of the best competition at the FCS level, and the team also typically has at least a game or two in non-conference against a real powerhouse on the FBS level. When you factor in the ticket cost, combined with the free parking, and the value you get at the concessions stands – especially when you look at the combo choices – you are getting a great bang for your buck in Beaumont. Extras 2 All of the trappings of big-time college football are found at Provost Umphrey Stadium. The Cardinals marching band – known as The Showcase of Southeast Texas – has won numerous awards over the years. When you see them in action at halftime, you’ll understand why. Also patrolling the sidelines and stands is Lamar’s mascot, Big Red. For kids, seeing a human-sized cardinal will be a highlight, as Big Red is known to seek out young Lamar Cardinals fans for photo ops. One last bit of “extra” to mention, this one for all the ferroequinologists – aka train enthusiasts – out there – Amtrak’s rail line runs directly behind the visitors stands, and frequently you can see the trains these during game times. It’s a neat design feature that adds just a little more flavor to Lamar Cardinals games. Final Thoughts While I personally would have liked to see more of a turnout on the home side for the game I most recently attended, overall I can say I was heartily satisfied with my visit to Provost Umphrey Stadium. Beaumont itself is highly underrated as a city, and I look forward to visiting again. The game experience for Lamar Cardinals football is one you should take in if you are in the area, if for nothing else than the bargain you get for the experience you receive. Pay a visit, you won’t be disappointed. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photo courtesy of Rio Grande Valley FC Toros Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 HEB Park 1616 S. Raul Longoria Road Edinburg, TX 78542 Rio Grande Valley FC Toros website HEB Park website Year Opened: 2017 Capacity: 9,735 The Toros are Thriving in the Rio Grande Valley The Rio Grande Valley of South Texas is an area of the state unlike any other. The blending of American and Mexican culture is everywhere. With the palm tree-lined streets and nearly year-round warm weather, it is possible to close your eyes and imagine you are in another country entirely. In recent years, the Edinburg-McAllen metro area has seen a renaissance of industry and growth moving into the area. Edinburg especially has been the beneficiary of this growth, as it has found itself the recipient of a United Soccer League franchise. The Rio Grande Valley FC Toros were founded in 2015 and began playing in 2016. To go along with their status as a professional sports town, the team ownership and the city collaborated on a beautiful, state of the art facility for their club: HEB Park, which opened at the beginning of 2017. Sleek and modern, the stadium has quickly become a fan favorite. Food & Beverage 4 Visitors to HEB Park will have all of their food and drink needs met. There are four main concessions areas – two in each of the stadium’s two concourses. The areas serve all the traditional game fare, such as hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels, candy, soda, and draft beer. There are two stands that offer a pared down menu of the hamburger chain, Fuddruckers. Two of the locations also offer French toast on a stick. Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen also has a pop-up tent stand, that offers a pared down menu in the open area walkway in the north end of the stadium. You can also buy fruit cups at scattered pop ups, and at a few of the concessions kiosks. Another highlight, especially for adults, is the smoothie stand located in the east concourse. This vendor serves various sizes of traditional, fruity smoothies that are appropriate for all ages. However, they also serve “adult smoothies”, which combine the tasty drinks with alcoholic “enhancements”. Another highlight is the beautiful Scoreboard Bar in the north concourse area. Modeled after a similar structure at Avaya Stadium in San Jose, CA, this full-service bar serves as the base of the main scoreboard at HEB Park. It is a full-service bar and a hub of activity throughout the game (which will be discussed further later in this review). Atmosphere 4 Being so close to the Mexican border, where the sport of futbol is a national obsession, makes HEB Park in Edinburg the perfect spot for the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. The parking lot of HEB Park is a sea of activity before the start of games, as fans do a healthy dose of tailgating for several hours prior to game time. The stands are awash in Toros orange, and it is quite impressive how quickly the area has embraced the new team. Fans wear t-shirts, jerseys/kits, and scarves – albeit in a lighter than usual fabric, as temperatures on the pitch can get up into the 100-plus degrees during the summer. There is also an official fan club, The Stampede, which has taken up residence in the west concourse bleachers. With their chanting, cheering and drum banging (they bring their own drums to the game), they supply a constant stream of energy that infects the home crowd throughout the stadium. The acoustics, despite being open-ended on each side, are perfect for soccer. Also adding to the atmosphere is the aforementioned Scoreboard Bar, which becomes a hub for fans who need to stretch their legs, grab a quick bite and/or meet up with some fellow soccer enthusiasts. There is a live music stage set up adjacent to the bar, which also enhances the game watching experience. Once the Rio Grande Valley FC Toros start to develop a culture of winning, and HEB Park begins to attract even more high-profile “friendlies”, you can expect an even more electric atmosphere in the stadium. Neighborhood 3 It does take an effort to get to the Rio Grande Valley from any of the large cities in Texas. You can fly many large commercial airlines to nearby McAllen. Driving though, it is almost three and a half hours from San Antonio and almost five from Austin. However, once you’re down there, Edinburg, McAllen, Mission (the birthplace of Tom Landry), Harlingen, Weslaco, and even Brownsville are all within “shouting” distance. If you bring your passport, you can easily get to Reynosa and Rio Bravo across the U.S. border. This large metro area offers an abundance of activities (it is the birding capital of the United States if you are a nature lover), as well as many hotel and restaurant options. If you are looking for a bite to eat, you have to try out some authentic Tex-Mex/Mexican cuisine – I can personally vouch for Costa Messa Restaurant as being one of the best in the area. Fans 4 I really can’t say enough about how enthusiastic and knowledgeable Toros fans are. It probably helps that the area has a long affinity for the sport (the Edinburg-McAllen-Mission metro area has close to 500 weekend and amateur soccer clubs), and that affinity shows up during Toros games at HEB Park. Fans here cheer on breakaways, on defensive stops, on shots on goals, and, of course, on actual home team goals. You’ll find lots of orange, you’ll find lots of Toros team gear, and you’ll find the stands quite packed (they are averaging just over 6,000 for weekend games this season) for every game. Access 3 As mentioned, it does take a little bit of work to get to Edinburg and HEB Park. But, once you’re there, the stadium is located off one of the main highways (Interstate 69) and two of the city’s main thoroughfares (Freddy Gonzales Drive and Raul Longoria Road, respectively). Since the stadium just opened, there is not much in the way of signage leading the way there; that is anticipated to change in the not too distant future though. Also, there is just the main entrance to the parking lot, and that has the potential to bottleneck, especially close to game time, so plan accordingly. However, on the bright side, parking is ample and free. Return on Investment 3 You can get quite a bargain at HEB Park in terms of ticket prices if you go at certain times. Normally, ticket prices for Toros games range from the low of $9 per ticket to the high of $40. On certain nights, however, general admission tickets can be had for $5 as part of the stadium’s “Four Corners” option – make sure to check the calendar for when these are available. Concessions costs are right in step with other minor league facilities; you can expect to pay around $5-$10 per person for your trip to the snack bar depending on what you get. Again, as parking is free, you can expect a real bargain at HEB Park for Rio Grande Valley FC Toros games. Extras 3 HEB Park has all the bells and whistles that most “new” stadiums have. One interesting feature is the luxury suites/boxes; instead of being high up in the stands, they are slightly raised at pitch level. Fans in the boxes are right on top of the on-field action. Additional “extras” include the club’s mascot, a currently unnamed anthropomorphic bull, and the team’s cheerleaders, the Toros girls. You can expect to see both wandering the concourses and stands throughout the games, and they are easily accessible for photo opportunities. There is also a very well-stocked team store near the main stadium entrance on the east concourse. Final Thoughts I was not sure what to expect in my trip to this part of Texas to see minor league soccer. I have to say I came away extremely impressed with both. Flat out, HEB Park is beautiful, and I feel it is safe to say that it has little to no rival in the world of minor league soccer, and it probably could rival many major league facilities. It is truly the crown jewel of the United Soccer League. If you are in the Rio Grande Valley, HEB Park is a must visit. I believe you will be as captivated by the place as I was. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Reese Court 1136 Washington St Cheney, WA 99004 Eastern Washington Eagles website Reese Court website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 5,000 Fly Eagles Fly Welcome to Cheney, Washington. This small, quiet town is situated about 16 miles southwest of Spokane, Washington and is home to the campus of Eastern Washington University. Here is where you find Roos Field or what people call The Inferno, but also here is Reese Court (also known as the EWU Special Events Pavilion). Reese Court is a 5,000 seat, multi-purpose venue home to basketball, volleyball, and special events. Eastern Washington athletics are a part of the Big Sky Conference in all sports. Reese Court gives off the small town gym style vibe which makes this an intimate setting for a basketball game. You definitely will feel like you are a part of the action on the court. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stands definitely leave a lot to be desired if you are looking for food. There is not much variety in terms of getting something to eat if you attend a game here. The concession stands do accept credit/debit cards so that's a plus. Depending on what you want to eat, you might be left wishing you could have something else. The concession stands offer deluxe nachos ($6.50), teriyaki chicken and rice ($6.50), hot dog ($3.25), pretzels ($2), two different sizes of popcorn ($2 and $5), and candy ($1.50 and $3). One special offering is a stand offering hot or cold espresso and jet teas for $4. The prices really are good for what you are getting at the concession stands. The food looks to be of good quality and what seems to be floating around the most are the nachos. The speed of service is very good and no concession stand seems to have more than 5 or 6 people in line at a time. Pepsi is the major soda brand served inside of Reese Court and you can get a bottle of soda or Gatorade for $3. Beer and alcohol is not served at any concession stands. Atmosphere 4 Reese Court definitely provides a fantastic atmosphere for a college basketball game. The small town gym feel provides an intimate experience for fans. The style is more like a gymnasium with bleacher seating for the students with a few stadium style seats in the lower level and all in the upper level. The sight lines throughout Reese Court are perfect for basketball and honestly, even at the top of the upper level, you could still have a perfect view of the play on the court. The Eastern Washington pep band is active throughout the game and they are situated right behind one of the baskets. The Eagle Club is an exclusive area for donors to the school. This area is completely off limits to the general public so when you are walking around, you cannot cut through the Eagle Club. This is specifically a booster club/donor area only. Reese Court has one video board that does show replays and has great angles on the replay screen. The court also features two scoreboards that are complete with the players on the court, how many fouls the players on the court have, and how many points each player on the court has scored. It also features how many team fouls and whether a team is in the bonus or double bonus. The possession arrow is at the scorer's table. The sound quality is amazing and the PA announcer can be heard loud and clear. Music is played at the perfect volume during timeouts when the pep band is not playing. They do a few special promotions on the video wall as well as on court during stoppages and during halftime. Seating options are limited to the general public, but they have four sections in the lower level and then the entire upper level for sale for home games. You'll see the center court logo upside if you sit in the lower level for the general public. The upper level on the student section side will give you the correct view of the center court logo. Neighborhood 2 This is where Reese Court gets a bad score. Cheney is a college town, but the area around the arena is the campus itself so housing and classroom buildings surround the area. The only hotel located close to the arena is a Holiday Inn Express and Suites about 1.5 miles from Reese Court otherwise be prepared to stay in Spokane, Washington which is about 16 miles from the arena. Fast food is your main option close to the arena. McDonald's, Taco Bell, and Carl's Jr. are about 1.5 miles from the arena. A place I would recommend trying is El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant which is located about one mile from the arena as well. Fans 4 Reese Court is home to some rowdy fans, both students and fans alike. This is where it gets fun to be at a game at Reese Court. The student section is aptly named the Flight Club and this is one rowdy group. The game I attended featured Idaho State visiting Eastern Washington and the student section never let up during the entire game. Attendance might have been a little more due to it being Senior Day. The crowd gets loud during the game especially with the help of the Eastern Washington cheerleaders and their mascot, Swoop. These fans are engaged throughout the entire game and the student section makes that all possible. I could not believe how loud and how rowdy they got throughout the game. Access 4 Reese Court is very easy to get to on game day and moving around inside is not hard at all. The concourse is very spacious and allows people to move around freely. The nearest airport is Spokane International Airport if you are flying in to see the Eagles play. Spokane Transit Authority buses stop near the arena as well if you are interested in public transportation. Parking is free if you park behind the press box of the football field (parking lot P12). It has enough room to fit everyone who is attending the game. Traffic flow is also very good coming and going to/from the game. There is only one gate to enter the arena and it is very speedy in terms of getting people inside. Parking lot P12 offers a ramp down to the entrance of Reese Court with plenty of handicap parking as well. If you have someone in a wheelchair you do not have to worry about stairs when parking in P12. Also, the arena offers handicap accessible seating on the lower level. Return on Investment 4 You definitely get your money's worth coming to a game at Reese Court. Ticket prices are $17.00 for adults, students are $11.00, and general admission is $8.00-$11.00. You also get a free roster sheet when you walk in the front gate. With parking being free, that saves you a good chunk of change and concession stands offer great pricing for both food and beverages. Extras 2 One extra point for the championship banners and retired numbers. It is always a great thing to be able to see the history of the programs that use the venue. One more extra point for the radio station being advertised at the arena. Some fans like listening to the radio call while watching the action on the court and for it to be advertised is fantastic for the fans. Final Thoughts Reese Court may be situated in a small town, but the intimate feel of the arena is second to none in my opinion. Although food and beverage and the neighborhood may have left a little bit to be desired, this is definitely an arena I would visit again.

Photos by Ryan Rohde, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Roos Field 1136 Washington St Cheney, WA 99004 Eastern Washington Eagles website Roos Field website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 8,600 Welcome to the Inferno! Just a few minutes west of Spokane, Washington in Cheney, Washington is Roos Field, the home of the Eastern Washington Eagles. A member of the Big Sky Conference of the FCS, the Eagles have propelled themselves into the national spotlight by having much success since they won the 2010 National Championship. The Eagles house the only red turf in the entire college football landscape. Let’s take a look at what makes Roos Field, or “The Inferno” as it is called up here, a very good venue for FCS football. Food & Beverage 3 You’ll find two concession stands at Roos Field. One is located behind the press box and the other is located behind the video/scoreboard behind the south end zone. You’ll find the usual stadium food with some extra selections. Hot dogs can be served with chili ($5.25) or without ($3.50), also served is deluxe nachos, teriyaki chicken and rice, BBQ beef sandwiches, and macaroni and cheese. Pepsi products are served in bottle form along with bottled water, hot chocolate, and coffee. Credit/debit cards are accepted at both stands. Roos Field also offers a beer garden named the Coors Light Climb on Club. Atmosphere 4 Roos Field has a great atmosphere for small town college football. Roos Field is fully open to all the elements and just in general. There are stands below the press box, which is the main seating area, is the biggest one. You will only find bleacher seating here. There is also a seating area behind the north end zone and the visiting fans section behind the east sideline. One of the downsides to the field is that no matter where you are sitting, you are far away from the action. An eight lane track surrounds the football field. The Eastern Washington Marching Band takes up a section of bleachers in the north end zone seating and stays active throughout the games. Cheerleaders and music that can be clearly heard as well as the student section keeps the fans into the game. Roos Field has a crystal clear video/scoreboard that shows the game in real time on whatever network is providing the game on TV without the delay. Neighborhood 2 This is where EWU gets a bad score. Cheney is a college town, but the area around the arena is the campus itself so housing and buildings housing the classrooms such surround the area. The only hotel located close to the arena is a Holiday Inn Express and Suites about 1.5 miles from Reese Court otherwise be prepared to stay in Spokane, Washington which is about 16 miles from the arena. Fast food is your main option close to the arena. McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Carl’s Jr. are about 1.5 miles from the arena. A place I would recommend trying is El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant which is located about one mile from the arena as well. Fans 4 The fans for Eastern Washington are definitely the hardcore type. You’ll find many of them tailgating using their trucks and trailers in the parking lots behind the stadium and even on the east side behind the visiting bleacher section. The home bleacher seating is usually full and is dominated by the student section that is in the first seven rows of the seating underneath the press box on the west side. The fans constantly stay in the game. What is unique is these fans can leave the stadium at halftime and go back out to the trucks and trailers or meet up with friends on the outside. Some of the fans that tailgate stay outside the stadium and watch the game on TV and have food and portable fire pits to stay warm. It really is a one of a kind experience for football fans in the Pacific Northwest. Access 3 Accessibility is the tough thing as parking behind the field in the parking lots is reserved for RV’s and media personnel. Most people find parking on the side streets and a few blocks away from the stadium itself. You can take a Spokane Transit Authority bus from the Downtown Spokane STA Plaza to Eastern Washington. EWU does check bags as you enter Roos Field, but entry is smooth and simple. Single game tickets are sold online via TicketsWest and run to about $20, but games against rivals such as the Montana Grizzlies can run up to $50. TicketsWest offers Will Call and Print at Home ticket options for games. Return on Investment 2 The return on your investment for attending a game at Roos Field isn’t terrible, but it definitely could be better. For the price of a ticket, you get bleacher seating like you are going to watch high school football. Also, you really don’t have that many options when it comes to food, but on the bright side you probably won’t run into super long lines at either concession stand during halftime or even before the game as most of the fans tailgate and are able to go out to their trucks and trailers during halftime. Extras 2 Roos Field gets a couple extra bonus points: One extra point for “The Inferno” team store located by the concession stand behind the press box. In there you will find at your Eastern Washington gear needs. Another extra point for the history of the program on the back side of the press box right when you walk into the main gate. Including the huge 2010 National Champions sign. Final Thoughts Roos Field is a great place to catch a game and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to see the red turf and catch a great small town college football atmosphere. The fans are great and are so involved in watching their Eagles play and with the recent success of the Eastern Washington program, I would expect them to just continue upward. Hopefully, a remodel to Roos Field is in the works so that way fans can be a little more comfortable during the game and have more amenities. Come catch a game at The Inferno!

