Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 DW Stadium Loire Dr. Wigan, England WN5 0UH Wigan Athletic website DW Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 25,133 Wigan Athletic at the DW Stadium The DW Stadium was built in 1999 as a home for the Athleticsigan Athletic soccer team. Wigan’s previous home was Springfield Park, where most of the success came towards the end of their 67-year stay. The DW has a capacity of 25,133 and also provides a home for the Wigan Warriors Rugby League Team. Like most newly built stadiums in England, The DW is situated in the middle of a vast retail park. Wigan Athletics are renowned for their quite remarkable climb from the 4th tier of English football (Football League 2) in 1995 to the English Premier League in just a matter of 10 years. In addition to this, Wigan’s chairman, Dave Wheelan, is arguably the man who made this all happen when he took over the club that year. Wheelan is arguably one of the most famous and popular chairman in English football history. Food & Beverage 5 Wigan can boast some of the best pies in Britain, and that’s why I’ve given them full marks. The service is fairly quick, and the beer is of quality as well, which is a rarity in soccer stadiums. The usual food is served (sweets, crisps, and hot dogs), but the delicious variety of pies is the most popular option. The food and beverage prices are very reasonable, but if you aren’t willing to eat on the ground, a huge fish and chip restaurant is situated just outside, and a couple of fast food outlets are in the retail park. Atmosphere 3 Unless Wigan is Manchester United or Manchester City, the atmosphere is pretty poor. Very rarely will Wigan have a sell-out, and the only seats that get filled are the ones of the away supporters. The average attendance for Wigan is about 17,000 per game. However, for many Manchester will only attract about 13,000-14,000 fans. Most of the noise is made by a hardcore group of fans located at the side of the away supporters, constantly chanting and teasing them. sell-outI prefers a group of idiots like that. About 90% of the noise is made by the away support, which doesn’t make the DW a fortress. Neighborhood 3 Years ago, Wigan was an industrial place, which can be told by walking to the ground. Many of the mines have been converted into a deserted wasteland, which is now a year-round building site. Despite this, the surroundings of the DW are fine with a safe neighbourhood and plenty of places to eat. The retail park includes a Mcdonald's, Burger King, and Frankie and Bennies. The main attraction in the retail park is the “Red Robin”, which is an away fans-only pub, where you can enjoy a pre-match drink and pie. Fans 2 Despite having a decent year-roundneighborhoodMcdonald'sfans-only pub25,133-seater stadium, Wigan has the worst attendance record in the Premier League. The only positive I can grab is the support of the young children that will nearly fill the Boston Stand every game. The poor attendances are understandable, though, as Wigan is fighting for survival in the league nearly every year. Access 3 The DW is easily accessible via car by coming off from the M6 at Junction 25 and taking the A49 (Wigan Road). From then on, the ground is well signposted and a huge car park is just outside the ground. My only concern is when traveling by train. Once off the train, it’s a 20-minute walk to the stadium, and the bus and taxi services are rather iffy and inconsistent. Return on Investment 4 Although Wigan's 25,133-seater play is the most attractive football, the ticket prices are one of the cheapest in the Premiership. Ticket prices range from £10 for an “Under 16”, £15 for a concession, and £25 for an adult. A family trip to the DW would not only be cheap, but you can say you have had the experience of watching an EFL Championship League match. Extras 3 Wigan has a club shop outside the stadium, is 20-minute are on sale at £3, and the grounds offer some great vantage points of the doesn’t programs pitch

Photo by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Port Arthur Stadium 425 Winnipeg Ave. Thunder Bay, ON P7B 6P7 Thunder Bay Border Cats website Port Arthur Stadium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 3,031 Summer Baseball Across the Border Unless you’re an avid hunter or camper there likely has never been a reason for yourself or your family to venture anywhere near Thunder Bay, Ontario. This is arguably one of the most remote communities of more than 100,000 people on the continent as it’s located at the end of a winding four hour drive from Duluth, MN to the southwest. It sits eight hours east of Winnipeg and six hours west of Sault Ste. Marie. However, it’s a prime shipping port for Lake Superior and its pristine wilderness draws in outdoor enthusiasts. The community also has a hidden gem of a ballpark, Port Arthur Stadium, the home of the Northwoods Leagues Thunder Bay Border Cats. Thunder Bay’s location has never had it comfortably in the footprint of any league, but since the 1990s, the now-defunct Northern League and now the Northwoods League, have extended their Upper Midwest geography north and into Canada to take advantage of this park’s potential. The park dates back to the 1950s and was used exclusively for local town ball teams and also the occasional Canadian junior tournament until the professional Thunder Bay Whisky Jacks arrived in 1994. The team’s clever nickname, and teal-based colors, were a reflection of the 1990s and the team was a cult favorite in magazines but never a success at the box office. The team left after 1998, but along came the Border Cats in 2003 who enjoyed moderate success at first, but who now mostly play to crowds in the low hundreds as well. Food & Beverage 3 There is the usual array of ballpark from food from hot dogs to peanuts. However, down the third base line there is a stand offering barbecue pulled pork sandwiches and on the opposite side an ice cream stand for the warm summer months. On Saturdays with a ticket purchase, fans can order a steak, potato, and beer for $35. Local Sleeping Giant Brewing Company offers products at the ballpark and tall boys are $5 on Thirsty Thursdays. Atmosphere 2 Port Arthur Stadium is a classic ballpark from the post war boom that is definitely appreciated in a league such a summer collegiate league. The concession stands are underneath the covered grandstand and it is a ballpark design for the focus of watching baseball. Still, there is a lot of fun to be hand at Border Cats games. Unless the Border Cats are playing a playoff game (where sellouts are frequent), the crowd on most nights will top out in the low hundreds. On nights where it’s cool that number might even been in the dozens. Still, the sight lines are nice and the roof contains the sounds of the game and creates a stereo effect for your ears. It’s a relaxing night, even if it can be dull. It’s a shame, because while the park clearly shows its age, with chunks of concrete missing, the overall condition of the facility is amazing. The main grandstand extends from base to base wrapping around home with seats 3,000, all individual plastic seats. The seats begin five feet off the ground and extend up 20 rows, with all fans walking up to their seats. A roof covers all but the last few yards of seats down both baselines and a press box sits atop the roof. A drawback is that mesh netting runs the length of the seating structure. The staircases are very narrow (a throwback to the 1950s), and some steps have worn away so it can be dangerous in spots. The interior of the grandstand is also very tiny, with a hallway that is only slightly bigger than that inside a home, expected to flow fans to concessions and restrooms, but remember this wasn’t built for professional baseball. Still, the interior is painted bright white and red and the facilities underneath are kept clean. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is located in Port Arthur (Fort William is another city that combined to form Thunder Bay in the early 1970s) and you’ll hear plenty of untrue rumors about safety. The stadium itself sits next to the 1981 Canada Summer Games Aquatic Centre, which is still used as a city recreation center, and also a small hockey rink (this is Canada). Beyond right field is a former little league field that has been allowed to go into disrepair and is now used as a dog park. Just beyond center field is a major commercial strip that includes everything from chain restaurants and megastores to a gentlemen’s club. Fans 2 Sadly, there just aren’t many. Thunder Bay has had a checkered past of supporting teams for not only baseball but also hockey (though Lakehead University has been a box office success recently). The excuses are plentiful and the dozens of fans at the game you attend will be quick to tell them to you from weather, to the lack of media exposure. Access 1 Unless you fly into Thunder Bay (which is very expensive), your likely trek will be from Duluth, Minnesota, hugging Lake Superior. On a map it doesn’t look far, but because it’s a two-lane road in the wilderness it takes up to four hours and that doesn’t include the 10 minute stop at the border. Once inside the ballpark itself, the concourse is easily manageable and crowds are never near capacity for most games. The signs for bathrooms and exits/entrances are clearly marked. Return on Investment 3 Getting to Thunder Bay is a hassle, but at the end is a gem of a ballpark that otherwise wouldn’t have been seen. Port Arthur Stadium isn’t one of the classic minor league ballparks, nor should it be considered as such, but is worth a visit as it’s been fairly well maintained. Just noticing how small the aisles and hallways are further brings into perspective how much bigger society has gotten in general. The club offers weekly promotions that include Mega Mondays where it is all you can eat for $32, Toonie Tuesdays where kids tickets, pizza slices, and pop are just $2, and Weenie Wednesdays where hot dogs are just a loonie. Extras 4 Thunder Bay is home to the largest grain elevators in North America and they provide the backdrop/skyline of Thunder Bay beyond centerfield. The city itself also offers a number of picturesque views of Lake Superior and the wilderness that surrounds the civilized areas. If you’re one into hunting or fishing or camping, this is definitely a place to checkout and maybe make the ballgame something that is done on a day into town. Final Thoughts Port Arthur Stadium is a throwback but ideal for Northwoods League baseball. The team is under new ownership and hopefully there will be a few new changes to the gameday experience, but still provide baseball in town for the foreseeable future.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Shrine on Airline 6000 Airline Dr Metairie, LA 70003 Shrine on Airline Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 10,000 The Baby Cakes’ Crib The 2017 baseball season brought a number of changes to the AAA affiliate of the Miami Marlins. First, the team changed its name from the Zephyrs to the Baby Cakes (more on the name later). This necessitated the stadium being rechristened officially from Zephyr Field to the Shrine on Airline. Many locals still refer to the facility by its old name of 20 years, or choose to combine the two and call it “Zephyr Field at The Shrine on Airline”. The “Airline” reference is to the highway the stadium is located on. The Baby Cakes are members of the Pacific Coast League and over the years have gone to the PCL playoffs nine times, with five league championships and one AAA national pennant. Food & Beverage 4 New Orleans has always been known as a “foodie” city and the management at the Shrine on Airline knows that. They make sure they have a full array of the typical baseball fare, including hot dogs ($4.75), nachos ($6), a Southwestern chicken wrap ($7), large popcorn ($7), pretzels ($5), pickles ($1.50), chips ($2),cracker jacks ($3),and peanuts ($4). Pepsi beverages are served, including Pepsi sodas (24 oz. fountain drink for $4.50 or 20 oz. bottled soda for $6) or bottled water ($3). Draft beers are 16 oz. ($7). Thirsty Thursdays bring beers down to $2 and Two for Tuesdays provide two beers for the price of one. As you would suspect, the Baby Cakes also have a number of local favorites on their concession menu. They are available at stands with names like Bayou Social, Sugar Baby, Voodooque, Big Easy Dogs and Louisiana Links. You can expect gumbo ($7), red beans and rice ($7), po’ boy sandwiches ($9), jambalaya ($7) and pigskin nachos ($6) to be readily available as well. Bourbon Street comes to the ballpark through Bayou Social, where a wide variety of beers, cocktails and mixed drinks are available. Atmosphere 4 Despite the various name changes, the stadium amenities remain the same. The Shrine on Airline has chair back seating for 10,000 fans in a two level stadium. 1,000 more fans can watch the game from the berm (The Levee) beyond the center field wall. The stadium has 16 luxury suites and two party areas, the Cakes Party Shack along the first base line and the Metairie Bank Home Run Porch, which is located atop the left field wall. Two unusual amenities at the stadium are a swimming pool and a pair of hot tubs for use by groups attending the game. A very colorful scoreboard/video board in center field provides replays and info related to the players. The playing field has a natural surface, with dimensions of 330 feet to both left and right field and 400 feet to dead center. Neighborhood 3 The Shrine on Airline is actually located in the New Orleans suburb of Metairie, which is 10 miles northwest of the riverfront and entertainment districts of New Orleans and 4 miles east of the Louis Armstrong International Airport. The location was chosen as it is less prone to flooding from the Mississippi River and does not face the high land expense of being located downtown. The stadium is rather isolated as far as dining or lodging choices within walking distance of the stadium (fortunately the food choices at the game are above average.) The restaurants that are located nearby are not fancy to look at, but the food they serve is excellent. Three that we recommend are Bevi Seafood and the Frostop at Clearview. You also have close proximity to the Metairie location of New Orleans Original Daiquiris to get your Bourbon Street beverage fix taken care of. Your best variety of lodging choices will be four miles west of the stadium near the airport. Brands in the area include Days Inn, Hilton and Marriott. Obviously there are a huge number of lodging choices just 10 miles away in downtown New Orleans… just be prepared for the extremely high prices anywhere near Bourbon Street or the Convention Center. However…you’re in New Orleans so let the good times roll! Fans 3 New Orleans is known for its hospitality and showing visitors a good time. The management of the Baby Cakes makes sure a trip to the ballpark is no different. The team is outfitted in new uniforms in the Mardi Gras colors of purple, green and gold, music is always playing and there is some type of contest or entertainment taking place between each inning. The seating is close to the field and there is no bad seat in the house. After Katrina, the necessary repairs resulted in a much nicer scoreboard to keep you updated on the game stats and upcoming events. Fortunately, the new team name has not resulted in a diapered baby mascot waddling around the park. You will be thoroughly entertained by Boudreaux Nutria and his wife Clotile, a pair of bayou creatures who set up shop at the stadium long ago. The baseball team has dealt with low attendance in recent years despite being well priced and entertaining. There are a number of issues that have led to this problem. The distance from the prime tourist areas of New Orleans is one of the most obvious causes. Other issues are that New Orleans in the summer time can be extremely hot and humid, making a three hour game into a steam bath for the fans and finally, that New Orleans is still, even 12 years later, recovering from the effects of Katrina. Access 3 The Shrine on Airline is easily accessible from its namesake Airline Drive. Airline is a main thoroughfare connecting New Orleans with Louis Armstrong International Airport. This provides greater accessibility than many of the narrow streets within the New Orleans CBD and riverfront areas. The access to I-10 is also much easier from Metairie than downtown New Orleans. The concourses within the stadium are wide and provide for a good flow during the game. There are two drawbacks to the accessibility at The Shrine on Airline. One is that like all buildings in the New Orleans area, the water table is just below the surface. This means the field cannot be excavated to a lower level. As a result the stadium concourses are elevated higher than the entrance to the stadium. This can cause a backup at the stadium gate. The second problem is that there are only two entrances and exits into the parking lot, resulting in a slow departure after the game. Return on Investment 4 The prices at the Shrine on Airline are what you typically would expect at the AAA level of baseball. Advance ticket prices are $12 for adults on the lower level or $10 on the upper level (game day sales are $1 more). Children, seniors, first responders, and military can attend for $11 in the lower level and $9 in the upper deck. Seats on the Levee are considered General Admission and are $5. Parking in the stadium lot is $5. The food prices are very good and the selection of regional foods available far exceeds most ballparks. Extras 5 Baseball, like the city of New Orleans, is a survivor. A team has played in the Crescent City region for over 110 years. In this period, the professional teams representing New Orleans have been members of five different leagues, had innumerable name changes and been affiliated with 14 of the 30 major league franchises. The Shrine was heavily damaged by Hurricane Katrina, but never missed a game. The end of the 2005 season ended three days prior to the storm coming ashore and the stadium was the first professional sports facility in the area to resume play with the 2006 season opener taking place on time. This provided a great emotional lift to the area and was the first sign that New Orleans was on the way to recovery. The game day staff is known as the Krewe. They do an outstanding job of making your trip to the Shrine a fun and enjoyable experience. The berms behind the outfield fences are known as “The Levee” and mark the highest altitude in the city of Metairie, which is below sea level. The name “Baby Cakes” refers to a longtime New Orleans tradition at Mardi Gras. A small plastic baby is hidden inside of a Mardi Gras cake, known as a King Cake. Whoever finds the baby in their slice of cake is considered to have good luck for the next year. The team will provide a lifelong pass to Baby Cake games to any child born in the state of Louisiana during 2017. Additionally, these babies will also be eligible for a raffle where the winner will win a 4 year scholarship from the team to attend any state college in the Pelican State. In addition to minor league baseball, the Shrine on Airline has hosted the Conference USA baseball tournament on two occasions and one Sun Belt Conference baseball tournament. After Hurricane Katrina, both the University of New Orleans and Tulane University played a season at the Shrine, as their campus stadiums received much greater damage from the storm.

Photos by Chris Patton, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Rent One Park 1000 Miners Dr. Marion, IL 62959 Rent One Park website Year Opened: 2007 Capacity: 7,000 Fun for Everyone at Rent One Park Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois is home to the Southern Illinois Miners of the independent Frontier League. The stadium opened on May 29, 2007, as the Miners defeated the Evansville Otters with over 6,300 fans in attendance. In their inaugural season, the Miners set Frontier League attendance records and continue to draw good crowds to the ballpark near the intersection of I-57 and Illinois Route 13. Rent One Park has 3,200 chair seats (with cup holders) and lawn seating for over 2,000. Additional seating is available in two picnic gardens. The Budweiser Bullpen Bar-n-Grille has picnic table seating for 300, while the Rent One Picnic Garden beyond the outfield walls seats another 500 fans. The park also has 14 suites and a banquet facility. EDITOR'S Note: The Southern Illinois Miners folded at the end of the 2021 season. Food & Beverage 4 There are four concession stands in Rent One Park. The stands offer all the ballpark staples, but they take it to the next level by offering them several different ways. For example, Nathan’s hot dog is $3.50, but for $0.50 more, you can get a chili cheese dog, salsa dog, or cheese dog. French fries are $3, while garlic or chili cheese fries are $3.50. The garlic fries aren’t the same quality as those at a San Francisco Giants game but are enjoyable. The variety continues with five different versions of nachos, ranging in price from $3.25 to $6. At the main concession stands, regular soda is $2.75, while a large is $4. Bottles of Pepsi products sell for $3.25. Draft beers are $3.75 and bottled beers are $4.75. The Budweiser Bullpen Bar-n-Grille down the right-field line also offers a wide variety of food and drink. In this location, you can dine on several different burgers or chicken sandwiches, chicken wings, and sausages. Draft beers listed are Bud, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, and 312. For a $0.75 savings, Natural Light drafts are also available. At freestanding carts along the concourse, three different types of cheesesteaks and Italian sausage with peppers are grilled up and sold for $6. Leinenkugel’s and Redd’s drafts are listed, as well. For dessert, one item that is recommended is the funnel cake fries. The $4 treat might seem more at home at the county fair than a ballpark but is worth trying. Atmosphere 4 Rent One Park is still a new facility at just a few years old and remains in great shape. As we walked into the stadium, the team staff handed us a free replica jersey and game program. The program is a small magazine or newspaper but is very informative. There had been some rain in the area before the game, but ushers walked with fans to their seats and wiped them down with a towel before anybody sat down. The concourse is wide open and covered in most areas, in case of rain. At the end of the concourse down the left-field line is a kids’ play area with six inflatables. This is right near the lawn seating, so parents can keep one eye on the game and one eye on their kids playing in a bounce house. The team’s name is a tribute to the history of coal mining in southern Illinois. The concourse walls feature black and white photos of local coal miners from years past. Along with the miner mascot, Big John is a canary mascot that celebrates runs by dancing on the dugout with one of the team’s Diamond Girls, who helped out with promotional contests. Rent One Park’s playing surface is Sportexe Turf. While this takes away from the charm for baseball, it allows several other events such as football, concerts, and pro-wrestling to take place throughout the year. The bullpens are behind the right-field fence. Behind and above the bullpens are the scoreboard, video screen, and several advertising panels. One of the advertisements is for Pitt Lite, the official mining light of the ball club. Their advertisement includes a large mining helmet light that is turned on during the game. Neighborhood 3 A new exit off of Interstate 57 essentially leads you right to the Rent One Park parking lot. The stadium is set back from IL Route 13, the main thoroughfare in Marion that leads to Carbondale, home of Southern Illinois University. Route 13 has been developed significantly since the early 1990s. The road now features a mall, numerous big box stores, chain restaurants, and hotels. 17th Street BBQ is one of the closest restaurants to Rent One Park. The restaurant has been featured on the Food Network and Travel Channel. The menu features a wide variety of appetizers, sandwiches, and platters. The pulled pork sandwich is big and filling and hushpuppies are a welcome sight as a side item. The bar features several local selections from Big Muddy Brewing out of Murphysboro, Illinois. Fans 4 Along with Southern Illinois Salukis sports, Miners baseball has become a source of pride for the folks in and around Marion. The success and stability of the team have endeared the Miners to the community. While fans aren’t coming out in the record numbers of the opening season anymore, there are still plenty of excited and knowledgeable folks attending games in team gear. That is not always the case with independent baseball. Access 4 Parking is available for $3 in a spacious lot just outside the main stadium gates. You should have no trouble getting in and out of the lot. Keep an eye peeled for fans that are staying at one of the nearby hotels and walking back after the game. Rent One Park features plenty of clean, large restrooms with no waiting in line. Return on Investment 4 General Admission tickets sell for $7, Box Seats sell for $10 in advance ($2 extra on the day of game), and Club Seats sell for $14 in advance ($1 extra on game day. Tickets and parking are comparable with other independent sports franchises. My meal of Polish sausage, garlic fries, and a regular soda was a fair deal at $10.75. Extras 3 On the outfield wall is a sign honoring former Miner, Joey Metropolous. The ninth-round draft pick of the Toronto Blue Jays in 2004 became a fan favorite in Marion for his home run power and had his jersey retired in 2014. Nearly every Miners game has some sort of promotion or special theme. The game I attended was on the first Saturday of the college football season. Much of the night featured players using college fight songs as their walk-up music. Some players represented their alma maters, but others just had a school and fight song assigned to them. It was a nice tie-in to what was going on in the sports world that day. Final Thoughts Baseball remains king in southern Illinois. While the Miners will never replace the St. Louis Cardinals in the hearts of area residents, Rent One Park has become a destination for local sports fans.

