Photos Courtesy of theralph.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Betty Engelstad Sioux Center One Ralph Engelstad Dr Grand Forks, ND 58203 North Dakota Fighting Hawks website Betty Engelstad Sioux Center website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 3,140 Betty Engelstad Sioux Center The University of North Dakota men’s basketball team has one of the most beautiful and original college basketball venues in the Midwest. The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center is home to men’s and women’s basketball, women’s volleyball, and women’s soccer. The facility opened its doors in August 2004 and continues to provide an elaborate home game experience for both players and fans alike. The outside of the building is encased in gorgeous brick and is attached to The Ralph Engelstad Arena, home of North Dakota Hockey. The sheer beauty of the venue can be felt as soon as the building is in view. The $8 million dollar facility offers a number of amenities for both athletes and fans including the “high quality spring loaded floor, power operated basketball standards and divider curtains, four regulation size basketball and volleyball courts, 2,600 padded seats that include armrests, a club lounge, and a hospitality room that can fit up to 200 people.” (Betty Engelstad Sioux Center Quick Facts) Food & Beverage 4 The Betty has a variety of food items for a college basketball facility. These items include popcorn ($4), soft pretzels ($4), Dippin’ Dots ($4.50), the classic hot dog ($4.50) as well as bottled Pepsi products ($4). While there are other options available, these are definitely some of the biggest fan favorites. All of the concession items can be found on the main level which has three separate areas for fans to purchase their items of choice. While there isn’t anything that stands out to me about the concession options, I do have to comment on how organized and easy it is to get to each location. This makes for a great fan experience whether you are there with your children or your grandparents. The lines are short and move quickly, making it easy to get in and out of your seat at any point during the game. Atmosphere 5 The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center has a capacity of 3,140 for basketball games (men’s and women’s) that includes both padded chairs with armrests and classic bleacher seating. The padded individual seats are constructed of leather and cherry wood and are quite elaborate for a college athletic setting. The facility recently got an upgrade in scoreboards, which make for a very professional experience. The digital boards are constantly showing replays, interactive fan games, and video clips of the players. There is a video board on each end of the main court, making it easy for fans to catch all of the action from any seat. The fans are up close and personal with the game, which makes the atmosphere exciting and exhilarating. The entire crowd gets into the games; leaving nothing to be desired. The facility’s size and layout give the fans a very authentic feel. The passion for the game and North Dakota makes itself very apparent from the first steps inside. Neighborhood 3 The Betty is situated right off of the University of North Dakota campus, next to the Ralph Engelstad Arena. The facility is also located just over a mile off of interstate I-29 making for easy access for out of town fans. The venue is surrounded by actual neighborhoods, the UND Student Wellness Center, the UND medical school, and a small number of businesses. There is not any food or hotel options directly next to The Betty, but the city of Grand Forks offers plenty of eatery/hotel options all within a four mile radius of the venue. Fans 5 The University of North Dakota fans are energetic, determined, and devoted. While the student section is filled for every home game, it is very encouraging to see a wide variety of fans ranging in age. The season ticket holders have some of the best courtside seats available, making for a perfect view of the digital video boards, cheerleaders, and interactive fan games. The Betty seats 3,140 and is often filled to the brim with enthusiastic fans. Many of the younger fans can be seen with fatheads of the players, and are jumping up and down after each and every play. The sincere “hometown” feel you get at a North Dakota basketball game is unlike anything else. Access 5 The Betty is just over a mile off of I-29, with four big parking lots and plenty street parking. The parking lots that surround the building all offer free parking for afternoon games, and $5 for evening games. There is often multiple events going on between the three different venues that are connected, (The Betty, The Olympic Ice Arena, and The Ralph Engelstad Arena) which can make parking a little troubling at times. There are two locations that fans can enter the facility through; making for easy access to escape the cold weather that often plagues North Dakota. There are four bathrooms located at each corner of the court, making them very accessible for each and every fan. The main concession area is located behind one of the bleacher sets, creating a large gathering area for fans. The facility itself is large but has strategically placed everything a fan could need all within steps of their seats. While there isn’t a “lack” of a concourse, it is different from some facilities in the fact that most everything is situated on the same level as the court. Return on Investment 5 Tickets for adults can run anywhere from $10-$20, and are free to UND students. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office inside the lobby, by phone, or online. The ticket prices for college basketball are very reasonable, and do not waiver from game to game. There are multiple ticket options for families, season passes, and variety game packages. The atmosphere alone is enough excitement for anyone, but there is just something about going to a great facility that makes for a great basketball game. The venue itself is world class, and is something that should be seen by many. Extras 3 The Betty doesn’t offer many extras, but fans certainly do not seem to notice. The moment they enter the venue, they are greeted by the players doing their warm-ups, loud pump up music, and the great smell of popcorn. There are quite a few interactive fan games that take place throughout the game, a live pep band, and a “human t-shirt cannon” that is constantly throwing out shirts to fans when UND makes a particular play. The entire experience is interactive and does a fantastic job of bringing the game up close and personal. Final Thoughts The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center is truly a work of art that deserves to be recognized. College basketball is often a tradition for families and friends and this location does not disappoint. The ticket prices are hard to beat, the parking is easy and priced appropriately, and the in-game experience is second to none. I would definitely recommend checking out The Betty Engelstad Sioux Center if you find yourself in Grand Forks.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 King Power Stadium Filbert Way Leicester, England LE2 7FL United Kingdom Leicester City FC website King Power Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 32,500 Fox Watching at Leicester City The King Power Stadium, also known as the Leicester City Stadium due to UEFA sponsorship regulations, is home to Premier League Champions Leicester City Football Club. Opened in the summer of 2002 by local hero and former England International footballer Gary Lineker, the stadium is located just a stone’s throw from where the old Filbert Street stadium once stood. After spending 111 years at Filbert Street the club relocated to a new home a matter of yards away at what would first be named the Walkers Bowl (Walkers being a locally-based nationwide distributor of crisps), though after some comical nicknames such as the crisp bowl the club decided to rename the venue as the Walkers Stadium. The club began its maiden season in their new £35m, 32,500 all-seater home after being relegated from the Premier League the previous season, with their opening fixture a friendly against Spanish team Athletic Bilbao, on 4 August 2002. The stadium has played host to several alternative events including both full and Under 21 international fixtures and music events including more recently the internationally recognised local rock band Kasabian, who incidentally performed at the stadium to celebrate the team winning the Premier League. The stadium has also hosted many domestic, European and International rugby union fixtures with local rugby giants Leicester Tigers using the stadium for their international fixtures due to a larger capacity than their original Welford Road stadium. 2015 also saw the stadium being used as one of 13 selected venues for the Rugby World Cup which hosted the fixtures of Argentina v Tonga, Canada v Romania and Argentina v Namibia. Food & Beverage 4 Plenty of food options are available at kiosks through the internal concourse areas typical to that offered in football stadiums, with a few unique food options being offered such as a sausage roll with Red Leicester cheese and a broccoli, cauliflower and double cheese pie, both priced at £3.80. Your typical items such as hot dogs, steak pies and burgers are available as are your typical confectionary options. Kiosks also offer combo deals on food and drink. Alcoholic, soft drink and hot drink options are available too. One thing to note if you are an overseas visitor, due to ground regulations it is against the law to drink anything alcoholic in view of the pitch. This is the reason you tend to find football stadium concourse very busy pre-match and at half time. Contactless payment is advertised and accepted throughout the concourse kiosks making the process for purchasing items relatively hassle free and also keeps the queues moving quicker. Outside you’ll find several burger vans within the pedestrianised forecourts that surround the stadium as well a number of other food vans on route to the stadium. There aren’t many alternative food options close by so fast food really is your only option. If you’re attending the match and have time to spare, I’d recommended eating at one of the many excellent restaurants or pubs in the town. Atmosphere 4 Atmosphere at the King Power stadium has been recently recognised as one of the best and nosiest in the country with a local University of Leicester team installing a seismometer close to the stadium and recording a minor quake with a magnitude of 0.3 after a last minute winning goal. The stadium is a modern concrete and steel structure and with its continuous bowl-like terraces and roof covering all seating areas it certainly helps contain the noise generated by supporters. Three of the stands are front to back with rows of seats with internal concourse areas to them all. The main stand offers seating for hospitality and VIP guests as well as a single row of hospitality boxes across the back row of the where the general supporters are seated offering excellent views of the pitch. For this particular fixture the atmosphere had diminished somewhat, most notably because of recent league form having dipped well below the expectations of last season’s heroic league triumph. The opponents being Manchester United resulted in a sell out crowd however, encouraging fans to chant their usual club songs as well as directing chants at the opponents making it an enjoyable atmosphere to be a part of. Pre-match the club play an emotional video on the LED screens storying their heroic achievements the previous season to the music of Andrea Bocelli’s performance of Nessun Dorma, which is a true spine-tingling moment that encourages all the supporters to clap and cheer. Leicester City had introduced a crown initiative last season by providing every home fan with a clap banner to help raise noise levels and encourage the team. This initiative is still in place today with reports that it costs £12,000 to provide them for each fixture which goes to show the generosity of the clubs owners and their ambition to drive match day atmosphere. You won’t get a bad seat here at the King Power stadium and it just comes down to personal preference on where you prefer to sit, whether that’s close to the action or towards the back where you get a better feel for the formation and tactics each team is using. Pitch perimeter LED advertising is in place with added rear view facing LEDs that allow the club to promote local businesses to the supporters. Two large LED screens that hang from the roof in two opposite corners offer a clear view of team introductions, half time fan engagement initiatives such as ‘Fan Cam’ as well as displaying action replays through the match. The PA system also offers a clear and concise output to all supporters within the stadium and the concourses. Neighborhood 5 The stadium is located on the outskirts of the town centre in what is now a multi-cultural diverse area of the city as well as having a large student population in the surrounding areas. The stadium is located 1 mile from the city centre and can be reached via a pleasant walk on the River Soar canal tow path. There are plenty of other routes leading from the city but you’ll find this a peaceful and hassle free journey on foot. There are many places to eat and drink in the city as well as close to the stadium. The Narborough Road area and Braunstone Gate, both a short walk from the stadium, offer an array of bars and a variety of foreign restaurants, though I would recommend spending time in the city centre. The city has seen a huge amount of investment in recent years, most notably since the discovery of King Richard III’s remains back in 2013. Since then the city has been subject to worldwide media attention resulting in a huge influx of visitors. Couple that with the most unlikely of sporting achievements with lowly Leicester City winning the Premier League, the city now known as the sporting capital of the country has become a hub for tourists, as well as having historical connections. You’ll find everything from Italian to American style BBQ restaurants in the city and a vast amount of pubs and bars with many becoming drinking holes for local supporters enjoying their ritual pre-match drink. For food I’d recommend anywhere within the open air square at the Highcross Shopping Centre. Here you’ll find Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and American cuisine and a few burger restaurants too all of which are of excellent quality. For drinks head further into town to the Rutland & Derby pub and enjoy a pre-match pint in the bar outside in the garden or on the roof terrace. If you fancy something closer to the stadium you can soak up the pre-match atmosphere with the home supporters at Blues Bar & Grill which is located right next to the stadium. Local attractions include the King Richard III visitor centre, the New Walk Museum & Art Gallery as well as the UK’s only National Space Centre. If spending some time in the city you’ll also find some great country parks on the outskirts of the county such as Bradgate Park which is well worth a visit on a nice day. Fans 4 Leicester City fans provide a great and memorable atmosphere. With a full house against one of the giants of English Football this still encourages supporters to take part in their usual ritual of singing and chanting through the match often engaging in chants with the away supporters. Depending on the club’s performance on the pitch, fans might be seen leaving well before the final whistle. Attendance was a sell-out crowd of just over 32,000 though, which is typical of the dedicated support of the clubs fans with many of its home games often selling out of tickets. Access 3 Access in and around the stadium is fairly good. With it being a modern stadium, the immediate vicinity of the ground is pedestrianised, meaning you’re able to move easily and safely around the entire external perimeter of the stadium. There is also plenty of way-finding signage as well as dedicated staff wearing ‘Here to Help’ tops which all contribute towards providing a very welcoming experience. Parking around the stadium is very limited with local car parks reserved for permit holders and hospitality guests. Being local I tend to park a little further out (usually in the Braunstone Gate area) where it’s free and then walk the 15 minutes or so to the stadium. You pass a couple of nice bars on the way which also helps. Public transport again is a little limited in the vicinity but you can make your way to Aylestone Road where you’ll find bus stops and transport into town. I would certainly recommend parking close to the town and walking the 15 – 20 minutes to the stadium. It’s much easier! For those with walking difficulties and the need to be close to the stadium it’s probably worth contacting the club to see if they are able to assist with allocating you a parking space close by. Leicester train station is a little over a mile away with plenty of police and stewards on route to point you in the right direction. Turnstiles are very clearly signposted and you’ll be greeted by stewards carrying out random body searches. These searches are more detailed around the away supporters’ turnstiles with sniffer dogs present and local police assisting with stewards in managing the crowd. Inside the stadium, again you can move pretty freely within the section your ticket is assigned to. Concourses are fairly open with a typical set-up of food/drink kiosks on one side and toilets on the other. The result of this and like most stadiums is that they become congregated closer to kick off so moving around from A to B becomes more difficult. The concourses are lined with wall art commemorating the clubs recent success which makes what is normally a pretty blank and dull space quite attractive. Accessible supporters have the ability to enter the stadium via nominated exit gates which are assigned as accessible entrances prior to kick off and once inside the stadium there are toilets and changing places areas equipped for their personal needs. Return on Investment 3 For home tickets for a Category A fixture adults pay between £26 and £50 with slightly reduced rates for seniors and under 22s. Children’s prices are significantly lower, with under 12s paying a maximum £15 and under 10s charged as little as £5. For lower category games you’ll pay around £5 less per ticket depending on your age group. Here is a full list of ticket prices on the team’s official site. Tickets for Premier League football are expensive in my view, but you’re paying for the experience of seeing a football match featuring some of the best players in one of the best leagues in the world. Ticket prices are fairly similar across the league with the exception of some of the larger clubs whose ticket costs are generally higher. There are on occasion packages available to buy tickets for multiple matches which provide a discount though you tend to find those offers usually apply to the lower profile fixtures to help encourage greater ticket sales. Car parking is available at the Fibert Street lot of £16 on a pre-book basis and up until 10 am on the day of the match. Other lots include at the Freeman’s Common Business Park for £4 with proceeds benefiting Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre. There is more parking in City Centre next to the Leicester Tigers Rugby ground. Leicester is one of very few clubs that do not offer a fan zone. These have become extremely popular amongst UK football stadiums recently and you generally feel you are getting a little more for your money when there is plenty of entertainment on offer which adds to the match day experience. I only assume that space or some other underlying reason is an issue here as to why a fan zone is not on offer. Extras 4 There are plenty of resale options on your journey to the stadium with small outlets set up on the roadside selling club memorabilia. A large club shop to the front of the stadium facing the main road is open up until kick off for anyone wishing to take advantage of a large selection of LCFC goods. Shirt printing is available on the main forecourt to the front of the stadium via a separate outlet and there is also an inflatable penalty shootout activity managed by club staff which attracts a large queue for those young budding footballers and some adults too! Plenty of film crews are present on the main forecourt with the major broadcasters and local news stations getting the fans view on the game pre-match which adds to the buzz around the area. This was a live TV fixture so greater media attention was present because of this. Many fans also taking photos and selfies of the ‘Champions’ banner with the stadium in the background appear to be a regular activity which has seen the club become a bit of a tourist attraction over the past 12 months. Final Thoughts A club in the heart of the Midlands with easy transport links from local airports and London provide supporters and visitors from all over the country a fairly hassle-free trip to the city of Leicester and the King Power stadium. You’ll be treated to a modern stadium with modern facilities in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere with the opportunity to watch Premier League football.