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Jenny Craig Pavilion 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 San Diego Toreros website Jenny Craig Pavilion website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,100 Journey to The Slim Gym While the venue looks like a pristine, new facility, it actually opened back in 2000. When the doors opened, Jenny Craig herself was there to present it to the students and faculty. The facility was constructed at a cost of $17 million and seats 5,100 fans. We’ve all heard of stadium names that have received nicknames rather than their true corporate nickname such as “The Pond” (Honda Center – Anaheim Ducks), or “The Big A” (Angel Stadium of Anaheim) or even the Jenny Craig Pavilion, which many like to refer as, JCP, which may lead some to think the venue is named after the once popular department store JC Penny. Even with the JCP moniker, the JCP also goes by another nickname, and of all the nicknames, it may have the best of them all, known as the “Slim Gym” as a play on the diet plan. Strangely enough, the Torero basketball program is more known for producing NBA coaches than players. While the program has laid the groundwork for players to ascend into the NBA, many of them achieved more success in the coaching ranks. Three of them include Bernie Bickerstaff (Sonics, Nuggets, Wizards), Eric Musselman (Warriors, Kings), and Mike Brown (Cavaliers). Before proceeding, I should also mention the nickname of the University of San Diego. Those who have not experienced the local culture may not be familiar with the term “torero.” A popular term in Spain, Portugal, and Mexico, torero is a term used for a bullfighter. The term is synonymous with “matador,” the nickname for the team two hours north at Cal State Northridge. Food & Beverage 3 The dining options here are a step above what you would normally find in a small venue. One can even step out to the courtyard and purchase food in one of a few pop up stands as well as a food truck. Inside the foyer, you have your basic fare, hot dogs, nachos and fries ($5), garlic fries ($6.50), chicken tenders ($7.50 / $9 with fries) and BBQ pulled pork sandwich ($9). Healthy options, ironically limited in a venue named after a health guru, are Caesar salad ($8) and whole fruit ($2). The beverage options include soda (Coke products: medium $4.50 for 21 oz, $5.50 for 32 oz.) bottled water and Powerade ($4.50), and coffee or hot cocoa ($3). If you decide you want to step outside into the courtyard a food truck offers bbq chicken sandwich and cheeseburger and fries ($10). Doggos Gus has a pop up stand that serves Mexican Gourmet Hot Dogs, $6 for a Baja Doggo, a jumbo bacon wrapped dog topped with grilled onions and jalapenos ($7 for super jumbo) as well as Doggo Nachos, chips covered with nacho cheese and topped with bacon wrapped hot dog slices ($7). Other pop up stands at the courtyard offer kettle corn ($6) and Greek dining options. Gyro and falafel wraps are $7, plates $12. Gyro and falafel plates come with salad, rice, hummus, pita bread, and water. The food and beverage prices are very reasonable, especially the Greek plates. JCP does a nice job of allowing fans to venture out into the courtyard. Not only does this improve pedestrian flow should JCP entertain a good sized crowd, but access to the courtyard also allows fans a chance to step outside and mingle among each other while soaking in the scenery amidst the nice Southern California weather. If there is one minor drawback, the foyer and courtyard, located in the south end of the arena where fans enter, are the only locations where food can be purchased. Atmosphere 3 Contributing to the atmosphere is the aesthetic appeal that JCP offers the moment one steps inside the building as fans walk through one of the more impressive foyers leading into the seating area. Though it may be one of the more aesthetically pleasing college venues you may have a chance to visit, even when packed the fans don’t quite provide that intimidation factor that you would find at let’s say, Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. Though the USD basketball program can produce a respectable team every now and then, the feeling you get among those in attendance is that the visiting team is as much responsible for the big turnout, a fact not lost among both the locals and the team as well. Neighborhood 3 The USD campus is located close to several points of interest such as Old Town, Fashion Valley Mall, Mission Valley, Old Town, Mission, and Pacific Beach and Downtown. If you have some free time during the day and feel like exploring the city, chances are you won’t be too far removed from the campus. Fans 3 With top-ranked Gonzaga in town, JCP would be filled to capacity for the 15th time during its existence. Though the home team would be totally outmanned on this evening, the enthusiasm of the fans, particularly the students behind the north basket close to the visitors’ bench, would not be dampened, even “playfully” heckling certain visiting players in spite of the home 5 trailing huge deep into the 2nd half. Access 3 On most nights, access to the JCP requires little to no effort. But on that occasion when the JCP is filled to capacity, you will want to give yourself some ample time if you hope to arrive by the opening tip-off. To enter the JCP you will be walking up a hill. If a good-sized crowd is projected, it is possible that you will be standing in a long beeline along a narrow sidewalk before you arrive at the entrance. Once you do arrive at the top, you will be rewarded by walking through a huge courtyard, which is used for fans to mingle during the game should they decide to step out. The courtyard, with its tranquil scenery highlighted by a fountain that beautifully blends in with the surrounding architecture, makes for a great halftime destination. As you enter the arena, you will be walking through a very impressive foyer, highlighted by its arches, tiled floor, ceiling design, and light fixtures. Inside the foyer are displays highlighting some of USD’s great athletic moments as well as its former players who made significant contributions to the program. Inside the arena spacious walkway circles throughout the entire seating bowl, allowing fans to roam without missing any of the action. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets prices start at $8 for youth baseline, $14-$16 for baseline or sideline seats. Premium game tickets can range from $25-$40 for BYU and Gonzaga. The price for even the premium games particularly Gonzaga is actually not bad when compared to other upper-level collegiate venues. Extras 3 Inside the JCP there are two boards, one on each end that provides the fans live in-game action as well as replays, player stats and of course the score. I bring this up because most small venues only provide one board, which, depending on a fan’s desire to look at stats and replays, can be an inconvenience depending on their seating location. The 16th century Spanish Renaissance look to the JCP blends in really nicely with the buildings throughout campus. USD’s hillside location in Alcala Park also provides nice views overlooking Mission Bay. The Torero program has now participated in the NCAA Tournament four times. A banner above the USD team bench commemorates 1984, 1987, 2003, and 2008 seasons. The most recent appearance in 2008 even saw the school reach the second round. The Toreros would be the first collegiate program in San Diego to advance past the first round of the NCAA Tournament, which may come as a surprise to some given San Diego State’s recent run of tournament appearances under Steve Fisher. Final Thoughts Though it is likely you will be occupied with other activities in America’s Finest City prior to the game, if you have some other free time on your hands, take the time to walk around campus and take in some of the other 16th Century Spanish designed architecture, as well as the scenic views overlooking Mission Bay. If you have an opportunity to visit a West Coast Conference venue in Southern California, if you are a diehard college hoops fan, seize the opportunity to do it. Some of the more underrated and more economical collegiate basketball experiences can be found in such venues in Pepperdine, Loyola Marymount, and USD. Like with many programs without the deep history, you just never know if you’re witnessing a future “Cinderella” in the making. Got any other thoughts? Questions? Reach me on my Twitter @Good_Drei. Also, follow my Facebook page Drei’s Stadium Journeys.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Mercy Health Stadium 2009 Baseball Blvd Avon, OH 44011 Lake Erie Crushers website Mercy Health Stadium website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 5,000 Family-Friendly Baseball When thinking of baseball in North-Central Ohio, one would understandably overlook the Lake Erie Crushers as a stalwart in the local community. However, in a few short years, this team has endeared itself to the locals, becoming a fan favorite for families and young fans throughout the region. With their growing fan-friendly approach, affordable pricing, and family-friendly options, the Crushers are becoming a smart and easy alternative to the big-league ticket prices of the Cleveland Indians 30 minutes east of Avon. Add to this a recent retooling of the team’s logo and color scheme to more accurately reflect their heritage, and you have the perfect recipe for a great experience at the ballpark. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage options at Mercy Health Stadium, formerly Sprenger Stadium, are plentiful in their variety. While your standard fare of burgers and hot dogs are available, they won’t break your bank. A personal pizza runs just over $4, with a large order or nachos running $7. Drinks are varied, from soda and water for $3 each to locally brewed beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks that all stay under $10. Snacks like peanuts, popcorn, candy, chips, and others are available as well. Starting this year, fans can also pick from a special Bud Light Lime Grape-A-Rita at the stadium, served specially for Lake Erie Crushers games. Atmosphere 4 Mercy Health Stadium itself isn’t what one would think stands out beyond others. There are no large roofing panels to shield fans from the sun, or any statues outside of players from the past. However, once inside, the sheer cleanliness of the stadium is obvious right away. The stadium has begun to be painted with highlights of purple and white, reflecting the new color scheme and logo of the team. Lake Erie Crushers games also feature between-innings giveaways and on-field games between fans, often including the youngest fans in attendance. The outfield in right features a large kids zone, complete with bounce houses and slides. The outfield in left is a large viewing mound that gives fans an elevated view of the stadium, while fans lining the left field wall can stand against the railing, where bar-ledges have been placed to set your drink down. The games are usually packed full of fans, as ticket prices are low and group rates are offered for youth groups and schools. Neighborhood 3 Mercy Health Stadium is located in a growing part of Ohio’s Lake Erie coast, located about halfway between Cleveland and Sandusky. Just one exit down from the stadium is a large shopping area complete with restaurants and stores galore. For food, fans flock to The Winking Lizard and Mitchell’s Ice Cream. For somewhere to stay, the closest options include the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cleveland Avon, and the Cambria Hotel and Suites Cleveland Avon. For nature lovers, a short drive to the east is Rocky River Nature Center in the Cleveland Metroparks. Cedar Point theme park is also to the west in Sandusky. Fans 4 While fans would be likely to overlook the Lake Erie Crushers at first, it is clear the locals have begun to embrace the team. Despite the team’s overall look and color scheme being opposite of what their original fan-voted choice was, fans have begun to pack Mercy Health Stadium to see tomorrow’s stars take the field. Now, with their new look, fans seem excited and rejuvenated when talking about their hometown Crushers. The stands are filled with kids and families, making it a great option for the family looking to somewhere to take the little ones for a baseball game. The fans range from the diehards to the vaguely sports oriented, visiting with friends or family and enjoying a day out in the Ohio sun. Access 5 Getting to Mercy Health Stadium is so easy, you literally could build a jump ramp on I-90 and land cars in the outfield. Exit 151 takes you right to the entrance road for Mercy Health Stadium, where parking is plentiful and only $3 per car. Season ticket holders are also eligible for a discounted season parking pass. Once you arrive at the stadium, there are two entrances that take you inside, and both are well staffed so lines are never too long. Getting around the stadium is easy as well, with signs clearly showing the seats and sections for fans not familiar with the layout. Return on Investment 5 How can you go wrong with tickets starting at $6 for lawn seating in the outfield and $9 for assigned seating? Perhaps the best option at Mercy Health Stadium for a group is the Terrace Tables; these seat four people and include your own server and an umbrella at each table for $36-$38. The Home Depot box is easily the best seat in the house, with your own box above the dugout on the main concourse that includes a server, and comfortable outdoor patio furniture provided by The Home Depot; this section runs $225 for 12 tickets at a time. Concessions prices at Mercy Health Stadium are also low, meaning you won’t break the bank if you want to get a bite to eat or a drink. Even the items at the team store are well-priced, meaning you can buy some swag and still not go over your budget. Extras 4 Mercy Health Stadium features a large sign by the entrance that lists the starting lineups for both teams, meaning the diehard fans are kept up to date on the latest changes in the lineups. There are also plenty of games fans can play while at the park, from bag toss to ladder ball, so fans can also relax while they take in the action on the field. The team’s fan shop usually features a deal of the game, whether it is a t-shirt, replica baseball, or pack of trading cards that is on sale. In addition, players are also available during pre-game and post-game for autograph sessions during different games throughout the season. Final Thoughts The Lake Erie Crushers are a team that is perhaps overlooked too often, which is unfair to their extremely family-friendly atmosphere. Mercy Health Stadium is well laid out, and while it may not feature multi-level suite boxes or upper deck seating, the venue offers great sightlines and comfortable seating in all areas. The great prices for tickets, concessions, and parking add to the overall affordability for everyone, from large groups to individuals who enjoy the game of baseball. Whenever traveling through North-Central Ohio, fans can look to Mercy Health Stadium to provide professional baseball without having to pay major league prices, or contend with large-city traffic.