Photos by Scott Bultman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Jim Perry Stadium 76 Upchurch Ln Buies Creek, NC 27506 Buies Creek Astros website Jim Perry Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 1000 Up Buies Creek Without a Future There are six levels in the affiliated minor leagues: AAA, AA, A-Advanced (High A), A (Low A), Short-Season A, and Rookie. For the first four levels, each MLB team has exactly one club per level, while 22 teams have short-season clubs in the New York-Penn and Northwest Leagues and 18 have franchises in the Appalachian and Pioneer Leagues. Usually, when a franchise moves, it does so within its league. For example, the Brevard County Manatees are now the Florida Fire Frogs, having moved from Melbourne to Kissimmee while remaining in the Florida State League. But it is possible for teams to move across leagues at the same level. It is obviously important to have an even number of teams in each league, so the only way this could happen was if two teams left one league and moved to another. Given the geographic concentration of the lower level circuits, such a situation is rare, but it did happen this past offseason. Two teams that had struggled in the High A California League jumped all the way over to the Carolina League. Well, that is not quite true. The High Desert Mavericks and Bakersfield Blaze ceased operations in the California League, while the Down East Wood Ducks (who play in Kinston, North Carolina) and Buies Creek Astros were created as expansion teams in the Carolina League, also a High-A federation. The main difference between a straight move and the contraction/expansion method is that franchise records do not transfer over to the new teams; they are starting from scratch in terms of history. The Astros are an interesting team because they are only around for two seasons before it relocates 30 miles south to Fayetteville and gains a new identity. For the time being, the team will use Jim Perry Stadium on the campus of Campbell University. As this is a college ballpark, the experience here is quite different than you would expect from a minor league venue. Food & Beverage 2 There is a single concession stand behind the main building just inside the gate with very basic offerings at very cheap prices. Hot dogs and nachos are $3; sandwiches (BBQ or chicken) are $4, while pretzels, peanuts, and candy are $2. The only special thing at the stand is a cream-cheese filled pretzel for $4. There is also an ice cream cart that sells one scoop for $3 and two for $5. There are a few picnic tables next to first base if you want to sit comfortably and enjoy your meal. Bottled soda and water is provided by Coca-Cola and sells for $2, as are two varieties of cappuccino. There is no alcohol sold, as this is a campus venue. Atmosphere 2 The stadium was originally built in the 1940s but an extensive renovation in 2012 makes it seem entirely new. It is a simple place, with a seating bowl that surrounds home plate. Three sections of reserved seats in the middle and a section of GA benches on either end. You can find shade along the top row of seats for afternoon games. There is also a new pavilion named after Perry and his wife along the third base line that is open to the public for Buies Creek games. Netting protects the entire seating area, which is normal at college ballparks where aluminum bats are used. There is also a new scoreboard above right field that is quite nice. There are no on-field promotions or any other amenities you would find at a typical ballpark such as a kids zone, starting lineup board, or Road to the Show exhibit. This is a temporary home and thus baseball is important here, not making money. Neighborhood 2 The Campbell University campus is nice enough, though rather deserted in the summer. I did not see anything open as I drove in. The nearest sports bars are about 3 miles west in Lillington – the Lillington Sports Zone is along US 421 and has a large seating area and a separate bar, while the County Seat Sports Grille is located in the center of town. Fans 2 Given that the team is leaving in two years, there isn’t much reason to invest time here, but there are some loyal followers. Merchandise is a big seller since, it will not be available past 2018, and most fans had some sort of gear on. Attendance is low, but so is seating capacity and fans that stayed throughout a long game. Access 4 Buies Creek is about an hour south of Raleigh, though no Interstates go directly there. US-421 is the road that goes directly by Campbell, once on campus, it is easy to drive to the stadium and find parking right outside. Inside, there is no problem getting around or with restrooms or concession lines. Return on Investment 5 Tickets here are $7 for the reserved seats and $5 for general admission. The benches can be uncomfortable after a while, so you might want to splurge for the better seats. As parking is free and the food is very cheap, this is a great spot to watch prospects play without spending more than $10. Extras 1 As you can probably tell, there is nothing much here beyond the stadium. There is a banner honoring Jim Perry, who pitched for Campbell between 1956-59 and won the AL Cy Young Award in 1970 while playing for the Minnesota Twins. Final Thoughts A Buies Creek Astros game is a unique experience in the minor leagues. If you like your baseball with no distractions, pay a visit to Jim Perry Stadium this year or next, before they disappear forever.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Riverfront Stadium 850 Park Road Waterloo, IA 50703 Waterloo Bucks website Riverfront Stadium website Year Opened: 1946 Capacity: 5,000 Improved Experience at Riverfront Stadium Riverfront Stadium opened its doors in 1946 as Municipal Stadium and was home to the Waterloo White Hawks of the Illinois-Indiana-Iowa League. In 1958, the stadium played host to a Midwest League team and the relationship continued until the end of the 1993 season when the then Diamonds left Waterloo for Lansing, Michigan, where they remain today. Riverfront Stadium hosted the University of Northern Iowa baseball team until the end of the 2009 season when UNI got rid of its baseball program. Currently, Riverfront Stadium plays host to the Waterloo Bucks of the Northwoods League. The Northwoods League is a collegiate summer baseball league, comprised of 22 teams. Players must have college eligibility remaining to play and the league uses wooden bats. In 2015 the team began improving its primary focus at improving the fan experience at Riverfront Stadium. The changes were felt and it was a positive step in the right direction for the team. The city, which owns the stadium, had even earmarked $35,000 in general obligation bond funds for the box seats. The old ballpark has a lot of charm and life left in it and it is an ideal venue for NWL during the months of June and July. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concessions stands, one on the third base side and one on the first base side. They are on the back side of the seating bowl, out of view of the field. A decent amount of traditional ballpark fare is available at generally reasonable prices. Among the highlights is the fry helmet ($9). This concoction of all things fried is served in a helmet and if this is your thing, you can’t go wrong. The helmet nachos ($7.50) are quite popular as well. Among the other items available are: hot dogs, brats, burgers, walking tacos, pizza, veggie burgers, and your typical snacks, most ranging from $3-$5. Pepsi products are the soda choices with your best bet being the 32 oz. Bucks cup for $3.50. Coors Light, Miller Lite, and Keystone Light alumiteks run $4.25 with Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Harder Cranberry, and Redd’s Apple Ale at $5.25 for tallboys. For more options, there is a small bar located on the first base side, near concessions. Atmosphere 4 Upon entering the seating bowl, it’s hard not to notice the wealth of greenery behind the outfield wall with a vast amount of trees taking up the whole area behind the wall, and is very nice on the eyes. A few rows of box seats sit behind home plate and run from dugout to dugout. The majority of the stadium is general admission with the best GA seats being behind the box seats. The GA seats behind home plate are covered and are certainly a nice option in the heat and humidity of the Midwest. Two sections of bleachers are located down the left field line and one down the right field line. Outside of the box seats, all seats are bleachers with the covered being a bit more comfortable because there are backs to them. In the right field corner is the Bud Party Deck. Here, groups of 30 or more can take in a game for $25 which includes all you can eat and drink. The Coors Light Lounge is in the left field corner and is for smaller groups of 15 or more for the same cost. There have been noticeable upgrades made between the 2014 and 2015 season, and all for the positive. The dingy looking green bleachers have fresh blue and yellow paint (the colors of the Bucks) and something as simple as a coat of paint makes an enormous difference. The speakers were upgraded before the start of the 2015 season, making the sound noticeably better. Music is played between innings when promotions aren’t ongoing and the traditional walkup music for the home batters is played. In the past, music was quite often played in between pitches which bordered on the annoying side. If it is still occasionally done, it isn’t even noticeable as it is kept to a minimum. The stadium is also noticeably cleaner than in the past. All these factors make for a fun game day experience. Neighborhood 2 There is very little in the immediate area in the way of food and drink as the stadium is surrounded by a large park area, a cemetery, and a residential area. There are plenty of options around town and within reasonable driving distance. If attending a day game and breakfast is your thing, Morg’s Diner is the place for you. Morg’s has great food at decent prices and is only a few blocks from the stadium. The one drawback is they close at 1 pm. Another great option is Jameson’s Public House in downtown Waterloo. Jameson’s is a great Irish pub and the menu has something for everybody. If you are a fan of Shepherd’s Pie, this is about as good as it gets. Wrestling is big in Iowa. If you are a fan of amateur or professional wrestling, don’t leave Waterloo without visiting the Dan Gable Wrestling Museum. The museum has so much to offer for fans of amateur and Olympic wrestling and also has its own wing for professional wrestling. It is definitely worth a visit. 75 minutes east of Waterloo you will find the Field of Dreams movie site, in Dyersville, Iowa. It’s a bit of a drive but entirely worth the time, especially in July and August when the corn is at its highest. This site from the iconic movie is an absolute must for any baseball fan and is completely free. Fans 4 The passion shown by the fans is very impressive. Gathering at Bucks games is very community oriented and it is a meeting place for friends to catch up and take in some baseball. The Bucks do a good job of incorporating fans into the game through promotions before and during the game. The fans are into the game and generally knowledgeable about what is occurring on the field. Access 3 Waterloo isn’t centrally located to much else and getting to the stadium is a bit of a trek when coming from out of town. Once you are at the stadium though, getting around is very simple. There is plenty of parking available and avoiding the first couple rows around the front of the stadium is a good idea due to potential foul ball issues. Restrooms are sufficient for the average crowd that the team draws although there may be some wait in a packed house. Getting around isn’t an issue with the concessions and restrooms being on the back side of the seating bowl. Return on Investment 5 It’s hard to beat the price of attending a Bucks game. Parking is free and single game tickets range from $5 for general admission to $8 for box seats. With the reasonable cost of food and drinks and constant promotions that give better deals, you get tremendous bang for your buck. Extras 3 The Bucks have a nice team store located near the first base concession stand. Around the park, you will find pennants and other reminders of the Bucks success, a nice look into the past. A nice option, especially for the kids, is the ability to see the teams prepare. Behind the right field Bud Deck are the batting cages. If you arrive early enough, you can watch some of the players taking batting practice up close. Also, along both lines, you can watch the starting pitchers warm up while being literally a few feet away. Final Thoughts Under new ownership, the Bucks have made a concerted effort to make attending a game more fan friendly. The park is much more pleasant to the eye, much cleaner, and the improvement to the sound system and much less intrusion of constant music blaring out of bad speakers has made the game day experience at Riverfront Stadium fabulous. If you find yourself near Waterloo, a trip to Riverfront Stadium will yield a very good time for a minimal amount of money.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 J. O. Christian Field 509 Stadium Rd Storrs, CT 06269 Connecticut Huskies website Year Opened: 1993 Capacity: 2,000 The Homering Huskies J.O. Christian Field is named for the University of Connecticut’s longtime baseball coach and athletic director J. Olean Christian. Christian served as the school’s baseball coach from 1936 to 1961. He also served as UConn’s football coach and basketball coach during his tenure. He was the first commissioner of the Yankee Conference. Christian led the Huskies to 254 wins and two College World Series appearances while serving as head coach. Baseball has been played at the University of Connecticut since 1896. In their lengthy history, the Huskies have qualified for 18 NCAA tournaments, and have made 5 College World Series appearances, most recently in 1979. Sixteen former Huskies have made it to the major leagues, most notably 1950 American League Rookie of the Year Walt Dropo, along with pitchers Charles Nagy and Roberto Hernandez. Food & Beverage 3 There is a small concession stand behind the visitor’s dugout on the first base side of J.O. Christian Field. It offers a basic menu, including hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled cheese sandwiches. Assorted snacks, including nachos, popcorn, cotton candy and pretzels can be purchased here. Fans looking for more snack foods can select Oreo or Reese’s Pie as well as assorted flavors of Dippin’ Dots. Thirsty Husky fans can choose from assorted Coca Cola products. There is no alcohol served at this on-campus facility. Atmosphere 3 Veteran fans of college baseball in the northeast will find a lot that feels familiar at a UConn baseball game, including a small but dedicated crowd in attendance and a scaled-down gameday presentation that limits extraneous noise and distractions. It’s a laid-back, comfortable atmosphere at which to watch some quality baseball. UConn does provide a couple of extras not often seen in these parts. The Husky mascot, Jonathan, can be found interacting with younger fans. The athletic department offers a couple of contests during the game, giving prizes to the fan who can correctly guess the timing of the seventh inning stretch as well as giveaways after each Husky home run. Neighborhood 3 The tiny town of Storrs, Connecticut is dominated by the university. Storrs’ population of nearly 11,000 is overshadowed by UConn’s undergraduate enrollment of 16,000, with an additional 5,000 enrolled in graduate programs. The university is located over a sprawling 4,000 acres, and is largely self-contained, which is a necessity given Storrs’ rural location. UConn’s origins as an agricultural school help to explain its rural location. Fans looking to stay in Storrs will find their choices limited. Most fans who come to the area will do so as a day trip, moving on after the game to the larger cities of Hartford, 45 minutes away or Boston, located 90 minutes from the UConn campus. The twin casinos of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun are located a short 45 minute drive from Storrs. Fans looking for places to dine before or after a Husky game will find a growing number of eateries on either Storrs Road or North Eagleville Road. Geno’s Grille, named for UConn’s legendary women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, Dog Lane Café and the Altnaveigh Inn are popular spots. Hotel accommodations near campus include the Best Western Regent, the Countryside B&B and the Hampton Inn. If visiting UConn for a baseball game, you must be sure to stop at the UConn Dairy Bar after the game. The Dairy Bar, operated entirely by students, has been in operation since 1953 to sell dairy products that are made on site. While enjoying your ice cream you can see the cows grazing in the adjacent fields. Visitors to the Dairy Bar can watch the cows being milked or the ice cream being made every day. Fans 2 While UConn baseball enjoys larger crowds than most of their fellow New England teams, typical crowds are still quite small when compared to other parts of the country. Even the largest Husky baseball crowd generally tops out at 500 fans. Most of the fans in attendance on any given day have a personal connection with the players on the field. There is a minimal turnout by the student body. While the crowd may be small, they are very knowledgeable about the home team and enthusiastic about the action on the field. Access 3 The University of Connecticut is located in rural Storrs, Connecticut, a village in the town of Mansfield. The campus is a 45 minute drive from Hartford, the capital and largest city in the state. Fans wishing to drive to the UConn campus will be well served in knowing that no highway serves Storrs directly, and a drive through the scenic eastern Connecticut countryside is necessary no matter what direction one is coming from. The closest interstate is route 84, which runs in a north-south direction connecting Hartford with the Massachusetts Turnpike. From I-84, fans will have to navigate local highways for about seven miles to the UConn campus. For fans traveling by train or bus to UConn, be aware that there are no stations in the town of Storrs. However, the Union Station Shuttle transports round trip from the Storrs campus to Union Station in Hartford. The closest airport to the UConn campus is Bradley International Airport just north of Hartford. Shuttles are available to the airport from the university. J.O Christian Field is located on the southwest edge of UConn’s campus. Adjacent to the baseball field are several other athletic facilities, including the impressive Shenkman training center and Gampel Pavilion, the largest on-campus basketball arena in New England. Parking is available across the street from J.O. Christian Field in the large lot next to Frietas Ice Forum. Four sets of metal bleachers scattered around the field provide the seating here, with plenty of standing room available for fans wishing to stretch their legs. While there are no permanent restroom facilities here, there are a bunch of port-a-johns for use. Be warned that there are no paved paths at Christian Field, so be wary of where you step. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission or parking at J.O. Christian Field. Concessions sold here are reasonably priced, so you will not break the bank at a Husky baseball game. Of course, you have the option of bringing your own snacks to enjoy during the game, so it’s entirely possible to not spend any money during your trip to Storrs. Extras 1 An extra point is awarded for the gameday elements not usually found in this part of the country, including the presence of the school’s mascot, as well as the giveaways and contests held during the game. Final Thoughts As of the writing of this review (May 2017), UConn was moving forward with a plan to renovate and relocate several of their on-campus athletic facilities. This project will cost an estimated $46 million, which will be paid for through donations and ticket surcharges. J.O. Christian Field will be demolished and replaced with a 1,500 seat facility, which will have lights, a press box and dugouts with restrooms, and luxury boxes. It will be located across the street on the present site of Morrone Stadium. A new ballpark would aim to improve fan experience and help in recruiting. While J.O. Christian Field is among the nicer college ballparks in New England, it can’t compete with the larger college fields elsewhere in the American Athletic Conference. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Ryan Napralla, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Fox Cities Stadium 2400 N Casaloma Dr Appleton, WI 54912 Wisconsin Timber Rattlers website Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 5,900 Snakes in the Fox’s Den The community of Appleton, Wisconsin is the largest of the Fox Cities, a collection of towns that lie along the Fox River. Located just over 100 miles north of Milwaukee, and about 30 miles southwest of Green Bay, Appleton is also home to the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers of the Midwest League. The team continues a proud tradition of minor league baseball in the area, playing out of Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium, another of the venues that manage to acquire sponsorship money without giving up the original name of the stadium. The ballpark is actually located in Grand Chute but uses an Appleton mailing address. The Timber Rattlers began as the Appleton Foxes in 1962 and spent three seasons as the Fox Cities Foxes as well, before rebranding in 1995 in an effort to attract fans from across the Dairy State. It was during that season that they moved into Fox Cities Stadium, which is now in its 23rd year. So how does a trip to see the Snakes play in Fox’s den compare? Read on to find out. Food & Beverage 5 The food here is among the most varied I have seen at any minor league ballpark. There are several concession stands each with very detailed menus as you can see in the photo gallery. Each stand has a few unique items to do check them all out before deciding. It would be foolish to detail the choice here, as it would take up the entire review. My recommendation is the Authentic Wisconsin Grill, where a freshly made grilled cheese sandwich is just $5, though there are other heartier options such as a helmet mac ‘n’ cheese for $5 or a grilled Cajun chicken mac ‘n’ cheese sandwich for $10. Other stands have fried cheese curds for $5. As you are in the Dairy State, cheese is mandatory. Pepsi products are available with a 16-ounce soda going for $3.50, 21-ounces for $4.50, and a 32-ounce souvenir cup $6.75 (refills are $3.75), while bottled soda is $4.25. An excellent variety of craft beer is available at most stands, with Leinenkugel’s Snake Tail Ale the obvious choice for Rattlers rooters. $6.25 gets you 16 ounces, two bucks more gets you a large (24 ounces). Domestic beers (Miller/Coors obviously, but Budweiser is also available) are slightly cheaper. If that is not enough, there is an all-you-can-eat buffet ticket for $30 with seating along the first base line. As well, there are patio sections with wait staff along both sides of the stadium that are great for families that want to share several items. Box seat holders can also visit the Fox Club, which offers an extended menu. The free program contains a map of all concession stands and can be a good reference guide. In sum, come hungry to Fox Cities Stadium, it might have the best food choices of any stadium in the minors. Atmosphere 4 Entering by the main gate, you will immediately be greeted by a giant bobblehead of the mascot, Fang, whose wobbling head is a source of unlimited amusement to children. In the seating bowl, you will find ten rows of maroon seats to match the team color and ten rows of bleachers with backs. Berms can be found in both corners; behind the right field berm is a kids zone. Behind the right field, fence is the Home Run Porch, a picnic area for groups, while another picnic deck is along the third base concourse. The concourse is more than wide enough for the crowd, even with several portable concession stands along the walls. You can walk along a boardwalk behind right field to the bullpens in the outfield, from where you can see the entire stadium. However, you cannot complete the circuit and must return along the boardwalk. The Call-Up Worthy board lists previous T-Rats who have made the show. This is part of a larger sponsorship across the minors, but this is the first such display I have seen; most parks have a more detailed Road to the Show display. The scoreboard sits above the left-center field and includes a large video board above the line score. A new feature for the 2017 season is a party deck behind the outfield fence that includes 2 cabanas for shade during day games, all-you-can-eat-tacos, and a drinks rail. This is a clear attempt to reach newer fans who see sporting events as a social exercise rather than one of entertainment and it should appeal to the younger generation. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located in the northwest area of town, surrounded by an industrial park, while I-41 passes by the outfield fence. There is nothing within walking distance in terms of bars or eateries as the area is not particularly pedestrian-friendly, but Osorio’s Latin Fusion is just south on Casa Loma Drive. Further south on the other side of Wisconsin Avenue is the Fox River Mall and all of its attendant chain restaurants such as Chili’s and Olive Garden. The Fox River Brewery and Restaurant is your stop for locally produced craft beer, while the Milwaukee Burger Company has 40 taps and build-your-own-burgers. Downtown Appleton is 5 miles away and includes a number of interesting bars such as Cleo’s Brown Beam Tavern, not to mention Vince Lombardi’s Steak House. Fans 5 It was very chilly on the night I attended, but that did not stop over 4,700 from joining me, more than double the season average for the Timber Rattlers. The crowd skewed towards families, drawn by the numerous amenities and fireworks that night. Wisconsin folk are hardy and not used to allow a bit of cold to stop them from attending a sporting event, and that was clearly in evidence on this day. Those in attendance were fun, friendly, and polite. Access 4 As mentioned, I-41 runs directly behind the stadium, with either the Northland or Wisconsin Avenue exits providing quick access to the stadium. There is a single road to the main parking lot, and this can cause some delays after the game. There are two lanes going in and out, so make sure you are in the correct lane after the game to turn right or left onto Olde Casaloma Drive. Inside the stadium, there is plenty of room, even with a near-capacity crowd. Concession lines move quickly and there is no issue with restrooms or anything else. Return on Investment 3 Parking is $5, a bit much for Class A ball, though there was an Uber drop-off point if you wanted to avoid that. There are three ticket options for the average fan: $14 for box seats, $11 for bleachers, and $8 for general admission, with all tickets a dollar cheaper if bought in advance. For a family of four arriving a game day, it would be $49 for bleacher seats before considering food. There are two special seating options. For small groups, the patio seats are sold in packs of 4 for $76 and include wait service as well as the buffet mentioned above. Extras 4 The displays in the Legends Lounge are very detailed for this level and deserve a few minutes of your time. There are a lot of baseball greats who have played here and each has a plaque; there are also old style jerseys on display. The Lounge is also heated and thus a good spot to warm up during inning breaks. There is a bullpen car that zooms around the warning track to drop off the relief pitcher warm-up jacket a rare sighting these days. It was Pirate Day and both staff and fans participated with vigor. The scoreboard dressed up the Timber Rattlers as buccaneers, which was good for a laugh. There was a car sale out front of the stadium that could be quite helpful to sports travelers in need of a new set of wheels. Final Thoughts Overall, Fox Cities Stadium is an excellent minor league destination that has aged well since its opening in 1995. I really enjoyed my time here, with the food and fans among the best that the minor leagues have to offer. Appleton is not on many tourist itineraries, but if you are a ballpark chaser, this is one that you should not miss.