Photo Courtesy of Texas State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Strahan Coliseum 700 Aquarena Springs Dr San Marcos, TX 78666 Texas State Bobcats website Strahan Arena website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 7,200 The Bobcats Come Out to Play The Texas State Bobcats basketball team has enjoyed a remarkable amount of success since the program began in 1934, winning nine conference titles since 1950; that winning mentality also culminated in an NAIA National Championship in 1960. In recent years, the team has not been able to match the success of their early teams. However, San Marcos is an ideal college town, and the fans of the Bobcats are devoted. Construction has recently begun on an upgrade to Strahan Coliseum, which will eventually add 2,000 seats to the stadium, as well as new coaching offices, locker rooms, and weight room facilities for the athletics department. The upgrades won’t be completed until the fall of 2018, so until then, Bobcats fans can still root on their team in old-school comfort. Food & Beverage 2 One of the charms of Strahan Coliseum is that it feels like an old-school (that is truly the best description for it) high school gymnasium. While this is a great plus in terms of atmosphere and energy from the fans, it does have its drawbacks. For avid sports fans on the lookout for unique dining experiences, the concessions options at Strahan Coliseum are very basic; hot dogs, popcorn, pretzels, and candy are the main stadium food offerings. These items are available from several stations on the main level, but there is also a cash-only concessions cart offering lemonade, funnel cake, and cotton candy. There has been one recent addition to the arena in terms of food and drink options; domestic beer is now sold at some of the food stands. Atmosphere 3 While Strahan Coliseum cannot match the intensity of larger more storied basketball programs, anyone attending a game will enjoy themselves. Period. The intimate seating arrangement allows for good acoustics in the arena, and quite frankly makes it louder than it has any reason to be. The basketball band and the student section, a.k.a. the “Loud Crowd,” do a nice job of keeping things lively both during play and during lulls in the action. A pared-down version of the legendary Texas Strutters dance team is also fun to watch. Since many games take place on weeknights, and college students are often engrossed in studies, finding a seat in Strahan Coliseum won’t be a problem. Neighborhood 3 Quite frankly, San Marcos is the best college town in the state of Texas, and probably one of the best in the country. In places near campus, it has that classic Norman Rockwell look of what your mind’s eye envisions in a college town. While Strahan Coliseum is literally on campus, and there are not many attractions near the arena, you can get to a Bobcats game from anywhere in the city in about 15 minutes. In town, there are so many restaurant and hotel choices to choose from that you are sure to find something that will suit your tastes, and San Marcos also has you covered if you are looking for entertainment options. During warm weather months, which in Central/South Texas can literally be any month of the year, you need to take a trip down to the Guadalupe River for some fun on the water. Alternatively, if you are looking for cultural activities, plan a visit to the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, where you can ride a turn of the century glass-bottom boat on the fabled Aquarena Springs. This unique experience gives you a close-up look at an ecosystem that is unique to this part of the world. For a little more entertainment that will get your “motor running,” head over to Dick’s Classic Garage Museum. Dozens of antique and collectible cars, ranging from the dawn of the motor age to the 1950s, are gathered under one roof. Or, if you would rather while away your afternoon doing some shopping, the San Marcos Premium Outlets shopping mall has anything and everything you could want. Lastly, San Marcos itself is the halfway point between San Antonio and Austin; you can be in either city in under 45 minutes, along I-35. Fans 4 Bobcat fans are loyal, Bobcat fans are passionate, and Bobcat fans love their team. While they may not show up in numbers the way larger programs do, the ones that do show up (and this is a generational thing; you will see fans and alumni of all ages in the stands at Strahan Coliseum) are vocal and add a distinct energy to the atmosphere. Depending on the night you attend, the numbers might not be near the point of filling the arena for capacity. However, you cannot debate that the fans care about their program. Access 3 You can get to Strahan Coliseum fairly easily off of I-35; there is some navigating through the campus area of the city, but it is not difficult at all. Note however that as renovations are currently underway, parking is somewhat limited, and there are some street closures to be aware of. Despite all of this, with a little forethought and planning you should have no trouble getting to the game, finding a parking spot, and getting to your seat in time for the opening tip off. Return on Investment 3 It does not cost much to attend games at Strahan Coliseum; single-game tickets range from $5 to $25. Playing in the Sun Belt Conference, you won’t typically see any of the “major” men’s college basketball powerhouses come through town, but during non-conference season you will see some Power Five conference teams from time to time. With concessions as limited as they are, you can eat rather affordably, and with no cost for parking, you can take a group of friends or family to a Division I NCAA game without paying a king’s ransom. In addition, you will more than likely see some exciting, competitive basketball. Extras 2 There are not many bells and whistles yet at Strahan Coliseum, but with the upcoming renovations, you are pretty much guaranteed to see some new additions to the stadium in terms of entertainment and in-game experience. Like most venues, there are fun contests during game stoppages. The Texas State Strutters, even in a scaled down version, are always fun to watch. Also, in the arena itself there is a Wall of Honor highlighting some of the best players from every sport to come through Texas State. There is also a nice display case showing off some of the most important moments in men’s basketball history; again, this place is old-school, and it is all about the action on the court. Final Thoughts Strahan Coliseum is one of the last of an old breed of arenas, designed such that you focus solely on the athletes on the court. If you are fan of pure hoops, you will appreciate its look and feel, and the atmosphere it conveys. However, if you’re looking for a lot of extra “sizzle” to go along with your “steak” of a game, you frankly aren’t going to find that here. Still, you can’t beat a night at Strahan Coliseum, especially for the cost you will pay. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter @EricMoreno6477.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 The Monument 444 N Mt Rushmore Rd Rapid City, SD 57701 Rapid City Rush website The Monument website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 5,132 Welcome to Rush Nation The Rapid City Rush are a minor league hockey team currently playing in the ECHL. The ECHL used to be the East Coast Hockey League but they rebranded to just the initials ECHL after the league expanded across North America. The Rapid City Rush originated in 2008 as part of the now defunct CHL (Central Hockey League). When that league folded in 2014, the Rush transitioned to the ECHL. While in the CHL, the Rush won the Ray Miron President’s Cup in the 2009-2010 season, and the division championship in 2010-2011 but they have not seen any championships yet since moving to the ECHL. Their time is due. The Rush are currently affiliated with the NHL Calgary Flames. They play their home games at the massive Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The Civic Center is a hubbub of activity in Rapid City and it includes a banquet hall, large meeting rooms, basketball court, ice arena (which can be set up as a concert hall), and theatre. Stock shows, rodeos, concerts, plays, truck monster jams, auctions and a variety of other entertainment and activities are provided at the Civic Center. The ice arena in the Civic Center is a splendid venue in which to watch a minor league hockey game and one worth visiting if in the Black Hills area of the country. Editor’s Note: The venue was remodeled in 2021 after this review. The name changed from Rushmore Plaza Civic Center to The Monument after a naming rights agreement with Monument Health Rapid City Hospital. Food & Beverage 4 A good variety of food choices are available at standard prices for Rush games at the Civic Center. Several permanent stands are installed and a wide variety of portable carts line the concourse. Entree combos (choices of pretzels, hot dogs, cheeseburgers, chicken strips, fries, soda, beer, popcorn) range from $6 – $18. Tacos and chips and guacamole are on hand ($3.50 – $9) as well as pizza from Pizza Ranch ($3.50/slice). Snacks include shaved ice, caramel apples, frozen bananas, and funnel cakes. Other goodies include popcorn, soft pretzels w/cheese, homemade chips, pickles, and candy ($3 – $6). There’s an interesting mini-donut concession stand where you can watch the donuts being formed, then dipped for frying, and watch as they travel through the frying process to an output tray where they are flipped and ready to be packaged for a fan’s purchase. Subway make its presence with 6″ sandwiches for $5.75 and a foot long for an additional $3.50. The best or recommended dinner choice comes from The Carvery. This stand offers hand carved sandwiches on a variety of breads along with a side of homemade chips and runs $8 – $10. Beverages include Coca-Cola fountain drinks ($3.25/$4/$4.75), bottled water ($3), and coffee, hot chocolate, lemonade, iced tea ($2.50 – $3.50). Domestic beers are available for $6 and include brands like PBR, Bud, Coors, Michelob, and associated light varieties. Mixed in are Mike’s Hard Lemonade, Henry’s Hard Soda and Redd’s Apple Ale. Angry Orchard cocktails are also available. An alcohol special at a Rush game is a Miller Lite or Henry’s Hard Soda for $4 from when the gate opens to the first puck drop. Beers from two local Rapid City breweries (Lost Cabin Beer Co and Firehouse Brewing) are on sale providing an unexpected, nice surprise for craft beer lovers. One thing that is different (not bad; just different) is in front of every concession stand selling alcoholic beverages, several individuals in blue shirts request IDs and place a wristband after ID has been examined. I’m used to venues where fans go to a centralized table on the concourse to get a wristband to purchase alcoholic drinks. Atmosphere 4 The ice arena at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is a fine facility in which to watch a minor league hockey game. The seating area is U-shaped. There is no center hung scoreboard allowing the passionate Rush fans the ability to see each other throughout the arena. A large, flat-screen video scoreboard is posted on the wall on the top end of the U and provides basic scoring stats and a visual broadcast of the game along with replays. There is one level of seating. Depending on section, rows go up to 14 or 16 with entry beginning at the bottom from rows 3 or 4. Hand rails are available when walking up/down the steps. Suites are above sections R through M on the player’s bench side of the rink. The Bankwest Club Level is above sections K – L behind one of the goals. To sit center ice facing the benches, section C, row 16 is the best bet. I’d recommend sitting high in this arena as people’s heads often get in the way when sitting in lower rows. The sound system is average; fortunately the volume is not excruciatingly loud making it easy to converse with neighbors. It is hard to understand the announcements as they are muffled. The temperature in the rink is surprisingly warm; a long sleeve t-shirt or hockey jersey would do the trick. NOTE: I was told this is not always the case as it is hit or miss with the temperature and to come prepared with warmer clothing. Lots of promotions are implemented at Rush games: Pink at the Rink (including paint the ice pink the night before the game) (fight against cancer), Zombie night, Military appreciation, Star Wars, and more. The night I attended was Slap Shot night and the Rush players all wore the Johnstown Chiefs jerseys as depicted in that famous hockey movie. Neighborhood 5 The Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is only two blocks north of downtown Rapid City and is well within walking distance of the downtown area and all that has to offer. In addition, Rapid City is close (25 – 50 miles) to many national monuments. For places to spend the night, a Holiday Inn is adjacent (a couple hundred yards) from the entrance to the ice arena. A Howard Johnson’s is right across the street from the Civic Center and offers Rush packages that include tickets, shuttle to arena and pre-game tailgating at the hotel. The shuttle is available to all hotel guests. But honest, the HJ is so close a shuttle isn’t really needed on most but the brutally cold evenings. Two hotel choices directly in the downtown area are Hotel Alex Johnson (a historic hotel) and the Rushmore Hotel (a bit pricier than the others). I’ve stayed at both the Howard Johnson’s and the Alex Johnson’s and both are comfortable, safe hotels. Life size US President statues dot the downtown Rapid City intersections and are well worth checking out. All 43 presidents are represented with President Obama’s (#44) statue location and sculptor to be determined (the weekend of this Rapid City Rush review was the first weekend of the transition of presidency from President Obama to President Trump, so a 45th will eventually need to be placed, as well.) Places to eat within walking distance before a hockey game include Historic Freight House (Cajun), and Murphy’s Pub and Grill. Three breweries take residence in Rapid City: Lost Cabin (marvelous brews with a food truck outside to get a bite to eat), Firehouse Brewing Company (brews and food), and Hay Camp (they were in the process of relocating closer to downtown – so I didn’t get to taste their hops on this visit). When visiting the mid-western border of South Dakota (besides a Rush game) be sure to include these remarkable parks and monuments as places to see during your visit: Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Badlands National Park, Crazy Horse Memorial, and Minuteman Missile National Historic Site. And for something local in Rapid City, the Journey Museum is a worthwhile visit exploring the heritage of the Black Hills region. Fans 5 Fans are genuinely passionate and loyal. And, they are welcoming and easy to converse with. And, they love their cowbells. When the Rush played in the CHL, average attendance was 4,600 – 4,900 and they were generally in the top third of attendance ranking in that league. That has dropped a bit since moving into the ECHL as the average attendance in 2015 and 2016 ranges from 3,700 – 3,900 per home game. Except for a few more empty seats, it’s hard to tell as the noise and compassion are still very evident. About every third fan has a cowbell and every fan uses it well. That means… they ring it at appropriate moments but for not too long. Yes, it can cause a slight headache but this is part of the architecture, beauty, and character of minor league hockey and the Rapids fans do it so well. And there’s a non-offensive ribbing remark shouted after each goal scored by the opposing team is announced: “We don’t care!” The Rapid City Rush fans are just classy. I rank them up there with the St Louis Cardinals fans. They love the game, love their team and even appreciate stellar performances from opposing teams. They root for their team to win and not so much for the opposing team to lose as is noticeable at some ECHL venues. Access 3 Getting to Rushmore Plaza Civic Center is relatively easy. Moving around inside the ice arena concourse can be a tad difficult as the single concourse is narrow and lots of Rush fans congregate there pregame and between periods. There is a Rapid Ride bus service in Rapid City but the schedule times are not conducive to hockey game start and ending times so car is the best bet. Of course, if staying downtown or near the facility, walking is the recommended choice. Plenty of free parking is available on the Civic Center property (from Mt Rushmore Rd and 5th Ave). The parking lot of Central High School just across 8th Ave (Mt Rushmore Rd) is available as well (approximately 1,000 ft from entrance). The nearest airport is Rapid City Regional Airport, approximately a 15-min drive to the Civic Center. Since it’s a regional airport, flight choices may be limited. It does not appear Lyft or Uber are available in Rapid City. There are several taxi companies that can be used if desired or needed. Multiple entrances are handy to get into the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center. The closest to the ice arena is the 5th Ave entrance. Return on Investment 4 Parking is free, food and drink prices are reasonable, tickets range from $7.50 – $37.50 depending are where the seat is located. Nearby hotels are affordable. Combine all of that with a good hockey atmosphere, seeing a Rush game is a great value. Extras 3 A couple of other things are worth mentioning or reiterating. A piece of the Berlin Wall is located on the grounds of the Civic Center. When visiting a Rush game be sure to visit this monument just outside the venue. Be sure to check out the Booster Club table on the concourse. These folks sell some items and trinkets to help with their goal to make the Rush players comfortable in a new town and team. They’ll gladly discuss the efforts they perform and provide for the players and events they try to coordinate for players and fans alike. I can’t say enough about the fans and their use of cowbells to cheer good plays, blocks, saves and goals. Final Thoughts People give me a puzzled look when I say I’m going to Rapid City to see a hockey game. Most haven’t been to Rapid City or witnessed a hockey game there. If travels bring you to western South Dakota, check out a Rush game and all the other attractions in this part of the country.

Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 American Express Community Stadium Village Way Brighton, England BN1 9BL United Kingdom Brighton & Hove Albion website American Express Community Stadium website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 30,250 The Seagulls’ Long-Awaited Nest The American Express Community Stadium, known primarily as “the Amex” or its locational name of “Falmer Stadium,” is the home of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club. It opened in July 2011 and had long been in the pipeline since the club was forced out of its historic Goldstone ground in 1997. Following a ground share at Gillingham, the club returned to Brighton in 1999 to play at the whilst planning permission was sought for a new development in Falmer on the outskirts of the city. The directors had sold Goldstone Grounds in 1995, an old-fashion venue that was surrounded by residential homes and that was the home for generations of fans. The grounds were dilapidated and rundown at the time, but fans loved it and did not want to see their football club disappear. The supporters also pushed for a regime change to secure the future of the club. A dozen local fans met 2-3 times a week to plan and organize media attention to alert everyone what was going on with the club through protests and pitch invasions. The Seagulls won their last game at the 95-year-old stadium and secured its place in the Premiership for the next season. However, the club did not have a home and had to play at Priestfield at Gillingham, 140-miles way from Brighton for the next two years. The home club was treated more like away fans and had to abide by certain restrictions A movement began to bring the team back home with the council threatening that a Seagulls political party would be formed to run against them in the next elections. The council found the club home in a very small, Withdean Athletics Stadium was converted for football but offered uncovered grandstands. However, a national campaign began that included player involvement with banners at games, a bouquet of flowers being sent by other EFL teams to city council, and a chart-topping hit in the UK charts. Planning permission was given by the unitary authority of Brighton and Hove in June 2002, with a completion date of 2005. However, due to several delays, the stadium did not open until 2011. The persistence paid off by its supporters’ ad the 30,000 plus venue is the home to Brighton & Hove Albion in the highest level of English Football. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stands and kiosks provide beef and brisket burgers, hot dogs, veggie burgers, chicken burgers, vegan rolls, and fan favorite, Piglet’s Pie. Piglet’s Pies are made locally and the stadium sells around 5,000-10,000 per game. The pies have captured 30 awards including the Football Hospitality Awards. Options include steak and blue cheese, chicken balti, chicken gammon and leek, butternut squatch with spicy vegetables, steak in Harvey Ale’s pie There is also a variety of crisps, sweets, chocolate and non-alcoholic drinks. Kiosks now include new digital signage and additional faster contactless payment points to speed up service. Atmosphere 3 The Amex’s layout of the stadium helps retain the noise levels, and when full, the atmosphere is as good as any in the Championship. The club also does its best with regards to pre-match entertainment to get the crowd singing. The West Stand is a three-tiered structure housing luxury boxes and the majority of the club’s facilities that includes banqueting suites, conference rooms, and a nursery. The East Stand was expanded to two tiers, while the remaining stands are single-tiered, with the whole structure joined by a continuous sloping roof. Although ten years in the making, the stadium is amongst one of the best for comfort in English sport and blends in well with the surrounding Sussex countryside. Match Day activities begin two hours before kickoff at the northeast corner that includes musical performances from local talent, activities for the kids, and the ability to grab a bite or pint before the game at Dick’s Bar. Fans also have access to the Seagulls Superstore, Neighborhood 4 The Amex is located on the outskirts of town, very close to the University of Sussex and University of Brighton campuses. The South of England has something to offer everybody: fantastic country side views and seaside towns. Brighton is a busy seaside city with an excellent town centre offering High Street stores and novelty shops in The Lanes shopping area. With a wide selection of hotels and restaurants to cater for all budgets, finding somewhere will not be a problem. Harry Ramsden’s famous Fish & Chip shop can be recommended and is not too expensive. The nearby town of Lewes is also only ten minutes from the stadium and offers alternatives, as does the resort of Eastbourne. It was Eastbourne where we decided to stay and The New England Hotel was excellent value for money. Fans 4 The Seagulls’ supporters have had a rough ride over the past fifteen years, and the move to the new stadium has helped with a lift in fortunes on the pitch. Unfortunately, in 2013, the club just missed out on the play-off final and will not compete in the Premier League for yet another season. Supporters have stayed loyal during the years of not having a stadium of their own, but things are on the up and crowds have risen from seven to twenty-five thousand, on average. Access 4 The stadium is easily reached by car by taking the A27 towards Lewes (when leaving the M23) and is visible as you approach the district of Falmer near the University of Sussex. There are three park and ride sites around the city at Mill Road, University of Brighton & Brighton Racecourse. Falmer Station is just a couple of minutes from the north Concourse of the AmEx. The Southern Rail and is around 9 minutes from Brighton Main Line Station that includes train service every 10 minutes on matchday. The stadium does provide plenty of parking facilities that cost £15 per car on a pre-booking online site. Return on Investment 5 There are five zones for ticket prices for adult tickets that range from £20-£45 per person against league opponents. Youth and senior tickets are less and range in price from £15-£35. All tickets will cover public transport on the day of the game between Brighton, Lewes, and Haywards Heath. The club should be commended for this as this is a rarity in England and helps ease traffic congestion and parking problems. Extras 4 There is a well-stocked club shop at the stadium, and match day programmes are on sale for every game priced at £3.50. There are Betting Kiosks in the stadium, and the concourses are more than well equipped with televisions by the food outlets, so that you have something to watch whilst you are eating the famous Piglet pies. Another novelty is that the concourse walls are covered with old photographs, again showing that the club has tried to do something different. The Seagulls are looking at cutting down on plastic bottle used and have introduce on a trial-basis, paper-cups for beer and soft drinks.

Photos by Brian O'Sullivan Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center Moose Krause Circle Notre Dame, IN 46556 Notre Dame Fighting Irish website Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 9,149 Here Comes The Irish! Nestled in the northwest corner of Indiana, the University of Notre Dame is one of the best academic institutions in the country. In addition to its stellar performance in the classroom, the Fighting Irish also have a plethora of athletic teams that are always at or near the top of the league in every sport in which they compete. Purcell Pavilion is home to Notre Dame men’s basketball team, as well as the women’s basketball team and women’s volleyball team. Purcell is located within the Joyce Athletic & Convocation Center, commonly referred to as the JACC, which is directly next to the newly renovated Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish have seen success in recent years on the court, both in the regular season and the postseason, with an Elite Eight appearance in 2016. After joining the Atlantic Coast Conference for the 2013-2014 season, powerhouse teams come to South Bend for showdowns with the Fighting Irish on a regular basis. It is well worth the trip to Purcell to catch a men’s basketball game, especially if there is a hockey game at the Compton Family Ice Arena on the same day or weekend. Food & Beverage 3 The food options at Purcell are surprisingly limited, but there are a few choices that are unique and tasty. Concessions stands are scattered throughout the concourse, with most serving the same options or a particular specialty item, such as Dippin’ Dots ($5/$7). Local Eisenberg hot dogs ($4.50) are served at most stands and are a favorite among fans. Coca-Cola products are served throughout Purcell, with both regular ($4) and souvenir ($5.50) cups available. The most popular concessions item is Ben’s soft pretzel ($6), and most fans are willing to wait to get their hands on this delicious offering. They are actually served in Heritage Hall, which gives fans something to look at during the wait and is well worth the time in line. Atmosphere 5 The recent success of the men’s basketball team has only made the atmosphere inside Purcell even more electric. Purcell is a relatively intimate arena, with all seats offering magnificent views of the court, as well as cup holders and ample legroom. A beautiful jumbotron hangs above the court and keeps fans updated and entertained throughout the game. Although Purcell is by no means the biggest arena in college basketball, it does get loud, especially when Notre Dame is playing a highly ranked opponent. If you find yourself wandering through the concourse, make sure to stop by Heritage Hall, which is a great place to grab a bite to eat as well as to see some of the greatest sports memories in Notre Dame history. The world-famous Notre Dame band also plays throughout the game, which adds an extra level of intensity and fun to the game. Neighborhood 5 The area around Notre Dame continues to grow and has a number of options that are great for any type of fan. Directly off campus and within walking distance of Purcell is Eddy Street Commons. O’Rourke’s Public House and Brother’s Bar & Grill are fan favorites on Eddy Street and offer great beer options as well as fairly good food. Within driving distance to campus, South Bend and Mishawaka offer plenty more restaurants if you are looking for more substantial food. Papa Vino’s has a number of locations in the area and offers great Italian food at a reasonable price, but you will have to drive. If you are looking to stay on campus, make your way to Legends of Notre Dame, which is a restaurant and pub. Legends offer a number of beer and food specials and are a great place to stop by before or after the game for a drink. Fans 5 The Fighting Irish have some of the most loyal fans in the entire country. Although Notre Dame is most famous for its football team, the fans also make their presence known at nearly every sporting event on campus. The fans at every game are cordial and knowledgeable about the game. Men’s basketball is no exception, with the fans rooting on the Irish while also creating a friendly and inviting atmosphere. While most of the fans that attend men’s basketball games are typical basketball fans, the student section gets Purcell rocking. The students that attend games at Purcell are passionate and loud and sit directly behind the basket to distract opposing players. The band only feeds the energy of the students and makes Purcell even louder. Access 4 The University of Notre Dame is relatively isolated. Located about an hour and a half southeast of Chicago, the campus is located a few minutes from downtown South Bend. The easiest way to get to campus is by car, but South Bend is also accessible by both train and bus from Chicago. Once on campus, navigating is tremendously easy. Parking is both free and ample for all men’s basketball games, which is nearly unheard of at this caliber of college basketball. Inside Purcell, navigating the arena is tremendously easy. Restrooms are always kept clean and are conveniently located. Additionally, the arena is handicapped accessible throughout the concourse and the seating bowl. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Notre Dame basketball games vary in price depending on the opponent but offer economical options for nearly any game. For premium games against highly ranked opponents, fans can still get great seats for $50. For less desirable opponents, tickets start at just $15. Although food is somewhat expensive, a night out at a Notre Dame basketball game will by no means break the bank. Extras 4 An extra point is awarded for free parking during basketball games and all sporting events on campus, aside from football Another point is awarded for the beautiful campus. Notre Dame is truly one of the most beautiful and iconic college campuses in the country. The amount of memorabilia on display throughout the concourse at Purcell is a great addition to attending a game. It makes it easy to understand why Notre Dame draws such a large crowd. Finally, the lively student section during most games warrants one last point. Final Thoughts Even though Notre Dame is not located near a major city, heading to campus on a non-football weekend is a great way to catch a basketball or hockey game and see the campus with far fewer people. In short, attending a game at Purcell Pavilion is well worth the cost of admission.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 WACA Ground Nelson Cres East Perth WA 6004, Australia Perth Scorchers website WACA Ground website Year Opened: 1893 Capacity: 24,500 It’s a Scorcher at the Furnace The WACA Ground (Western Australian Cricket Association) is the home of cricket in Perth, Western Australia. Officially opened in 1893, the current capacity is 20,000. Despite such a long history, with the bulk of Australia’s population residing in the eastern states, the tyranny of distance meant a long wait until the WACA became a regular host of international cricket. The first test match to be played at the ground didn’t take place until 1970, marked by a century to Greg Chappell on debut. A new grandstand was opened to celebrate test cricket coming to Perth, originally known as the Test Stand, but later renamed after WA stalwart, John Inverarity. As with many of the other major cricket stadiums around Australia, the WACA has been used for numerous other sports; most notably as a previous home for AFL clubs the West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers, and also the now defunct NRL team, the Western Reds. With the new Perth Stadium scheduled to open in 2018, the WACA will be remodelled into a high performance cricket hub still capable of holding international fixtures, but the Scorchers, along with major internationals, will all move to the new venue. The Perth Scorchers, like all the other Big Bash League Twenty20 cricket franchises, was formed in 2011 as a new identity separate from existing state teams. They have since experienced great success on the field, making the grand final in all but one of the five seasons to date, and winning two championships. The Scorchers regularly see capacity crowds at the WACA of 20,000 plus. Food & Beverage 4 The variety of the food available is one of the big surprises of a trip to the WACA, although the typically high prices will bring you back to reality. Nevertheless, there are some impressive options to be found. The burger selection is solid, with special mention going to the top-of-the-line beef, bacon and cheese burger ($13.50), and the pulled pork burger ($12.50). Also a stand out are the wood smoked hot dogs (from $10), which complement the more standard items such as hot chips, pies and sausage rolls. Additionally, there are a small section of sandwiches, wraps and sushi for those fans looking for a lighter option. Beverage wise, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks are available – again, fairly pricey with a beer costing a minimum of $7. Atmosphere 3 Being relatively small in capacity by modern standards makes the WACA an intimate, boutique venue. Various refurbishments over the years has seen the gradual addition of grandstand seating. In addition to the Inverarity Stand, spectators can also take advantage of the Prindiville Stand and Lillee-Marsh Stand. The remainder of seating is grass hills and tiered concourses at ground level. This writer may be somewhat of a traditionalist, and therefore find the naming of grandstands and other fixtures around the venue as a welcome nod to history and past greats. For example, there is also the “Barry Shepherd Entrance” at Gate 6. Shepherd not only played test cricket for Australia, but was also an outstanding junior footballer and later an administrator for the WACA. The playing surface itself at the WACA is world famous for the nature of the pitch conditions, traditionally being bouncy and quick. The stadium is branded as #TheFurnance for Scorchers games, and feels like a fortress. Neighborhood 4 The suburb of East Perth is nestled on the banks of the Swan River, a short distance from the main CBD. The surrounding area has plenty of great hotels, restaurants and cafes including The Royal (60 Royal St). The Perth area has a strong affinity with the water with the river and great beaches. In fact, just beyond the sprawling parklands of Kings Park is the Royal Perth Yacht Club (6 Australia II Dr, Crawley). Royal Perth was of course famously the challenger club who won the 1983 America’s Cup following 132 years in the hands of the New York Yacht Club, and subsequently staged the 1987 defense off Fremantle. There are many locales within the metropolitan area worth exploring; Fremantle is a must, along with the glorious beachside communities of Cottesloe and Scarborough. There are several other major sporting venues in Perth, namely, Domain Stadium (AFL – West Coast Eagles and Fremantle Dockers) and nib Stadium (Rugby – Western Force, and Soccer – Perth Glory). Soccer is a summer sport in Australia so check both the Big Bash and A-League schedules if you’re travelling to town for any doubleheader opportunities. Fans 4 The WACA may be a small ground, but the fans duly pack it out every game and are as passionate about their team as any other BBL franchise. There are plenty of families in attendance, and the crowd is largely a sea of orange. Unlike other teams around the country, fans show up early and are raring to go by the time play gets underway. Access 3 There are several reasonable options to get to and from the ground on game day. The City of Perth operates several paid parking stations well within walking distance. Check https://www.cityofperthparking.com.au for details. Rates are very reasonable when compared to other major cities around the country. For public transport check the website at http://www.transperth.wa.gov.au to plan your journey. Note that there are several free bus services from the CBD to the ground. Trains are an option but the station at East Perth is around a 2km walk. One of the nicer points about walking into the precinct is the scenery, and many fans were soaking up the atmosphere while strolling through the Queen’s Garden as they approached from the west. Once inside the stadium, it is not as easy to move around and the stadium somewhat becomes a victim of its age and lack of development over the years. Access to upper levels is by stairs, seating rows are long and narrow, and bathrooms are dated. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices offer value for money with Adult General Admission from as low as $20. The usual discounts for children and families also apply, making entry for most very affordable. As always, all BBL teams tend to offer a good experience for families, and are a sensational way to take the youngsters to experience the fun of a night out at the cricket. Extras 3 Extra points for: #TheFurnace – excellent marketing to blend with the team branding and to liven up an otherwise bland stadium name If you only attend one game, make it the New Year’s Day game Free sunscreen! Final Thoughts While it’s not the most modern stadium going around, the experience is excellent. See the Scorchers at #TheFurnace before the new Perth Stadium opens across the beautiful Swan River.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hilton Coliseum 1700 Center Dr Ames, IA 50011 Iowa State Cyclones website Hilton Coliseum website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 14,356 Cyclones Basketball in Ames Hilton Coliseum sits on the grounds of Iowa State University and is home to the Cyclones men's and women's basketball teams as well as the gymnastics, volleyball, and wrestling teams. Hilton Coliseum opened on December 2, 1971 at a cost of $8.15 million. 