Photos by Dennis Morrell and James Hilchen , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Wells Fargo Arena 233 Center St Des Moines, IA 50309 Iowa Wild website Wells Fargo Arena website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 8,162 Wild Hockey Wells Fargo Arena is the biggest of three different arenas that comprise the Iowa Events Center. Opened in 2005, Wells Fargo Arena is located on the banks of the Des Moines River. The arena is a multi-purpose venue and home to three sports teams as well as concerts and other events throughout the year. Wells Fargo Arena replaced Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium as the main sporting and concert venue in the Des Moines area. Prior to the 2015-2016 season, the arena spent $1.6 million on a brand new video board. The HD board (sitting above center ice) has curved screens for easier viewing by fans all over the arena. The Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League began play in the 2013-14 season at the arena. The Wild were previously known as the Houston Aeros and are affiliated with the Minnesota Wild of the NHL. The inaugural game for the Wild was a 1-0 victory over the Oklahoma City Barons on October 12, 2013 before a crowd of 10,200. The Wild broke their attendance record on November 9, 2017, when 13,422 fans watched Iowa defeat the Rockford IceHogs, 5-3. Generally the arena set up for a hockey capacity of 8,162, but can hold about 17,000. Wells Fargo Arena is also home to the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League and the Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League. The arena is not new to hockey, having been host to the AHL’s Iowa Chops from 2005-2009. Food & Beverage 3 Wells Fargo Arena offers a decent variety of food and drinks. Stu’s Bar-B-Q is a popular spot to grab some good BBQ. The brisket sandwiches ($10) are tasty as are the Gaziano sausage sandwiches ($9). Local restaurant Bordenaro’s serves pizza slices for $5. Cheeseburgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, grinders, and Philly cheese steak are available for about $6-$7. Hot Dog Nation has numerous types of hot dogs from $4.50-$7.50. Snacks including popcorn and candy are also available at $3-$6. Coca-Cola products are the choice of soda at $3.50, $4.50, and $6 (souvenir cup) depending on size. The recommendation for Cokaholics, such as myself is the souvenir cup; they come with $2 refills. Also available are Red Bull ($5), water ($4), and coffee ($2.50). If you fancy ice cream and shakes, Moovers and Shakers has you covered with numerous flavors and options from $5 to $7.50. There are $9 cans of beer available (25 oz). Budweiser, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Busch, Miller Lite, Coors Light, Corona, and Mike’s are your choices. Head over to section 108 for the Bud Light Bar. It offers a full-service bar and a nice place to watch the game. Atmosphere 4 Stadium seating surrounds the ice and there are luxury boxes available as well. The brand new scoreboard hangs above the middle of the ice, making it very easy to see the score, statistics, and replays. There are no hindered views anywhere in the arena. Getting in and out of your seats to get something to eat or use the restroom is an easy task. Lines at the food concessions are usually very short but if you are in line for a moment, there are HD monitors near the concession areas so you won’t miss any action. The arena is set up for a capacity of 8,162 for hockey with other areas tarped off. It makes for a better, more exciting atmosphere. One note for larger fans; the upper deck has seats that aren’t as wide as the lower seating bowl. Generally, getting seats in the lower bowl isn’t an issue but if purchasing tickets in the upper bowl, make sure to get one on an aisle. Most aisle seats have arm rests that are adjustable, giving a little more room. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Des Moines is fabulous. The area surrounding the arena has every type of food imaginable and plenty of places to have a drink. One block south of the arena is Buzzard Billy’s. Serving Cajun food as well as some traditional bar fare, Buzzard Billy’s is a great place to go before or after the game. The catfish is great, there are plenty of drink specials and if you haven’t tried alligator before, this is your chance. A few blocks farther south, there is a litany of places for any type of food. If pizza is your thing, it doesn’t get much better than Fong’s Pizza. Fong’s is quite an eclectic place. A former Chinese restaurant, Fong’s kept all the ambiance of the former tenant, but with a pizza flair. The egg rolls are recommended as an appetizer and the pies range from the traditional to unique combinations such as crab Rangoon pizza. It is a popular hangout in Des Moines and super busy on some nights, but if you can get in, the food is great. There are plenty of other food and drink options as well as numerous lodging options. Comfort Inn & Suites is directly across the street (to the north) from the arena. The Des Moines Marriott is a few blocks south. If traveling with family, be sure to visit the Iowa Capitol Building and the State Historical Museum of Iowa. Both are great places to take kids and both are free. Fans 3 The Wild are in their fifth season of existence beginning the 2017-2018 season and have a decent fan following, generally finishing in the middle of the pack in AHL attendance. The Wild have their group of hard cores that attend every game, always rock their Wild gear, and try and make it uncomfortable for the opposing team. After the typical celebration for a Wild goal, the opposing goalie is serenaded with a chant of “it’s your fault.” With Des Moines being less than four hours drive to the NHL Minnesota Wild (the two teams are affiliated), it isn’t uncommon for fans to come down from Minnesota to take in a game or two and see the future of their hockey team. Access 5 Wells Fargo Arena is located in downtown Des Moines and easily accessible off I-235. Parking is available in the arena lots for $8. Parking structures are a couple blocks away and cost $5. An added benefit of Des Moines is the sky walk. The sky walk links buildings via an enclosed walkway that makes it easy to get from parking structures to the arena without going outside. Once inside the arena, it is very easy to get around. The concourse is wide, plenty of clean restrooms are provided, and sections are clearly marked. Return on Investment 4 You can get in the door to see the game for just $10. Prices range from $10 on the second level up to $45 for a seat next to the glass. With the way the arena is set up for hockey, there are no bad seats and all sections are easy to get in and out when needed. A ticket combined with $5-$8 parking and average food prices makes for a fun night at the arena without breaking the bank. Extras 3 An extra point goes to the ushers who are consistent in wanting fans to wait to re-enter the seating bowl during play. It’s a small thing but it makes a big difference to the fans watching the game. One extra point goes to the Wild organization. They are making it a point to be very visible in the city and as fan friendly as can be. From post-game skates to post-game autograph meet and greets with players at Buzzard Billy’s after select games, the organization does a great job of providing extra perks for fans. A final point for the constant deals that the Wild give to their fans. There are discounted tickets offered to nearly every game, teaming up with companies such as Subway. Be sure and check the Iowa Wild website prior to coming and you will likely find a deal to save you a few dollars. Final Thoughts Wells Fargo Arena is a great venue for hockey. The organization cares about the fans, the price of attending a game is very reasonable, and downtown Des Moines has something for everyone. The AHL provides some quality hockey and taking in a game in Des Moines is a fun experience. Follow James Hilchen’s stadium journeys on Twitter @stadiumjwriter

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Joe Aillet Stadium 1450 W Alabama Ave Ruston, LA 71270 Louisiana Tech Bulldogs website Joe Aillet Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 28,019 The Bulldogs and Dawgzilla Joe Aillet Stadium in Ruston, Louisiana opened in 1968, replacing Tech Stadium, which had been home to the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs football team since their inception in 1901. Joe Aillet Stadium was part of Louisiana Tech’s new athletics complex, which now includes a baseball stadium, softball field, and soccer field across the street, as well as the track and field right next to the football stadium. The football stadium was originally named Louisiana Tech Stadium, but was renamed in 1972 after former head coach and athletic director Joe Aillet. The Lousiana Tech Bulldogs currently complete in Conference USA, and provide a great atmosphere for football, drawing lots of fans and providing a high level of energy during games. Joe Aillet Stadium includes the Davison Athletics Complex, Charles Wyly Athletic Center, and Dawgzilla, the 25 foot by 45 foot high def LED video board in the north end zone. Food & Beverage 4 Joe Aillet Stadium’s concessions offer plenty of options to fit most tastes – perhaps not everything you could want, but plenty of choices to meet your needs while attending a game here. Main dish options include hot dogs, Cajun sausage, nachos, pulled pork, burgers, pizza and chicken wings from Johnny’s Pizza House (a local favorite), Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches, sandwiches from McAllister’s Deli, and tacos from The Truppy Taco food truck. These items range from $4 up to $8, with the best deal being the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich for $4 – a bargain given this is barely more than they charge normally. Besides the above, you can also find snack and dessert items such as popcorn, peanuts, chips, pickles, kettle corn, packaged candy, Dippin’ Dots, shaved ice, cookies, and Rice Krispies treats for $2 to $7. You can also find bottled water, soda in bottles and from the fountain, and several flavors of iced tea and lemonade for $3 to $7; I did not see any alcohol for sale inside the facility. Atmosphere 4 Joe Aillet Stadium provides a great atmosphere for football, drawing large crowds wearing blue, with a little red sprinkled in (both colors are technically acceptable, but blue is much more prevalent) – you may even get gently hassled by Bulldog fans inside the local Walmart, if you try to choose the less dominant color. From the outside the facility may look a little dated, but once you walk in the bold, blue end zones, the colorful signage, the antics of La Tech’s Band of Pride, and the sound of 28,000-plus screaming fans will bring a smile to any football fan’s heart. Joe Aillet Stadium has grandstands with metal bench seating along both sidelines, with additional seating for donors and other VIPs at the top of the Davison Athletics Complex behind the south end zone. The north end zone is reserved wholly for La Tech’s video board, which is named “Dawgzilla”. The venue gets pretty full on gameday, and the fans bring a lot of energy, so this stadium is definitely worth a visit despite not being in one of the Power Five Conferences. Dawgzilla, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey One of the best aspects of attending a game here is that, for night games, the staff puts on a pretty spectacular fireworks show at halftime, which is nice because that means you don’t have to stay late to watch it – check out the video below for a sneak peek: Neighborhood 3 Joe Aillet Stadium is located on Louisiana Tech’s campus, so there isn’t much in the immediate vicinity except campus buildings and other athletics facilities, such as La Tech’s basketball arena, soccer field, baseball diamond, and track. There are a couple of fast food places within a few blocks, but if you are looking for something more interesting, there are a number of local places about 10-12 blocks east along Alabama Ave, such as Nana’s Soulfood, RAW Restaurant (sushi and sashimi), and Sundown Tavern, which features craft beer and live bands. There are also some more traditional eateries, such as Applebee’s, on 1-20 at exit 85 (either exit 84 or exit 85 would be your choice