Photos by Jim Flannery, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Jack Simpson Gymnasium 2500 University Drive NW Calgary, AB T2N 1N4 Calgary Dinos basketball website Jack Simpson Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 3,454 University of Calgary Dinos Basketball The University of Calgary became its own institution, separate from the University of Alberta, in 1966. Since then the U of C Dinos sports program has won 45 national championships and 145 titles in the Canada West Division. Among all those wins, the men’s and women’s basketball teams have made their mark. The women’s Dinos took the National Championship in 1989 during a run in which they won 69 straight games and won four consecutive Canada West Titles. In addition to that run, they’ve won the division on four other occasions. The men have never won the national championship, but they’ve won Canada West six times, so they’ve come close. The Dinos play in the Jack Simpson Gymnasium which opened in 1987 as part of a major addition to the kinesiology facilities at the U of C in anticipation of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. The U of C’s student residence buildings were used to house Olympic athletes and the world’s first indoor speed skating track was built as part of the kinesiology expansion as well. The Jack, as it is sometimes referred to, was a major upgrade from the aging Red Gym on the other end of the complex, with a seating capacity of 3,454, better lighting, state-of-the-art flooring and numerous other features. In addition to being the home of Dinos basketball, it also plays home to the men’s and women’s volleyball teams, intramural sports, annual convocation ceremonies, and many other activities. Food & Beverage 2 The main lobby for the Jack Simpson Gym is upstairs on the west side of the gym and is shared with the Olympic Oval. In that lobby you’ll find two concession stands, although typically only one is open for game nights. The offerings here are pretty pedestrian, with nothing more exotic than a hot dog on the menu. Chips, pop, and coffee can be purchased here, but not much else. On the upside, the price is quite reasonable: Combo Number 1 includes a hot dog, a medium fountain drink, and your choice of chips or a candy bar for $7. The good news is that there is also a kiosk in the gym itself, on the west end of the running track at the top of the stands. The campus bar, The Den, have set up The Den West where adults can get their drink on, offering a good selection of domestic and premium beer and coolers for $6-7, depending on what you order. Again, a pretty good price! Beyond those two spots, however, you aren’t going to find anything here, aside from a water fountain. Atmosphere 3 The Dinos usually draw between 700-800 people for Friday night games (fairly typical for Canadian Intrauniversity and a can break 1,000 on a Saturday. For their annual “Pack the Jack” event, they can get up around 2,000 fans. This still leaves the stands more than half empty, so it can be a bit of a challenge to get the energy up in the crowd. Typically in the CIS, both the women and the men play in back-to-back games, so you’re getting two games for the price of your game ticket. People tend to file in over the course of the women’s game, so the early game tends to be quieter than the late game. The seats are comfortable, but leg room is a little on the tight side, so having a relatively sparse crowd gives you the opportunity to spread out a bit and ensure that this isn’t a problem. The seats themselves are multi-coloured, with red, blue, and yellow spread around the building, which helps camouflage the actual number of people in the building, making it seems fuller than it is. Dinos championship banners line the Jack, giving fans a sense of the long and proud history of athletics on campus. No doubt this serves to inspire Dinos players and fans alike, while intimidating visitors from other schools. And ultimately, the thing that most affects the atmosphere at a sporting event is the quality of the game. With the long and proud history of quality athletics at the U of C, you are probably going to see some excellent competition. The facility itself is clean and tidy, with indirect lighting that isn’t too harsh on the eyes, but isn’t particularly special beyond the colourful seating and the banners. Neighbourhood 3 The Jack Simpson Gym is located on the west end of the main U of C campus. The Kinesiology complex is connected to the MacEwan Student Centre, where the campus food court is located, providing you with a few pre-game food options but things are closed by the time the games have wrapped up. Similarly, The Den and Black Lounge, the campus bar which is also located in MSC, closes at 10 pm on Fridays and isn’t open at all on Saturdays, so don’t expect to get your party on while at the University for a game. Realistically, there isn’t anything that most people would consider walkable from the Jack. In any direction, you’re probably at least a 15-minute walk from the edge of campus, after which you still have to walk for another 10-plus minutes to get to anything worth getting to. So you’re more likely at least a short drive away from other points of interest. There are a few good spots to check out if you make that trip, however. To the northeast of campus is Brentwood Village Mall. Within that complex you’ll find a Harvey’s, a Starbucks, and a couple really nice Irish-style pubs. The Killkenny provides quality pub food (the chicken wings are enormous and tasty) and a wide selection of adult beverages (the beer menu alone is six pages long). Likewise, Jamiesons has a vast drink menu and a solid food menu featuring typical pub fare as well as some more exotic choices. To the southeast of campus you’ll find Motel Village, which features some excellent New Orleans-style cuisine at Big T’s BBQ and Smokehouse, a Boston Pizza, a Denny’s, and several fast-food places. Just to the north of Motel Village proper, you’ll also find Nick’s Steakhouse and Pizza, which has won several Consumer’s Choice Awards over the years. If you head southwest of campus, you’ll arrive at the Stadium Shopping Mall which features Moose McGuire’s Bar, The Keg for a little more upscale steak dining, and the Redwater Rustic Grille, which also offers a more upscale dining experience. Fans 3 The fans at Dinos games are generally a relaxed group who applaud at the right times and occasionally boo a call they aren’t happy with, but are generally pretty quiet. With only a few hundred people scattered around a venue that can hold several thousand, this can make for a pretty subdued feel in the stands. Not unpleasant, but low-key. If you’re looking for a place where the energy is high and the crowd is cheering from start-to-finish, this isn’t the place. Nevertheless, eyes are generally on the floor, so the crowd is engaged and enjoying the games, so the overall experience is positive. Access 4 The University of Calgary is located in the city’s north west quadrant, on the west side of Crowchild Trail, a major north-south artery in town, and 16th Ave., which is one of the major east-west arteries and also part of the Trans-Canada Highway. As a result, getting to campus is pretty easy from all directions. Calgary Transit also services campus with busses as well as a Light Rail Transit (LRT) stop. Depending on where you park on campus, the price can vary a little, but you’re most economical choices are Lots 10 and 11, on the north east corner of the main campus, just beyond the Olympic Oval. In both cases it’s $7 for the day, which is a bargain compared to the parking prices in other parts of the city. Once on campus you can walk just about anywhere while remaining indoors, which is a pretty big deal if it’s the middle of winter and the temperatures have dropped to below -20°C (which is not uncommon). Depending on where you started, it could be a bit of a hike to get to the Jack, but probably not more than 10 minutes. As noted above, the entrance to the gym is shared with the Olympic Oval. The ticket window is just inside the shared entrance, then you’ll head up the stairs to the upper concourse where the concession stand is located and through the doors into the gym itself. You’ll find yourself at the top of the west stands on the running track that connects to the campus fitness centre. There is tons of room here for even a large crowd, so moving around is not a problem. Likewise, it should be no problem at all to find a decent place to sit without feeling crowded in by other patrons. Do be aware: The beautiful LED screen which is installed above the north end of the court, is not easily viewed if you sit in sections K, J, D or E, all on the north end of the stands. Also, because the basketball nets are suspended from the ceiling of the gym and hang from a lattice of white steel pipes, views of the screen and scoreboard are partially obscured from many other locations south of mid-court. This is a shame because it detracts from how sharp these recent upgrades to the facility actually are. Return On Investment 5 Adult ticket prices are $15 each, seniors are $10, and kids aged 7-17 get in for $8. A family package is also available for two adults and up to four kids for $40. These are all pretty decent prices to come see the best basketball in the city, especially since you get two games for the price of one. But the real deal here is for U of C students: because of an annual student levy, all U of C students get in to any Dinos regular season games for free. Just show your ID card and in you go. Short of paying people to show up, there isn’t a better deal than that! Extras 2 The Calgary Stampede Band of Outriders are a fixture at Dinos games, providing live entertainment during stoppages in the on-floor action. There are recycling bins around the facility to encourage fans to reduce, reuse and recycle. Always a nice touch. Spend some time walking around the north and south ends of the track and have a long look at all the national championship banners. It’s an impressive collection! If you need to kill some time before the game or during intermission, you can wander into the Olympic Oval and have a look at what’s going on out on the speed skating track or the two full-size hockey rinks found in the oval ring. Also, the concourse area between the Oval and the Jack is home to the Speed Skating Canada Hall of Fame display as well as some interesting art. Speaking of art, if you have time to wander around campus, there are a number of interesting sculptures and displays. For instance, just outside the Oval/Jack entrance to the north there is a large sculpture that was part of the 1988 Olympics development, called The Spire, although it is more affectionately known by U of C students as “the paperclip.” Only a few metres from the Spire is one of the three Olympic Torch locations. As you walk through the Kinesiology hallways, you’ll come across the Dinos Hall of Fame display, honouring some of the great athletes and teams to come through the U of C. Final Thoughts Dinos basketball is an entertaining product at a reasonable price. They have a history of success which ensures you’ll see some competitive action. The Jack is a nice place to take in some CIS sports and worth your time to visit.

Photo by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 H-E-B Center at Cedar Park 2100 Avenue of the Stars Cedar Park, TX 78613 Austin Spurs website H-E-B Center at Cedar Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,800 Austin Spurs in Cedar Park The Austin Spurs (formerly the Toros) are an affiliate of and are owned by the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, and play in the Central Division of the NBDL (National Basketball Development League). Prior to being the Austin Toros, the team played as the Columbus (GA) Riverdragons from 2001-2005. When Austin was awarded the franchise in 2005, the team first played in the Austin Convention Center, and then in 2010 moved to the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park near Austin, TX. The Austin Toros won the NBDL Championship in 2012, as well as the Southwest Division Championship in 2008. As with many NBDL teams, based on roster moves and players, the team’s performance can vary year to year. In October 2014 the team was renamed the Austin Spurs, and began sharing the nickname of their parent club, the San Antonio Spurs. H-E-B Center at Cedar Park is also home to the Texas Stars of the AHL (American Hockey League), the Austin Aces (tennis), and the University of Texas Men’s Hockey team (ACHA Divison II). It also hosts wrestling matches, Cirque Du Soleil performances, and other concerts and events. Food & Beverage 3 Though some concession stands are closed during Spurs games, there are plenty of food and beverage options for a fan at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park. There's the Pizza Hut (Personal Pan Pizza $7.50), Tortilla Fresca (Monster Chicken Nachos $8.50, Nachos Grande $6.25), Top Dog (a variety of hot dog offerings), and Grille Works (Buffalo Chicken Tender Basket $8.75, Double Cheeseburger Basket $11). All the stands offer some variety of your standard fare (regular hot dogs, hamburgers and such; as well as basic snacks like popcorn, pretzels, cotton candy, peanuts and the like ranging from $4 - $6.25). The two food specialties at H-E-B Center at Cedar Park are Amy's Ice Cream (a cart on the concourse) and Smokey Mo's BBQ concession (unfortunately Smokey Mo's is closed for Spurs games) and that's too bad. Coca Cola products are offered as well as Snapple beverages. Beers offered include Blue Moon, Budweiser, Bud Light but no local brews are offered here. Wine is also available at some concessions stands. Drinks range from $4 to $8 depending on what you order. There is a Coors Light Club Lounge which provides other alcoholic drinks but this area is only for those fans that purchase tickets in the club lounge in sections 106 and 107. Atmosphere 3 The Spurs do a great job at a game day presentation. The building temperature is a comfortable for a Spurs game. If you're one who gets warm easily, wear a t-shirt; if you're one who tends to get chilly, bring a long sleeved shirt, just in case (but you probably won't need it). The seats are cushioned and most have cup holders. The scoreboard is clearly viewable from all seats and provides the score, TOL (time outs left), number of team fouls and a clear, live video board. Stats of the players on the floor are shown above the suite level on a banner display. The PA announcer is clear and calls all plays with no music disruption. There are two levels of seating with the top level being the suites (most of which are empty during a Spurs game). All seats seem to have a good view of the basketball game. The seats in the general admission area (sections 122, 101, 102) are a bit of a distance from the court but one can still watch the game with ease. Center court sections are 106 and 107 (facing the player benches and logo) and sections 117 and 118 (behind the benches). There are tables and chairs behind each end zone for patrons to watch the game at floor level. And there are courtside floor level seating options, as well. Fans are allowed to visit the floor level areas prior to game time and take photos, visit the merchandise table, and talk with the DJ. The ability to do this is very accommodating and delightful for a visitor. Two things that I'm not a fan of occur at this arena during basketball games: One, during the player introductions, the lights are turned down (almost off) so a fan can't see who the players are and what they look like as they make their way onto the court. The other, they play music during the play of the game. It's quite distracting. Neighborhood 2 There are no restaurants or places of entertainment within walking distance. There are a few popular hotel chains and restaurants a little over a mile away from the area. I can recommend the Best Western Cedar Inn and the LaQuinta Inn both on E. Whitestone Blvd (aka 1431). If taking train rides is your interest, consider the Austin Steam Train Association located next to the Best Western Cedar Inn. This attraction offers a variety of train excursions on vintage train passenger cars. Twenty or so miles away is downtown Austin, the capital of Texas. There are plenty of things to see, do, eat, and drink in that city. Fans 3 The average attendance at a Spurs game is between 1,000 and 1,500. Given a stadium capacity of 6,800, this makes the stadium seats feel a bit barren at a game. Seating in sections 109 - 115 behind the one end zone is closed off for fans during basketball games. Those seats are not covered with plastic tarp and that suits the arena well. There are lot of kids in attendance at Spurs games, so kudos to the organization for promoting basketball among the youth. Many of the children perform on the court between time outs and at half time. This entertainment includes Kung Fu presentations, Pep Squad cheers, and other dance treats. The children's ages range from five to young adult. Although there is a strong Spurs fan base, much of the fans are families of the children performing during halftime and between time outs. The cheers are there at the appropriate moments of scoring a basket and free throw. Nothing more. Access 3 The H-E-B Center at Cedar Park is easily accessible right off Route 183A (toll road) via automobile. There are no noticeable public transportation options to get to the arena. If flying into the area, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is the closest airport and is about 30 miles from the arena. Parking, although plentiful, is $10 which is highway robbery for an NBDL game. There is no noticeable street parking options so one is kind of stuck with this fee. There are three gates at the H-E-B Center at Cedar Park but only the main entrance, near the ticket booth and flags, is open for a Spurs game. Security check is painless and there are tables in which to place your bag for the security folks to search. More arenas should do this. The concourses are sufficiently wide for pedestrian traffic flow (even if there is a full house). Restrooms serve their purpose and are plentiful and clean throughout and after the game. Return on Investment 3 Single game tickets range from $5 - $25. There are all kinds of promotional nights so be sure to check their website before heading to a game. Every Sunday home game is a Family Fun Day where a fan can get a game ticket, a hot dog, and a soda for just $11. And there is the traditional Thirsty Thursdays where beers are just $3. I'd recommend getting the $5 general admission ticket and then roam around the seating area during quarters to get different views of the game play. Concession prices are on the high side for an NBDL game. The real killer is the $10 parking charge. Extras 4 The Spurs provide extraordinary customer service at the game. The security check individuals, the concession folk, the staff, all make visitors feel warm and welcome. The staff shows genuine interest and appreciation in why you are attending a game here and they interact well with fans. Having the ability to enter the floor level pregame and being able to roam around the seating area to view the game from different perspectives is always a bonus. There are three banners displayed: One for the 2012 NBDL Championship, one for the 2008 Southwest Division Championship and one retired number honoring Dennis Johnson, NBA hall of famer, who coached the Toros from 2005 till his death in 2007. Free programs and rosters are handed out upon entry to the arena. Final Thoughts If you're in the Austin, TX area and you like the sound of squeaky sneakers on a hardwood court and the game of basketball, I'd recommend attending an Austin Spurs game. The customer service will astound you.