14,510 fans showed up that evening to watch Iowa State defeat Arizona. The arena has played host to many NCAA tournament activities including regional basketball, regional gymnastics, and the NCAA wrestling championships. In 2006, the arena received a new video board and sound system at the cost of $2.5 million. Although not usually included with the top college basketball arenas around the country, Hilton Coliseum is a great venue to take in a game. Food & Beverage 3 Hilton Coliseum provides fans a decent option of foods, with nothing overly elaborate and prices in line with what you would expect at a Division I college basketball arena. Choices include walking tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, pizza, etc. that will run about $6-$7. Snacks, desserts, and nuts run about $4-$6. Your best bet for a drink is $6 for a bottomless soda. Pepsi products are served at Hilton Coliseum. Also available are coffee, hot chocolate, and water. As with many college arenas, alcohol is not served. Atmosphere 4 In Hilton Coliseum, the concourse is separated from the arena so when getting food or a drink, you can't see the game. One spot in the concourse worth seeing is the entrance to Johnny's (a spot for donors to get food and drinks). Johnny's refers to legendary basketball coach Johnny Orr, who coached the Cyclones from 1980-1994. The entrance includes display cases with lots of different memorabilia from Coach Orr's tenure with the Cyclones. Entering the seating area, you are met with cardinal and gold, the schools colors. As the team enters the court, the Cyclone alarm blares and the fans come to life and stay engaged in the game throughout. Every seat in the arena is a theater cushioned seat and they are quite comfortable. Banners adorn the ceiling around the arena with all the accomplishments of the team proudly on display. The video board over the court provides fans an easy opportunity to keep updated on stats and see replays. Neighborhood 4 Hilton Coliseum is located on the Iowa State campus and sits near Jack Trice Stadium, home of the Cyclones football team. As such, there isn't much right outside the venue but minimal driving will open up a litany of choices. Welch Avenue is a few blocks west of Hilton Coliseum. On Welch, you can find Cy's Roost and Welch Ave Station. Both are popular before and after the game and are good places to have a drink. For lunch or dinner, there are a few places well worth going to. For comfort food and barbecue, Hickory Park on Duff Ave (the main road through town) can't be beat. They have over 100 menu selections and the barbecue is among the best around. Also on Duff is the Mucky Duck Pub. The British-themed pub has a great environment and great food, including outstanding fish and chips. Another great choice is Dublin Bay Irish Pub & Grille. Great drink specials and quality food combine for a great time at Dublin Bay. Fans 5 Iowa State basketball fans are among the best I've encountered. The fans are a knowledgeable bunch and are quite loud when the situation dictates. While there are always lulls in games, those lulls are at a minimum at Hilton Coliseum. They sense the importance of certain possessions and plays throughout the game. As fans go, they are a nice bunch as well. They make no bones about who they are rooting for but are fair to the visiting team. The student section is a lively bunch. They stand throughout the game and have come up with creative ways to heckle the opposing team. The heckling is good natured which makes it much more enjoyable for the average fan. Access 4 Getting to Hilton Coliseum is easily accomplished from I-35. There are plenty of parking areas around with the football stadium and many parks and open areas surrounding the arena. The layout makes for a fairly convenient walk to the arena. Once inside, the concourses are wide enough to get through without much problem and there are ample restrooms for the crowds. Plenty of good handicapped seating areas for fans in wheelchairs are available. Return on Investment 4 Prices for games generally run $25-$50 depending on the opponent and where your seats are. With the recent success of the team, seats aren't as easy to come by but there aren't any bad seats wherever you sit. Combined with reasonable parking prices and average food prices, attending a game at Hilton Coliseum is one of the best values in the Big 12 and possibly one of the best values of any ranked team. Extras 4 An extra point goes to the game day staff. They can't be any nicer. Hilton Coliseum also boasts one of the nicer stores to pick up any Iowa State gear a fan needs. They have a large selection and the store is impeccably clean. Add another point for the banners that hang from the ceiling of the arena. The majority of the banners are cardinal and gold (the school's colors) and celebrate the championships of the sports teams. Another section has Olympic banners for former students who won gold medals in the Olympics. A final extra point goes to the band and student section. They keep the game entertaining. Final Thoughts Iowa is very much a wrestling and football state. Knowing that going in, I wasn't expecting much out of Hilton Coliseum. My assumption couldn't have been more wrong. Hilton Coliseum is a great place to watch a basketball game. The fans are into the game and are especially loud when the situation dictates. The staff is friendly and the arena is easily maneuverable. Hilton Coliseum is one of the Big 12's hidden gems and well worth the trip to take in a game in Ames.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Brisbane Cricket Ground Vulture St Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia Brisbane Heat website Brisbane Cricket Ground website Year Opened: 1895 Capacity: 42,000 The Heat is On Formally named the Brisbane Cricket Ground, the stadium almost universally known as “The ‘Gabba”, is the home of cricket in the state of Queensland. The area was originally established as cricket ground in 1895, but has been used for many sports over the ensuing decades. For this reason, the playing surface was surrounded by an iconic grass dog racing track for many years. In the early 1990s an extensive redevelopment began that would eventually see capacity increased to 42,000 within a continuous seating bowl. While rugby league and rugby union internationals are no longer played here, it is the home ground for Queensland Cricket and features an annual test match as well as various one-day internationals. In winter the Brisbane Lions AFL club call the ‘Gabba home. The Brisbane Heat, like all the other Big Bash League Twenty20 cricket franchises, was formed in 2011 as a new identity separate from existing state teams. As the only team in the state of Queensland they enjoy strong support in their home state, and were champions in the 2012/13 season (BBL2). Food & Beverage 3 The ‘Gabba boasts 31 food and beverage outlets located throughout the venue, meaning refreshments are always close by. While they may have hit a six when it comes to quantity, the same can’t in good conscience, be said about quality – or, unsurprisingly, price. There is a definite focus on the standard, mass produced items that can be easily prepared en masse. As a price guide, expect to pay between $15-$20 for a serving of food and a drink. At $7.70 for a beer, it will be an expensive trip to the cricket if you fancy a big night out. Even a basic meat pie will set you back $5. Atmosphere 4 The first of Australia’s cricket grounds to receive a major facelift in the modern era, the ‘Gabba is now virtually unrecognizable from what it once was. This quickly elevated the status of the stadium and differentiated it from other cricket venues around the country. However, given more recent redevelopments in Adelaide and the new Perth Stadium currently being constructed, it is arguable that perhaps the ‘Gabba now lacks some of the modern comforts of the newer stadiums. Despite this the ‘Gabba has again broken new ground for the 2016/17 season, and in an Australian first, has opened a splash pool within the stadium. This is a welcome addition and generated much interest amongst the cricket-going public. As with all the Big Bash franchises, the on-field action is regularly supplemented to provide a non-stop experience. The ground announcer for the Heat is very active which some may find annoying, but he at least seems to have a sense of humour. Expect the usual musical interludes, acrobats, and opportunities for audience participation. The half time (between innings) break also saw a mini fireworks display. Neighborhood 3 The suburb of Woolloongabba is located within a couple of kilometers of the Brisbane central business district. There’s not a lot of great options within the immediate neighborhood, although there are a couple of pubs and cafes, but the stadium is within close proximity to the South Bank area which is one of the most popular tourist destinations for the city. Overlooking the river, the area is a hub of recreation, entertainment and dining. If you are visiting Brisbane, exploring South Bank is a must. Given the city itself is built on the shore of Moreton Bay, the best beaches are some distance away. City planners have overcome this by building a man-made beach and lagoon at South Bank. Fans 3 Fans of the heat turn up in numbers, there is no doubt of that. In fact, in recent years they have averaged close to 30,000 spectators per game as the general popularity of the BBL and Twenty20 cricket has grown sharply. The BBL is particularly attractive to families all across Australia, and Brisbane is no exception. One thing to note though, is that many fans are there for the party atmosphere and therefore fully embrace all aspects on the experience; including regularly leaving their seats to visit the concession stands – worth mentioning, as depending on your seat your view may be regularly interrupted. Access 2 There is no specialized stadium parking. There are a few nearby options such as a parking station near the hospital, but with a train station and bus options, public transport is likely to be the best option unless you are within walking distance. Try to ascertain the best entry point for your seat, as there is no central path surrounding stadium; rather you need to walk up the block and down another street. Once inside the upper levels are largely serviced by stairs, with no escalators. The surrounding concourse is well designed however inside the seating bowl does not enjoy the same luxury. The constant flow of people in and out of their seats makes for a regularly interrupted experience should you be seated near an aisle. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets start from just $22 and with Child tickets from only $8, the Heat definitely offers an affordable entry to the ‘Gabba. The highest price point for a reserved seat is $55 and there are family packages available. Unfortunately this is somewhat tempered by the high cost of refreshments. Extras 2 The biggest plus here is the new pool area, a groundbreaking development for an Australian venue. Final Thoughts The Brisbane Heat largely offer a competitive experience for all at the ‘Gabba. Entry is well priced and the overall experience will be enjoyable for fans of all ages.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Blundstone Arena 15 Derwent St Bellerive, TAS 7018 Australia Hobart Hurricanes website Blundstone Arena website Year Opened: 1914 Capacity: 20,000 This is the Story of the Hurricanes The major cricketing venue in Australia’s island state dates from 1914 and has a current capacity of 19,500. Located in the Hobart suburb of Bellerive on the banks of the Derwent River across from the CBD, the ground has undergone a series of upgrades over the past 15 years which has made it a regular stop during Australia’s summer of international cricket. Tasmania wasn’t integrated into regular domestic cricket until the late 1970s but has produced a number of great players and cult heroes such as David Boon and Colin Miller. As well as being the home of the Tasmanian Cricket Association, Blundstone Arena is also a football stadium. The ground is a long time host of the Clarence Football Club from the Tasmanian Football League while additionally acting as a home-away-from-home for the North Melbourne Kangaroos from the AFL. The ‘Roos are one of several clubs who have leveraged the Tasmanian market, with Hawthorn playing several games in Launceston. The Hobart Hurricanes, like all the other Big Bash League Twenty20 cricket franchises, was formed in 2011 as a new identity separate from existing state teams. While their on-field performance is best described as mediocre, their crowds have steadily increased over the years and now average over 16,000. Food & Beverage 3 The food options are mostly as expected at Blundstone, consisting of the usual items such as pies ($5), chips ($4) and burgers ($7) – albeit, slightly better priced than at most major venues around the country. The quality is reasonable so don’t feel too bad about grabbing something to munch on while you enjoy the game. The cheapest beer is $7.50 with wine $6.50 while soft drinks cost $4.50, Atmosphere 3 More than $35m has been spent on upgrading Blundstone Arena since 1999 including on new grandstands, practice facilities, and light towers to enable day-night fixtures. The exterior of the stadium is sleek and modern. The majority of seating can now be found in the southern and western stands, known as the David Boon and Ricky Ponting Stands respectively. For the uninitiated, Ponting is arguably the greatest ever cricketer to hail from the Apple Isle and the only Tasmanian to have captained Australia in test cricket. As well as being the mainstay of Australia’s batting order for much of the late 1980s and 1990s, Boon has become a cult hero; known for his impressive moustache, quiet persona and supposedly holding the beer drinking record for an airplane flight between Sydney and London having consumed 52 cans en route to the victorious Ashes Tour of England in 1989. Behind the stands there stands a statue of both Ponting and Boon, and the western gate is also the site of pre-game fan activation stalls. The remainder of the venue consists of the Members Pavilion at the northern end of the ground, while on the eastern side sits a smaller grandstand, grass hill, and video scoreboard. Tasmania, even in the summertime, can be cold and windy. “Tassie” is of course the southernmost state of the continent and lies in the path of the “Roaring Forties”. While the Ponting Stand now blocks some of the strong southerly winds it can still be cool. Neighborhood 3 Bellerive is predominately a residential area on the eastern shore of the Derwent River. The Hobart CBD lies on the other side of the river, accessed by the Tasman Bridge. Hobart is the capital city of the state of Tasmania. The state has a fascinating history having been founded as a harsh and brutal convict settlement. Tasmania also experienced the worst of the poor race relations between white settlers and the indigenous population, with most accepted accounts noting that a concerted and calculated campaign of extermination by the whites went close to wiping out the Tasmanian Aborigines altogether. The city retains much of its colonial architecture connecting visitors to the past. A must-visit is Hadley’s Orient Hotel (34 Murray St). Originally built by convict labour in 1834, Hadley’s is reportedly Australia’s oldest continually operating pub, and is a Hobart gem. Another good historic pub to visit is Customs House (1 Murray St), which is frequented by sailors after completing the famous Sydney-Hobart yacht race held each year after Christmas. Tasmania is also known for its fresh produce, particularly seafood sourced from the local surrounding waters. Many restaurants can be found in the waterside tourist precinct of Salamanca Place, best accessed by the sandstone built Kelly’s Steps. If you are interested in history then Port Arthur is definitely worth a visit too (90 min drive). Fans 3 Hurricanes fans are strong supporters of their team, but despite the ground announcer proclaiming them as the “best fans in the BBL” they’re a little more subdued than other fans around the country. This is not necessarily a criticism, as from a cricket perspective they are the most attentive fan base in the league. Access 4 There is some parking close by the oval, and many people drive to the game. Free parking can be found at South St Reserve, while there are free shuttle bus services from the city. Best tip is to check the website for the game you plan on attending to ascertain the most suitable option for you: http://blundstonearena.com.au/match-day-information/ Access within the stadium is relatively smooth, and navigation is easy. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices offer value for money with Adult General Admission from as low as $23. The usual discounts for children and families also apply, making entry for most very affordable. As always, all BBL teams tend to offer a good experience for families, and are a sensational way to take the youngsters to experience the fun of a night out at the cricket. With access and refreshments reasonably priced, the Hurricanes are definitely affordable and high quality entertainment. Extras 3 Blundstone Arena offers both tours and a library / museum, although both have limited hours so be sure to confirm on the venue website before you visit. As with most stadiums, tours are not available on game days. Also, be sure to check out the view from The Plumb Café at the top of the western stairs! Final Thoughts The Hobart Hurricanes at Blundstone Arena are the perfect excuse for a trip to beautiful Tasmania!

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 University Stadium 1111 University Boulevard SE Albuquerque, NM 87131 New Mexico Bowl website University Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 39,224 The New Mexico Bowl The 2016 edition of the Gildan New Mexico Bowl proved to be one for the ages. Head Coach Bob Davie’s New Mexico Lobos squared off with Head Coach Frank Wilson’s UTSA Roadrunners, who were making their first ever bowl appearance. A raucous crowd of nearly 30,000 braved the elements, and were treated to a truly memorable kickoff to the 2016 bowl season. The contest went down to the wire, but Davie’s squad, in what was ostensibly a home game for UNM, was able to hang on to win the game 23-20, taking home their first bowl victory in nine years. The Sandia Mountains, visible on the horizon from virtually every seat in the stadium, gave silent witness to a truly historic afternoon in Albuquerque. Food & Beverage 3 The food and drink selection at University Stadium includes pretty standard fare. Lobos dogs (a.k.a. hot dogs), French fries, pretzels, popcorn, and soda are all available for around $5. There are also some higher ticket items, such as chicken finger baskets and one of the state’s signature flavors, green chiles (in the form of a green chile cheeseburger), on the menu at the five main concession stands (one in the corner of each end zone, and one in the north end concourse). In addition to the above, there are also pared down Domino’s kiosks throughout the stadium, selling cheese and pepperoni pizza by the slice, along with a few other items from their in-store menu. Despite the lack of anything truly unique, there is enough available to make the game watching experience satisfying. One caveat to be aware of – you can expect to wait in long lines at the concessions stands. Because there are relatively few stands, the lines tend to bunch up, so it would be wise to plan your visits strategically. Atmosphere 4 The 2016 New Mexico Bowl greatly benefited from having the home town team (and regular tenants of the building) University of New Mexico Lobos on the field. A good sized crowd, with a lot personally invested in the outcome, filled the stands and made the action lively. It also helped that the game turned out to be an exciting one. In terms of atmosphere, the stadium is like a high-end high school stadium; bench-style seats with clearly defined home and visitor sides add to that vibe. Being out in the elements in December in Albuquerque might not be everyone’s idea of a great time, but it definitely felt like football. The old school look and feel of University Stadium is a perfect fit, and will be enjoyed by football fans both casual and diehard. Neighborhood 3 For sports fans, the site of University Stadium and the New Mexico Bowl are ideal. Situated on the campus of the University of New Mexico, you are right in the middle of their sports complex. The fabled Pit is within walking distance, as are the University’s baseball and tennis facilities. Also within sight is Isotopes Park, home to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes (one of the greatest real-life Simpsons nods ever). Beyond that, there is not much else to do for visitors to the Bowl Game, at least not within walking distance. Albuquerque itself is teeming with activity – such as Old Town, Sandia Peak and its Tramway, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center, and the has-to-be-seen-to-be-believed Anderson-Abruzzo International Balloon Museum. There are also outdoor activities aplenty, and Breaking Bad tours and events are omnipresent. However, these all take a bit of driving and exploring away from University Stadium. Fans 4 Again, the 2016 Gildan New Mexico Bowl benefited greatly from having the hometown Lobos as one of its participants. In addition, the “home team” UTSA Roadrunners brought in close to 4,000 fans of their own, and their enthusiasm with having literally never been to a bowl game before added to the overall environment. Throughout the city, references to the New Mexico Bowl abound. The city is behind the game and the feeling is palpable; that energy and enthusiasm resonates during the game and among the fans. Access 4 University Stadium is easy to move around and easy to get to, right off I-25. Avenida Cesar Chavez is a major thoroughfare in the city, and runs parallel to University Stadium. Being on campus also allows fans easy access to and more than ample parking. Despite there being no real public transportation to and from the site, getting to and leaving the New Mexico Bowl is relatively painless. Even at capacity, you should not have to wait too long to either park or leave. Return on Investment 4 In terms of pricing, the Gildan New Mexico Bowl is easily one of the most affordable on the college football landscape. General admission seats (which are in a prime location in the north end of the stadium) can be had for $25; premium seating is $40. Parking on campus can be had for as little as $10 per car. Combining these with the affordable cost of concessions makes for an affordable and exciting afternoon. Given the history of the game, in which nearly every game has been at the very least competitive, and at the very best down-to-the-wire exciting, you can’t beat the value. It also should be on the bucket list of every sports fan to attend a bowl game, and this would be a great “gateway” to getting that done. Extras 3 One of the best aspects of attending a college football game is seeing the bands perform at halftime; being at University Stadium for the Gildan New Mexico Bowl continues this trend. The 2016 edition featured both the Spirit Marching Band of the University of New Mexico and the Spirit of San Antonio UTSA Marching Band. The spectacle of these two bands performing added greatly to the overall energy of the game. In addition, having the presence of ESPN on-site added to the game’s air of importance. The presentation of the game trophy was also a highlight; a piece of Zia Pueblo pottery painted with football players, the logos of the competing teams, and Pueblo symbols (the Gildan New Mexico Bowl logo). Final Thoughts For being one of the “lesser” bowls, the Gildan New Mexico Bowl offered great excitement and energy from the stands. The on-field competition did not disappoint, and fans of college football would easily be enthralled and engaged by what is put on by the good people of Albuquerque. The city itself is beautiful, and is the perfect host for an event of this type. If you are looking for all the bells and whistles of “big time” college football, you might not find that here, but in terms of bang for your buck, you can’t beat the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Chris Green, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Hard Rock Stadium 2267 NW 199th St Miami Gardens, FL 33056 Orange Bowl website Hard Rock Stadium website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 74,916 Orange Bowl The Orange Bowl Game is the second-longest running college football bowl game, and the history of the game runs deep in sports. Now, played in a changing Hard Rock Stadium, the game is one that cannot be missed by die-hard sports fans, regardless of who plays in the game. Food & Beverage 4 Food and beverage at Miami sporting events is already pretty good, due to the heavy Latin influence. Now, the new renovations have made the actual food booths at lot easier to navigate and the patio seating areas to eat at a lot nicer. What used to be just corridors of concession stands are now mini food courts. On the suite level, a massive indoor food court is located along the massive windows that give fans a grand vista of South Florida. The new lower-level suite areas include full-scale restaurants that help fans smell glorious tastes throughout the halls from the media room to the ticket offices.