to get to Joe Aillet). If you plan to be in town for the day or for the weekend, in the same area as Nana’s Soulfood are a couple of museums, the Louisiana Military Museum and the Lincoln Parish Museum. Neither is very big, and both have limited hours (the Louisiana Military Museum is only open from 10-4 Tuesday thru Saturday, and the Lincoln Parish Museum is only open from 10-4 Tuesday thru Friday), but both are worth a look if you have some time. The Eddie G. Robinson Museum in nearby Grambling is also worth a look, as it celebrates the career of one of college football’s most successful coaches. The closest hotel to Joe Aillet Stadium is the Super 8 on Tech Drive, but exit 85 has several others, including a Fairfield Inn and Suites, a Courtyard by Marriot, and a Hampton Inn. Fans 4 La Tech fans are solid – though the stadium can’t hold that many, most of the seats are full, and fans here bring a lot of noise and energy. As mentioned previously, most of the fans wear blue, and many of them stay in their seats until the end, even if their team isn’t performing particularly well that day. The student section here at Joe Aillet is particularly worthy of note – you can find them on the east side seated next to the Band of Pride, who are easy to spot thanks to the lettering over their tuba bells spelling out L-O-U-I-S-I-A-N-A T-E-C-H. In the student section, you will of course find a few diehards with their chests painted in support of the Bulldogs, but also a couple of students waving homemade flags, along with my personal favorite, the whole section waving their cell phones back and forth during night games, in tribute to classic rock bands of old. Band of Pride, Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Access 4 Getting to Joe Aillet Stadium is pretty easy, thanks in part of the small capacity and general lack of traffic in Ruston. Located only about half a mile off the freeway, there is plenty of parking next to the stadium or across the street for $10 if you get there early; if not, you should be able to park for free about 5-6 or 6 blocks away, either on neighborhood streets or at the cemetery on Colvin Street. Note that will call is located on the west side, so if you don’t have your tickets with you, you may want to park on that side; otherwise you will have to walk all the way around. Once you get inside Joe Aillet Stadium, there is plenty of room to walk around beneath the grandstands, and there are plenty of restrooms and concessions stands, so lines shouldn’t ever be too long. Also, there is a walking path on each side between the upper and lower levels of the grandstand, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble getting to your seat, or getting out for a snack during the game. There is also a ramp at the end of each grandstand for those who need it. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets to games at Joe Aillet Stadium start at $25, which is pretty reasonable for this caliber of football, and there are plenty of concessions options for fans on a budget. In addition, $10 (or free) parking is also very reasonable, so all in all, seeing a game here represents a great value for football fans of any stripe. Extras 3 The halftime fireworks are a big plus, and the fans deserve mention for their strong support of the team. The vivid colors on both the field and in the concourse also add to the pageantry that is college football today. Final Thoughts If you live in or near northern Louisiana, you actually have your choice of 3 different college football stadiums along the I-20 corridor between Shreveport and Ruston – the Independence Bowl, Malone Stadium (home of the ULM Warhawks), and Joe Aillet Stadium. For my money, the latter is the best of the bunch, so if you are in the area, take a trip down to Ruston to see the Bulldogs in action, and be sure to wear blue. Go, Dawgs!

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Autzen Stadium 2700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Eugene, OR 97041 Oregon Ducks website Autzen Stadium website Year Opened: 1967 Capacity: 54,000 Bright Yellow Football on the West Coast Autzen Stadium opened in 1967, and was featured in the 1978 cult classic, National Lampoon’s Animal House. The stadium underwent a massive $90 million renovation in 2002, which increased capacity to its current level of 54,000. Despite its relatively small size compared to many other FBS stadiums, Autzen Stadium is one of the loudest college football stadiums in the country, regularly hitting over 100 decibels inside, and consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top 10 places to watch a college football game. Food & Beverage 4 While Autzen Stadium has a wide variety of concessions options, its All American stand is the most common, with over a dozen locations inside the venue, especially on the upper level. That said, if you want something besides the stadium basics such as hot dogs and pizza, you may need to walk around to find one of the other stands – which is simple enough, though, as the venue is not that big. At the All American stand you can find all of the classic stadium fare, including hot dogs, smoked sausage, pizza, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, peanuts, ice cream, caramel corn, and packaged candy, as well as Pepsi products, bottled water, coffee, hot cocoa, and frozen lemonade. Prices for food items at this stand range from $3 up to $9, while beverages cost between $4 and $5. All of the other concessions stands at Autzen Stadium seem to only have two locations, one on each side, but they offer plenty of variety, including tacos, burritos, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, Italian sausage, bratwurst, pulled pork, burgers (including a Vegan selection), and even salmon sandwiches – these items may cost $2 to $3 more than the main dishes mentioned above. However, note that all of the concessions stands inside Autzen Stadium sell the same items that are available at the All Amerian stands, so you can find those items anywhere. In addition, there are also a few small kiosks dotted around where you can find other items, such as kettle corn and Oregon’s famous one-pound ice cream sandwich. Atmosphere 5 Autzen Stadium provides a great atmosphere for college football, with lots of crowd noise, near sellout crowds, lively music that gets fans dancing, and tailgating that starts at least three hours before kickoff. Like many other football schools, the Oregon Ducks also have a great marching band, which performs before the game and during halftime. The band runs several different formations during pregame, including forming a giant “O”, as well as spelling out “D-U-C-K-S” to both sides of the stadium. The PA system also plays loud music throughout the game, including video at times, which keeps the fans engaged. The videoboard will also occasionally display a decibel meter, particularly during third downs, to motivate fans to get even louder. One of the most fun moments at an Oregon football game, however, is when the Ducks come onto the field before the game, led by Oregon’s mascot The Oregon Duck, riding on the back of a motorcycle. Accompanied by flag bearers running with banners spelling out “D-U-C-K-S”, this is a cool sight to see! Neighborhood 4 Autzen Stadium is located only about a quarter mile from the University of Oregon’s campus, and is bordered on the south by the Willamette River. There are several footbridges you can use to cross the river, and there are plenty of restaurants on that side (there isn’t much on the north side of the stadium, which is bordered by I-105). Two popular restaurants near Oregon’s campus are Chula’s Restaurant and Cantina, which features happy hour specials and small plates, and Oregon Electric Station, located inside a former train station, which features live jazz. If you are planning to be in town for the day or for the weekend, there are also several things to do in the Eugene area, the most popular being the Cascades Raptor Center, which is open from 10-6 from April to October, but only from 10-4 November through March (the center is closed on Mondays). Another popular attraction is hiking or biking along the Willamette River, and there are several parks along the river as well, on both sides. The closest hotels to Autzen Stadium are the EVEN Hotel and La Quinta Inn & Suites, both of which are within walking distance of the facility. There are also plenty of choices near campus, on the other side of the river, or along I-5, to the east of the stadium. Fans 5 Oregon football has a great fan base, with most fans showing up to Autzen Stadium wearing bright yellow team gear, with some green mixed in for good measure. As mentioned previously, games here tend to be sellouts or near sellouts, and the fans are loud and generally engaged, helped by the lively music coming through the PA system. One of the traditions they are trying to start at Autzen Stadium is that before the kickoff, fans in the student section will sway from side to side, reminiscent of what you will see at Texas A&M’s Kyle Field, although not to the same scale. Access 4 Thanks in part to the smallish size, moving around Autzen Stadium is relatively easy – the 2002 renovation widened the concourses and upgraded the bathrooms and concessions stands, which means there is plenty of room to move around, and short lines for the restrooms and concessions. There is also a walkway around the top of the bowl, which makes it easy to get to your seat no matter which entrance you come in at, and you can also use that walkway to find your favorite concessions stand at halftime. Eugene even has its own small airport, which makes it easy to get in and out of town on game day. That said, I would recommend getting to the game early, however, as even 2 hours before kickoff some of the parking lots near Autzen Stadium are already full. You can find parking for $20 within a few blocks of the stadium (on the north side), or you can park for free on the streets in some of the neighborhoods on the east side of the stadium (turning down Kinsrow Ave or Chevy Chase St). No matter where you park, though, getting out afterward can be difficult, as there are a lot of cars in a small space – the local police do a great job setting up cones and routing traffic for optimal flow after the game, but it can still take 30 minutes to go a mile or two. Autzen Stadium is one of those places where you are better off parking as far away as you can stand walking, as this will save you time afterward, since the farther you are from the stadium, the less traffic you will have to contend with. Return on Investment 5 Single-game tickets to Oregon Ducks football games at Autzen Stadium start under $50 for the “upper” level (which isn’t really an upper level, since the whole bowl is a single tier), and this is actually pretty reasonable for big-time college football, and is cheaper than a lot of programs in the Power 5 conferences. Also, even at $20 parking is on par with other stadiums, and if you can park for free it is an even better deal. Plus, there are lots of concessions options for fans on a budget, so a day at Autzen Stadium can end up costing a lot less than going to a game somewhere else, football or otherwise. Extras 5 A great mascot, which actually required a special licensing agreement with Disney to accomplish, is a big plus, and there is also really terrific scenery here at Autzen Stadium, with rolling green hills visible from inside the venue, and the river to the south you can walk along on your way to the game. Some college football diehards may feel that Autzen Stadium lacks energy, since it is only half of the size of certain other FBS programs, but being able to get as loud as it does with only that many fans is pretty impressive, and getting around Autzen Stadium is also much easier, providing a more hassle-free game day (thanks in part to its size, but also a better design). Final Thoughts The chance to see Power 5 college football, at a budget-friendly facility like Autzen Stadium, and one that is so easy to move around, should not be missed. In addition, the Pacific Northwest is a great place to visit, and you can find plenty to do in Eugene while you are here. You will definitely get to see some quality opponents here, so it should be a great time for your whole crew. Go, Ducks!