Photo by Bradlee Ross, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 ONEOK Field 201 N Elgin Tulsa, OK 74120 FC Tulsa website ONEOK Field website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 7,833 FC Tulsa at ONEOK Field ONEOK Field is located in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma and is well worth a visit if you ever find yourself in the Tulsa area during those prime soccer-watching spring and summer months. The Roughnecks were originally founded in 1978 and refounded in 2013 (the original incarnation of the team folded in 1984). They currently play in the United Soccer League. They share ownership and ONEOK Field with the Tulsa Drillers. Opening in 2010, ONEOK Field is named for ONEOK natural gas company and has a total capacity of just under 8,000. It is located in downtown Tulsa, next to the historic Greenwood district. Food & Beverage 4 The food options at ONEOK Field are numerous and varied. The standard concession stands are called Tulsa Driller Grille and Oil Capital Concessions and contain the basics of hot dogs, popcorn, soft drinks, etc. These are reasonably priced and of a good quality. But there are also plenty of other options to get your snack and drink on. There're stands like Siegi's Sausage Factory, Steakadelphia, Corner Cantina, Smokie's and Burgertopia selling all kinds of awesome foods like Philly cheesesteaks, gourmet burgers, Tex-Mex, and more. Rita Cabana serves Bud Light margaritas and there are also various beer stands at regular intervals along the concourse. There are plenty of dessert options as well, including Hornsby's Sweet Treats serving lemonade, sno-cones and cotton candy and a Sweet Stand in left center field that serves frozen yogurt. Sadly, there are also quite a few stands that are not open during Roughneck matches for one reason or another. This limitation lowers the venue's score somewhat, especially since all of these places are normally open during baseball games. Still, there are a lot of great options at reasonable prices. If you have trouble deciding what to spend your hard-earned money on, choose the Jalapeno Popper Burger that can be had from the Burgertopia stands. It consists of a ½ lb. beef patty, jalapenos and cheddar cream cheese. It's delicious and a bargain at almost any price. Atmosphere 2 Roughneck matches at ONEOK Field leave something to be desired as far as energy and buzz go. Unfortunately, there really isn't much going on besides the match on the field. There is a Kids' Zone near center field with a splash pad to keep the kids cool during those hot summer months. There's also a grassy area for families to sit picnic-style while they watch the Roughnecks. A few others things of note are the small merchandise stands which allow any fan to show their team spirit, plenty of ATM's for those fans who prefer to use cash, and a variety of seating to choose from (though some obviously costs more). However, other than what's listed here, there really isn't much in the way of atmosphere. Neighborhood 5 ONEOK Field isn't hard to get to at all. Interstate highway 244 goes right by and the Tulsa downtown district itself is surrounded by four or five different highways that all converge, making it easy to get to no matter what direction you are coming from. Once you get off the highway, things can get a bit more difficult, as downtown Tulsa can be a challenge to navigate depending on construction. There is plenty to see and do around ONEOK Field. Downtown Tulsa has much to offer including the Philbrook Arts Museum, Spaghetti Warehouse and the BOK Center, another great venue. The most historically-significant aspect of downtown Tulsa is the Greenwood district, which was once known as the "Black Wall Street of America" because it was the home of many prominent African-Americans. Within it, you can find the Jazz Hall of Fame, Greenwood Cultural Center and the Mabel B. Little Heritage House, all of which are well worth the visit if you are even remotely a history buff. Also don't forget to visit the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Park, a free park practically next door to ONEOK that memorializes the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot. As far as eateries go, you should plan to have your pre-Driller-game meal at Burn Co. Barbecue, which has the best barbecue in the state of Oklahoma. However, you'll have to time out your visit, as Burn Co. is only open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm, which leads to very long lines (though they move quickly). It also is a considerable distance from the park. However, when you bite into the best barbecue you've ever had, it will all be worth it. Your post-game meal doesn't need to be far from the ballpark at all. Fat Guy's Burger Bar is actually connected to ONEOK Field, just outside the outfield, but it also has a streetfront. With great burgers and plenty of TVs to watch your favorite ballgames, you won't be sorry you stopped here for a bite. If you need a recommendation, try out the Pizza Burger. It consists of a beef patty, a sausage patty, pepperoni, provolone cheese, basil mayonnaise and marinara sauce. It will change how you feel about pizza and burgers (in a good way). Fans 2 The crowd at Roughneck matches is a very mixed and middling one. They are not all that loud or involved in the action on the field, save for a very loud and vocal superfan section that honestly borders on obnoxious a good amount of the time. The rest of the venue is filled with families with children or young people who just need something to do or somewhere to be. Most fans in attendance simply watch quietly or spend most of the match walking around. It seems to be a social setting for many, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it does take away from the fan experience somewhat. Access 4 The bathrooms are very clean and large enough to prevent any waiting. The aisles and seating are big enough to be comfortable, and most fans will have a very easy time getting around the concourse as well. The only issue for this venue is parking. It can be very difficult to find in downtown Tulsa. It is particularly hard to find the area immediately surrounding ONEOK Field. Free parking will require a considerable walk. The closest parking will typically run around $10 or so. Roughnecks FC offers a $5 lot at the corner of Archer and Detroit (a block from the stadium). Also, you can find free parking in lots on the OSU-Tulsa campus north of the stadium (Fridays-Sundays). Return on Investment 4 The return on this stadium experience probably depends on the individual fan. That being said, you will not find a better pro soccer experience (or really any other pro soccer experience) near enough by to pass up seeing the Roughnecks at ONEOK. Tickets are available for about $10 a piece at the cheapest, which may not be a value for casual soccer fans. The visit is really worth it if you are going to spend some time in the fantastic neighborhood surrounding ONEOK. Extras 1 One extra for the splash pad near the Kids' Zone. Staying cool is important during the summer, especially for kids and especially in Oklahoma.

Photos by Andrew Kulyk, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Westoba Place 1175 18th St Brandon, MB R7A 7C5 Brandon Wheat Kings website Westoba Place website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 6,042 Westman Place in Brandon The arena for the Western Hockey League Brandon Wheat Kings is called the Westman Communications Group Place, a mouthful of a corporate name, which is a 6,042 seat arena built as part of a larger convention/exhibition complex called the Keystone Centre. It was built in 1972 and has undergone numerous renovations. Editor’s Note: Since the publication of this review, Westman Place was renamed Westoba Place. The facility is referred to by its former name in this review. Food & Beverage 3 Food presentation is not one of the stronger features here. It is the typical ballpark fare of fresh popped popcorn, hot dogs, smokie dogs, a Pizza Hut stand, soda pop and draught beer (17 oz – $6.25, 12 oz – $5). So weren’t we surprised to find an elaborate and well appointed coffee concession in the place, the menu of which would rival any urban coffee house bistro. Named “Forbidden Flavors”, the stand offered lattes, espressos, mochaccino, various steamed teas and hot chocolates, iced coffee drinks and ice cream. The baristas were working hard behind the counter and doing their thing to move the long line of customers. Atmosphere 2 Considering this is the only game in town, the place seemed a bit dead. Granted, the visiting team rolled over the Wheat Kings on the night of this visit, giving the locals little to cheer about. A nice four sided HD scoreboard shows great videos, but little in the way of cool clips or team montages to get folks into the game. Neighborhood 2 All of Brandon is pretty much a sterile, suburban style bedroom community. The arena complex sits on a six lane highway (18th st), directly across from a plethora of strip plazas and eateries. Casual dining chains Applebees and The Keg Steakhouse are right there, and a Boston Pizza is right around the corner. We were lucky to stumble upon an awesome sports bar, right near the arena, called Joe Beeverz. Their Canadian based menu includes such awesome dishes as “Hangover Poutine,” a poutine loaf topped with fried eggs and bacon. They even add bacon to the maple sauce on the cheesecake. We also heard good things about Gulliver’s Grill on Park Ave. Fans 3 The venue was the host for the 2010 Memorial Cup, and that distinction is awarded to teams that have a solid base of fan support. The team ranks in the upper end of attendance in the Western Hockey League (WHL). This is no small feat considering that the Wheat Kings are the easternmost of the franchises in the WHL, and the only one in Manitoba, depriving them of natural rivalries. Access 4 There are acres of parking lots on the Keystone Centre property, offering ample parking for visitors. There is no public transportation option in Brandon, so getting here via car or by foot is the way to go. At this point we should probably mention the poor entry/exit design of the building itself. The poorly marked main entrance is attached to the larger exhibition hall, but there are multiple sets of doors on the other three sides of the arena, accessed at the top of long stairs. Only problem is, those doors lead directly into the concourse, meaning that every time the doors remain open, blasts of cold air pour into the venue. They control that to a point by stationing guards at the door and they open and quickly close them as guests come into the building. Return on Investment 5 Single game tickets for adults run $17. Seniors and students tickets are $12-$14. Couple that with the free parking and the very reasonable concession prices, and this all amounts to a cheap night out. Extras 1 Small showcases of jerseys and memorabilia can be found in the main entrance lobby. That is also the end of the building where the Wheat King’s championship banners hang in the rafters. **Andrew Kulyk is a stadium travel expert. Follow all of his journeys at The Ultimate Sports Road Trip.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Goodwin Field 800 N State College Blvd Fullerton, CA 92831 Cal State Fullerton Titans website Goodwin Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 3,500 FULL of Winning When it comes to college baseball prestige the California State University Fullerton squad seems to always be at the forefront of discussions. While the USC Trojans are college baseball’s all-time leaders in National Titles, the Titans continue to compete for that coveted prize year in and year out. To date, Cal State Fullerton Baseball boasts four National Championships, along with 16 appearances to the College World Series. Goodwin Field, formerly known as Titan Field, is now the third home field of the baseball program and continues to evolve into one of the premier parks in all of college baseball. The stadium opened in 1992 and was renamed in 2000 after Jerry and Merilyn Goodwin made a sizable donation to help fund many of the renovations to the stadium. Food & Beverage 4 A single permanent stand that also flows into the school's soccer stadium offers many of the ballpark staples, including beef hot dogs ($4), nachos with cheese ($3.75), soft pretzel ($2.50, add $0.50 for cheese), churros ($2.75), peanuts ($2.25), cheeseburger ($4.50), and a variety of smaller snacks. Pepsi product fountain drinks from 24 to 44 ounces are also reasonably priced ($2.50-$4.50). The food truck featured during this particular game was Barcelona on the Go. For a food truck, the prices for their offerings are also very reasonable. Some of their choices are the Grilled Chicken Sandwich or Quesadilla ($7.50), Pulled Pork Quesadilla ($8.50) and the Barcelona Paella Bowl ($8.50). Some of the sweet treats offered are ice cream bars and sandwiches ($3), deep fried oreos and funnel cakes ($5), kettle corn ($3, $5 and $8) and strawberry banana, pina colada and mango orange smoothies ($5 for a small, $8 for a regular and $10 for a tiki, $6 for a tiki refill). What may go unnoticed is the price of the basic concessions compared to a previous visit actually decreased. It may not mean much to some, but when the cost of stadium food is always on the rise, it’s always good to know when venues, especially one of CSUF’s notoriety, looks after their fans by doing their best to make the stadium dining experience one that won’t put too much of a hole in their pockets. Atmosphere 5 The moment you walk inside Goodwin Field you get a sense of a deep baseball tradition. Upon entry, fans are greeted along the concourse by the Titans Wall of Honor, featuring names and jersey numbers of past Fullerton greats including Phil Nevin, Justin Turner, Kurt Suzuki, Tim Wallach and legendary manager Augie Garrido who is responsible for three of Fullerton’s four national titles. Along the first base dugout is the Pierre Nicolas Wall of Champions that pays tributes to Fullerton’s four National Championship teams as well as their past Golden Spikes Award winners. Also along the first base concourse you also get a full glimpse of the Anderson Family Field, home to the lady softball sluggers. No matter where you are in the yard, you feel a strong baseball vibe all the way to the accolades that adorn the walls of the concourses as well as the outfield fences. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood around the Cal State Fullerton campus offers a decent amount of off-campus dining, including your standard chains Five Guys Burgers and Panera Bread; Pepe’s Mexican is also a favorite among students for its huge portions and reasonable prices. Oggi's, a brewhouse that not only specializes in pizza but has a full dining area with multiple screens to view other sporting action, has several chains in Orange and San Diego counties, including Fullerton. If you have time to kill before a game, the Fullerton Arboretum, located on campus behind the right field fence, provides a nice nature like setting with trees and plants from around the world inside a 25 acre botanical garden. You will also be glad to know that the House of Mouse is just a short 15-20 minute drive from campus should you and your fellow travelers decide on paying that most famous mouse a visit. Should you happen to do your lodging in Orange County, plenty of options, though some on the pricey side are available surrounding the area around Disneyland and are a short drive from not only the CSUF campus but also Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. Fans 5 It is difficult to question the commitment of the Fullerton fans as they typically rank in the top 30 of college baseball attendance. Regardless of the opponent or day of the week, the larger capacity venue is often filled. With four National Championships, 17 College World Series appearances and frequent NCAA Tournament appearances since 1975, it’s no surprise that fans regularly fill the stands. The loyalty of Titan baseball runs true and deep among the Blue and Orange clad fans. If you get a chance, stop by Section A in the General Admission seats along the right field side. Out there is what fans simply refer to as The Superfan, a bearded fan with a Viking like voice that can be heard throughout the yard, and is at most if not all the games. Stop by and say hi, chances are he’ll not only take a picture with you but he may ask you to help him lead some cheers. Access 4 Titan Field is relatively simple to access via the 5, 57, and 91 freeways. In fact, the stadium is only 7 miles from both Angel Stadium and the Honda Center. Depending on when you go, you may even be able to make a baseball or hockey/baseball doubleheader out of your stay on The OC. Though parking is plentiful, you will want to give yourself ample time to arrive as the lots fill up quickly. Once inside, the concourse above the stands is very pedestrian friendly. The concourse flowing into the soccer stadium where the concession stand serves both venues helps immensely as fans are able to stroll the area there as well. The concourse that flows into the soccer stadium is where fans can purchase their sweet treats as those stands are set up there as well. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for most games are $18 for box seats, $11 for reserved, $10 adult general admission, senior GA $8, youth GA 8th grade and younger $6. With a high caliber program and fans regularly filling the stands, Cal State Fullerton is one of the few schools that take advantage of the premium game pricing. The good news is it’s only a $2 price increase. For games against Stanford, USC, UCLA and 3 game series against UC Irvine, Long Beach State and UC Santa Barbara, box seats go for $13, reserved for $13. Adult general admission goes for $12, senior GA $10, youth 8th grade and younger $8. With Fullerton baseball, there are not many down seasons; in fact, there is seldom a losing streak. Rarely do winning traditions equate fans turning away from the value proposition and consequently the stands are often full. Extras 5 After picking up a ticket to the game at the box office, fans will walk up a palm tree lined walkway, definitely providing a Southern California feel to the venue. At the top of the walkway, fans can look out onto the field and take note of some of the unique items the field offers. As you walk toward the press box along the concourse, on the third base side is a tall standup board that displays the starting lineups of both teams. Above the starting lineups on the wall is a display featuring Titan All-Americans, National Players of the Year, and other player accolades as well as honoring their four National Champion teams from 1979, 1984, 1995 and 2004. With a title from each decade since 1975 and Fullerton being a regular in the NCAA tournament, it’s only natural to think CSUF is due for another one before this decade ends. Along the first base concourse is the Pierre Nicolas Wall of Champions, and as you look out to the center field scoreboard, you will see flags of every team in the Big West Conference, presumably in the order of that day’s standings. Along the outfield walls, fans will notice these items: Circles with the year of National Championship teams in them on the left field wall. Close to the right field foul pole, the initials "MC" are listed. This is homage to Mike Campbell, a long time equipment manager who passed in 2011 after a long bout with cancer. A former Cal State Fullerton golfer, he was a staple of the Fullerton baseball program for many years, appearing at many games despite living in Santa Cruz. Lastly, in right-center field is a message that reads "The Saarloos Family says Good Luck Titans; only 1,544 miles to Omaha." This is an obvious nod to past championships and the pursuit of the next with the College World Series taking place in Omaha, NE. Final Thoughts Despite playing in the backyard of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the Titans remain one of the hotter tickets in Orange County. With four national championships and a team that is almost always certain to make a post-season run, it’s easy to see why fans here consistently fill up the yard. Of all the college yards I’ve had the chance to visit in Southern California, Goodwin Field, with their loyal fans and fan friendly amenities abound, may arguably be the best.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Ballpark at Harbor Yard 500 Main St Bridgeport, CT 06604 Sacred Heart Pioneers website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 5,300 Pioneers at Harbor Yard Sacred Heart University is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. The Pioneers baseball team plays its home games in the neighboring city of Bridgeport at the Ballpark at Harbor Yard. The Ballpark, built for the professional Bridgeport Bluefish, won the 2009 Atlantic League Ballpark of the Year award. Sacred Heart is a school with an enrollment of just over 6,000 students, which makes it the second largest Catholic University in New England. Over the past 20 years the school has made the transition from a small 12-sport Division II program into a full-fledged Division I school with 32 varsity sports. In 2013 the school made headlines by hiring ex-big league player and manager Bobby Valentine to serve as their athletic director. EDITOR'S NOTE: The stadium closed after the 2017 baseball season. The venue was converted to an outdoor concert amphitheater known as Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater. The Pioneers moved to nearby Veterans Memorial Park in 2019. Food & Beverage 0 Food is not sold at Harbor Yard during Sacred Heart games. Seeing all those concession stands unused may seem like a cruel trick, but fans are welcome to bring their own refreshments to enjoy while taking in the action. Atmosphere 2 When there are only a hundred or so people in a stadium that seats over 5,000, the place is going to look and feel very empty. That is the case at Pioneer games at Harbor Yard. While the fans that are in attendance are vocal and supportive, there is only so much noise that a crowd of this size can make. Likewise, the game day presentation is a scaled down version of what Bluefish fans are used to. The video board in right-center field is not utilized. There is the obligatory walk-up music and PA announcements, but nothing else to distract fans’ attention from the action on the field. Trains pass by the ballpark throughout the game, and from some parts of the ballpark fans can also watch ferries arrive and depart to and from Long Island. Neighborhood 2 The Ballpark at Harbor Yard and its next door neighbor, the Webster Bank Arena, built in 1998 and 2001, respectively, are located in a small neighborhood wedged in between Interstate 95 and the Long Island Sound waterfront. It was hoped that their presence would spur development in the area adjacent to the sports complex. Several buildings were razed to make room for both the stadia and the planned development. Unfortunately, this development has never occurred, leaving only a couple of large unpaved lots adjacent to the ballpark that are now used for parking. Downtown Bridgeport is located on the opposite side of I-95, easily accessible through several underpasses. This area carries a long-standing reputation as an area to avoid, particularly at night. As is the case in many cities, local leaders have worked hard to reverse this reputation, and several businesses have taken up residence in the area near the sports complex. Unfortunately, the area has not totally reached its potential, and many fans come to Harbor Yard solely for the events at the ballpark or arena and leave immediately afterwards. Fans willing to explore the area can find several fine restaurants and theaters in the area, as well as the Barnum and Bailey Museum. Fans 1 The crowds at Sacred Heart baseball games can easily be classified as the “friends and family” type of crowd. Early season crowds generally top out at about 100 fans, and don’t get too much larger as the season wears on. Even though Harbor Yard is only five miles from campus, there is no presence from the student body. Access 4 Ballparks don’t get much easier to find than The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. Located directly off Interstate 95, all one has to do to get to the field is take exit 27A (whether traveling northbound or southbound), follow the signs for a block, and you are there. Parking is available in a small lot behind the ballpark which is used by the Bluefish during their season. This lot is small, but sufficient for Pioneer games. There is a surface lot across the street from the ballpark and a parking garage next to the hockey arena should crowds ever grow large enough to require that much parking. Additional free parking can be found within a short walk of the ballpark. Despite downtown Bridgeport’s less than sparkling reputation, the area around the ballpark is safe. Getting to Bridgeport is a snap, as Interstate 95 passes directly through downtown. The city is located 60 miles northeast of New York City, an hour’s drive south of Hartford, and 20 minutes from New Haven. Amtrak’s northeast corridor trains pass directly behind Harbor Yard, with the station only a couple of city blocks from the ballpark. With the small crowds present at Pioneer games, fans will have no problem getting around the ballpark. While the concession stands are not open, the bathrooms are. But beware, they need a little TLC to bring them up to regular season standards. Return on Investment 4 There is no charge for admission or parking for Pioneer games at Harbor Yard. Although the Northeast Conference will never be rated alongside the nation’s powerhouses, the level of play is good, and you can’t beat the price. Extras 2 Although they have nothing to do with Sacred Heart, the Ballpark at Harbor Yard has a couple of touches that are worth checking out. In the plaza outside of the ballpark is a statue of baseball Hall of Famer and Bridgeport resident James O’Rourke, who is credited with getting the first hit in National League history. Located behind the press box is a mural of several area residents who made their way to the major leagues. Another extra point is awarded for the unique, industrial background here at Harbor Yard. With the giant power plant looming beyond the right field fence and the frequent commuter trains passing by throughout the game, Harbor Yard boasts a most unique backdrop. Final Thoughts Partnerships between minor league baseball teams and universities in the Northeast have proven to be beneficial to all parties involved (Lowell, Tri-city, State College, etc.). The seasons do not overlap, and this arrangement allows for the ballpark to be in use for additional dates. However, with the lack of support shown for the Pioneers at Harbor Yard, one has to wonder if the team would be better served by playing on campus. If you are planning a visit to southern Connecticut, remember that this is New England, and the weather can be very unpredictable at this time of year. Be sure to check with the team, as postponements, time changes, and even venue changes occur regularly in this part of the country. Follow all of Paul Baker’s ballpark and stadium visits on Twitter @PuckmanRI

Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Notre Dame Arena 15 Hillside Ave. Berlin, NH 03570 Berlin River Drivers website Notre Dame Arena website Year Opened- 1947 Capacity- 1,680 Home of River Driver Hockey The Notre Dame Arena is a community rink located in Berlin, New Hamphire. For decades, it has hosted local concerts, events and high school hockey. Since the fall of 2015 it has also served as home of the Berlin River Drivers, a team in the Federal Hockey League, a low level professional league with teams across the northeastern United States. In 1969 the roof of the arena collapsed due to the weight of accumulated snow, killing a local youth hockey player. Ironically, it was found that snow that had been piled up against the facility’s walls to help support them led directly to the collapse. Berlin is a small town of just over 10,000 residents located on the northern edge of the White Mountains just 60 miles from the Quebec border. For decades the town thrived on logging and wood industries. The team’s name derives from the town’s logging past, as a river driver is a person who moved logs from the forest to the sawmill using the currents of a river. Food and Beverage 3 There is a snack bar in the lobby of Notre Dame Arena which serves a decent menu. Hungry River Drivers fans can select from hot dogs, pizza, chicken tenders, french fries or nachos. Other snack items, including mozzarella sticks, pretzels and onion rings are also on the menu. Of course, being so close to the Canadian border, it’s not surprising to see poutine offered here. No item on the menu costs more than six dollars. Thirsty River Driver fans can choose from a variety of Coca Cola products. Warm drinks such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate are popular choices in this chilly rink. Alcoholic beverages are sold at the snack bar, with Bud Light the most popular choice here by far. Atmosphere 3 A trip to Notre Dame Arena for a River Drivers game is a long way, both literally and figuratively, from the bright lights of major league hockey. The first thing that will strike a first time visitor to Notre Dame Arena is the sense of community here. It seems that the entire town shows up to catch the action, and everyone knows everyone else in attendance. So what do you do when your home rink lacks any kind of mechanism for fancy pregame festivities? Why, you improvise, of course. During introductions the house lights are turned down and the fans take out their flashlights while the River Drivers take the ice. The gameday presentation here at Notre Dame Arena is pretty basic, as there isn’t a whole lot that can be done in this community rink. Music blares over the speakers during play stoppages. The scoreboard hanging at center ice displays score and time, and nothing else. The team holds a 50/50 raffle and chuck a puck during the game to raise money. Fans in attendance at a River Drivers game have a close bond with the players on the ice, and are really into the game. There is only so much noise a few hundred people can make, but in this tiny barn, the amount of noise put out is pretty impressive. Air horns and cowbells can be heard throughout the game, as fans come armed with a variety of noisemakers. After a River Drivers win, the team salutes the fans and take a victory lap around the rink, high-fiving the fans that line the glass. Neighborhood 2 Notre Dame Arena is located just a few blocks from downtown Berlin. Visiting fans won’t find a whole lot in terms of fancy restaurants or lodging options around, but there are plenty of decent options in Berlin and neighboring Gorham. With the spectacular White Mountains so close by, it’s not a surprise that there are many excellent ski resorts located just a short drive from Notre Dame Arena. When the weather warms, outdoor activities continue to be a strong draw in the area, as the Appalachian Trail passes through the town. Fans 2 The River Drivers averaged just over 600 fans per game during the 2016-17 season, good for sixth place out of the seven teams in the Federal League, and consistent with their inaugural 2015-16 season. The team’s first playoff game attracted 1,000 fans to the cozy Notre Dame Arena. In a small town like Berlin, it’s no surprise that there is a strong sense of community here. Most of the fans seem to know each other, and the rink is simply an extension of the local neighborhood or workplace the fans are coming from. The fans have a strong connection to the players, and the team to the fans. It’s not something you will find in a bigger city or higher level of pro hockey. Access 2 To paraphrase the old monster truck radio commercials, at a River Drivers game you are going to purchase the entire seat, but you are only going to use the edge! Fans do not sit down at a River Drivers game. Not during the game, and not during the intermission. Wear some comfortable shoes, and do not expect a clear view of the action. With the town of Berlin’s remote location, driving is really the only way to get to a River Drivers game. Located 40 miles from the nearest interstate (I-93), fans will take Route 2 to Route 16, which winds through Berlin. Be sure to enjoy some of the spectacular scenery as you drive through the White Mountains. Notre Dame Arena is a small facility in a small town. This makes it very difficult to get around when a decent crowd is in the rink. Fans enter the arena into a small lobby, where the snack bar, pro shop, tables and rest rooms are located. Add in a merchandise table, booster club table and trophy case, and it’s understandable that this area can get crowded in a hurry. Once you enter the rink, seating is located on both sides of the rink, with the majority of seating located to your right as you enter. All seats consist of wooden bleachers, which are sold as general admission. Many fans here eschew the bleachers entirely, choosing to stand at rinkside. Get here early, because these prime spots fill up quickly. Netting surrounds the entire rink, further blocking views around the arena. If you want an unobstructed view at a River Drivers game, you will have to stand at the glass. You’ll be blocking others, but hey, no one here seems to mind. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to River Drivers games cost only ten dollars at the door. Purchasing tickets in advance earns you a one dollar discount. Children under 12 and members of the military are admitted for seven dollars. Parking is free in the Notre Dame Arena lot or on the surrounding streets. Concessions are inexpensive as well, making this a very affordable entertainment option for northern New Hampshire hockey fans. Extras 2 Extra points are awarded for the strong sense of community here at Notre Dame Arena. It feels like every fan in attendance knows every other fan. Add in the fantastic support given the River Drivers during their inaugural visit to the playoffs in 2017 and the quirky touches like Flashlight Night and the victory lap, and Notre Dame Arena becomes a most unique place to take in some low-level pro hockey. Final Thoughts You are not going to stumble upon Notre Dame Arena by accident. Located deep in the White Mountains, you are only coming here by design. The facility is little more than your basic local community rink, but it is the place to be in the small town of Berlin on a Friday or Saturday night. Some aspects of the gameday experience may strike veteran fans as hokey, but River Driver fans sure seem to be enjoying themselves! Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos Courtesy of Canisius Golden Griffins Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Koessler Athletic Center 1829 Main St. Buffalo, NY 14208 Canisius Golden Griffins website Koessler Athletic Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 2,176 A Golden Opportunity for College Hoops It’s kind of old school, but it’s been given a much needed facelift. The Koessler Athletic Center, located on the edge of the urban Canisius College campus, is the home of Canisius Golden Griffins basketball. The facility also contains a gymnasium, swimming pool, weight room and other athletic training facilities. Opened in 1968, the arena underwent renovations to install chairback seating, new lighting, dot matrix scoreboards, sound system and refurbished floor. With a seating capacity of 2,196, it is one of the more intimate settings in all of division one basketball, with a feel of an old-school college or high school gym. The Griffins have appeared in four NCAA Tournaments in school history that have resulted in a 6-4 record: 1955, 1956, 1957, and 1996. The 1950’s team were by far the most successful squad making it into the regional semifinals and finals for three straight seasons. The school did return to glory capturing the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season title in 2018. Food & Beverage 2 Concessions aren’t exactly the strong suit here, as there is but one comfort station offering the very basics in stadium fare. A slice of pizza, nachos, pretzel or popcorn will run $2, a hot dog $3, and bottled soft drinks or iced tea $2. The prices, though, are about as low as you will find at any venue at this level. Alcoholic beverages are not sold here. So if you’re looking for culinary delights or that specialty sandwich, try elsewhere before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The first time patron will immediately feel and sense the intimacy of the place. Regulars and season ticket holders seem to know each other and the staffers who run the place on a first named basis. There is but one narrow aisle to get to one’s seat, and that is on the hardwood directly behind the media or scorers tables, so one can’t help but brush by the players and coaches. The end zone bleachers are saved for the students, and when they are full, the kids almost spill out onto the court and their presence is immediately felt. Add the Griffs mascot and the freshly scrubbed cheerleaders, who practically mingle into the stands, and it is a party with 2000 of your best friends. Neighborhood 4 The Canisius campus straddles Main Street, and almost sits on the boundary of one of the most opulent areas of the city- where the historic Forest Lawn cemetery and the Olmsted Parks system abuts some of the nicest neighborhoods and mansions. Travel a few blocks east and you’ll happen upon some of Buffalo’s most distressed neighborhoods. The neighborhood around Koessler itself is safe and clean, but nothing much to find in terms of walkable shops or bistros. Recommendations are up and down the Main Street corridor – southward hit up the famous Anchor Bar, birthplace of the chicken wing, or the Oakk Room, with its specialty martinis. Northward try the Central Park Grill, with hearty tavern food, or farther up yet the Lake Effect Diner. Fans 3 The regulars are what make the place. You’ll spot notable Canisius alums and former basketball greats from the Griffs who are still into the game and team and let their voices be heard. Chances are if you’re a newbie here who looks out of place someone will greet you and introduce themselves and make you feel welcome. The team draws fairly well, but with such a small venue capacity, it is not that hard to fill the place. Access 4 The Koessler Center is located right on the corner of Main Street and E/W Delavan, less than a mile south of the Main Street exit off the Scajaquada Expressway (rte 198). On campus parking is close by and free. On street parking in the neighborhood is also ample and free. Fans wishing to use public transportation can take the Metrorail, which runs from the First Niagara Center downtown all the way north to the SUNY Buffalo south campus. Exit at the Delavan/College station, which is right across the street from the Center. Return on Investment 4 Reserved (chairback seats) run $15. General Admission tickets, which include end zone seating run $10. Cheap eats. Free parking. Enough said. Extras 3 The entrance lobby and exterior concourse of the Koessler Center has seen huge upgrades, including a Hall of Fame which will also see some interactive elements. Very nicely done and deserving of a 2 star bonus. Add one star for the rivalry with Niagara University, their MAAC foe just 25 miles to the north of Buffalo in Lewiston, New York. These two schools battle it out for bragging rights in this region. It’s good fun and great to watch.

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

Photos by Gordon Sheldall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark 917 Mesa Rd Irvine, CA 92612 UC-Irvine Anteaters website Cicerone Field at Anteater Ballpark website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 2,900 Baseball in the Land of ZOT! UC Irvine (UCI for short) is a clean, beautiful campus located in sunny Orange County, California. They've got more than the nearby beach going for them, though. One of the coolest team nicknames in collegiate or pro sports is the Anteaters, and this school makes the most of its tongue-in-cheek moniker. Legend has it that two former water polo players came up with the nickname back in the 1960's, having been inspired by the insect-zapping anteater in Johnny Hart's comic strip, B.C. The school's athletic programs boast 28 national championships, including back-to-back NCAA Division-II baseball titles in 1973 and 1974. UCI's baseball program always fields a competitive team, and since 2002, have played in a ballpark sure to entertain and satisfy even the hardest-to-please baseball critics. Food & Beverage 5 The food and beverage options at Anteater Ballpark are varied and of very good quality and offered at reasonable prices. All of the food and beverage concessions are conveniently located on the concourse where you have a clear view of the action at all times. Nearby tables with umbrellas provide shade while you relax and eat, also within view of the field. This list is, by no means, exhaustive, but here are some of the culinary delights awaiting you at a UCI game: "Zotchos" (fried Tater Tots with sour cream, guacamole, bacon bits, salsa and nacho cheese); grilled Nathan's foot-long hot dogs, protein burgers, sausages, chili and onion rings. If you like tri-tip, you'll love the fact that you can have BBQ tri-tip on a sandwich, tacos, nachos and fries. The Acuna Chicken Club is delicious and there's a booth with Mexican food as well. Beer and wine are served here, along with the usual Pepsi products. Is it a warm day outside? There is flavored shaved ice to refresh you. How about a chilly night? UCI's got you covered with coffee and hot chocolate. If you have any appetite at all remaining, funnel cake should finish you quite nicely. Atmosphere 4 You have a great view of the game from everywhere in the ballpark. The seats behind home plate and extending to first and third base have chair backs which are very comfortable and each comes with a cup holder. There is a long grass berm called "The Anthill," always open along the first base side and stretching all the way out to the right field fence. There are no bleachers as there are trees behind the left field and center field fences. The parking structure looms high behind the right field fence with a large "438" painted on its wall. Presumably, a UCI engineering student with a sense of humor came up with the precise distance from home plate. The east-facing orientation of the field ensures that no fan will be squinting into the sun during bright afternoon games. I love the retro scoreboard with the analog clock, protruding flags and Erector set-like stanchions. A major improvement since the previous (5 years ago) review of Anteater Park is the installation of new speakers for the sound system. Now the PA announcements, walkup music and occasional "ZOT!" sounds from Peter the Anteater can be heard clearly throughout the park. Newkirk Pavilion, located on the third base side stands, is a structure added in 2007 that serves as a clubhouse and training facility for the ballplayers, but also hosts VIP donors and special events, providing excellent views of the game. It is adorned with MVP and College World Series trophies and features a bar under a smaller replica of the Anteaters scoreboard. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark is located on the UC Irvine campus. Within 2 miles of the ballpark, there is a good choice of restaurants ranging from the Anteatery (many vegetarian menu items) located across Mesa Drive from the ballpark to the Hen House Grill (Persian food) only 2 miles away in the Campus Plaza Shopping Mall. The Irvine Spectrum Center is 7 miles away and features attractions, entertainment and more dining options. The beautiful Irvine Barclay Theatre is on the campus, presenting a busy calendar of music, dance and theatre productions year-round. Fans 4 "Rip' em" (Call) - "'Eaters!" (Response) is the battle cry of the generally loyal and involved UC Irvine fans. The students also try to put the "whammy" on their opponents with the Anteater hand-sign, made by raising the index and baby fingers, forming a "snout" using the middle and ring fingers, while tucking the thumb underneath. There was a good attendance on the Sunday afternoon when I visited, and it was amusing to see the friendly "back-and-forth" carried on with the opposing team's supporters. UC Irvine wear is much in evidence at the games. The Diamond Darlings is an organization made up of female UCI students who support their baseball program through their on-campus spirit and community outreach throughout the season. They take part in several in-game promotions and are always happy to answer questions or assist fans. Access 4 Getting around the UC Irvine campus is pretty easy. The ball park can be accessed off of 2 main roads. Fans traveling on University Drive can turn south on Mesa Road and find the ball field and the Mesa parking structure on your right. It's not quite as easy, but if you are coming to the game on Campus Drive, turn west on W. Peltason Drive and make a right turn on Mesa Road. The next left turn will take you to the parking structure. Return on Investment 4 A Reserved seat will set you back $10 but all seats have chair backs with a cup holder and are very comfortable. Festival-style seating on the Anthill is 8 bucks, 6 for youth. Parking seems a bit high at $10; however it is in a parking structure adjacent to the field and there doesn't seem to be any cheaper alternatives. Food and drink are reasonable, considering the quality and choices offered. Extras 4 One extra star for the free 2017 UC Irvine Baseball Yearbook available at guest services while they last. It contains information on the ballpark, schedule, players, coaches, history and timeline of the baseball program at UCI, as well as numerous photos. There is a small souvenir stand on the concourse that sells school caps and other gear. Second star is for the Anteater bobblehead (although in a basketball uniform) and plush toys. A third star is well-deserved for the very friendly, helpful and well-staffed students and former students who run the ticket booth, guest services, concession stand, media relations, et al. with aplomb. The fourth and final star is for the overall family-friendly atmosphere that begins before the start of the game and runs throughout. One or more kids are allowed to run out onto the field with each position player who signs baseballs for them. Throughout the game, there are various contests for children, allowing them to win small prizes. Many families choose "The Anthill" to set up their chairs and watch the game while their kids play on the grass. I saw a several kids playing a touch football game while another younger child amused himself by playing with his set of toy dinosaurs. Final Thoughts Everything about Anteater Park seems to have been designed with the comfort and enjoyment of baseball fans in mind. In fact, I am hard-pressed to think of another ballpark, pro or amateur, that I have visited that hits so many "high spots" on the rating scale. See a game here if you are in the area during the season. It's well worth it.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 FAU Baseball Stadium 777 Glades Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33431 Florida Atlantic Owls website FAU Baseball Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 2,000 Boca Baseball Though one of the most successful teams in Florida’s college baseball ranks, FAU rarely draws nightly sellouts. Despite this, their home field offers a comfortable setting, with the biggest draw being the affordability of going to a D1 college baseball game with the whole family while on a tight budget. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are actually quite varied for college baseball and the price points are great. Nothing costs more than $5 which is great for a family or large group. At the high end of the price slider are bratwursts, chicken sandwiches, pulled pork, and fried oreos at$5 each. Next, you will find burgers, fries, chicken nuggets, and quesadillas for $4. Nachos, italian ice, and large bags of sunflower seeds run $3 while hot dogs, peanuts, churros, cracker jacks, and small bags of sunflower seeds run $2. Drinks range from $1 to $3. Beer will run you either $5 for domestics or $6 for imports. Atmosphere 3 The smaller crowd sizes tend to keep the pumped up energy you would look for at a college athletics event on the lower side, but you still can get the place rocking with a few big plays on the field. The fans who show up are a good mix of students, family & friends, and alumni. The seating is elevated in the main grandstands, giving you a higher view behind home plate than most baseball stadiums where the first row is at or just slightly above plate level. The appearance of a water treatment facility in the outfield is a bit of an eyesore though, and depending on the direction of the wind, can bring a slight chemical smell to the air. Along the left and right field lines are two big berms that give fans the best view of the action, with the right field berm being shaded by big palm trees. Neighborhood 4 Boca Raton is a beautiful part of Palm Beach County. In addition, FAU's campus is clean, South Florida-esque in appearance, and overall visually appealing. Not far from the campus is a beautiful strip shop that plays host to a P.F. Chang's, J. Alexander's Restaurant, Shake Shack, Whole Foods, Barnes & Noble, and more. Equidistant to the east of campus is the Atlantic Ocean. There, you can find a beautiful beach, as well as the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where visitors can get a look at some of coastal Florida's natural habitats and inhabitants, thanks to boardwalks through the mangroves and natural butterfly gardens. Near the beach, hotels are easy to find. What Boca Raton lacks in nightlife more commonly found in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the area more than makes up for in relaxation. In addition, Palm Beach International Airport isn't far from Boca Raton, with Fort Lauderdale and Miami less than an hour away, as well. Fans 3 The fans who show up tend to be sport knowledgeable, and the alumni who come are more than willing to tell you the stories of how the team played when they went to FAU. The lack of crazy rowdiness may cut back on the energy one may want in a college baseball game, but it also makes this a great place to bring kids without worrying about the words they may be hearing shouted at the referees. Access 5 Getting to FAU is easy to do. Unlike several sports teams or colleges where the campus stadiums are miles away from the highway exits, FAU is quite literally bordered by I-95 in Boca Raton. Also, just a few miles west is the Florida Turnpike. Once off the exit from I-95, the FAU campus is immediately visible. Parking is quite plentiful, and even if you get stuck in a lot or garage that is a little further from the stadium, the walk is not very far and is through a beautiful campus. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for FAU baseball are relatively cheap, starting at $5 for pre-sale and $7 for walk ups, with those prices rising to$12 for premium games. Group tickets can be purchased for as low as$1 each for groups of 50 or more. This low price point added to the low price of concessions means you get a lot of bang for your buck, especially when looking to take the kids out for a night of baseball. Extras 2 FAU’s owl mascot wanders around the games from time to time, entertaining kids in attendance. The school also usually has some sort of giveaways, whether they be team posters when you enter the stadium or through games played in between innings with the fans. Finally, the stadium features a dog area for those fans who want to bring their furry friends to the game. The left field berm is marked for fans with dogs, allowing you to still have a great view of the field while being allowed to bring Fido along with you. Final Thoughts The FAU baseball experience is solid and simple, making it a great choice for families. The facility may not be the biggest or most opulent, but its affordability is hard to argue with. If you’rein the area, one should consider an Owls baseball game, especially if visiting another of the nearby FAU sports facilities for another game that same day.