​ Alcohol is ever-present (it is college in Miami, after all) in large bars that also sport HD TVs for fans to catch some of the other sports action that may be going on that day.​ Prices aren't completely out of range, but they aren't cheap either. A half-pound burger and fries runs $13, not including a drink, while a personal pizza from Papa John's will run $8.75, be it cheese or pepperoni. There is a refillable popcorn bucket available for $10 and a bottomless drink costs $11 (a regular soda is $4). Draft beer averages about $8.​ Atmosphere 5 The feeling at the Orange Bowl game can be described as electric and nothing less. Fans cheer for their team louder than most games the stadium sees (yes, I am talking to you UM fans...), and during the band performances, they sing along and chant with the melodies. The Orange Bowl game also sells out every year, leading to a full house, making the oohs and aahs even louder. The entire place shakes when a touchdown incites the roar of the crowd. The whole day leading up to the game is also full of partying fans in the parking lot, and the college atmosphere is noticeable throughout. It is hard to find a better bowl experience in the country. Neighborhood 3 Miami Gardens isn't exactly a prime location in which to showcase the city of Miami and all it has to offer. Sure, across the street from Hard Rock Stadium is a very nice shopping center. Inside is a giant Walmart. There is a bank as well, with a beautiful brand new Sonic Beach that has a ton of fans before and after the games. The outside patio setting is mixed with the bar inside that opens up to the outdoors and has several TVs, making it an ideal setting in which to relax before or after the game with the family and other fans.​ But the immediate neighborhood BEYOND that first block is not the same. There isn't anything wrong, per se, with the neighborhood, but it isn't exactly a crown jewel of Miami-Dade County. The homes are average. The people are just...there. Think something akin to the first Fast and the Furious movie, everyone in the middle of lower-middle-class suburbia cooking out on an old grill. That's the same setting. Not a bad place, but I could think of nicer locations to be walking through in the evening.​ Traffic is also a rough go, considering Hard Rock Stadium is next to a highway. As far as where to stay, Sun Life Stadium only has one hotel next to it, and it's out of date. It's better to experience what Miami has to offer and stay in the city or South Beach if you're staying overnight. Additionally, the stadium isn't anywhere near the University of Miami campus.​ Anywhere else is at least a 10-15 minute drive away towards the metropolis of the city.​ Fans 5 The fans at the Orange Bowl know what is at stake; a win in one of the biggest bowl games in the nation, let alone a college football playoff game every few years. This means they are going to do everything they can to get their team going with a loud cheer. The teams respond in kind with hard play on the field. The Orange Bowl also brings out some of the coolest fans in football. There is a small but aged group of fans who have seen the greats play, all the way back to the days of the Miami Orange Bowl, and they show up to the games being played now. To say the least, the fans at the Orange Bowl are loyal, energetic, and sport knowledgeable. It is one of the truest college football experiences you can find during bowl season. Access 3 Hard Rock Stadium is right off the Florida Turnpike. But a well-placed exit ramp does not an easy drive make. This is Miami, and traffic here is awful on a perfect day at midnight. Add to that the game day traffic and terribly spaced lights all around the stadium, and you're liable to be stuck there for hours, unless you arrive really early. The stadium is far from the beach and downtown city center. Essentially, it's pretty far from everything. This has been a complaint of fans in many places for all teams at Hard Rock Stadium. For a fan in a population center like Homestead or Cutler Bay to the south, a trip to the Orange Bowl game can be an hour's drive each direction, depending on traffic. Parking can be pricey, costing upwards of $30 at the stadium and nearby parking lots. The only solution to fans as of 2015 is the addition of several free parking lots nearby, due to the construction on-site related to the stadium renovations. Return on Investment 5 Getting to witness history is what happens every year, regardless of who plays and what the score is. This is the Orange Bowl Game! Being played on New Year's Eve, the event is more than just a football game, but a way of life for many fans in South Florida and around the country. The history behind the game adds to the allure. Sure, tickets aren't the cheapest, and no, the parking isn't free. But you are going to get to see one of the premier sporting events in the entire country. With the addition of the game as one of the College Football Playoff semifinals every three years, the value of going to the Orange Bowl has only grown that much more. Extras 5 The Orange Bowl is always known for a killer halftime show. From the likes of Dierks Bentley to John Fogerty, you will be treated to a great concert between halves. Another plus is the pre-game festivities in the fan zone. Additional concerts, meet and greets, College Gameday on ESPN, and even monster truck shows. One of the cooler things at Hard Rock Stadium is also a statue of the great Dan Marino. Fans can take a photo next to one of the best players in NFL history right outside the team store at Sun Life Stadium. Another extra is the pre-game activities inside the stadium. This year, in addition to the National Anthem, a field-sized flag was displayed during God Bless America, followed by military skydivers parachuting into the field with the game ball and flags for the two teams represented. Arguably one of the neatest things the Orange Bowl has over other games is the trophy. The giant glass bowl on the trophy is presented to the winning team filled with actual oranges. Players will throw them onto the crowd for the cheering fans, making for an interesting memento if you catch one. Final Thoughts The Orange Bowl Game...what else comes close? You cannot argue the pageantry of the game. The history, the excitement, and the sheer enormity of what is on the line all make this one of the best college bowl games to go to. A definite must-see for die-hard sports fans, let alone college football fanatics.

Photos by Dave Cottenie, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Joe Louis Arena 600 Civic Center Dr Detroit, MI 48226 Detroit Red Wings Website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 20,066 Demolished: 2019 - 2020 Last Call for The Joe With the 2017-2018 season around the corner, the Detroit Red Wings of the National Hockey League are preparing to move to some shiny new digs. Many believe that this is a necessary move so that the Red Wings can continue to compete on a financial level with the other teams in the NHL. With the impending move to the newly branded Little Caesars Arena, the Red Wings are also preparing to say good-bye to the Joe Louis Arena, one of hockey’s most unique and charismatic facilities to date. What The Joe lacks in amenities and revenue streams, is more than made up with what one of the most special groups of fans in all of sport bring to the atmosphere. The Red Wings ownership are banking on that special atmosphere being brought over to Little Caesars. Built in 1979 and named after the famous boxer, the Joe Louis Arena has been home to one of the richest hockey eras south of the 39th parallel. Affectionately known as Hockeytown, Detroit is a unique market in the United States where a pretty substantial argument can be made that it is a hockey-first market. Owned by the City of Detroit, The Joe is attached to the Cobo Center, the local convention center, probably most famous for hosting the annual International Auto Show. In 1982, the Red Wings, one of the NHL’s “Original Six” franchises, were purchased by Mike Ilitch. The founder and owner of Little Caesars Pizza, Ilitch, who also owns the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball, has long been a proponent of moving business back to downtown Detroit, which continues to struggle. The Red Wings have long been the centerpiece of that strategy with the Joe located right on the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. Any sort of hockey fan needs to ensure that they make a pilgrimage to the Joe Louis Arena while they still can. It would be a shame to miss the last call of The Joe. Food & Beverage 3 Concession options at the Joe Louis Arena are pretty average, but there is enough there to keep fans satisfied. There are a number of main concessions throughout the concourses. There, fans will be able to find the typical arena concessions. Hot dogs ($4.50), sausage, nachos, peanuts, Cracker Jack, popcorn ($3.75), pretzels, chips, ice cream and candy are all available. As expected, the pizza options come from Mike Ilitch’s Little Caesars. The Little Caesars concessions offer a decent selection of pizza in either the regular or deep dish variety. Whole pizzas are also available. The Red Hot Wings concession would also be of interest as they provide a variety of chicken wings. Joe Louis Arena does boast a well-stocked bar area, which is better than the average arena. Beer selections are not over the top, but are decent. Labatt Blue, Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Coors Banquet, Coors Light, Foster’s, Budweiser and Bud Light are all available in various areas ($7.25/$10). Soft drink options are Coca-Cola products and can be found all over the place ($5.75). Tim Hortons also provides hot options including coffee, hot chocolate and french vanilla cappuccino. Atmosphere 3 Located on the shore of the Detroit River, the Joe Louis Arena is not much to look at from the exterior. Under the maze of highways and monorail tracks, The Joe hides behind the much larger Cobo Center and is pretty much lost with regards to downtown Detroit landmarks. The exterior is covered with grey and red siding and lacks any sort of windows. Fans approaching the Joe Louis Arena will immediately be struck with the number of stairs leading to one of the two main entrances. Inside The Joe, fans are greeted with dark concourses that let in absolutely no natural light. There are a number of things to explore in the concourses for Red Wing fans. A number of murals attempt to brighten up the dank concourses and pillars are decorated with framed pictures of Detroit Red Wing legends as well as murals of important moments in Red Wings history. The trophy case can be found with little effort and there are a ton of historical artifacts to be found within. Decals honoring great Red Wings can also be found on the concourse floors. At the Gordie Howe entrance, fans are greeted with large banners thanking the recently departed Mr. Hockey. Below those banners are the highlights of the concourse area, the bronze statues of the members of the famous Production Line. Ted Lindsay, Alex Delvecchio and Gordie Howe each are memorialized in a unique fashion. Inside the seating bowl fans are treated with a sea of red-leather stadium seats. The single concourse empties to a double bowl, with staircases heading to the upper level. The ice surface is aligned in an east-west configuration. The north side of the arena is the best spot to be if you want a great picture with the Hockeytown logo at center ice. Above the ice surface, the rafters are absolutely littered with red and white championship banners. These include the eleven Stanley Cup championship banners which were earned in 1936, 1937, 1943, 1950, 1952, 1954, 1955, 1997, 1998, 2002, and 2008. The Red Wings do push the envelope a bit by raising banners for achievements that no other team in the NHL recognizes, including the best record in the conference and division at the end of the regular season. A banner for the Presidents Trophy as the team that finishes the regular season with the best record will often be right beside a banner exclaiming the best record in the conference. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood surrounding the Joe Louis Arena is not the greatest as many would expect from downtrodden Detroit, however there are a number of items that may be of interest to fans visiting. The Joe is located right on the shores of the Detroit River, immediately south of the Cobo Center, Detroit’s convention center, in the Fort/Cass neighbourhood, just south of downtown proper. It is definitely hidden from those just driving by and the new location for Little Caesars Arena will provide a more visible locations, close to other Detroit sports venues. There are a few spots along the way for fans to catch a pre or post game meal. In the immediate area the Signature Grille, Cobo Joe’s and London Chop House may be of interest. However, fans who are willing to make a bit of a walk will want to consider Cheli’s Chili Bar and Hockeytown Cafe. Both offer an atmosphere that is extremely connected to the Red Wings and are worth checking out. However, as expected, both are very popular for game days. Fans looking for other sporting options will not be disappointed in the area. Major League Baseball’s Detroit Tigers play at nearby Comerica Park and the National Football League’s Detroit Lions play at Ford Field. Fans who want to pair a basketball game with a Red Wings game will have to head out to Auburn Hills for the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. However, the Pistons will be joining the Red Wings in their new home at Little Caesars Arena for the 2017-2018 season. Otherwise, a closer option would be on the campus of the University of Detroit Mercy where college basketball’s Detroit Titans play in Calihan Hall on a court named after Dick Vitale. In the immediate area of The Joe is of course the Cobo Center, which hosts a number of events, probably most famously the International Auto Show. The Michigan Sports Hall of Fame can be found there also. Unless there is another function happening at the Cobo Center, fans are able to walk through to get to The Joe. One of the highlights of the walk would be the large bronze statue of Joe Louis himself. Other options in the nearby area would include shows at the Fox Theater or heading to Greektown to the casino. There are a couple of spots to stay in downtown Detroit for fans that are interested. Both the Holiday Inn Express and Crowne Plaza can be found within walking distance. Fans 5 What makes the Detroit Red Wings a truly special experience is the fans. Hockey has some pretty ardent fan bases. Any Original Six franchise is usually a pretty special spot to catch a game, but the fans in Detroit are unique. They become as much a part of the experience as the players. The Joe boasts over 250 consecutive sellouts. With a capacity of over 20,000 fans, that is a significant achievement. In the past three seasons, the Red Wings have ranked in the top four in home attendance and have averaged over 20,000 fans every season. Red Wing fans may not be over the top noisy like Montreal Canadiens or Chicago Blackhawks fans, but when the time is right they get VERY loud. A Red Wings goal in the first period elicits the same reaction and decibel level as a goal in the third period and if a fight breaks out on the ice, the roof is blown off the Joe Louis Arena. Red Wing fans will continue singing songs long after the play has begun and the audio system has stopped playing the song. They are intelligent and no fan base wears the home jersey in the sheer numbers that they do in Detroit. Access 3 Getting to the Joe Louis Arena is usually not too difficult. Although it is located right on the banks of the river, amidst a maze of elevated highways and public transit tracks, it is located close to interstate highways I-375 and I-75 as well as the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. For fans interested in public transportation to get to the game, the Detroit People Mover has a stop right at the Joe Louis Arena. See the Detroit People Mover website for maps, fares and schedules. In the immediate surrounding area, there are a number of parking options. As with many big city cases, consider pre-purchasing parking, especially if you are new to the area. The Southeast and Gordie Howe gates are both preceded by large staircases. Considering the proximity to the river, and cold Detroit winters, this was probably not the greatest idea ever. Steps can get slippery and railings are a must. The concourses in the Joe Louis Arena are dark and can get congested at times. The washroom situation is very convoluted and can get crowded. The best option is to look for the washrooms on the outside edge of the concourse that are up the stairs. Return on Investment 4 There is decent value in seeing a Detroit Red Wings hockey game. As with most teams, ticket prices will fluctuate. The general range is from $255 to $40 per game. There are some bargains still available, but expect a big increase next season with the move to Little Caesars. As far as the fan cost index, the Red Wings fair very well in the NHL as the 20th most expensive option, well below the NHL average. What makes the dollar value worth it is the unique atmosphere inside the JLA seating bowl, and one of the best fan bases in all sport. Extras 3 An extra mark for the final season at Joe Louis Arena. An extra mark for the monument to boxing great Joe Louis which can be found in the Cobo Center. An extra mark for being Hockeytown and possibly the one “Hockey-First” city in the United States. Final Thoughts Take the opportunity to get to the Joe Louis Arena while you still can. Time is running out on the final season and it would be a shame for any hockey enthusiast to miss out on seeing this Original Six team where Steve Yzerman brought them back to glory. The 2017-2018 season will definitely be different for the Red Wings and the ownership is banking on that special fan base heading north to the new arena after the Last Call at the Joe.