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Wolves’ Den 1801 E Cotati Ave Rohnert Park, CA 94928 Sonoma State Seawolves website The Wolves’ Den website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,000 Wine Country Volleyball While the Sonoma area may be better known for being part of California’s wine country, or home to Sonoma Raceway, often overlooked Sonoma State University provides a sports haven for college athletics fans who don’t want to drive an hour or more to watch Cal. Here, inside the halls of Sonoma State’s The Wolves’ Den, you can watch some top quality college volleyball for a small price in the quiet serenity of wine country. Food & Beverage 2 There isn’t much at the concessions stand, but thankfully it won’t break your bank either. Drinks are limited to water or soda for $2 or Gatorade for $3. For food, nachos ($4) and hot dogs ($3) are the biggest items, with popcorn ($1), candy ($1.50), chips ($1.50), or a cookie ($1.75) as the only other options available. Nevertheless, the staff are always friendly and helpful and the food never comes out cold. And unlike many small concessions stands, they accept credit cards without a purchase minimum. Atmosphere 3 The interior of The Wolves’ Den is reminiscent of 1980’s California architecture for large buildings. Giant concrete and cement walls, accented wood paneling for the ceiling, and sound-absorbing panels mounted on all the walls. With the acoustics inside, even a modest crowd can sound like a full house for Sonoma State. In addition, the close proximity of the seats to the benches mean the fans get a great view of the coaching staff during the game, as well as the bench. Neighborhood 4 There are few areas in the United States more beautiful than California’s wine country. Nestled outside of Santa Rosa, Sonoma State University is a campus with lots of foliage and greenery to contrast the brown of California’s hills in the dry months. There are countless wineries not far from the school, meaning your visit will be chock full of places to visit. Popular attractions include Jack London State Historic Park and Matanzas Creek Winery. For hotels, nearby locations include Graton Resort and Kenwood Inn & Spa. For eating, not much tops In-N-Out Burger in Rohnert Park or Sushiko. Fans 3 The fans at Sonoma State are loyal like most colleges, and they cheer on their team as if they were a mid-major division I college. Most fans are family or friends of the players and staff, though there is a decent student turnout during most games. A lot of youth athletes will come watch as well, hoping to pick up some skills by watching college level play. Access 3 Getting to Sonoma State University can be a hassle thanks to California’s notorious traffic. Just a few miles away from Highway 101, the campus is on the east side of Rohnert Park. Once on campus, plenty of signs help direct you around the property, making finding the gymnasium easy to find. However, one must look for signs that say gymnasium and athletic facilities instead of something name-specific. Once you have arrived, parking is plentiful and free on site. Return on Investment 3 Kids 12 and under are free to games, while visiting students pay just $5 with their ID. A reserved seat is $10 while general admission runs just $7. Adding this to the free parking on site and the inexpensive concessions, and you can take your friends and family out to watch college volleyball without spending a ton of money. While getting there is a bit off the main highways of the greater bay area, a visit can still yield an enjoyable time for fans. Extras 3 Outside the arena’s entry doors lie the three main points of interest here. First is the massive trophy case for the school. From numerous athletic NCAA National Championship trophies to individual medals, these large cases show that Sonoma State is a school with a lot to be proud of athletically. Across the hall from these cases is the college’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Here you can see some of the great names that have passed through Sonoma State’s halls over the years. Beyond this, fans can step outside into the beautiful courtyard for a breath of fresh air under some trees. This quiet and serene spot is a lovely addition to the arena and contrasts the game action well just steps away. Final Thoughts Taking in a college volleyball game at Sonoma State University is something you can easily do for little out of pocket expense. Going to a game is a great option for the family, and the fun factor can be high for all attending as the game intensifies. Sonoma State may not be NCAA Division I, but they sure play and party like they are, meaning the fan experience is not one to be overlooked. Where some may see something average and uneventful, a visit to Sonoma State is always one that can leave even the most modest of sports fans with a smile on their face.

Photo Courtesy of TexasBob.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bernard Birkelbach Field 2275 N Austin Ave Georgetown, TX 78626 Southwestern Pirates website Bernard Birkelbach Field website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 11,000 Pirates Hoist the Flag at Birkelbach Field Located less than 30 minutes north of the capital city of Austin lies one of its most picturesque suburban towns, Georgetown. The rapidly growing “village” of 55,000 – whose motto “Sincerely Yours” gives visitors a glimpse at its charm – has become a popular commuter town for those looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of Austin. However, since 1840, students at Southwestern University have known all about what Georgetown has to offer. The school first fielded a football team – the Pirates – as early as 1908. They earned a reputation as a “little program that could” by often tangling with and beating some of the biggest and best programs in the country. They won the Sun Bowl twice in the 1940s, but the war took a toll on the program and the school shut it down in 1951. The Pirates returned to the field in 2013 as part of the Division III American Southwest Conference. They have set up home at Bernard Birkelbach Field at the Georgetown ISD Athletic Complex, one of the best high school stadiums in the area. Both good and bad, that is the key thing to remember about attending a Pirates game. Food & Beverage 2 First things first, the food and drink amenities are what you could expect to find at any upper-level high school football stadium. For those who generally expect more from their college athletics experiences, this is going to be a significant drawback. There are just two concession stands (one under the home bleachers and one under the visitors) open during games and no vendors hawking in the stands. The food and drink options are pretty basic and bare bones. You’ll find your $2 hot dogs and $3 bottled sodas, sports drinks, and water; there is popcorn and candy and that omnipresent specialty of Central and South Texas Friday nights, Frito pie (for the uninitiated, think corn chips, chili, and shredded cheese; it’s a delicacy). You can however get a Chick-fil-A sandwich (one of the school’s local sponsors) and cheese and pepperoni pizza by the slice; both are $5 options. This is a nice option if you are looking to get something just a bit “extra” for the game. Also, I personally was delighted to see another drink option at the game and that would be sweet and unsweet iced tea from local favorite, Bush’s Chicken. If, for some reason, you simply cannot find anything you would like at a game, you are allowed to bring in your own fare – within reason. Atmosphere 2 In spite of playing football at the level that they do, the Southwestern Pirates have a lot of buy in from their fan base. Tailgaters show up several hours before the game – the lot opens three hours before kickoff – and the student section does show up in droves and fills the lower sections of the stands. However, there are still some elements missing from the game experience. Namely a mascot and student band. These staples of college football are noticeable at times, but they do not take away from the on-field action. Also, fair warning, seating is all on bleachers – e.g. there are no seats. Bring cushions if you have access to them. Neighborhood 3 Georgetown is truly a beautiful example of small-town Texas. Its downtown is famous for its architecture and tourist sites, namely restaurants and boutique shops. Speaking of restaurants, when you are in the area, you have to visit the Monument Café. The restaurant has been a favorite of locals for over 20 years – including one of the area’s favorite sons, Matthew McConaughey. For culture, check out the Williamson Museum, the official county museum, which tells the story of the area and is located in an historic building on the square. If you’re there overnight, the Palace Theatre offers performances of all kinds throughout the year. If you’re looking for outdoor fun, Blue Hole Park has everything you’re looking for – kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking, fishing, etc. And, if you’re still looking for more, Austin is less than 30 minutes away. Fans 4 The fans come out in droves for Pirates games. You’ll see most wearing black and gold. Trailers and RVs dot the parking lot and you can see Pirate flags from the road as you make the drive toward the stadium. In the stands they cheer boisterously for the home team from the opening whistle to the final seconds. It is in this area that games at Birkelbach Field truly feel like a college game as opposed to a high school one. Access 3 Getting to Georgetown is really as simple as it gets in Central Texas. It is located just under 30 minutes from Austin, north along Interstate 35. That puts it just a hair under two hours from San Antonio and around five hours from Dallas/Fort Worth. Once you get into Georgetown proper, it does get a little tricky to get to the games. Signs clearly mark where the Southwestern University campus is, however, that is not where the stadium is. The athletic complex is located right behind Georgetown High School. You need to pay extra close attention for signage for that. Return on Investment 3 If you’re looking an affordable college football experience, Southwestern is the way to go. Parking is free; you can eat your fill for a very affordable price at the concession stands (seriously, try the iced tea), and single game tickets can be had for as little as $10. If you’re going by yourself, with a buddy, a date or the family, you won’t break your wallet. You’ll get the chance to experience some quality college football action in a decent venue for an affordable price at Birkelbach Field. Extras 1 There aren’t many frills, bells or whistles at Southwestern University Pirates games. As mentioned, there is no marching band or mascot, nor are there a high-tech jumbotron or activities during the timeouts. The cheerleaders and pom squad (traditionally the halftime entertainment) can be seen on the sidelines and do add to the atmosphere. Final Thoughts Birkelbach Field is a top-notch facility for high school games. While it does somewhat detract from the atmosphere of the typical college experience, there is enough to keep attendees entertained. Georgetown itself is a great place to visit and is great venue for football. If you’re in the area, plan to attend a Pirates game. You’ll be surprised at how much you enjoy yourself. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477.