Photo by Gordon Sheldall, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Student Recreation Center 900 University Ave Riverside, CA 92521 UC-Riverside Highlanders website Student Recreation Center website Year Opened: 1994 Capacity: 3,168 Big West in the Inland Empire The city of Riverside is located 60 miles east of Los Angeles but even native Angelenos can forget how big and important an area it is. Riverside is the 12th largest city by population in California and has had tremendous impact on the state’s citrus industry. UC Riverside had its beginning in 1907 as an agricultural research station and opened for classes for the first time in 1954, explaining the number 54 on their mascot’s uniform. The UC Riverside Highlanders basketball team plays in the Big West Conference. The men’s team has never won a championship, unlike the UCR ladies, who have won three titles to date. Despite this, they regularly field competitive athletic teams and provide an entertaining diversion for the students and citizens of their community. Food & Beverage 2 There are no concessions inside the basketball gym where the Highlanders play so the only option is the Highlander food truck parked just outside the venue. You must get your hand stamped by Security so you can re-enter but you are allowed to bring your food and beverage inside the gym. They offer cheeseburger sliders, BBQ pulled pork sliders and BBQ shredded chicken sliders (2 for $4.39 and 4 for $7.99), a hot dog ($3.59), chili cheese dog ($4.59), pretzel ($3.79), nachos ($3.99) and a third-pound cheeseburger for $5.99. The quality and value are good. A great choice, whether you’re a vegetarian or not, is the tasty Black Bean burger ($4.99) which is served Memphis-style with coleslaw and sweet BBQ sauce on it. Snacks include candy, Cracker Jacks, chips and popcorn. Soda, water and Gatorade are the only drinks on the menu. No alcohol is available. Be forewarned – Because there are no other options, the line is long and takes considerable time. If you want to want to grab some grub at halftime, you should duck outside a couple of minutes before the half ends, else, you’ll get stuck in the queue and may even miss the start of the third period. Atmosphere 3 The school band adds a great deal to the atmosphere, playing fan favorites. There are so many cheerleaders I lose count; they are active in bringing the players on before the game, dancing, leading cheers and making the handstands and towers look easy. The scoreboard is top notch and there is a guest table on entry where you can pick up some cool free stuff (posters, schedules, etc.). The game program with rosters and the current Big West standings is free. “Scotty,” the university’s mascot, sports a Tam o’ Shanter and actively roams the stands to interact with fans. Neighborhood 3 Box Springs Mountain Park is located just to the east of the UC Riverside campus. There are walking trails among the natural beauty. There is also a botanic garden on the UCR campus. Otherwise, the neighborhood is the college campus, student housing and businesses that cater to the UCR students. The Getaway Cafe (directly across from parking lot #24 is a sports bar popular with the university’s students. If you don’t want to hang out there, the Sub Station is a well-reviewed sandwich shop near the Getaway Cafe. Fans 3 The attendance at the game I attended was neither paltry nor huge. Fans were seated in the stands on both sides of the court and seemed knowledgeable as well as loyal to the home team. It looked as though there was a good mix of students (especially athletes from other school teams), parents and alumni. They rooted their Highlanders on but shrugged off a close loss when it was over. Access 3 The campus is off CA Interstate 215 making the recreation center easy to find if you go in the daytime and do not make any wrong turns; otherwise, it can get tricky. Signage on the campus is poor. I advise printing out a campus map and bringing it with you in case you get lost. Use “UCR Student Recreation Center” on Google Maps to navigate but keep in mind that the parking lot is around the corner. Exit the 215 freeway at University Ave. and head east toward the mountains. The road curves to the left whereupon it becomes Canyon Crest Drive. Parking lot #24 will be on your right and the attendant will be there to collect your $10. You should feel safe leaving your car there as this lot is directly adjacent to the UCR Police Department. Be advised it is a bit of a hike from the lot, North past the Police Department, turn right at the corner of W. Linden St., pass the track and the Student Recreation Center will be on your right. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are $12 for an assigned seat but $10 for seniors, youth and military with ID. You can save another $2 by getting your tickets in advance online. There is a Guest Services table with schedules, posters and a free game program. Factor in $10 for parking and you can see a game here for under $20 which is a reasonable value. Extras 4 One extra star is credited for the fine band and another for the numerous cheerleaders to fire up the crowd’s school spirit. A third star is awarded for the nice scoreboard with big screen, though it would be enhanced if they used it to show replays and highlights. Currently, it just shows the live action and the occasional “fan cam.” Lastly, a friendly and helpful staff is a big plus. Final Thoughts If you are in the Riverside area and get a hankering to watch some college b-ball action, or if your favorite team is playing the Highlanders, then this venue may just fit your bill. The fans and staff are helpful and friendly. The campus is out-of-the-way from the usual SoCal tourist traps, but this may be the secret to its appeal for many visitors.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Northford Ice Pavilion 24 Firelite Place Northford, CT 06472 Connecticut Whale website Northford Ice Pavilion website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 1.200 The Newest Whale Pod The Connecticut Whale are one of the four founding members of the NWHL, North America’s first professional women’s hockey league. The league, now in its second season, has teams located in New York, Buffalo and Boston in addition to Connecticut. Teams generally play once per week, with the entire schedule consisting of 18 games. The league operates on funds raised from sponsors as well as the NWHL Foundation, a charitable arm of the league that raises awareness of women’s hockey through grassroots efforts. The Connecticut Whale are named in honor of the defunct NHL Hartford Whalers. After playing their first season in Stamford at Chelsea Piers, the team moved into the Northford Ice Pavilion, just outside of New Haven, for the 2016-17 season. Northford Ice Pavilion, often referred to as the NIP, is a multi-rink complex that contains three NHL sized ice sheets. In addition to serving as home to the Connecticut Whale, it is used for local high school hockey and youth games. The Pavilion was the home of the Quinnipiac hockey program from 1999-2007, when the team moved to the TD Bank Sports Center. Food and Beverage 4 There is a snack bar at the Northford Ice Pavilion that puts out an impressively diverse menu for a stand of its size. The snack bar offers a wide variety of breakfast items (served all day), appetizers, sandwiches, soups, pizza and snacks. Even more impressive than the variety of the menu may be the prices. No item served here costs more than five dollars. You can even order a whole pizza for only eight dollars. Coca Cola products are featured at the snack bar. If soda isn’t your beverage of choice, juices, water, slushies, coffee and hot chocolate are also served. No alcohol is served at this community rink. The entire menu can be viewed here. Atmosphere 2 There is nothing particularly fancy about the gameday presentation here at the NIP. Fans of college hockey will find a lot that feels familiar here, with the pregame introductions mimicking what you would find at any college rink. Unfortunately, there is nothing here at the NIP that indicates you are at the home of a professional hockey team. The banners and signage located here all belong to local youth teams. This doesn’t create much of a home ice advantage. The smallish crowd is very enthusiastic and dedicated, but does not make a whole lot of noise. Youth teams take the ice during intermission, with the youngsters participating in a shootout against the Whale’s backup goalie. Music plays over a tinny PA system during play stoppages, and announcements can be difficult to hear at times. It’s a laid back atmosphere, which seems to fit this small community rink perfectly. Neighborhood 2 The Northford Ice Pavilion is located in a small industrial park tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood in Northford, Connecticut. Fans traveling to Whale games will not find anything to do in the immediate vicinity of the NIP, unless you happen to know one of the locals. Visiting fans will find a few restaurants and hotels out by Interstate 91. If traveling from out of town, your best bet will be to head down to New Haven, which has a growing reputation as a foodie destination, and has more than its share of things to do for a small city. If visiting during the fall, Sleeping Giant State Park is located in neighboring Hamden, adjacent to Quinnipiac University. Fans 2 Since the NWHL does not release attendance figures, it’s a bit difficult to accurately gauge the size of the crowds at Connecticut Whale games. A good sized crowd can be found at the NIP for the Whale, although it is by no means overwhelming. There are a great many children in attendance, in particular young girls, who proudly sport their hockey uniforms or Whale gear. There is a nice community feel in the stands, as many of the fans in attendance are regulars who seem to know each other and have a personal connection with the players on the ice. Access 3 The Northford Ice Pavilion is located in the small town of Northford, about ten miles north of New Haven. It is easily accessed via Interstate 91 in either direction. Detailed driving directions can be found here. There is no public transportation that directly serves Northford, so driving is the only way to get to the NIP. The NIP consists of three NHL-sized ice sheets, designated the Red, White and Blue rinks. The Whale play in the Red Rink, the largest of the three, which is located directly in front of you as you enter the NIP lobby. Also located in the facility’s lobby is the snack bar, rest rooms, and skate shop. All of the seating in the Red Rink will be located on your left as you enter the chilly rink. All seating consists of aluminum bleachers. The walkway is located along the front of the seating area. The first row is elevated at the height of the dasher, so all seats have a good view of the action. Netting runs the entire length of the rink and obscures views from all seats. Fans wanting to take in the action from a different vantage point can stand at the near end of the rink, where the Whale shoot twice. Return on Investment 3 Tickets for Connecticut Whale games are sold as general admission seating for $20. There is no discount for children or seniors. Parking is free in the NIP lot. With reasonably priced concessions, a visit to see the Whale in action will not break the bank. Extras 2 As a fledgling league, the players in the NWHL accept a fraction of the salaries that their male counterparts receive. The NWHL has implemented a couple of unique measures to supplement player salaries. First, with every ticket over 500 sold, half of the profits are split between the teams playing that day. Second, Fifteen percent of all merchandise sold with a player’s name on it go to that player. If that’s not a reason to buy a t-shirt or jersey, nothing is. Lastly, the importance of having a professional women’s sports league cannot be understated after watching the young girls in attendance. Seeing the reverence with which the girls here, decked out in their youth uniforms, treat the players in the ice shows them that it is OK to care about sports and to excel at them. This point is reinforced during the post-game autograph session. The Whale give back to the community tirelessly with public appearances and hockey clinics aimed towards the numerous youth programs in the New Haven area. Final Thoughts While the Northford Ice Pavilion may come up short when compared to the NHL-quality facilities used by the other teams in the NWHL, it’s a solid home for the fledgling Whale. The NWHL has certainly experienced some growing pains in their second season, but the product on the ice is definitely worth a look. In hockey-mad New England, where there is no shortage of hockey to choose from between the professional, college and youth teams in the area, the Whale are beginning to carve out a niche as a “must see” option among local hockey fans. The team’s partnership with local girls youth hockey should prove invaluable in growing the women’s game in the future. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Martin McNelis , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.14 Ferrycarrig Park Ferrycarrig Park Y35 E296 Wexford, Co. Wexford Y35 E296 Ireland Wexford Youths FC website Ferrycarrig Park website Year Opened: 2005 Capacity: 2,500 Home of Wexford Youths FC Ferrycarrig Park, set in the southeast of Ireland, is the home of Wexford Youths FC who currently play in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division. County Wexford is probably more notable for its success in gaelic sports, but over the last decade the interest and progress in both men’s and women’s soccer has grown considerably. The club are one of the newer sides to ply their trade in the country’s two football association leagues and were formed as recently as 2007. They have flirted with promotion and relegation and are distinctive with their colours of black and pink which alternate on both their home and away kits. The club’s motto of ‘work hard play hard’ is visible on a crest situated on the floor of the social club entrance. Wexford Youths have a reputation of bringing through young players and also selling them on to the lower leagues of England, the most recent of these being Ryan Delaney moving to the English Championship with Burton Albion. The club’s most notable achievement was reaching the 2008 League Cup Final, which saw Ferrycarrig Park as the designated venue. With only one stand on the site, temporary seating was constructed to bring the capacity up to 3,500. Despite gaining home advantage for the fixture, they were dismantled 6-1 by an overpowering Derry City side. Food & Beverage 3 The club provide two options; the social club situated at the entrance which has basic bar facilities providing hot and cold drinks, and a snack van which is next to the Main Stand. The main options sold are burgers, hot dogs, chicken burgers at €3 and €4, a single sausage at a very affordable €1 and fish and chips at €7. Tea, coffee, cappuccino, soft drinks and water are between €1.50 – €2.50. Atmosphere 2 The ground is very open, and with only one stand and crowds of 500-1000 – depending on the opposition – Ferrycarrig Park is not one of Ireland’s most atmospheric venues. The majority of the home fans congregate on the right hand side of the Main Stand and there is no segregation. Although this a good thing from a family point of view, as you can take kids along and not feel threatened or intimidated, it possibly dilutes any singing or rivalry between home and opposing fans. Wexford Youths pride themselves on being a community club and the staff in the social club and stewards are friendly and welcoming. Having entered the ground, surroundings are very basic. The dugouts are situated on the right, and there is a perimeter fence behind them and both goals where fans have the option of standing to watch the match. Over the back of the right hand goal there are a couple of five a side astroturf pitches which will likely be used by local teams to train on. The solitary covered Main Stand runs for a good length of the pitch, seats six hundred people and is a temporary structure with a lot of supporting metal poles which will partially obstruct your view, and is reminiscent of the one at Bray Wanderers’ Carlisle Grounds. It is a very open venue and in poorer weather you will feel the cold and wind sweeping in from either side. The club are looking to invest in a more permanent stand and to develop the ground further, though no financial figures or timescales have been mentioned. With the Main Stand being elevated and the only covered area, it still provides the best view of the pitch despite the supporting poles, more so if you can get seated near the centre of the pitch. Neighborhood 2 Ferrycarrig Park is set in a very remote location some five miles from the town centre. With very little on offer nearby, the best option for food, drink and any entertainment is in Wexford town centre as the only options available are the limited offerings at the social club and snack van. Fans 2 The Wexford Youths fans are supportive, encouraging and patient with what is predominantly a young squad of players. In terms of songs and noise generated, there was nothing to suggest that there is a designated fan or ultras zone. Ferrycarrig Park currently holds 2,500 with 600 of that figure seated. The average attendance will vary between 500-1000 depending on the type of fixture and the opposition. Access 1 Ferrycarrig Park does not have regular transport links connecting it to the nearest urban centre of Wexford and is not the most accessible. It can be seen on the left from the N11 motorway, but is poorly signposted and it may take a couple of attempts to find the narrow entrance off the motorway. The generously sized car park can accommodate a large crowd, though the only road in and out does bottle neck on leaving the ground. There are three turnstiles and they are the only way you can enter the ground. Public transport is exceptionally poor and although there is a supporters bus that leaves from the town centre, it is not well advertised even for locals, let alone strangers or day trippers. You might find it simpler to take a taxi to the ground, which will cost between €10-€15. Return on Investment 3 With adults charged €15, concessions €8 and under 12s just €2, the admission costs are in line with other clubs in the division. The price of under 12s should help encourage the local younger generation to come along and support the team. Extras 2 The social hub is the clubhouse which offers great views of the pitch in extra comfort. You have the option of going into the club for a drink, using the toilet facilities, or going into the club shop which is set up on the left of the main door entrance. You can also buy a match programme from here. Final Thoughts Although the access to Ferrycarrig Park is awful, the pleasant but modest facilities and welcoming atmosphere make it a worthwhile trip. If the stadium upgrades are finally carried out, the experience will only improve in the future.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Health and Physical Education Arena 3100 Cleburne St Houston, TX 77004 Texas Southern Tigers website Health and Physical Education Arena website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 8,100 Welcome to the Tigers’ Lair The Texas Southern Tigers have enjoyed an almost unprecedented level of success as a basketball program in the SWAC. Since 1990, the squad from Houston has won six conference titles and made six appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The squad has done so from the comfort of their home court, the Health and Physical Education Arena. Built in the late 1980s, the arena is the perfect fit for a small-sized school that plays big time basketball. Food & Beverage 3 This ranking might be a bit unfair. The HPE (as it is known on the P.A. at the arena) has four separate food “kiosks,” one at each corner. As this was the last game of the season, only three were open. The stands that are open only take cash at games, so be forewarned. Two (three including the closed stand) offer traditional fare like popcorn, chips, candy, and nachos (which you can also add chili to). The closed stand appeared to also offer hot dogs, turkey legs and beer. The star attraction in the concessions department, however, is the chicken wings. You get a boat/basket full for $8 and they are easily the most popular item as fans queue up in deep waiting lines to get them. Another non-traditional concession favorite is their offering of the Cajun favorite boudain. For $6, you get an order of the sausage treat (still in its casing) and bread. Also, be sure to make a stop by Mam’s Sno Balls for some sweet treats. These made to order snow cones are also popular among the home crowd. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere, as would be expected for a program that has enjoyed as much success a Texas Southern, was electric at the HPE. The P.A. announcer does a tremendous job of getting the crowd fired up from the opening tip. The game starts with the tradition of no one rooting for the home team sitting until the Tigers score a bucket. The rafters surrounding the Coach Moreland Court are adorned with the banners of past success and the retired numbers of former great players. This adds the air of importance befitting of a program that has attained the success Texas Southern has. As always, college athletics are greatly aided by the pageantry that goes into games. The Ocean of Soul TSU Band and the Tigress Sensations Dance Team add even more fun and excitement to the atmosphere. Neighborhood 2 The HPE is located right on the Texas Southern campus. The campus itself is located right in the middle of a residential neighborhood. As such, there is not much in the way of attractions in the area. A few small restaurants can be found in the area, but that is about it in terms of things to see or do. On the plus side, Houston is the fourth largest city in the country. Within 15-30 minutes of leaving the campus in any direction, you can find a wealth of restaurants, hotels, and entertainment options. You will just need to do a bit of research beforehand. Fans 4 TSU fans are flat out fantastic. They are vocal, passionate, and tuned into the game for its entirety. The most exciting thing in paying attention to the crowd is the vast range in ages of Tiger fans in attendance. The stands are packed with a great mix of young and old fans alike. You can literally see multiple generations of TSU fans at each home game. While the HPE is designed to hold over 8,000 fans, do not expect to get that type of capacity crowd. However, with the fans that do attend – you won’t be able to help but get caught up in their frenzied passion for their team. Access 3 You can get to the Health and Physical Education Arena at Texas Southern fairly easily off of either Interstates 69 or 45, depending on where you are coming from in the city. Off the highway though, you will need to make sure your GPS is working! You will have to navigate through a neighborhood to find the arena. The great public transportation system that Houston has in its downtown area – aside from public buses – does not extend to this part of the city. Once there though, there is ample parking in the garage right behind the arena. Parking is often free for some home games. Return on Investment 5 General admission tickets for Tigers home games start at $10 per person. This is a great bargain as there really aren’t any bad sight lines in the building. If you couple this with the relatively low cost for concessions (the chicken wings at $8 are the highest costing item on the menu) and the opportunity to pay $0 for parking, this makes for a great evening of NCAA basketball. Playing in the SWAC and playing many non-conference games annually against a horde of some of the game’s biggest programs affords attendees to the HPE the chance to see some really great college basketball for a price that is easy on the old pocket book. Extras 2 While there aren’t many frills at the Health and Physical Education Arena, there are a couple of standout “extras” to highlight. In addition to the dance team, the Tigers cheerleaders are also great. They add the right amount of emphasis at the right moments in the game to keep the crowd energized and focused on the action on the court. Also, I would be remiss if I did not mention the school mascot, Tommy the Tiger. This guy is high-energy personified. When he isn’t heckling opposing players behind the basket on free throw attempts, he is seeking out small children and fans on the baselines to hug. When he isn’t doing that he is – no joke – hurdling trashcans at full speed sprints. “He” exemplifies what a great college mascot should be. Final Thoughts I didn’t have much in the way of preconceived thoughts prior to coming to the game at Health and Physical Education Arena. Upon visiting it, I came away impressed with the building (despite its obvious age) and the TSU fan base. This campus is full of legacy, history, and culture. The basketball team has a glorious winning tradition. If you are in Houston and looking for some big time hoops action, head over to the HPE.