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tiger Arena 3219 College St Savannah, GA 31404 Savannah State Tigers website Tiger Arena website Year Opened: 2000 Capacity: 5,000 The Coastal Cats of Savannah State Note: Savannah State Athletics have moved to the NCAA Div 2 level. Savannah State University is one of oldest Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HCBU) in the country, as it opened its doors in 1890. Today its campus in the Midtown neighborhood of Savannah is home to a student body of 4,900 students. The largest majors at Savannah State are in the areas of Business Administration, Liberal Arts, and Science and Technology. Due to its location on the Georgia coast, it also offers programming in Marine Biology and certification classes for personnel who will be working in the Homeland Security field. The Tiger athletic programs play at the NCAA Division I level in the MEAC conference. The basketball program calls the Tiger Arena its home court, opened in 2000 with a capacity of 5,000. It is located on campus within the athletic complex. The arena is also the home of the Savannah State University Sports Hall of Fame. Savannah State is known to take on a very challenging schedule in its athletic programs. They are not afraid to take on major schools from the power conferences. Unfortunately, this has led to some rather dubious NCAA records for the school. In 2004, the team finished 0-28, the only time a school has gone through a complete season winless. The school also holds the record for the least points scored in a half (4) in an 85-25 loss to Kansas State in 2008. The team performs very well within the MEAC Conference. Food & Beverage 3 There are two concession stands on the upper level of the arena. They serve a very basic set of items, but at extremely low prices. The entire menu consists of hot dogs ($2), nachos ($4.25), popcorn ($2), candy ($2), chips ($1.50), bottled water ($2), and Coca-Cola brand sodas ($2). It would be a good idea to load up on something more substantial prior to the game and then rely on the concession stand for a snack. Atmosphere 3 Despite the Tigers woes on the court, the atmosphere in the stands is one of celebration. The arena sets the stage for this by having the interior area of the building in the school colors of bright hues of orange, blue and white. Like many of the other HBCU schools, the band plays on a nonstop basis, which has the fans dancing in the aisles. The Tiger mascot, the Savannah State cheerleaders, and the Sapphire Dance Line also do a great job in keeping the spirits high during the game. In some respects, a Savannah State game is like a family reunion, as the opposition often has some players who attended high school in the local area. This is especially true for crosstown rival Armstrong State University, as well as schools such as South Carolina State or Georgia Southern University. Neighborhood 4 Savannah State University is located in the Midtown area of metropolitan Savannah. This is 5 miles east of downtown Savannah and its Historic District, and 16 miles west of Tybee Island and the Atlantic Ocean. This makes it very accessible to the many attractions and fine restaurants Savannah has to offer. Restaurants in and around the Savannah State campus include Chili’s, Baldino’s Subs, Bojangles, the Overtime Sports Bar and Grill, and the Coaches Corner. Baseball fans can enjoy the Savannah Bananas games at Historic Grayson Stadium, which is just five miles from the campus. Savannah is a tourist mecca and lodging is available to meet anyone’s budget. Accommodations in the downtown area along Bay Street are the most expensive, as are the oceanfront properties on Tybee Island. The most reasonable accommodations from a price point are near Savannah Mall along Abercorn Street. This is one of the city’s main thoroughfares and is only minutes away from Savannah State or any of Savannah’s many tourist attractions. Fans 3 You can typically expect a crowd of around 2,000 people for a Savannah State men’s basketball game, with sellouts limited to “backyard brawls” with neighboring institutions Armstrong State University or Georgia State University. A major portion of the crowd will be Savannah State students, as the arena is located adjacent to some of the largest dorms in the area and a very large apartment complex located just off campus. Savannah State’s alumni base is largely from within the city, as the school was at one-time commuter based. They may be gray around their temples, but they are true blue and orange in their hearts. The third component of the attendees comes from neighborhoods throughout the local area that has no official link to the Tigers. Savannah State is the only Division I sports program in town, and it receives a great deal of local media attention as a result. Access 4 The directions to Savannah State University and Tiger Arena are quite simple. Take I-16 East to exit 165 (Abercorn Street). Make a right on Abercorn Street, then a right onto Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard. Turn left onto Victory Avenue and stay on it until you enter the small village of Thunderbolt. You will then turn right on Whatley, which will bring you directly to the main gate of Savannah State University. There will be a staffed gate attendant, and you just need to let them know your destination is Tiger Arena. They will hand you a campus map, but it is hard to miss, as it is a tall white, blue and orange building. Free parking is available directly outside the arena. Once inside you can enter the court level at either floor level or go upstairs (via elevator or stairway). The lower level is bench seating as it is of the rollout variety. The upper seating is plastic chair back seating. The aisles and concourses are wide, and you will have no difficulty in navigating them, even at halftime. The concessions and restrooms are adequate for the typical turnout for a Savannah State game. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and military personnel, and $5 for youth. There is no charge for parking in the lot adjacent to Tiger Arena. The concession offerings are very basic but quite inexpensive. A night out with the Tigers will not burn a hole in your pocket. Extras 3 March Madness in Savannah has nothing to do with basketball. On March 17 of each year, the city of Savannah hosts the second largest, after New York, St. Patrick’s celebration in the country, with thousands more taking part. The celebration includes a 5-hour long parade, dyeing the Savannah River green, and revelry all day and all night along the city’s historic River Street. You can also take drinks to go in plastic cups in this area of town only. Six basketball players from Savannah State University have gone on to play for the Harlem Globetrotters. A third extra has to go to the location of Savannah State’s campus. You can enjoy a lively nightlife on River Street within a matter of minutes of the campus or if it is a nice spring day you can be on the beach at Tybee Island in less than a half an hour. Final Thoughts Tiger Arena offers free parking, inexpensive ticket and concession prices, plus beautiful Savannah to enjoy after the game-try not to enjoy yourself while in town.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 AAMI Park Olympic Boulevard Melbourne, VIC 3001 Australia Melbourne City FC website AAMI Park website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 30,050 Unrivalled A-League Fan Experience in Melbourne City Melbourne’s 30,000-seat AAMI Park (or Melbourne Rectangular Stadium for FIFA purposes) is one of Melbourne’s premier sporting stadiums and plays host to rugby union (Super Rugby’s Melbourne Rebel’s), rugby league (The NRL’s Melbourne Storm) and the A-League football team Melbourne City. The outdoor sports stadium, which is owned by the Victorian Government and located about 1km to the east of the Central Business District, was built in 2010 and has five tenants across three sports. The stadium has hosted Asian Cup football matches as well as Four Nations rugby league games. The venue will also host matches during the upcoming 2017 rugby league world cup. AAMI Park has also played host to gigs from notable bands like the Foo Fighters and Taylor Swift. The $270 million stadium design features an interesting “Bioframe” design, with a geodesic dome roof that covers most of the seats while also still allowing light through to the field. The northern and southern sides of the stadium are called the Olympic Side and Yarra Side, while the exterior of the stadium is covered in thousands of LED lights which can be programmed to display a variety of patterns and images to highlight the home team for that respective game. Furthermore, the stadium won the award for the most iconic and culturally significant stadium at the 2012 World Stadium Awards. While the name Melbourne City Football Club might be relatively new to Australia’s premier football competition, the Hyundai A-League, the professional team certainly is not. The club was founded in 2009 as the Melbourne Heart and played under that name from its inaugural 2010 – 11 season until it was acquired and subsequently rebranded in mid-2014 by the City Football Group who hold full ownership of the club. Food & Beverage 3 AAMI Park offers an array of typical sports stadium grub with a few interesting additions that add to the appetite of fans and delivers a better food fan experience than some other stadiums. The stadium food on offer is the general type of bain-marie food items that one would see at a major stadium with items on offer such as the usual easily cooked hot dogs, meat pies, chips, chicken strips and chips, burgers, fish and chips, and more of the usual fare. There are some healthier options such as sandwiches and wraps however in terms of dietary requirements, there is no gluten free or vegan food to be found, which is interesting given the way other stadiums are moving in this direction. One thing that is good to see from a fan experience perspective is that there is also a German-inspired sausage stand selling big gourmet sausages in crusty bread rolls. This stand has large lines as people obviously find this an enticing food option. AAMI Park offers a restaurant located on the external concourse of the stadium called The Bench, which is a place where fans can meet for a drink and a meal prior to the match. The Bench is open 2.5 hours before kick-off and offers gourmet pub food like BBQ ribs, mushroom burgers, chicken parmigiana, and pizzas. Staff are attentive and polite with positive attitudes and while there are long lines at the food stands these move fast. Outside the stadium, local clubs are allowed to sell items to raise money for their clubs with members from Melbourne team Bentleigh Greens selling an array of sweet and savoury nuts that fans grab by the bag full as a quick pregame snack. The drinks that are available inside the stadium are again typical of a major stadium beverage contract and include the standard Coca-Cola varieties along with water, juice, and iced tea. Alcoholic drinks are limited to mid-strength including Carlton-Mid and Hahn Light beer. Spirits such as Jack Daniels as well as Bulmer’s cider are also available, which is good to see as many stadiums don’t actually do cider. Responsible service of alcohol rules prevent full strength drinks and punters from purchasing more than four beers or two spirits in one visit to the bar which is fairly standard across Australia’s stadiums. One thing that is annoying here is seeing 30 odd sad pre-poured beers lined up at half time with no head on them. In an obvious attempt to move the beer lines faster, this is a disturbing standard practice for public stadium bars but it’s one that many fans have great frustration with as fans really want an ice cold freshly poured beer as well as one without small bugs on the head as was seen here, due to not washing the taps out properly. During my recent visit, the venue did however replace this beer and were happy to do so saying that it does happen from time to time. While there is no genuine craft beer here, the other issue with both the light beer and spirits is that they are poured from cans into plastic cups (no glass or cans inside stadium for safety issues), meaning that the drinks lose some of their chill when poured and from a staffing perspective seems like a lot more work. However they compensate for this by having an ice bucket to use to add ice to your spirits. The ice bucket was filled when I bought drinks on two occasions, but at halftime it was empty and staff were too busy to refill it. Water is available inside the stadium to fill up bottles up, which in summer is very beneficial for fans. Overall, you’ll find a selection of typical stadium food and drinks with a few interesting additions that provide some extra incentive to take a punt and enjoy some stadium grub here. Perfect for a day at the footy! Atmosphere 4 The walk to the stadium is peppered with lively bars and cafes as fans sing songs and march to the ground before games. Fans here are vocal and passionate both outside the ground and inside as well, and one can feel the anticipation building prior to the match. The all-seated intimate stadium is a rectangular football stadium, which has a unique ‘bioframe’ design featuring 30,000 seats. While there are no cup holders or padded seats, the stadium does offer an exceptional viewing experience for fans regardless of where they sit. Seats are ample in size and offer good pitch and rake as well as sight lines to be able to see all of the action on the field. The seats make you feel close to the finely prepared grass while two TV scoreboards provide data insights, highlights and replays for fans that adds to the fan experience. The stadium’s unique lighting design means that teams can have their colours represented on the roof throughout the match, which is a good thing seeing as multiple tenants use this space. The first impressions of the fan engagement activations is one of pure class. The Melbourne City ‘City-Square’ fan zone is an outstanding set up that includes skill drill tests for young fans, gourmet food trucks, EA Sport FIFA gaming stations, penalty shoot-outs, membership support, merchandise tents, competitions, giveaways, raffles and other events. The fan zone is inside an area known as Gosch’s Paddock that includes a number of grassy fields where kids can kick footballs with their friends or family. Inside the stadium the fan engagement continues with fans being allowed to play FIFA16 against one another on the big screens, which entertains fans in the stands and those lining up to buy food and drink. City fans are loud and entertaining as they sing songs, chant war cries and offer funny banter with the rival team. There is a constant vocal noise typical of a lively football match throughout the game, which really adds to the night’s atmosphere. Seating options are plentiful and all offer a good view of the field. The two ends are cheaper than the east and west stands, which offer corporate seating and a centre view of the field, making it possibly a slightly better view to take in the whole ground. Most of the stadium offers cover from the elements, however the first few rows of each stand would potentially become wet regardless of the roof protection during heavy rains. The stadium offers general admission, although many games are also reserved seating due to members seating and for bigger matches or sold out events. While away fans are positioned into one far end corner of the stadium this is more so they can all be with their fellow supporters as generally for football matches here, fans can sit alongside fans of the opposing team without any aggression. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is set in the heart of Melbourne with the Central Business District only a short walk away with ample transport and well lit walking paths making it very accessible. The Richmond area is surrounded by a bustling nightlife featuring award winning restaurants, tasty pub menus, craft beer bars, and supermarkets. Fans can take advantage of the local shopping and sightseeing around this area before a game while also stopping in at various bars pregame where fans of all teams are welcomed, albeit with a bit of cheeky banter. The area to and from the stadium, either from Richmond or Jolimont train station or from walking via the city is very safe and secure, not least due to the large amount of people riding bikes or walking on the foot paths to either the stadium or local bars. There are literally hundreds of quality bars and restaurants to try either on the walk to the stadium or in the Richmond area if that’s where you disembark on the train. From modern Australian food like burgers and seafood or chicken and chips, Melbourne is famous for its vegetarian and vegan options as well so buying affordable food and drinks that are also healthy is something which is very easy near the stadium. Melbourne also has a wide selection of craft beer bars and craft beer on tap at pretty much every bar, so if good beer is your thing then you will not be disappointed. A must would be to try Slowbeer in Richmond, as well as Holliava which is quite close to the stadium. In terms of attractions and entertainment, there are a variety of nightclubs and bars in the area which are worth investigating. From rock and roll music venue, The Corner Hotel to the rollicking 9T4 bar, there is a bar for any fan. There are plenty of close hotel options that fans could choose to stay at in the Olympic Park area. However, with the city only a short walk away it would be wise to find a hotel in the CBD and take the short tram or train ride or walk to and from the stadium. Melbourne offers an abundance of premium to backpacker style accommodation listings making it easy to find a place to stay. One hotel that is both affordable and close to the stadium is the Pullman Melbourne on the Park. Fans 4 The AAMI Park stadium is home to some of the most passionate fans in Australia with the relatively new Melbourne City FC fans being a vocal force that channel the traditions and history of the former team, Melbourne Heart, along with the club’s ties to Manchester City FC in England. Melbourne City fans are positive, passionate, happy, and respectful fans who are well behaved and offer a good family friendly vibe to home games here. Fans are loyal and supportive of both their team and the opposing team, and are youthful in terms of membership. It’s obvious that Melbourne City fans love their club, with huge turnout for the City Square fan zone where families and fans of both teams, but more predominantly City fans, are engaging with team reps and mascots before the game starts. Average attendances for Melbourne City A-League games hovers around 10,000-15,000 per game with bigger matches against the likes of Melbourne Victory or Sydney FC drawing even bigger crowds. The team offers a type of flair and attractive football that is not seen frequently in the A-League. The crowd is loud and excitable here and throughout the match the noise is a constant with war cries and singing ringing throughout the stadium’s terraces. City fans wave team flags and their colours throughout the entire match and are entertaining in their banter with fellow fans. Access 5 The venue is well equipped for people with special needs as the accessibility in Melbourne from the transport, pathways to the ground and the stadium itself with lifts and disabled seating is world class. Once inside the stadium, it is very easy to walk around as there is ample space to move about and find your seats, toilets, food and drink, or exits. Toilets and snack bars are plentiful with the best time to visit each of these just before half time. Exiting the stadium is a breeze and can be done in only a few minutes. However, traffic builds up quickly on Punt Road and on Olympic Boulevard meaning that grabbing a taxi or getting your car out can be troublesome. Walking is by far the best option and can be done easily back to the city by following the majority of the crowd who are also walking back there meaning that this is a safe, healthy, and fast way to get back into the city to catch a train or tram home from there. Transport runs until about 1am in Melbourne with the trams running even later for night routes. Most transport is very cheap at around $4 per ride, but you do need to have a MYKI transport card which can be picked up at most 7/11’s or newsagents in the city or suburbs. Ubers to and from the city cost about $10 or less provided there is no traffic, while a taxi would be around $16-$20. Public transport is incredibly easy to use and ride to the game here. A Melbourne transport card (MYKI) costs $6 and can get fans to the game in about 5-10 mins from the city either by trams or suburban trains. Two train stations (Richmond and Flagstaff) serve the stadium area and run well before and after the final whistle. Parking is available in the Melbourne Olympic Parks precinct for under $30 per car. However, you can also drive and park for free in local streets where the time limits are 2 or 3 hours. Just be careful regarding what the signs state. Fans can park in the Richmond area, which is only a 10-15 minute walk to the stadium. There are signs here warning of 2-3 hour parking and permit only zones for local residents. Whatever you do, do not park in a driveway or in a tow away or loading zone as the parking inspectors will get you! Paid parking is an option and starts at $3 per hour, which is quite affordable for a match day. Avoid on street parking along Olympic Boulevard and Bridge Road as when the stadium empties, all the fans walk along these roads meaning that your car is less safe as thousands of people walk between cars increasing the chance of accidental damage. The stadium’s gates all offer easy access into the ground, but most fans will enter via the Olympic Boulevard end as this is where the majority of the ticket booths are located. There are different security checks that range from metal detector wands to pat downs and bag searches depending on the match. The venue accepts ticketless QR code ticketing as well as standard stadium tickets each of which is scanned upon entry. Fans are advised to arrive early as ticket collection and entry into the stadium can get busy before play starts. Concourse traffic is generally busy right before the match starts or at half time, but due to the size of the venue, it’s quite easy to walk around the whole stadium with ease. The main concourse does not have a view of the pitch, except on the third level east and west stand, but fans will be advised to move on as these areas are walkways and for people in wheelchair spaces. The toilets, bars, and food areas are all very well maintained and cleaned throughout the event, so the venue itself is one which is very clean and tidy. Return on Investment 4 A match at AAMI Park is worth the time and effort, as this is a world class venue that offers an intimate setting for watching live sport. From exceptional fan engagement, superb pitch and comfy seats to inexpensive tickets, unique food items and easy transportation, this is a venue worth watching a match at. Ticket prices are around the $20-$30 mark for the cheapest seats and range up to $60-$80 for the halfway line seats. Corporate functions and all inclusive seats are more expensive. Melbourne City offer various ticket promotions for members and fans including ticket discounts on match days to members. Fans are encouraged to sign up to City-Zen which is the global fan site of the City group where fans can gain exclusive discounts, giveaways, and prizes. Extras 4 The free match day programs and scarves for fans were an unexpected present that fans were delighted to on match day during a recent visit. Parking and transport near the stadium is easy, food and drink is fresh and healthy, and the fan engagement is world class. Ticketing is a breeze as is the purple red sunset that falls over the stadium in summer for twilight games. Final Thoughts A Melbourne City A-League game at AAMI Park is an outstanding fan experience that offers fans a variety of best practice fan activities, tasty food and drinks, vocal atmosphere, and entertaining football. This is a must do sporting event in Melbourne!