File Photos Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Anfield Anfield Rd Liverpool, England L69 3JF United Kingdom Liverpool FC website Anfield website Year Opened: 1884 Capacity: 45,276 You’ll Never Walk Alone Anfield is one of the most renowned football stadiums in the world. Built in 1884, the ground was actually home to Liverpool’s archrivals, Everton FC, until 1892. The founding of the club resulted in a dispute over rent and beer sales at Anfield between the grounds owner John Houlding and the directors of Everton. The football club opted to play its home games at Goodison Park and Houlding was left without a club. That changed when he formed Liverpool FC on 15 March 1892. Anfield has been the club’s home since its founding and has four stands: the Spion Kop, the Main Stand, the Sir Kenny Dalglish Stand and the Anfield Road End. The stadium has gone through a series of renovations including its most recent in September of 2016 when its capacity was increased to 54,074 but has since been toned down to 53,094, making it one of the largest all-seater single stands in European football. Its total capacity ranks it 7th in all of English football. Plans are taking place that will increase the size of Anfield to 61,000 . The development of the ‘away end,’ the Anfield Road stand, would allow 7000 new seats to be added. The increase would see Anfield become the third largest English Premier League ground after Old Trafford (76,212) and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (62,062). The work on the Anfield Rd end would essentially see a new second tier and roof added to the current stand with the road outside re-routed to allow the space to develop. The increased capacity could be available in time for the 2022/23 season. Food & Beverage 2 Like most English stadiums, the food leaves something to be desired. Meat pies and hot dogs are available inside, and it’s much of the same at the food trucks outside the stadium. It’s all a bit pricey for mediocre munchies. It’s important to note that beer is not served during European nights (Champions League and Europa League matches). When it is available, Carlsberg and Guinness are offered at a reasonable price. Atmosphere 5 The streets surrounding Anfield fill up way ahead of the match and vendors are on every corner selling match day programmes, some they produce themselves, merchandise such as scarves, and food from kiosks. There are a ton of pubs to grab a pint and something to eat before the match and it only gets better once you walk under either of the gates at the stadium which are named after former Liverpool managers: Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley. Once you are at your seat the Liverpool supporters know how to get behind their side better than most. Be prepared for goosebumps and chills when the crowd belts out, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” prior to kickoff. With that said, the normally outstanding atmosphere will fall off the cliff should the Reds fail to live up to their fans’ high expectations. The Kop is an impressive site. Housing around 12,500 “Kopites,” the south end of the stadium is packed with the most ardent Liverpool supporters, waving their flags and holding up their banners. The passion is so strong in the Kop that it’s been said to have the ability to suck the ball into the back of the opposition’s net. Away supporters are seated on the left side of the Main Stand. Liverpool opened a new superstore situated on the corner of the Kop and the Main Stand. The superstore is a 19,500 square foot space that features 20 short printing machines, a first-floor café, a fan activation space and a VIP area. it is estimated that the store will sell 40 thousand scarves in one year. The space in between the new store and the stadium was developed into a fan zone. There are actually two fan zones: Fan Zone Paisley Square, off Walton Breck Road, and the Family Park which is located on Anfield Road. These two areas are ideal for families with drinks, food, live entertainments, and exclusive content on big screen TVs. Neighborhood 4 The neighborhoods around Anfield aren’t very aesthetically appealing, but the area is generally safe. Be aware that the streets can get very congested during the walks to and from the stadium. Use of common sense will keep fans and tourists safe from pickpockets and troublemakers. There are also loads of pubs around Anfield and each of them offer great atmosphere and memorabilia. The area surrounding Anfield is mostly residential; so don’t count on finding any restaurants or gastro pubs. Home supporters will be right at home grabbing a pint and chatting with mates The Flat Iron, The Park Pub, The Twelfth Man, The Park, or the Albert. The Sandlon is also another ideal spot for Reds fans that holds a lot of history as it was once the place where Everton players changed before a match when they played here. Away supporters will find solace at The Arkles. Liverpool is a tourist destination with plenty to see and do. The cab drivers are typically very friendly, and knowledgeable about the best restaurants and attractions. Some will even offer tours of the city, highlighted by important Beatles sites. Fans 4 Scousers are some of the best folks to watch a football match with. They’re respectful of opposing teams and their fans, as long as that respect is returned. Most everyone in the stands is knowledgeable about the game and will be fairly disciplined as to when it’s appropriate to stand or sit. It’s almost a guarantee someone in your section will have a go at the referee that will cause a roar of laughter. Access 3 Finding parking around Anfield is a crapshoot at best. The only places to park are on the neighborhood streets, but even if you do find a spot, expect a long wait to get out unless you plan on leaving at halftime. The Liverpool website offers specific instructions for all modes of transportation, but the best means is by train via the Lime Street station, Kirkdale Station, or Sandhills Station and catching the bus to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 With the history and atmosphere surrounding Anfield, the trip and match day tickets are worth every penny. There’s enough to do in Liverpool to make a weekend out of the excursion, and the game itself will (usually) not disappoint. Tickets are difficult to come by, but range from £37-£59. Third party websites will charge triple that, but be wary of scams. Extras 4 Walking under the iron gates where the words, “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” are inscribed is an inspiring experience. There are one hour stadium tours for £17, and a club museum that charges a £8.50 entrance fee. Outside the ground is a very poignant memorial to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster where fans can place floral arrangements. Most of the staff are friendly and accommodating, but the stewards are not afraid to shout spectators down if they’re standing at inappropriate times. There are some areas where your view can be restricted by a support pillar, so it’s recommended to check the area before purchasing tickets.

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

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Stamford Bridge Fulham Rd London, England SW6 1HS United Kingdom Chelsea FC website Stamford Bridge website Year Opened: 1877 Capacity: 41,623 Stamford Bridge – Home of the Blues Stamford Bridge is one of the most storied stadiums in London and the United Kingdom. While Chelsea FC’s recent success has added to the history of the venue, there were times in the 1970s and 1980s when few would have guessed that it would eventually be home to London’s first European champion club after Chelsea won the 2012 Champions League. The stadium itself was initially built in 1877, long before Chelsea FC came into existence. It was owned by the London Athletic Club, who used it almost exclusively for track and field meetings. In 1904, the deeds to the ground were bought by one Mr HA (Gus) Mears and his brother Mr JT Mears, who had the intention of using the 12.5 acres as a home for a football club. Initially, Stamford Bridge was offered to Fulham FC, but when they declined, Chelsea FC came into life and have been there ever since. The famous Shed (south) End of the stadium — where most of Chelsea’s hardcore fans go — was built in the 1930s and remained until it was knocked down and turned into an all-seater stand in 1994. There was further redevelopment in the 1960s and 1970s, and the East Stand that was built in 1973 stills survives as part of a thoroughly modern stadium. In the late 70s, there were grossly ambitious plans to turn the Bridge into a 50,000 all-seater arena, but the powers-that-be had bitten off more than they could chew, and their plans almost brought the club to its knees. In the 1980s, when both hooliganism was at its height and the “Chelsea Headhunters” firm was running amok at home and abroad, Stamford Bridge was almost adorned with electric wires at the top of the fences that penned in fans. An idea of their publicity-seeking chairman of the time, Ken Bates, it was quickly put down. The final stage of development came in the early 1990s when the Shed, West, and North stands, were pulled down and rebuilt to turn Stamford Bridge into a highly-luxurious stadium that features 5-star restaurants, hotels, and numerous entertainment facilities that is a world away from the Headhunter days when rival fans would try and get away as soon as possible, if they dared go down the Bridge at all; such was the probability of violence. With the Champions League in the trophy cabinet and Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich’s millions furnishing the team with world stars, the plan is to go bigger yet. Sadly, not at their one and only home, which is penned in by nearby houses and businesses and thus means that the search for a larger site that can comfortably hold 60,000 or more is well underway. Food & Beverage 5 Not many stadiums around the world have a Michelin-starred restaurant, but that is exactly what Chelsea have. Marco, run by award winning British chef Marco Pierre White, doesn’t serve the traditional food of a pie and pint, nor does it cost what you would pay for such fare. A three-course pre-match meal with half a bottle of wine and water comes in at £70 ($113). In fact, anyone going to Stamford Bridge certainly should not be heading home without a full belly with the wide range of drinking and eating establishments near the stadium. In the ground, there is a good range of the traditional options of pies pasties, chips, soft drinks, beer, and wine. Pints of beer or (plastic) glasses of wine go for £4; soft drinks are about £2.50, and pies, hot dogs and burgers about £5 ($8). Chocolate and crisps come in about £2 as well. Still, the quality is good and just what’s needed on a cold January afternoon. Post-match there is a sports-bar, Frankies, on-site, but don’t expect much change back from £20 for a round of four drinks. Outside the ground, Fulham Road has endless dining options: Italian, Indian, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, steakhouse. You name it, it will probably be an option. The main pub around Fulham Broadway station is Brogans (turn right out of the station) which serves the usual range of beer, wine, spirits, and soft drinks as well as traditional pub grub such as fish and chips and bangers and mash (sausages, mash potatoes, and onion gravy). A walk of 15 minutes or so turning left out of the stadium and the station takes you to another part of Fulham Road which is replete with bars, pubs, and restaurants. Two pubs to look out for are the Fulham Tup and The Goat in Boots. Atmosphere 4 Most rival fans will tell you that Chelsea is populated by glory-hunting newcomers who have been seduced by Chelsea’s run of success in the last 10-15 years. In fact, there remain a large proportion of the crowd who remember the bad old days of the late 1970s and 80s when the club nearly went bust. As such, they are more than ready to make their voices heard and maintain the spirit of the old Shed, which was once among the most revered terraces for producing an electric atmosphere in a British stadium. Of course, the success of the club in recent years has meant that there has been a lot of high-profile matches in which the prize of a championship or place in a final has been on the line. That, in itself, has upped the tension and featured both the team and fans playing off one another. The Shed End and North Stand are still the heart of the atmosphere and they are decked out in banners, most notably to captain John Terry and star midfielder Frank Lampard. Neighborhood 4 Chelsea is one of London’s and Europe’s most salubrious areas, something that is reflected in their matchday program where a local estate agent runs adverts for £2million ($3.5million) apartments within walking distance of the stadium. That said, if you’re passing through it is probably one of the most pleasant areas surrounding a sports stadium anywhere in the world. Fulham Road is certainly a charming retail and entertainment street, but walk a few blocks and you reach the Kings Road, which was at the heart of London in the swinging 60s and made famous by Michael Caine, among others. Prices in the various shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are more for those whose earnings match a Premiership footballer, so