Photos by Sander Kolsloot, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Oakwell Grove St Barnsley, England S71 1ET Barnsley FC website Oakwell website Year Opened: 1887 Capacity: 23,009 Barnsley FC Barnsley is a place that seems not to have changed for a while, or at least that’s the impression you get when you arrive at the main railway station before the game. A rather sleepy former coalmining and glassmaking town, Barnsley rests easily aside the beautiful Peak District in South Yorkshire. The industrial heritage is still there and the locals still take pride in the Brass Bands that were formed as part of the industrial nature of the city. Barnsley itself is most famous in England for the ‘Barnsley Chop,’ which is a bigger cut of the lambs leg. Football has been a mainstay here, as Barnsley FC was established back in 1887, making it one of the older clubs in English professional football. The team itself has gone through various times of promotion and relegation. After the first World War, the team was in the Second Division of English football and had high hopes of gaining First Division status. As was the case at that time, Arsenal F.C. had a very influential owner with some deep pockets, who needed to get attention and crowds to his Highbury club. Some wheeling and dealing, a ballot vote and nailbiting later, Arsenal gained a spot in the First Division and Barnsley was sentenced to another 80 (!) years of second tier football. Although Barnsley came close on various occasions to gaining promotion in the early decades of the last century – notably missing promotion in 1922 on a -1 goal difference- the team somehow stayed alive in the Third and Fourth Divisions, being relegated twice to the latter and gaining promotion as many times. In the end, the 1980s provided a spark for the squad and Barnsley managed to settle themselves in the Second Division. Even with the introduction of the play-off system, they never managed to get to the First Division. In the 1990s, with the creation of the Premier League, they vied for promotion and eventually, after 99 years of trying, succeeded in the 1996-97 season. It didn’t last long, as they were relegated the year after. The 21st century saw Barnsley in big trouble, both on and off the field. The ITV crisis hurt the club very much financially and only a last minute save from the mayor kept the club alive. On the field, the club was relegated to League One, got up again halfway in the 2000s, were relegated again in 2014 before returning to the second tier once again last summer (2016). The site and stadium of Oakwell dates back to 1888, the year after the founding of the club. The original field belonged to another club, but the owner at the time, Reverend Preedy, succeeded in persuading the Oakwell owner to let his Reds play there, on the condition ‘that they behaved themselves.’ Ever since then, Barnsley has called Oakwell its home and in the early 1900s the signs of a true stadium came across, mainly with the construction of the Hayselden West Stand. The west stand is the part where Oakwell comes to life. It’s the original west stand dating back to 1904. Some of the seating is still original, but parts have been converted from terracing to seating back in 1995 as a result of the ruling after the Hillsborough disaster. This part of the stadium has always housed the dressing rooms, ticket office, and nowadays the club shop and managers office too. The stadium was originally part seating, part terracing but in the 1990s it was turned into an all-seater. First, a new East Stand got built in 1993. This was the first stand in Yorkshire to incorporate VIP seating. A couple years later, a new South Stand followed, which was completed in 1995. Works were completed on a new North Stand in 1999. The north stand, which houses the away fans, was developed at the turn of the millennium from an open-end seated stand of around 2,000. It now holds more than 6,000 spectators and boasts state-of-the art academy facilities in its bowels. The cost of this stand have been part of a huge debate, as its £4.5 million final cost has never seemed to give a viable investment return. It must be said that the stand was built around a time the club had just been relegated to the Championship. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage section in the stadium is somewhat standard and in a general sense more limited than the options at a Premier League venue. Please note that if you fancy an alcoholic beverage, you are only allowed to enjoy it on the concourse, with no view of the pitch. They cater for the need to watch the game with screens, but if you like watching the game on the telly, you’d be better off heading to a bar. The selection of food is rather limited with some crisps and chips that can be had for £2. They have a bigger selection of pies (steak, meat & potato, cheese-onion, chicken balti) for a decent £3.20. Alcoholic beverages include Carling, Worthingtons and Magners cider. The beers are on tap, with half a pint for £1,90 and a pint for £3,80 not likely to break the bank. Soft drinks go for £2 a bottle. Coffee and tea are the same. Meal deals (a pie with a drink) are just £5. It’s all very reasonable, but of limited choice. Atmosphere 3 Although the club has only just been promoted, expect a decent amount of people to attend the game. This adds to the atmosphere, as fans will be singing and shouting before and during the game. There’s a vast group of fanatical followers that will support the team no matter what. It’s an old venue, especially with the old main stand, so a lot of the noise will fade away in between the stands. The Spion Kop, Barnsley’s south stand, houses the most fanatical part. Neighborhood 2 Barnsley in itself is a relatively sleepy town in between Sheffield and Leeds. Its city centre, only a 15-20 min walk up the hill, houses some good pubs and a couple of nice restaurants. The area around the stadium though is a typical British working class neighbourhood. Not a lot to fancy and the stadium is tucked in between houses and some industrial space. The view onto the stadium on top of a small hill is indeed one to savour. So if you’re interested in grabbing a traditional pre match drink, head to the White Bear or The Old No. 7 downtown. If you fancy some good grub, the Grill Pit will more than meet your needs. Plates are filled with loads of good meat at very reasonable prices. Tap beer varies in sort and price, but all premium drinks are on offer. A more local experience is just a stone’s throw from the railway station, at The Court House. This is a classic English pub which the locals frequent. It’s the closest one to the ground if you’re in the city centre. Somewhat closer is a nice gem called the Old Mill Brewery – The Dove Inn, which offers local brews and a great pre-game atmosphere. It’s one of the best options if you fancy a pre-match pint. Fans 4 If you are at a Barnsley game, you will mostly find people who either fell in love with the ground and its historic stand or have somehow become attached to the club. As there are multiple options in the area (most notably Leeds, both Sheffield clubs and even Huddersfield, Doncaster and Manchester’s giants further down the road) you will encounter people who love the club to death. Access 4 Getting to the ground is fairly easy. If you arrive by train, the stadium is just a quick 10 min walk away. Trains go regularly in the direction of Leeds/Huddersfield or Sheffield and leave till around midnight. If you happen to be in Barnsley, walking is your main option, although UBER taxi service will get you almost anywhere for a fiver. There is also a bus stop nearby, where the 26, 27 and 28 lines are the main ones going to and from the central railway station and city centre. For the less abled among us, there’s a dedicated South Side corner stand, build in 2014, that provides more than 70 disability spots. Return on Investment 3 While Barnsley might not be on top of your to-do list, it is indeed one to consider. For the true Stadium Journeyman, the oldest main stand in England is one to consider. It hasn’t got the flair of Fulham, or the ooze of Anfield. It’s a historical landmark, but without the buzz. Tickets aren’t cheap though, as a £20 note will not get you in. On matchdays, a £2 increase can be found on the original ticket price. Compared to Fulham for example, which is in London, has better seating and is in a somewhat nicer place, the return on investment isn’t one to die for. Tickets go from £23 for games against lower tier clubs to as high as £36 for higher tier clubs. Occasionally they try to lure in supporters with sale prices, but this will only be for, say, Friday games. Most recently, the game against Forest in November 2016 was priced at £15 per ticket. Extras 2 There’s a fan shop and it has a fair amount of memorabilia for its size. The aforementioned original home stand is indeed special, but isn’t something extra. Furthermore, there are no additional tours, statues or things to mention. The place is therefore just a good old English football ground. Final Thoughts Oakwell has a long and storied history as a venue, but if you are looking for much beyond the sport itself it is not an essential tourist destination on the groundhopper’s list. If, however, you are tired of sterile, modern grounds that have no character, Barnsley FC’s home offers an alternative that allows you to indulge a passion for classic English stadia.

Photos by Joe Rogers , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Gallagher Center 2009 Niagara University Lewiston, NY 14109 Niagara Purple Eagles website Gallagher Center website Year Opened: 1949 Capacity: 2,400 Purple Reigns Just a long jump shot’s distance from breathtaking Niagara Falls and the Canadian border sits the quaint little village of Lewiston, New York, home to Niagara University. Centrally located on the campus of this Catholic school of 4,000 students sits the 2,400-seat John J. ‘Taps’ Gallagher Center, a multi-sport arena named after the long-time men’s basketball coach who led the Purple Eagles for 31 seasons before retiring as the then 12​th​ winningest coach in college basketball history. A well-lit, sharp looking floor is named ‘Layden Court,’ an honor to another former head coach Frank Layden, who spent eight seasons commanding the sidelines here prior to a very long and successful career in the NBA. It is where the Purple Eagles have had considerable success winning a few Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season and conference titles on their way to three NCAA Tournament appearances and another 13 trips to the NIT. Food & Beverage 3 Below the Layden Court playing surface is the Student Center of Niagara University, a popular hub commonly referred to as the “Gally.” The Gallagher Center is quite diminutive in stature, but food and beverage options abound after investigating a bit. Here you will find a mall-style food court with quite a variety including a Poblano’s (Mexican), Pizza Express, J. Clark’s Grill (known for their burgers and sandwiches), Subway and the internationally known Tim Horton’s Cafe. Options are plenty, and the prices are quite reasonable with the student’s budget in mind. Atmosphere 3 For the well traveled basketball fan, the Gallagher Center is not going to blow you away at first glance. However, for the true basketball fan, and in particular a Purple Eagle fan, it has to be appreciated for what it is, which is a small arena that packs a big punch. There is not a bad seat in the house (and reserve seats come with chair backs), and although the Niagara program has struggled a bit as of late, the fans continue to show up and support as was the case during our visit in which 2,500 vocal fans showed up on a snowy Sunday afternoon to cheer their beloved Purple Eagles on. The N-Zone is Niagara’s official spirit/cheering organization, a sea of purple located behind the basket that can elevate the home team and its fans with the energy that they generate. The “Gally” is a great place to get in from out of the snow and enjoy a warm cup of coffee and a snack prior to tip-off, or venture down at halftime and check on other scores at one of their comfortable TV lounge areas. Neighborhood 2 Niagara University seems to be a small world unto its own as there is absolutely nothing of mention within walking distance to the university. The Griffon Pub (any one of three locations), is a short drive from campus and is a must stop prior to, or following the game with an extensive food menu, and over 60 beers on tap and a few televisions to enjoy other games. Fans 3 Purple Eagle fans are a very vocal group and seem to be very knowledgeable and in tune with the action on the floor. The students inhabiting the N-Zone are electric at times, creating a great atmosphere to take in a game. Access 3 Navigating your way to Niagara University and the Gallagher Center in particular is easy. It is conveniently located off of Interstate 90 and Robert Moses Parkway. Once on campus, just follow the signs that will steer you towards the arena. Once inside, real estate is limited, especially just minutes before a tip-off, so I’d immediately head for the “Gally” to grab a drink and relax for a minute to let the crowd filter in before making the move to your seat. Return on Investment 4 The Gallagher Center’s ROI is rated as moderate to high. With very good General Reserved seats priced at $12 ($17 for a chair back) and children’s tickets starting at $7 this is a great bargain. Parking is within a convenient walking distance and is free. The MAAC offers up some high quality of play with a few NCAA Tournament wins over the years including Manhattan’s upset of #5 seed Florida in 2004 and Siena’s demolishing of #4 seed Vanderbilt in 2008 and their victory the following year over Ohio State. A match-up with nearby rival Canisius College would elevate this ROI to high as the atmosphere inside gets pretty intense. Extras 4 The Purple Eagle Hall of Fame upon the Gallagher’s Center entrance is a nice look into their storied history with a display of memorabilia from past athletic accomplishments, as well as plaques of those who were inducted into the Hall of Fame including NBA great Calvin Murphy, Larry Costello, Hubie Brown and Frank Layden. Monte the Purple Eagle, who recently underwent a make-over is a handsome bird, complete with streamlined wings, taloned feet, his very own basketball uniform and was there greeting fans as they entered the arena. Niagara University staff are friendly and very helpful and made our visit to this tiny campus a memorable one. At the mere mention of free parking, one naturally begins to think they are in for a great experience and that was certainly the case here. Final Thoughts These are the types of arenas that I personally love to visit. The mid-major schools that fly under the radar until March Madness happens upon us and one of the Power 5 schools receives an immediate punch to the gut following the opening tip. These fans, although small in numbers, are genuine, passionate and infectious, and although we realize it or not, they are one of the reasons we root for that MAAC school, or any other small school when matched up with a Goliath. I’d make a return trip to the Gallagher Center any day. Follow my stadium journeys on Twitter @JoeRogersCFBR.

Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Easter Road 12 Albion Place Edinburgh, Scotland EH7 5QG Hibernian FC website Easter Road website Year Opened: 1893 Capacity: 20,421 Hibernian FC Scarves are held high and voices lifted as the largest crowd at Hibernian in 23 years (20,205) belt out their club anthem ‘Sunshine on Leith.’ It’s spine tingling stuff as Easter Road celebrates a 3-1 Scottish Cup 5th round replay win against arch rivals Hearts. The 3,800 away supporters in the south stand start the mile-and-a-half trek back to Edinburgh city centre. Hibs have played at their home on Albion Road since 1893, with a full refurbishment completed in 2010. With 4 individual stands it’s the archetypal set up; three of the sides are two tiered, the noisy east stand simply one big bank of bouncing support. Whilst the ground is completely rebuilt, with the structures and sight lines transformed, you can still feel the considerable history as you step into the arena sensing it’s a special place to watch football. Food & Beverage 3 If you choose to eat in the ground there are the usual establishments in all the concourse areas. Service in the upper west stand is quick and the staff friendly. It is good to see some variety in the menu with pepperoni pizza (£4) and chicken curry deluxe pie (£3.10) alongside the usual burgers, hot dogs and snacks. A half time cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate will set you back £2.20, which is a little on the steep side. Coke (22oz) is £2.50, Ribena is £1.90 and an Orange Capri Sun just £1.50. I went for a steak pie (£2.60) which, although it looked a little on the small side, turned out to be a good choice. Atmosphere 5 At the game of this review, the atmosphere was excellent as you’d expect for a cup match against local rivals under lights. One club official suggested it even topped the big European nights v AEK Athens in 2001 and v Dnipro in 2005. The game itself was played out at a frenetic pace. Hibs raced into a three goal lead before Hearts pulled a goal back midway through the second half. Hibs were very much in the ascendancy though, made even more impressive by the fact they currently play one league below their visitors Hearts. Sight lines are good from all four stands. The top corner of both end stands are cut off providing a glimpse of character and there is a small scoreboard at the south end of the ground. My seat was in the west stand which had a great view over proceedings. The lower east is the place to be for a good sing and shout. The whole ground is covered but front seats may attract the inclement weather Scotland is sometimes known for! Neighborhood 5 Edinburgh is an incredible city that demands that you stay for a few days at the very least. For football fans you could attempt to visit other local teams like Spartans, Leith Athletic and Edinburgh City as well as today’s opponents Hearts. There’s also Murrayfield Stadium to the west of the city which is the home of Scottish rugby. Accommodation options are of course numerous. My recommendation is to stay at a superb B&B; called A-Haven on Ferry Road. Call David there for a really good room and breakfast for a really good price. If you stay at A-Haven you can cut through to Leith Walk easily and even stop off at Bonningtons, a great local pub recently rebuilt after a fire. Alternatively you can join the ‘River of Leith’ walkway, a conservation walk which will take you towards the town centre described as a ‘silver thread in a ribbon of green.’ The Beer House at Waverley Station is a good start for those heading to the game and arriving by train. A pint of ‘Scotlands favourite beer,’ Tennent’s, costs £3.85 and has food options such as sausage & mash at £8.50 or chicken burger and chips £9.50. Then head down Leith Walk for numerous pub options before cutting across to Easter Road where you can visit fans favourite ‘Four in Hand.’ This is a great local pub where the singing starts early with football on the tv, and it is a great place to meet passionate Hibs fans. ‘The Office’ is a newer looking bar opposite, which also looks busy with the football on and seems friendly enough. Both sell locally made ‘Crabbies’ – alcoholic ginger beer worth trying; you will either love it or hate it! The Iona bar further up Easter Road can complete a hat trick of decent bars to visit. To drink at the ground head to ‘Behind the Goals’ which has cheap drink, food and live music. Just show your match ticket to get inside. City guides for Edinburgh are plentiful. They’ll tell you about a visit to The Brittania moored in Leith docks, a climb up to Arthur’s Seat and of course the delightful Edinburgh Castle. At the top of Leith Walk there is the Omni Centre which has a Frankie and Benny’s, Nando’s, Filling Station etc. plus a 12 screen cinema. For a little more culture, the Edinburgh Playhouse is next door. On Sunday morning head to Central Church in the centre of Edinburgh to meet a great bunch of friendly and inclusive locals (@centralchurched). Fans 4 On this occasion Hibs fans excelled; loud, passionate, relentless in their support and ultimately rewarded with a fine win. Hibs Historic Trust meet monthly and seek to ensure the rich history around the club is remembered and celebrated. Join them for one of their monthly meetings if you can. Songs on the night included ‘On our way, two in a row,’ ‘Green Army,’ ‘Hail hail the Hibs are here’ and the mesmerising ‘We are Hibs’ to the tune of runaround Sue which is still bouncing around in my head one week later! Hibs average league attendance in 2016/2017 is just above 15,000, easily the highest in their league. In fact that support is the 4th highest in Scotland even taking into account top flight teams. Edinburgh news reported the next day that fans could be heard ‘three miles away’ as they roared their team to victory. Access 3 Getting to the ground is straightforward whether you arrive by car, train or plane. Edinburgh airport is to the west of the city with an excellent tram service that will get you into central Edinburgh. Waverley is the main train station which is about 1.5 miles from the ground. If you come by car the roads around the ground are quite narrow and be careful to ensure you don’t park in ‘residents only’ spaces. Getting into the ground is simple enough, and you can pick your ticket up from the office on the corner of the west stand and the Famous Five stand. If you have any particular access issues simply contact the club in advance. The club website and social media will keep you up to date with any changes to the match day timetable, also providing team news and match reports. Their twitter handle is @hibernian_fc. Other good fans twitter sites include @hibernianfcnews, @hibeehibernian, @fourinhandhsc, @follow_hibees and @hibstrust. Return on Investment 4 Overall I’d say it’s great value to visit one of Scotland’s iconic clubs. If you choose the restaurants and bars in Princes Street, the Royal Mile and The Haymarket in the centre of Edinburgh then of course you will get clobbered. Stick to the establishments from this review and your pocket won’t suffer too much and you’ll get a more than satisfactory return on investment. Tickets are priced at £22 for adults and £12 for concessions. The match day program costs £3, which is average for this level. Extras 4 Head to the club shop which is situated directly behind the ‘Famous Five’ stand. It’s a spacious shop with a friendly staff team, headed up by Neil, an Englishman (and Southampton fan)! All the usual merchandise is available, all of course in green and white, including a gnome which Neil helpfully showed off especially for Stadium Journey readers! The find of the day however was nestled in a small shop unit on Albion Road. The football program shop run by Brian Johnson is an absolute mine of programs going back over 60 years: Hibs programs, Scottish internationals, cup finals, non league and much much more. The shop is open all week and of course on match days. Well worth a visit! Final Thoughts Ok, so I chose a top match to attend, but the city of Edinburgh is simply stunning and if you get to watch a derby match too then it’s a winning recipe. Sing along to the ‘Sunshine on Leith’ classic, written by local band The Proclaimers, at the end of the match and you’ll be offered your money back if the hairs are not standing on the back of your neck by the end of the song!

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Cameron Hall 401 N Main St Lexington, VA 24450 VMI Keydets website Cameron Hall website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 5,029 Keys to the Kingdom Cameron Hall was built in 1981, and has a capacity of 5,029. The venue is home to the Virginia Military Institute Keydets basketball team, but also hosts the school’s annual commencement ceremony, as well as other large scale events, such as plays and concerts. The facility was named after brothers Bruce and Daniel Cameron, both of whom graduated from VMI, and who contributed $2.3 million toward Cameron Hall’s construction. The venue has been upgraded several times since it was built, most recently in 2007 when a new court was installed. In addition to the basketball arena, the facility also houses VMI’s athletic department offices, including a library and reception area, as well as five racquetball courts (in the basement). In July 2013 Cameron Hall was named one of the top venues in mid-major basketball by MidMajorMadness.com. The highest attendance ever recorded at Cameron Hall (5,029) came in 2009 during a game versus Liberty University, and that remains the venue’s only sellout. Food & Beverage 2 Cameron Hall has two concessions stands, one on each end of the facility (in the hallways behind the nets), and both serve the same items. There are only seven items available, namely hot dogs, chicken breast sandwiches, Papa John’s pizza slices, and popcorn ($3 each), as well as chips, packaged candy, and bottled beverages ($2 each). Beverage selections include Pepsi products, Gatorade, and VMI H2O, which is school-branded bottled water. Atmosphere 3 The best thing about attending a VMI basketball game is seeing all of the cadets and alums wearing fatigues, which is a pretty impressive sight. The kangaroo mascot is also really cool, and has been known to get in the ref’s face if he or she makes a call against the Keydets. In terms of amenities, the concourse surrounding the arena is a bit depressing, with mostly plain gray concrete. However, the staff has recently added lots of décor to the walls, include large pictures, a trophy case, and a “Wall of Fame” showcasing notable players. There are also lots of banners hanging above the court. On the plus side, once you get into the arena itself, all of the seats are chairbacks, and they are painted different colors in each section, making is easier to find your seat. Neighborhood 4 Lexington, VA is a very small town with a population of only about 7K, but nevertheless is home to two colleges: VMI and Washington and Lee University. The architecture in the area around Cameron Hall is very stately, and looks elegant despite its uniformity, or perhaps because of it. There are several restaurants not far from the arena, so you should be able to park on one of the neighborhood streets for a couple of hours and eat before or after the game; just be sure to check the signs to make sure you aren’t parking for too long, or during off hours. Bistro on Main is a great choice, with a menu that includes southern and French-inspired dishes, or you might try the Red Hen, known for its Shenandoah cuisine. Alternatively, if you are in the mood for some outstanding barbecue, a few minutes from downtown is BeameupBBQ & Café (the owner’s name is Scottie); while fantastic, this eatery is only open from 11-4 Tuesday thru Friday, and 11-3 Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday). Like much of Virginia, Lexington is a hotbed for military history, and there are several attractions of this type in the area. First is the Stonewall Jackson House, located just off Main Street; this is where the famed Confederate general resided prior to the Civil War. You can also visit the gravesite of Robert E. Lee, which is inside the Lee Chapel on the campus of Washington & lee University, or the Virginia Museum of the Civil War, located on Letcher Avenue. Alternatively, the George C. Marshall Museum is also located in Lexington, and celebrates the career of the main architect for European reconstruction following World War II. Fans 3 Unfortunately, for most of its games Cameron Hall does not draw a very large crowd, averaging only about 1,000 in attendance, except during the annual rivalry game versus The Citadel, and even that game only draws about 3,500. As mentioned previously, the venue hasn’t had a sellout in nearly a decade, so there generally won’t be much energy inside the building. However, given that VMI is a military school, it is neat to see so many cadets and alums showing up in fatigues, which is a pretty impressive sight to see (although during certain games you may see cadets wearing matching red shirts with fatigue pants instead). Furthermore, even though the rest of the stands may not fill up, there is an incredible amount of passion from the cadets and alums in particular, thanks to the camaraderie they feel for the school; the cheers and shouts from these two groups of fans is especially loud. See the video below to witness the fans in fatigues during a game: Access 4 Getting to Lexington is fairly easy, even though it may be a bit off the beaten path depending on where you are coming from. You can also usually park for free during VMI basketball games, but there are no “real” lots to speak of; you just have to find parking on one of the side streets, or in one of the small lots dotted around campus. One you get inside Cameron Hall, moving around is simple enough. The concourse may seem a tad bit narrow, but there is plenty of room inside, especially given the small crowd size, and the bathrooms are enormous, with plenty of stalls. Lines at the concessions are minimal, and inside the arena itself there are plenty of stairways that crisscross through the seating area, so getting to your seat is simple enough. In fact, there is even a walkway above the last row of seats, which you can use to go up and over to get where you need to be. Fans should plan to enter Cameron Hall through the main entrance, on the Main Street side; there is a back entrance but it seems to be reserved for staff and other officials. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to VMI basketball games at Cameron Hall are only $5 for general admission, and considering that you can park for free and eat cheaply at the concessions, this represents a really good value for college basketball. Given that the Keydets have not made the NCAA Tournament since before this writer was born, you may not always see the team pull out a victory, but the chance to see the swath of military clothing in the stands makes a visit worthwhile. Extras 2 The additional décor on the walls in the concourse has added some color, and makes it a little less stark as you walk around. The mascot also deserves some credit for his antics, and you can see him interacting with fans throughout the game, especially the cadets. Final Thoughts While probably not seen as a powerhouse program, seeing a VMI basketball game at Cameron Hall should not disappoint. For the best experience, you may want to wait for the annual game against the Citadel, when the venue will be at its fullest, but any game would still be enjoyable, and easily manageable from a cost perspective. Also, there is plenty to see and do in Lexington and the surrounding area.