Photo by Andy Mantsch, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Carilion Clinic Court at the Dedmon Center 101 University Dr Radford, VA 24141 Radford Highlanders website Dedmon Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 3,200 Under the Radford Tent Just a small town in western Virginia, Radford consists mostly of Main Street and campus. Set between the New River and I-81, it's a small school college town through and through. With a population of around 17,000 and an enrollment of under 10,000 at the university, the environment at the Dedmon Center is less robust than it is unique. The Dedmon Center is a unique dome or tent-like multi-purpose facility that can seat up to 3,200. Originally an air-supported dome, steel trusses were put in place in 2008, adding stability to the roof. While the Highlanders don't have rich history or a massive fan base, the experience is at least a unique one. Food & Beverage 2 Inside the main gate and behind the student section and curtain, you'll find two concession stands that offer a typical helping of food and drink items. You can grab a hot dog with or without chili ($3/$3.50), barbecue pork ($4), a selection of nachos ($4-$5), a burger ($3.25), popcorn ($3.50) or a pretzel ($3). Nothing is particularly special, but all will meet your basic food needs. Coke products are available ($3-$4), as well as bottled water ($2.50). There is no alcohol served in the Dedmon Center. With nothing particularly striking on the menu, it comes down to taste. So buy a dog or some nachos and enjoy the game. Atmosphere 2 The Dedmon Center may lack for overall enthusiastic environment, but it will satisfy for unique aesthetics. Right off the bat, you'll notice the domed structure on the river as you drive up. Domes aren't necessarily uncommon in sports, but the miniature version that is the home of the Highlanders is definitely interesting. Reminiscent of somewhere between the Carrier Dome and a circus tent, it will at the very least pique your curiosity. Once inside, you'll find a concourse ringing most of the facility (both with views of the court and behind the curtains on either end). Wooden bleachers extend down to the court from either sideline and behind both baselines. Uniquely, the video scoreboards are located on each sideline behind the bleachers. There is a small pep band in the student section which adds to the college feel, and cheerleaders often launch T-shirts into the crowd. But overall, it's a pretty average, if not low-key, experience. Mid-court seats aren't particularly hard to come by, with chair backs on one side for a little bit more of a price. Unless the crowd really shows up, though, your best bet is to pay $10 for general admission and stretch out wherever there's room. You won't be particularly far from the action anywhere here. Neighborhood 2 Radford is what they had in mind when they coined the term "small town." There's the campus, and there's a pretty bare bones Main Street. The setting is picturesque enough, with rolling foothills and the New River in the background, but if you're looking for eventful nightlife, you'll have to look elsewhere. Main Street is the place to go before a game and is only a short drive from the campus. Options, however, are limited. The absolute best option for a sports fan seems to be Sharkey's for some delicious wings, barbecue, burgers, craft beer and more. The River City Grill is another popular downtown option. Across the New River is the River Company Restaurant and Brewery for the local beer lover. While Radford may not be known for attractions, there's plenty of scenery for the lover of the outdoors. Claytor Lake State Park is about a 10-minute drive south across 81, and makes a good starting point. There aren't many upscale hotels right in town, but a few miles west in Dublin or a few miles east in the Christiansburg/Blacksburg area, you can find a whole lot more of a variety. If you're feeling like doing local, the Nesselrod Bed and Breakfast is just across the river from campus. In town, you can find a La Quinta, Best Western or Super 8. Fans 2 From the size of the sleepy town and the relatively unheralded history of Radford athletics, low expectations will tend to be met at a Highlanders game. A Radford game draws in the average range of about 1,500 for attendance, but even that can be insistent. The small town and student body, coupled with a much bigger program in Virginia Tech up the road, means the fan base is relatively small. Despite the pep band, the students don't draw well. Their setup is behind one basket, but the section tends to be pretty sparsely populated. The rest of the crowd is made up of what appears to be locals and alumni who take a pretty casual approach to the event. Overall, there's not a lot of energy in the Dedmon Center. Access 4 If you can get to rural Virginia, you won't have any problems getting to the game. Large airports aren't particularly close. Roanoke has a decent-sized regional airport about 45 minutes up I-81, but everything else (Charlotte or Greensboro) will be a couple of hours. Parking is free and spaces are abundant in the loop around the stadium. You can enter from multiple gates, but the gate on the river side provides the easiest access to seating and concessions. Everything else will enter through the top of the concourse, so you'll have to walk a bit to reach restrooms and food. Once inside, you'll have no problems navigating. The open layout makes it simple to get to any seat, and there is a lot of room in general to explore. Aside from getting to Radford from your starting destination, a Highlanders game couldn't be easier. Return on Investment 4 While not a top of the line experience, pricing couldn't be much better. Bleacher seats are $8 and chair back seats will run you $10. Kids can get $6 bleacher seats (free for under 2) and students get in free. Parking is free and concessions are cheap. If you're a lover of college basketball, you won't find it much cheaper and easier than a trip to the Dedmon Center. Just don't expect to be blown away with the experience. Extras 2 There's definitely a level of uniqueness to a Radford game. The easiest place to start is the venue. Small-school college basketball tends to have more of a fieldhouse/gym feel to it, but not Radford. The large space that makes up the Dedmon Center feels comfortable and is anything but cramped. There's also a large concourse at the main entrance with a gift shop and inflatable basketball game. Kids seem to congregate in this area to play, offering some potential relief to parents that want to focus on the game. Final Thoughts Overall, the Dedmon Center won't (and shouldn't) be high on anyone's "must-see" list. Only the most serious of college hoops fans will make the trek to western Virginia to check it out. But under those lowered expectations, it at least qualifies as an easy, comfortable day.

Photos Courtesy of Visit Omaha Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Baxter Arena 2425 S 67th St Omaha, NE 68106 Omaha Mavericks website Baxter Arena website Year Opened: 2015 Capacity: 7,898 New to Division I, New Arena, Omaha Mavs Are on the Rise After over 50 years at the Sapp Fieldhouse, the UNO men’s basketball team has a new building on campus to call home. Baxter Arena opened in 2015, the same year that UNO completed its five-year transition into Division I athletics. The men’s and women’s basketball teams share Baxter Arena with UNO hockey and volleyball. Food & Beverage 4 All of your basics are covered at the Baxter Arena. For those looking for something a little different, take a walk around the concourse and you’ll find something that grabs your interest. Godfather’s Pizza, a popular Midwestern chain, offers pepperoni and hamburger pizza by the slice. At the 67th Street Kitchen you can find fries topped with pulled pork and cheddar cheese, loaded tater tots with sour cream, bacon, and cheese, or even “taco tots.” And basketball fans need not worry, the Baxter Arena has beer. Shock Top and Stella Artois have kiosks with a few different options to choose from. All of your domestics are available as well at $7.50 for a 20 ounce. Right next to Godfather’s Pizza on the south side of the arena is The Blue Line bar. The lines there get long, so plan for that if you’re looking for some wine or a cocktail. The Blue Line bar also has a local beer option from Infusion Brewing, which is located in Omaha’s Benson neighborhood. Atmosphere 3 The arena was built primarily for the UNO hockey team, but it is more than serviceable for other sports as well. The upper and lower bowls share the same concourse. It’s really easy to get to and from your seat, no matter where you are located. The seats are comfortable and each has its own cup holder. Most of the upper bowl is closed off for basketball games, and the arena staff puts large curtains down to help keep some of the sound in. As the fan base continues to grow, more and more of the upper bowl will be open for basketball games. The video board that hangs over the court plays host to a variety of promotions and entertainment activities throughout the game. Dance cams, kiss cams, you name it. Just be sure to stick around for the taco cannon from Voodoo Taco, a restaurant right across the street from the arena. Neighborhood 5 Baxter Arena is right across from Aksarben Village, which is a newly developed area of businesses, restaurants, shops, apartments, and student housing. For a pregame meal, Jimi D’s offers up the best food within walking distance. There’s also Dudley’s Pizza and Tavern (a popular place for UNO fans), and DJ’s Dugout, which has huge beers and more TVs than anyone else in town. There’s also Voodoo Taco, Ponzu Sushi, and a few other options. For a postgame drink, Pauli’s has become the go to spot for Mavs fans and visitors alike. It’s your standard neighborhood bar, but it’s always a good crowd after the game, win or lose. The arena is about a 10-15 minute drive from downtown and the Old Market, which is a must see for any first time visitor to Omaha. Fans 3 This is a fan base that is still growing. As the team continues to prove that it can compete at the Division I level, more and more fans will fill the seats. There are usually around 2,500-3,500 spectators at basketball games. The crowd is a mix of long time supporters (going back to the Division II days at the Sapp Fieldhouse), recent alumni, and your casual local basketball fans. UNO plays a fast-paced, exciting brand of basketball in the Summit League. Lots of the games are back and forth, high-scoring affairs. The building may not be full, but those who show up are very passionate about their team. Access 4 The arena is a short drive north of I-80. The 60th and 72nd Street exits will get you to the arena in just a few minutes. Head north until you hit Center Street, and you will run into the arena at 67th. You can’t miss it. Parking in the arena lots is free, but they usually fill up. Luckily there is more parking available in surrounding neighborhoods. Return on Investment 5 The food and drink prices are pretty standard when compared to other arenas in the area. You won’t be charged an arm and a leg for anything. Free parking definitely adds to the value. You can expect to pay $10-$15 for an upper bowl seat and an additional $20-$30 if you plan on eating and drinking at the game. Extras 4 Download the Mav Experience app to get prices, menus, a map of the arena, and game updates. Baxter Arena also has free wifi, which is a nice touch.

Photo courtesy of Montana Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Dahlberg Arena 32 Campus Dr Missoula, MT 59803 Montana Grizzlies website Dahlberg Arena website Year Opened: 1953 Capacity: 7,000 Just the Right Amount of Claustrophobia The University of Montana has a knack for designing their major sports venues to maximize the energy and excitement generated by their fans. Dahlberg Arena is located immediately adjacent to Stadium Journey's top rated FCS experience at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. No doubt the basketball home of the Montana Grizzlies served as an inspiration to the famous football venue's designers. Like the newer stadium next door, fans are stacked right on top of the action. The arena's boxy configuration reminds me of an old English football ground, or an old baseball stadium like Ebbets Field. The exterior of the arena has been completely engulfed by multiple athletic facility additions collectively known as the Adams Center. It is located along the banks of the Clark Fork of the Columbia River on the University of Montana's tree covered campus. The arena is named after long time Griz player, coach, and administrator George 'Jiggs' Dahlberg. The Griz have been playing basketball inside Dahlberg Arena since 1953. It is the oldest primary home arena for a men's team in the Big Sky Conference. Food & Beverage 3 Concession stands are located on either side the arena under the stands in the main concourses. There are also a couple of specialty stands including Pizza Hut where a personal pizza can be had for $6. Another stand sells ice cream sandwiches which is a necessary refreshment in the rather warm arena. The main concession stands have all the standard items including hamburgers ($5.50), Coke products ($4 for 32oz), a generous sized bag of popcorn ($4), and candy ($3) plus much more. Atmosphere 4 Over the years, the Montana Grizzlies and Lady Griz basketball teams have enjoyed a significant home court advantage inside the cozy confines of Dahlberg Arena. Both teams are regularly perched at or near the top of the Big Sky Conference standings. It's hard to believe that they used to pack over 9,000 fans into the space that can now hold just over 7,000 after a major renovation in 1998. All sections have chair back seats except the north end which are bleachers. The small lower bowl around the court is taken up by boosters on three sides with the students and band in the north bleachers. If you're an infrequent visitor to a Griz basketball game you'll probably be somewhere in the level above the mezzanine that holds the majority of the seats. Though it's up high, the view from the upper level offers good sight lines. With the compact size of the arena, no seat feels too far from the game. When the Griz need a boost, or a ref makes a call that goes against the home team, the crowd noise elevates rapidly and to a deafening level. Opposing players typically have trouble communicating with their coach and teammates and often get rattled in these situations. Just one small quibble: I don't know how it is for the players, but even with outside temperatures in the 30's, the seating areas in the upper sections got quite hot and stuffy. Certainly this is a consequence of packing many bodies into a relatively small space. Best to have a short sleeve layer on underneath your standard ball game going sweatshirt. Neighborhood 5 Missoula is Montana's second largest city, but with the proximity of the campus to downtown, it has a quaint college town vibe. There are plenty of typical chain restaurants around, but eating at one could almost be considered heresy with so many unique and quirky establishments to choose from. Baba's Burgers and Gyro's on East Broadway, just across the river from Dahlberg Arena, is a nice lunch stop find. Downtown on Front Street the Tamarack Brew Pub is a fun and delicious choice for pre or post game grub. The Iron Horse Bar and Grill on North Higgins is also a popular choice. If you're a craft brew fan, be sure to sample some of the numerous local offerings, such as a Moose Drool or Trout Slayer from Missoula's Big Sky Brewing Company, or my personal favorite, the delicious Cold Smoke Scotch Ale made by Missoula's own Kettlehouse Brewery. If you're in town, game time is a little ways off, and the weather is good, hike up the zig zag trail on Mt. Sentinel to the big M and take in the view. Or, if you don't have the energy to go uphill, take a stroll or a bike ride along the Clark Fork on one of the many paved trails. If Fido happens to come along, take advantage of one of the best dog parks anywhere, located between campus and the river on Jacob's Island. Fans 4 Griz fans are passionate about their team and play a role in making things go their way in Dahlberg Arena. Every whistle against the home team is roundly derided without exception. Even the most experienced of referees must find it a difficult environment to work in. With the crowd firmly behind them the Griz team can't help but bring up their game usually giving their adoring fans yet another victory. I would not hesitate to go to a Griz basketball game, even as a fan of the opposing team. Despite their passion during the game, the hometown faithful are mostly friendly to fans wearing the opponent's colors. Just know going in that it is unlikely that your team will find success. The Grizzly men's basketball team is always at the top of the Big Sky Conference in attendance along with the Weber State Wildcats, and the Lady Griz are a national leader in women's basketball attendance. Crowds at Dahlberg Arena aren't what they used to be in the 70's, 80's when players such as Michael Ray Richardson, Larry Krystkowiak, and Wayne Tinkle played for Montana, but there's still plenty of passion and energy in the building. Access 4 Dahlberg Arena is easy to locate on the east side of Missoula. Just look for the big M on the side of Mt. Sentinel. Washington-Grizzly Stadium is right at the base of that mountain and Dahlberg Arena is right next to the stadium. Most visitors to Missoula get there via I-90. Take exit 105-Van Buren Street and follow the signs to the University of Montana. Parking is available near the arena for $5. It will be fairly congested after the game so have patience when leaving. If staying over in Missoula, consider getting a motel along East Broadway. There are plenty of choices ranging from Motel 6 to the Double Tree and everything in between. The motels are an easy and pleasant walk across the pedestrian bridge and to the arena. Just follow the crowd of maroon clad fans-as many choose to go to the game on foot or by bicycle. If the weather isn't too cold and blustery (this is Montana in the winter after all), leave the car at the motel, walk downtown and grab a bite to eat, and then walk to the game. Once inside the building, you'll find a maze of narrow hallways leading to the seating areas. If you're not familiar with this arena it's a good idea to get there well before tip-off to navigate to your section. The walls of the hallways are adorned with pictures and plaques from past University of Montana championship teams. Restrooms are convenient to the seating areas, clean, and functional. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices range from $8 to $21, with slightly higher prices when the cross-state rival Montana State Bobcats come to town. The general admission bleacher seats are a real bargain at only $8. Concession prices are reasonable and there's plenty of variety to choose from. Parking is $5, but that charge can be avoided completely if you don't mind walking. Extras 3 A bonus point for the Hall of Champions: This corridor leading to the upper level seating at the south end of the arena is a very well put together museum to Grizzly Athletics' history. A bonus point for Monte and Mo, the grizzly bear mascots that wander the arena and keep the fans entertained. They are a big hit with the fans, young and old alike. A bonus point for the Lady Griz, one of the most storied women's basketball programs in the nation led by head coach Robin Selvig. The legendary coach is approaching 40 years and 900 wins-all at the University of Montana. Final Thoughts Though perhaps lacking some of the comforts and flexibility of more modern venues, Dahlberg Arena has held up remarkably well in over 60 years of service. Where other arenas are multi-purpose and can host many different sports and events, Dahlberg exists first and foremost for basketball...and for the continued success of the Grizzly basketball, that's a really good thing.