for mere mortals, window shopping and people watching are the most affordable options in that particular part of town. Fans 3 With success and the club’s location to the centre of London, there are certainly a number of day-trippers to the stadium taking in a match during their visit to London on a match day. Nonetheless, there are still vocal hardcore fans trying to keep the atmosphere lively. The chants aren’t the most original, with “Chelsea, Chelsea” and “Come on Chelsea” the most noticeable. Their PA system does blast out the club’s anthem “Blue Is The Colour” from time to time to keep things bubbly. In contrast to the past when a trip to the Bridge was considered one of the most likely to turn into violence, the majority of fans are friendly and happy to chat. Besides, such is the cost of watching a match (see below) that most fans are hell bent on extracting the most they can out of their 90 minutes. Access 4 Whatever you do, do not travel to Chelsea FC by car. The roads around the stadium quickly clog up, especially on a Saturday afternoon, and there is precious little parking available nearby; what there is doesn’t come cheap. By far, the best bet is the Tube. The nearest station is Fulham Broadway and a quarter-mile walk (or long clearance) away from Stamford Bridge. The stop is on the district line, which runs north, south, east, and west and is about a 15 minute ride to the heart of London’s West End. There are two buses that run past Stamford Bridge: the 211 and the 414 (check Transport for London for where and when they run). For those who fancy a James Bond-esque entrance for a midweek match, there is a water bus that runs along the Thames from central London and stops at Westminster Pier right next to the Houses of Parliament before heading west to Chelsea Pier; from there, it is a just over a mile. However, it only runs from Monday to Friday and stops at 6.20pm. Return on Investment 3 Tickets at Chelsea don’t come cheap. For a category AA home match against the likes of Manchester United or Arsenal, the cheapest ticket is £30, but as that is part of the family stand, the purchaser will need at least one child with him or her with that ticket costing about £20. Prices drop for category A and B matches, though nothing below £40 ($65) for an adult. Interestingly, tickets for the Champions League group stages are the cheapest on offer at £50. Once you’re into the knockout stages, though, prices go through the roof. Of course, Chelsea’s status as one of the Premier League and Europe’s top sides means you are always likely to be entertained and see some goals; the stadium is comfortable, modern, and clean; and programs are reasonably priced at £3. Even so, there remains the slight feeling throughout your time at the Bridge that you are nothing more than a customer who the club will happily squeeze until they have got every last penny out of you. Meanwhile, everywhere you look you are reminded of the money the club has spent, from the Copthorne and Millennium Hotels to the price tags in the club shop and the cost of dining in the restaurant. Extras 3 Like all clubs, Chelsea has its own Megastore on site, next to the main entrance, with a smaller version selling the most popular goods across the other side of the stadium. Once in, you are able to purchase pretty much anything with a Chelsea badge on it, from playing and training kit to DVDs, coffee mugs and baby’s bibs. Fans can also go on a tour of the stadium and visit the club museum at a pretty fair cost of £18 ($30) for the two. The tour takes visitors pretty much all over the venue and once in the museum, queues quickly form for fans to have their photo taken with the Champions League trophy.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Deepdale Sir Tom Finney Way Preston PR1 6RU Preston North End website Deepdale website Year Opened: 1875 Capacity: 23,404 Into the Deep Deepdale is one of England’s oldest and most famous grounds. It is also home to Preston North End, one of the founding members of the Football League. Up until 2010, it was also home to England’s National Football Museum until its relocation to Manchester where it opened in 2012. Deepdale has been completely rebuilt into a 23,404 all-seated stadium and despite languishing in England’s third tier, it is a Premier League venue. The record attendance for the ground was set way back in 1938 when 42,684 witnessed a game against Arsenal. New Deepdale consists of four separate stands named after the club's most famous players: Sir Tom Finney, Bill Shankly, and Alan Kelly. The fourth is named the Invincibles Stand. A statue of Sir Tom is located outside of the stand named after him, called “The Splash”. Deepdale is also famous for having one of the first artificial pitches in Britain when one was laid in 1986. It was eventually replaced by grass in 1994. Food & Beverage 3 There are ample catering kiosks within all four stands that provide hot dogs, burgers, chips, pies, and mushy peas. A beer will cost you £3.50 and a pie £2.80. The Butter Pie which is made by the local Clayton Park Bakery a few miles from the venue is quite popular with supporters and is highly recommended. All of these are reasonably priced and the food is of good local quality. Atmosphere 3 Although the atmosphere of old Deepdale can never be replaced, the new version when full can become a close second. If North End can one day return to the top flight of English soccer where they were once one of the top dogs back in the 40s and 50s, then this will certainly be an outstanding venue to view English football. Neighborhood 3 Preston is a pleasant industrial city with a wide range of shops and public houses. The Mystery Tea Shop in the city center offers specialty teas and coffees in addition to Starbucks and Costa Coffee. Yate’s Pub, around a fifteen-minute walk away, is a regular watering hole for supporters as is the Sumners public house located on Tom Finney Way. You can also park here for 3 GBP which can be redeemed at the bar when purchasing food and drink. The nearby Sainsbury’s Supermarket also has its restaurant. There is a host of places to eat in the City Centre around a mile and a half away. Nearby Blackpool is one of England’s most famous seaside resorts. Fans 3 Preston North End has a loyal hard core of over 10,000 supporters and also takes a good following to away games. They would easily sell out if they were in the top division and locals are always welcoming when visiting. Local rivals are Blackpool, Blackburn, and Burnley, and derby games against these teams are well worth attending. Access 3 The stadium is easily reached by exiting Junction 31 of the M6 motorway and then following signs for Preston. Turn right at the Hesketh Arms roundabout onto Blackpool Road and you will eventually pass the stadium. Preston Railway Station is on the main west coast line to Scotland and is approximately one and a half miles away. Regular buses will run on a match day to Deepdale. Manchester and Liverpool Airports are both about one hour away. Return on Investment 3 Admission prices range from £5 for children up to £21 for adults with reductions for O.A.P’S. This is about the norm for this level of football although prices in the north are generally slightly cheaper for the same standard of football than those in the south. Extras 3 There is a club shop outside Deepdale selling a range of replica kits and souvenirs. Betting kiosks are available inside the stadium concourse in the vicinity of the catering outlets. A match day program is produced for all games priced at £3.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Bramall Lane Sheffield, England S2 4SU United Kingdom Sheffield United FC website Bramall Lane website Year Opened: 1855 Capacity: 32,702 Steeped in History Bramall Lane is arguably the most historic stadium in the sports world nowadays. Why? Because it is the oldest major football stadium still hosting football matches. Bramall Lane plays home to League One club Sheffield United or locally known as “The Blades” because of its worldwide reputation for steel production. Opened in 1855, Bramall Lane has seen record attendances of over 68,000; however, the current capacity is 32,702. Until 1973, Bramall Lane played host to not only Sheffield United, but Yorkshire County Cricket Club during the summer. The Blades were a fierce English club in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when they were winning the league and FA Cup in successive years. Nowadays, United has seen a bad downfall, though nothing like that of Wimbledon (now the Milton Keynes Dons because of that downfall) or Portsmouth. They’ve floated in and around the Premier League, most recently in 2006, but they have since dropped two tiers down to League One, where they have been since the 2011/12 season. Food & Beverage 3 The food at Bramall Lane is exactly how I expected it to be, hence why the average rating. Like all other football stadiums in England, there’s not a great range of hot food and snacks, and the main purchase is beer. The prices are quite expensive, with a burger being £3 ($4.60), a pie for £3 ($4.60), and a hot dog for £3.50 ($5.30). Alcohol-wise, 500 ml Carling plastic bottles are on sale for £3.50 ($5.30), which is expensive compared to other grounds. Atmosphere 5 Although “The Blades” have seen a bitter decline in recent years, the fans have kept loyal, bringing a new atmosphere to League One. When I say new, I mean a “Premier League”-esque atmosphere. This is because the fans chant away all game, unlike other lower-tier clubs, and there are many more fans in attendance. United stormed the Npower League One average attendance table for yet another year, setting the mark at just under 19,000! The atmosphere created is remarkable, and as the stadium is tightly compact and old, the noise stays trapped. In addition to this, when the team scores, the roar made by the fans is unbelievable and motivates the team to victory. When I visited Bramall Lane, I was thoroughly impressed with how loud the atmosphere was, which gave the game a tenser, more competitive edge. Bramall Lane gets a ten on my “Noise-o-meter” scale! The stadium is at its best, however, when the “Steel City Derby” takes place. This is when bitter rivals Sheffield Wednesday visit Bramall Lane, which results in a packed house and ferocious atmosphere. It’s a real spectacle and grabs the eye of the nation when the game is televised. Neighborhood 5 I really can’t complain about the surroundings of Bramall Lane. When arriving at the stadium, you can just feel its history. This is because the stadium is surrounded by old-fashioned terrace housing, which I thought was that extra touch on my stadium experience. Also, it’s just minutes away from the city centre, meaning you have the option of making a day of your trip to Sheffield. The city itself is known for one of Europe’s best shopping malls, Meadow Hall, so if you’re trying to persuade your other half of coming along, it shouldn’t be a problem. Around the stadium, it’s extremely safe, and there is nothing to worry about as an away fan. Fans 4 The reason I have graded these fans so highly is that they are so loyal and loud. Yes, they may have a big stadium, but the amazing support Sheffield United receives is because the fans are true to the club, and it runs through their blood. The fans have stayed passionate, even after two relegations in four years. Without the huge average attendance, Bramall Lane would be a terrible stadium to visit, because it would be mostly empty and just have no noise generated. The noise made when The Blade's attack is intimidating for away supporters and makes Bramall Lane an absolute fortress. The fans are a friendly bunch and play the role of the crucial 12th man. The hardcore fans pack into the “Kop Stand”, and they are the heart and lungs of the songs/chants sung at each game. Access 3 Sheffield is an easily accessible place. However, like most other cities, it can be very busy at times. Around the stadium, the traffic is dealt with very well and doesn’t cause any problems. Parking-wise, there are a couple of official car parks near the Kennedy Kop and South stands, but if you want to avoid the high prices, there is a lot of street parking available – which I advise. If you’re not going by car, get off at the Sheffield Mainline station, where it’s a ten-minute walk to the stadium. Return on Investment 4 The pricing structure at Bramall Lane is that of many Premier League teams. They rate games in category A, B, and C (A being the highest quality). The ticket prices for an adult are £29,£35, and £40. The Blades are a top team in League One, with a lot of young talent, and really should be in the Championship aiming at Premier League status. The quality of football is of a very good standard, and although the prices are quite expensive, you get your money’s worth. Extras 5 Bramall Lane is a stadium that can boast so many different things, it’s quite fascinating. Firstly, the away stand is dedicated to Sheffield-born, Olympic hero, Jessica Ennis-Hill. As an away supporter, it gives your stadium experience just that little extra touch, which I find very cool. The historical impact always plays in the back of your mind, as after all it is the oldest major football stadium in the world and once a county cricket stadium. In addition to this, another key extra is that it’s just minutes away from the city centre, which is a must-see.