Photos by Marc Viquez and Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Wings Event Center 3600 Vanrick Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49001 Kalamazoo Wings website Wings Event Center website Year Opened: 1974 Capacity: 5,113 You Can’t Get Much Better than K-Wings Hockey The Kalamazoo Wings have been a mainstay in minor league hockey since its founding in 1974. Even though the current incarnation of the team began in 2000, there has always been K-Wings hockey at the Wings Event Center (formerly Wings Stadium), first in the International Hockey League, then the United Hockey League, and now ECHL. Toriginalnal club operated in the IHL from 1974-2000 capturing back-to-back Turner Cups in 1979 and 1980. The K-Wings played in front of packed houses routinely fostering nearby rivalries from Toledo, Ft. Wayne, Saginaw, and Muskegon. However, the team would cease operations in 2000, but would be replaced with a new team in the UHL the following season. The Wings Event Center is a 5,113 hockey arena featuring its original burnt orange, burgundy, and brown seats, a low ceiling, and a narrow main concourse housing four concession stands, and three bars (one at ice level). The arena has the look, smell, and definitely the character of an old hockey barn. The most impressive feature of the entire arena is the 2,300 square foot video scoreboard that was part of a $2 million improvement to the facility in 2012 to add high-tech capacity to the venue. The K-Wings are also innovators, being the first to paint the ice green for St.Patrick’s Day in 1982. Since then, the team has painted the ice orange for Halloween, and pink for both Valentines Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Food & Beverage 4 There is quite a bit of food and drink for an arena that is over 40 years old. It is suggested to look out for special deals since there seems to be quite a few deals at each home game. There are four main concession areas offering hot dogs, chicken tender baskets, brats, nachos, and burritos. There are also specialty items including grilled mushroom swiss burgers and spicy bacon burgers with ghost pepper. If you are looking for pizza, Hungry Howie’s has you covered. Kalamazoo is home to local breweries Bells and Arcadia, along with a slew of other breweries; it is not surprising that you would find a cornucopia of craft beer selections at the arena. The Craft Beer Depot features 50 bottled varieties that are only $4.50. The beer prices range from domestic/craft: canned $7/$8.50, 16-ounce $5.75/$6.75, and 24-ounce $6.75/$7.75. If you are not drinking, Pepsi products are available. Atmosphere 4 Wings Event Center is a classic hockey barn that is a throwback of sorts in the world of minor league hockey. The arena features 18 rows of seats that encompass the ice rink and one main exterior concourse that houses concessions, ticket offices, merchandise booths, and bathrooms. The main merchandise stand is across from the main ticket offices in the front lobby. There are several championship banners hanging up on the wall at one end of the arena and the giant scoreboard features everything from replays, advertisements, and social media activities. There is plenty going on at the arena throughout the night. The Wings mascot Slappy skates around the ice and can also be found in the concourse and seating areas. There is also a lot of intermission activities that include fan participation in trike racing and bubble soccer. After the game, kids are allowed on the ice for a few moments with their parents. Neighborhood 4 Wings Event Center is located off of I-94 and is visible from the interstate. The area is very suburban, but downtown is a quick 10-minute drive where one can find great places to eat and drink. Arcadia Brewing Company and Bell’s Eccentric Cafe are two required destinations for the beer connoisseur, choose from varieties not normally found in your liquor store and a full-service menu. A very fun and interactive spot for beer is the Kalamazoo Beer Exchange where prices are monitored like a stock exchange, when the market crashes, so do the prices. Michigan is known for its coney dogs and Coney Island was rated number 6 on a recent local poll. The long-established restaurant has been serving coneys since 1915 and its thick, crumbled chili and chopped Vidalia onions are among the best tasting in the state. A fantastic nearby brewery is One Well Brewing and is just a mile down the road featuring great beer and food. You can also take the kids to play in the children’s area or at the pinball machines. For the adults, try the Xalapa Jalapeno Blonde Ale, the Sweet Water Street Coffee & Donut Porter, or the Root Beer Float Milk Stout. Fans 3 The biggest crowd of the year is the Green Ice Game on St. Patrick’s Day. The sold-out crowd features waving flags, blowing horns, and plenty of cheering for goals. There is also the goal chant to the tune of “Mony Mony” where the crowd shouts “Hey, guess what? Your goalie sucks!” There are some great Wing fans and attendance has been slightly up this year, but management needs to see more of them at the arena. Access 4 The arena is located off of I-94 and there is plenty of signage to direct travelers to the parking lot surrounding the venue. The arena signage is also visible from the interstate. Once inside, there is one main concourse with entrances that lead into the seating area, but be sure you know what section you are sitting in since the inner concourse doesn’t wrap around to all seats. For high capacity games, the wait times might exceed the time needed and you may miss some action from the game. The Wings have employed several TV screens allowing fans in line the chance to watch the game. Bathrooms are clearly designated inside the building. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for games sell in the price point of $10, $13, $16, and $20-one of the best bargains in minor league hockey. Parking is a $5 fee and a fairly new practice but on par with many other ECHL venues. The prices inside are reasonable including $6 glasses of wine, $5.75 16-ounce beers, $3 boxes of popcorn, and $8 chicken tender baskets. If you are looking to get your dollars worth check out a Wednesday night game featuring $9 tickets, $6 food baskets, and $2 beers. There is also Pop Up Friday games that offer hot deals on concession items or a special experience for fans; details are revealed on Facebook before the game. The St. Patrick’s Day Game is probably the highest attended game of the season featuring $2 green beer drafts and $2 craft beer bottles. When factoring in ticket prices, parking, and concession prices, an evening at a Wings game is one of the best bargains in minor league hockey. Extras 4 One star for the selection at the Craft Beer Depot; they have well over 50 bottle varieties to choose from and at $4.50 for most varieties, it’s a bargain. The second star for the Zamboni Bar, a nice little place to hang out with friends at the game. The third star for the 28 concourse monitors that allow fans to watch the action from the ice while they wait in line for food and drink. The 48-inch plasma TVs make sure that no one misses the action on the ice. One final star for the up-close views of the ice, the place has the feel of a classic junior hockey barn somewhere in Ontario or Quebec; fortunately, you don’t need to cross the border to enjoy old-time hockey. Final Thoughts Watching a K-Wings game is sort of stepping back in time when minor league hockey arenas were small, smoky, crowded, and definitely full of character. The fans in attendance were there for the game and maybe a few fights on the ice. Many of these types of venues have been replaced with modern entertainment vessels that feature everything from suites, catering service, multi-levels, and open view bars of the game. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but sometimes it’s nice to know a place like the Wings Events Center still exists in the hockey world.

Photos by Ryan Norris, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Oracle Arena 7000 Coliseum Way Oakland, CA 94621 Golden State Warriors website Oracle Arena website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 19,596 The Last Hurrah for The Oracle Over the last few years, Oracle Arena has been welcomed into more living rooms than nearly any other arena in the NBA. Between the constant national broadcasts and the Warriors deep playoff runs, the world has had a peek into the arena in Oakland and all the stars put on shows on a nightly basis. The team has won six championships in 1947, 1956, 1975, 2015, 2017, and 2018. The Warriors began their existence in 1946 in Philadelphia as part of the Basketball Association of America and then went on to be one of the founding clubs of the now, National Basketball Association. With Wilt Chamberlain in tow, the team moved west to San Francisco in 1962 where they played in at The Cow Palace, just south of the city in Daly City, CA. After 1964, the team moved downtown to the San Francisco Civic Auditorium (now Bill Graham Civic Auditorium after the famed concert promoter). During this time, they also played games at USF’s Memorial Gym. Starting in 1966, the team bounced around between the Cow Palace, Civic Auditorium, Oakland Coliseum Arena and even San Diego Sports Arena. The team finally settled in Oakland at the now Oracle Arena in 1971 and changed their name from the San Francisco Warriors to the Golden State Warriors. Originally named Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Arena, Oracle Arena was renovated during the 1996-97 season. During this time, they played at San Jose Arena (now SAP Center). Before being home to the Warriors, the arena was host to the ABA’s Oakland Oaks and was the home of the NHL’s Oakland/California Golden Seals from 1967-76. Even during the lean years, and there were decades, the arena has had a mystique that the home team has enjoyed. Though they have had sold out crowds for several years, new ownership who has re-energized the team with talent on the court and in the front office has decided to move the team from Oakland to San Francisco. Many people believe that was always their plan when they purchased it though they feigned overtures to the city of Oakland. They originally announced a stadium opening date of 2017 at Piers 30/32 back in 2012. They have since abandoned that site in favor of another site, still along the water, in San Francisco’s growing Mission Bay neighborhood. Most of the new buildings going up over there are high rise luxury apartments and buildings housing tech companies. They broke ground on Chase Center in January 2017 in a ridiculous over-the-top ceremony that involved dancing cranes and construction workers and open in time for the 2019/2020 season. There’s no doubt this showmanship will be reflective in the move from Oakland to San Francisco, from substance to fluff. You can follow their progress here. Food & Beverage 4 Both the price and quality of the food has been steadily increasing for the last few years. There are now more options than there ever have been at Oracle. Some of the more unique options include a banh mi sandwich cart (pork, chicken and tofu options) and a Dungeness crab sandwich ($16!). Even the basic items such as pizza, hot dogs and nachos have gotten a lot better recently in terms of quality. I know they changed their concessions vendor a few years back so that may be reflective of that. Still, simple things such as a soft pretzel are $5.50, and a variety of salads range from $10 to $13. 20-ounce craft beers go for $13 and 24-ounce cans of domestic beer go for $12.50. Atmosphere 5 It’s hard to describe, but the combination of Steph Curry’s play and the fans can turn a basketball game into something else entirely, like a church revival meeting a dance party. The “oohs and ahs” become a character. It’s partly the fans but it’s also partly the compact gym. Even though the arena is over 45 years old the exterior facade and the interior aesthetics don’t show their age as you might think. The “x” pattern around the building is a modern look and the renovated concourses are quite nice, albeit narrow. It’s a tad cramped in the seating area which can be uncomfortable but also allows fans to feel right on top of the action. Oracle has great sightlines for game action and fans from any part of the arena can watch with ease. The one bummer about sitting in the second level is the angle that the ceiling comes down to a point above center court. This creates a blockage that fans can’t see through to the fans on the other side of the court. Neighborhood 1 Quite frankly there is nothing within walking distance to the arena. This is the only destination on game nights. People either arrive by car and park in the parking lot or arrive by public transportation and get off at the Coliseum BART station. Many people are concerned with the neighborhood near the arena but I don’t see it as a threat, if for no reason than that there is no reason to be wandering around over there anyhow. There are no restaurants or bars, only industrial warehouses, and low-income housing. The closest thing to food destinations is on Hegenberger where you can find fast food, a Denny’s and a few hotels due to its proximity to the Oakland International Airport (OAK). The closest thing to a neighborhood of businesses is the overpass that connects BART to the Coliseum complex. As you walk from the train to the arena you will find a ton of people out there buying/selling tickets, as well as knock-off apparel, beer/water, and of course, bacon-wrapped hot dogs (a Mission District staple). The good news is that you’re a short trip from other Oakland neighborhoods that can provide pre or post-game meals and suds. Oakland continues to pop up on publications’ “best of” lists of great places to visit. Good neighborhoods to visit are Lake Merritt, Dimond, Uptown and Rockridge. All of them have great bars, restaurants, and shopping. And of course, San Francisco is a 15 minute BART ride away. Fans 5 Warriors fans have been through so many down years and still turn out in droves that it would be difficult to give them any other score than a five. Part of what sets Warriors fans apart from other fans in the Bay Area is that they represent the entire region and fans need not pick sides. While residents need to choose between the 49ers and Raiders in football, and the Giants and A’s in baseball, people come together behind their lovable losers, now winners. One of the other things that I’ve noticed over the last couple of years is the international influence of the crowd. People are traveling from all over the globe to see the Warriors. The mixing of locals and internationals create quite a party-like atmosphere. The fans are plenty knowledgeable, loyal and loud. They understand the nuances of the game with the fans of the best teams in the NBA. Their current success has catapulted a great game day experience into another stratosphere. Truthfully, the fans would be given a “5” score at any point over the last 20 years. I must say, I’ve never heard another arena that gets as loud. Access 5 By car: Just exit I-880 on 66th or Hegenberger and follow the signs to the parking lot and fork over your 40 bucks. By BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit): From San Francisco, buy a $4.20 one-way ticket ($1.95 from downtown Oakland), board either a Dublin/Pleasanton or Fremont train and exit at Coliseum/Airport. Take the walking overpass over San Leandro Avenue to the arena. The arena is also accessible from Richmond and Pittsburgh via BART, from Oakland and the East Bay via AC Transit and Sacramento via the Capitol Corridor Amtrak train. Oracle is truly the most convenient major stadium in the Bay Area to get to. However, there are issues getting around the concourses inside. Foot traffic creates a lot of congestion and lines to get food and into the team stores spill out into the walkways. Even as they try to move venues, the Warriors have invested in improving this at Oracle by building add-ons to the arena that are bars so that some people gravitate away from the concession carts and into the bars away from the walkways. Return on Investment 3 A trip to a Warriors game used to present an excellent value. Even still, it’s an experience that any basketball fan should seek out once or twice because of the insane atmosphere. However, it presents big challenges to go often or for a big family. There are over 35,000 people on the season ticket holder wait list for a venue with less than 20,000 seats and 14,000 current season ticket holders. This will create a get-in price on the secondary market for no less than $50 for the worst seats on off-nights. Be prepared to spend $50-$150 for tickets in the upper level and $100-$500 for the lower level. Courtside seats are several thousand. Food has increased steadily over the last few years and parking is now $40. Even the BART parking lot that used to be free, is now $10. The saving grace is how special the arena is and how different it is from other NBA arenas in terms of fans and atmosphere. It sure would be tough to take a family of four to a game but it might be worth it occasionally. Extras 4 The Warriors do a lot of in-game entertainment to keep the crowd going. This consists of the Warriors Dance Team, hype team, and emcee. I personally don’t enjoy the emcee but many fans do. The retired numbers are #13 Wilt Chamberlain, #14 Tom Meschery, #16 Al Attles, #17 Chris Mullin, #24 Rick Barry, and #42 Nate Thurmond. They’re displayed next to their four championship banners at one end of the arena. About 3 or 4 times a game, fans have chances to win prizes or cash by playing games or making trick shots. Based on the team’s performance, fans can win gift certificates for haircuts, smoothies, tacos, etc. to redeem at local establishments. These are fun ways to keep everyone in the arena engaged. If you’re someone who enjoys celebrity sightings, this is a nightly occurrence in Oakland now. The final extra is for the fans. There aren’t enough words to distinguish this fan base from others in the NBA. Final Thoughts It behooves you to get to Oracle in the next few years prior to the team moving to San Francisco. I’m sure the move to San Francisco will bring with it a top-notch experience unlike any other in the NBA, but it will also be unlike what is currently happening over at the Coliseum complex.

Photo Courtesy of Western Illinois Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Western Hall 713 Congress Ave Macomb, IL 61455 Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks website Western Hall website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 5,139 Rural Illinois Oasis Macomb, Illinois home of Western Illinois University has all of the feel of a small southern college town. As you approach Macomb you will need to drive through several rural miles of interstate followed by another 20 plus miles of country highways before you see the small quintessential college town. Macomb is a place where the school and the town are intertwined into a singular culture. The basketball teams play in a very unique venue known as Western Hall. It’s a smaller arena with seating that folds out from the walls. Newly renovated and comfortable seating is found throughout the venue. The Leathernecks play their home games in the Western Hall, a venue that seats 5,139 and was opened in 1964. Western Hall was renovated prior to the 2016-2017 season making the game experience more enjoyable. Food & Beverage 1 There is only one concession stand at Western Hall with a limited selection. You can find a hot dog for $2, nachos for $2, popcorn for $1, or a candy bar $1. Beverage choices consist of 20 ounce Coke product, Powerade, or bottle of water. Each option is only $2. Atmosphere 3 The renovations completed in 2016 at a cost of $1 million consisted of the complete removal and replacement of the lower bleachers and renovation of the north balcony bleachers. The sections of seats at center court have additional padding and all of the new seats which have seat backs provide ample legroom. On each end there are purple plastic bleachers with the pep band on the opponents end and the student section on the end nearest the Leathernecks’ bench. With the low ceiling of Western Hall when the crowd and band get going the building can produce a great environment for college basketball. Neighborhood 3 The best part of a trip to Macomb for a basketball game takes place a mile or so away from the arena. Downtown Macomb has a cute little square where you will find several options to grab some grub. Closer to campus is a great option known as Chubby’s which has the feeling of a small college town bar which also has good food. The Italian Beef sandwich and the chili are both very good. Chubby’s is known for their shoes which you can top with almost any toppings imaginable. Fans 3 The student section known as the “Purple Haze,” seems pretty involved in the game and adds to the environment. The community seems involved as well, adding to the environment and making it a true college town feel. Access 2 While it takes some time to get to campus once you exit the interstate the good news is that parking is free and the lot is large. Once arriving in Macomb all of campus is easily accessible, however it is quite a drive once you exit the interstate. Return on Investment 4 General admission tickets are only $10, and for just $5 more you can get a reserved seat. Premium seats will run a bit more at $22. You can also purchase a kids ticket at a discounted rate. The entire experience is very affordable. Extras 2 The fact that the bulldog mascot can be found in many forms around the arena. There’s the inflatable version in the corner near the pep band. There’s the typical costumed mascot who makes the rounds high-fiving spectators. Finally, there’s the live leashed version that takes laps around the arena pre-game, and then settles in to watch the game. A bit of cost savings exhibited well here as the video boards are mobile and are moved between Western Hall and the football stadium depending on which sport is in season. Final Thoughts If you are looking for a good college town environment visit Macomb where the school and community are nicely intertwined.