Photo Courtesy of Wright State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Nutter Center 3640 Colonel Glenn Highway Dayton, OH 45435 Wright State Raiders website Nutter Center website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 11,000 Welcome to the Nutt House The Nutter Center, affectionately known to Wright State Raider fans as the “Nutt House” a term first coined by former radio color commentator Ron Coleman, opened in the fall of 1990 with a concert by the Boston Pops Orchestra, but soon became better known as the rocking home of the late coach Ralph Underhill’s running Raiders. That year they ran and pressed their way to 19 wins and averaged over 8,000 fans per game in just their fourth year in Division I. These days the Raiders are members of the Horizon League and usually only draw 8,000 or more for their big games like Butler, as they averaged around 5,500 fans per game over the last several years. But more often than not, when it counts, the fans come out and the Nutter Center is a loud, fun place to watch some good college basketball. Food & Beverage 4 The Nutter Center features a pretty good selection of tasty treats that include local vendors and common goodies that should please most fans who enter the building. The arena is a major concert venue in the Dayton area and you should expect to see many great items for sale at the many concession stands in the building. La Rosa’s pizza is a popular local option in the area and personal pizzas are available for purchase. Another popular local spot is Frickers and they have a full bar that overlooks the playing court with an excellent view. Fricker’s Above the Rim is known for its wings and various sauces. There is the Speedway Stand sponsored by Speedway Convenience stores and they feature typical arena food. By my count, there are seven different beers sold at the Nutter Center and if you are a beer drinker, there is probably one that you will like. Throughout the arena, fans will find Dip N Dots, and the traditional arena food like pretzels, hot dogs, nachos and popcorn along with Pepsi products. I think the variety is great, the quality is good and the prices just a tad on the high side, but not crazy high. If I could give it a 3.7 rating I would, but since I can’t it gets a four-star rating. This is not an arena where fans have to eat before arriving, there is plenty of food choices at the Nutter Center to keep most fans happy. Hot dogs: $3, A jumbo dog, that tastes good with a slight blend of sweet and salty spices that is made by Ball Park Franks and a warm, soft bun. Large popcorn: $2.50, Salty, warm, with a strong buttery taste. Nachos w/ cheese: $3, Great cheese, not too spicy. The chips are just average. Pepsi: 32 oz cup $4 Atmosphere 3 The Nutter Center is a pit design similar to what you would find at New Mexico, San Diego State, Iowa, and Utah State. Fans enter the venue on the concourse level and then walk down into the seating bowl. There are 18 corporate boxes also on the concourse level above the seating bowl. One unique feature of the Nutter Center that none of the other pit design arenas have, is on all four corners of the court on the concourse level there are over-looks where a fan can stand or grab a chair and watch the game, while their food and drink fit nicely on the ledge or table. One of the over-looks is Fricker’s Above The Rim. The scoreboard is huge and it is a state-of-the-art board with over-sized video screens and all the stats any fan would need to follow the action. The concourses are plenty wide and at the west end there is a Raider Athletic Hall of Fame and it features some pro athletes most sports fans will recognize. Throw in the band, the dance team, cheerleaders and a good sized student section dressed and painted appropriately and this is certainly a good college atmosphere. The ceiling of the Nutter Center is built well above the concourse level. There are huge exposed walls that Wright State has cleverly covered with huge banners/murals of past Raider greats and teams. Other than the two women players they stuck up on the banners that few fans remember, they did a great job of highlighting the history and past successes of the Raiders. Neighborhood 4 There is about every kind of kind of fast food and casual dining experience anyone could ask for within one mile of the Nutter Center. There are also plenty of hotels across the street for fans that wish to stay the night. Right across the street, within walking distance, there is One Eyed Jacks, a bar that features decent bar food and at night some live music. Just next door is Flying Pizza (in case you didn’t fill up on LaRosa’s Pizza) and it is good college pizza. Going west almost a mile down Colonial Glenn Highway, which means turning right from the top lot of the Nutter Center is W. O Wrights, a bar with some great food and a pretty good atmosphere. I am partial to the cheese fries. You can eat there for around $10. Going back across I-675 fans can find Cadillac Jack’s, a top-notch sports bar with good food and every game you would want to watch on TV. Most burgers and sandwiches are around $8-$10. There is also a rack of ribs coming in at just under $20. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention one of my all-time fav restaurants, Frisch’s Big Boy on Colonel Glenn across from Wright State’s main entrance. A Big Boy sandwich, onion rings, a hot fudge sundae, and a cherry Coke, all for about $11. Fans 3 The game I attended, there were 6,000 people in the Nutter Center and it was a pretty good atmosphere. There were over 1,000 students and they were making noise all game. The band, the dance team, and cheerleaders are exactly what you would expect from a good college program. Wright State just needs more fans for every game. They have this nice arena and most nights it is only half-full at best. Access 4 The Nutter Center is about as easy to get to as an arena. It is right off of I-675 at the Fairfield Road exit. Once fans turn north on Fairfield Road, in two blocks it runs right into the Nutter Center. Fans roll right in because parking is included in the price of the ticket, so no stopping to pay an attendant. There is no fast way to get out when the game is over, so hanging out in the arena for a few minutes would save some aggravation.There are plenty of large, clean restrooms on the concourse level, with a smaller restroom on the court level just outside the open end of the seating bowl. Return on Investment 5 Tickets range between $8-$28. For most games tickets are $8 and $18. They use flex pricing, so for several games, they charge more. Don’t go through Ticketmaster, they will crack you for another $7.25. Buy them in person at the Nutter Center Box Office or from someone trying to unload a ticket at less than face value on game day.The ticket prices are average, as previously mentioned there is no charge for parking and the food costs are not too bad. So you could get a ticket and eat well for under $30 for most games. Extras 3 I will award a star for the great design of the seating bowl in the Nutter Center. Another for the corner over-looks and finally a star for Fricker’s Above the Rim. Final Thoughts As a comfortable venue to watch college basketball, one that has good sightlines, competitive play on the court and most of the amenities of a very good college arena, Wright State is first class. They just need another 2,000-3,000 fans at each game to make it really come alive. The hardest part, the physical structure is certainly there, now they just need to win big, pack the arena and the Nutt House could be one of the top college basketball venues and fan destinations in the country similar to Xavier and Dayton.

Photos by Google Photos Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kenilworth Road 1 Maple Rd E. Luton, England LU4 8AW United Kingdom Luton Town FC website Kenilworth Road website Year Opened: 1905 Capacity: 10,356 Hatter For a Day Despite nearly three decades of plans and suggestions of a new stadium, Luton Town is still playing football at their spiritual home of Kenilworth Road. Situated not far from London, in densely populated housing, the ground is a place of fascination and intrigue for any interested ‘ground hopper’ or enthusiast. Known as the ‘Hatters’ due to the local hat-making industry of many years ago, both the club and the team are synonymous with a variety of notable incidents and achievements throughout their history. The club has fluctuated up and down the English leagues throughout its history, culminating in the ultimate low of being relegated from the football league to the (non-league) Conference in 2009. This compounded a period of severe instability on and off the pitch that saw the club in administration, docked points by the Football Association before some seasons had even got underway, which conspired to successive relegations down the leagues. You will see the fans’ flag which has ‘betrayed by the F.A’ emblazoned on it at most Luton matches. When you think of Luton Town in the 1980s, memories of their artificial Astro pitch, one of the first in England to install it, spring to mind along with household names of Sealy, Donaghy, Foster, Wilson, Hill, Preece, Harford, and Stein. There was crowd trouble in a cup tie versus Millwall which resulted in a ban of away supporters for many years and beating Arsenal at Wembley in the 1989 League Cup Final. The club had flirted with relegation from the top flight for many years, and as the club reinstated a grass pitch, they went down on the last day of the season after a defeat by Notts County, meaning they missed out on the finance generated by the newly formed Premier League. Food & Beverage 4 The club offers a variety of standard hot food (burgers, hot dogs, pies) and drinks from tea, and coffee to a variety of soft drinks. Alcohol is also available in certain parts of the ground but must be consumed in the concourses. Atmosphere 4 Since returning to the Football League, Luton has flirted with promotion to play-off places. The fans have shown patience and resilience with the team, offering encouragement throughout the 90 minutes. Kenilworth Road doesn’t have much room for further adaptation, hence the requirement to move to a purpose-built venue. The Main Stand is an older wooden two-tiered structure, with little leg room to manoeuvre. There are also several supporting pillars and roof supports which will slightly hinder your view depending on your seat location. In one corner, newer seating has been installed and has become the dedicated ‘family section.’ The opposite is a row of executive boxes, known locally as the ‘Bobbers Stand,’ which runs the length of the pitch and with it being for business class rather than the ordinary fan, it maybe reduces the atmosphere of this small venue. As long as you are not low down behind either goal, the view of the pitch will be decent from everywhere else. Behind the left-hand goal is the Oak Stand and this is predominantly for away supporters. Incredibly, as you enter through the turnstiles you cross over people’s back gardens before taking your seat! Across from that is a similar-sized stand that houses the home fans. This was an old terrace that saw a roof added to it in the 1980s, and then seats installed. Neighborhood 3 The ground is situated within two miles of the town centre, along Dunstable Road, which is a decent walk in good weather. There are many bars to visit, though the closer to the ground you get, the fewer options you have. There are some hotels in the town centre. One of the best value offerings is the Easy Hotel, which is part of the Easyjet franchise. Fans 4 Kenilworth Road is a relatively friendly place to visit, with passionate and dedicated supporters. The average home gate is between 8,000-9,500. The fans are very vociferous and get behind the team through the entire match. The chant of “Come on Luton” ad nauseam regularly reverberates around the ground during play. Access 5 Kenilworth Road is within walking distance from the town centre and is well served by both buses and trains situated en route to the ground. Once inside there is a limited movement within each stand as your match ticket will be for a designated area only. There are regular buses and trains which drop you off between two and five minutes walk from Kenilworth Road respectively. There is limited street and official car parking, which is due to a lot of the area being for permit holders for residents only. The disabled access is situated on the front stand concourse, with a handful of places in the Oak Stand for away fans. Return on Investment 4 The club runs three categories for home matches, and this is based on the popularity of the opposition and the demand from the opponents. For example, teams like Wycombe, Stevenage, Leyton Orient, Dagenham & Redbridge, AFC Wimbledon, and Crawley are all close by and will likely fall into a ‘category A’ match. The club also offers very competitive prices for students, the elderly, and kids, with the latter being as low as £3 a ticket, which is excellent value. Adults priced £18-£22 Young adults (ages 17-21) £13-£17 Seniors (over 65) £10-£17 Youths (ages 10-17) £6-10 Junior (under 10s) £3-£7 Extras 4 The club shop is next to the Main Stand in a large porta-cabin and stocks all the current home, away and goalkeeper kits. It also has a wide selection of training wear, books, and DVDs, all of which are very competitively priced. Similarly, there is a large club shop in Luton’s large shopping mall. Final Thoughts Visiting Kenilworth Road was fulfilling a childhood ambition! I was fascinated with their artificial surface in the 80s and how they always defied the odds to survive in the top flight! This is a very old ground, compact with very little room to manoeuvre due to the surrounding houses and busy roads, and a venue that all enthusiasts should visit.

Photo Courtesy of Jacob Oliveria Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Jerome Schottenstein Center 555 Borror Dr. Columbus, OH 43210 Ohio State Buckeyes website Jerome Schottenstein Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 19,500 The Schott for Buckeye Hoops When referencing “The Shot” in Columbus, Ohio, be prepared to talk about a kid from Loveland, Ohio named Matt Sylvester. Quite possibly the most famous moment in Buckeye hoops aside from their only National Title in 1960 is the three-pointer that knocked off undefeated Illinois in the final game of the 2005 regular season. This famous shot occurred in Value City Arena at the Schottenstein Center on the campus of the Ohio State University, which is the other Schott on campus. Though not full of historical moments, Buckeye basketball has made great strides in the ten years since Sylvester’s shot to put them among the elite in the Big Ten Conference. Most of the success of the program has occurred recently under the leadership of Thad Matta, with two trips to the Final Four (2007 and 2012) and at least a share of the Big Ten Title in 2006, 2007 and 2010-2012. The arena seats 18,809 for basketball. It is too large to be considered one of the great college basketball venues. The feeling of intimacy is nonexistent inside the arena and is too difficult to sell out games due to the large size. The Schott is a multipurpose facility used for other events such as concerts, which can be the downfall of big budget programs. The prospect of revenue with an arena of this size outweighs enhancing the stadium experience with a more intimate feel. The venue is also home of the Ohio State hockey team. Food & Beverage 4 The options in Value City Arena are solid and there are some vendors such as Donatos and Roosters that are favorites in the area. Pretzels, nachos, and popcorn will cost $4-$6. Sodas cost $4.50-$5.50. The Brutus Pretzel is served with sweet cream cheese and other items which make the $12 worth it. The pizza from Donatos is a great choice at $7 and the Turkey BLT Sub is another good option at $8. You must try the Rooster’s nest – crispy buffalo chicken tenders and fries topped with melted cheese, bacon and scallions. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. Also be sure to grab a Graeter’s ice cream cup ($6). This is the most famous ice cream in Ohio and it started in Columbus! Bottom line is you won’t be disappointed with the selection and taste of all of these items so be prepared to try some of them on game day. Atmosphere 4 The Buckeye Nuthouse is home to the Ohio State Student Section at each basketball game and they come to play themselves. Even though the overall atmosphere can’t compete with some of the top schools in the country, the students do their part to support the Buckeyes. Student leaders of the Nuthouse camp outside for every game to guarantee their spots in the front row. In 2010, the school eventually moved the student section from behind the baskets to behind the benches so the students would be shown on television broadcasts. It really has made all of the difference in creating a rowdy environment and is the number one reason for the good atmosphere at Ohio State basketball games. The band is also great, and you can really tell how much the fans love all of the songs by how much they participate. Fans outside the student section can get loud and exciting during a big matchup like Wisconsin or Michigan State but are completely taken out of the equation against less talented schools. A game against lesser talent could almost be considered boring. The arena is too large and there just isn’t enough energy on these days. Neighborhood 3 Value City Arena is located on the campus of the Ohio State University, one of the best places to visit for any fan of college sports. However, the area is too spread out from the Schott and requires a long walk to visit anything of interest. The main place to go off campus is a walk along High Street where you can find a great Buffalo Wild Wings (which began in Columbus). This is a great place to hang before the game for some drinks and good food. If you make the trip from out of town, be sure to check out Raising Canes Chicken Fingers, because it is the most popular spot to eat on campus. With the school’s location near the downtown area, the experience lacks a cozy small town feel like you’ll find at some of the state’s MAC schools (Bowling Green State University or Ohio University as examples). This is great for college football, but the combination of the large size of the basketball arena and city feel of the campus makes it seem more like a professional event. Fans 4 Buckeye fans are some of the craziest, loudest, loving, hating, passionate fan bases in all of sports. The city seems to cry the day after a football loss, riots break out in the street after beating that team up North or taking home a National Title and the Buckeyes are the best in every sport, every time. When it comes to basketball, these fans are still here but lack the obsessive nature of the football program. In any case, they are friendlier and more lenient of losses, which contributes to the lack of atmosphere on some days. This also makes these fans extremely approachable when visiting, so be sure get some accounts of Matt Sylvester’s shot in 2005, or the heartbreak of losing to Florida in the 2007 National Championship game (after losing to the same school in the football title game, not three months earlier). That was a tough year for Buckeye fans, and they’ll be happy to tell you about it. In the end, you’re going to hear some pretty great stories, especially from former students. Access 3 Value City Arena at The Schottenstein Center is located just off Ohio State Route 315. It’s really easy to find, but the traffic and commuting can become very difficult. Also, parking around the arena is not efficient due to the large amount of “passes only” spaces. The best thing to do is to find some parking further down Lane Avenue, away from the arena. You should be able to find a spot for $10, or you can park near High Street for free. Just make sure it’s not a tow away zone. Once inside the arena, the concourses are a little snug, but the seats are very comfortable and the staff is extremely friendly when helping to find a seat. Lines for concessions and restrooms can become unbearably long during breaks, and also make it very difficult to navigate through crowds at this time. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices are too high for Buckeye basketball and are highly inflated for “prime” matchups. My advice is not to participate in Ticketmaster because of the extra fees added on to the ticket. The ticket office will help you find an affordable seat without the fees. Expect to pay at least $22 for a seat in the upper bowl and over $50 for anywhere else. On my latest trip for Senior Day, I ended up paying $37 for the upper bowl due to the big matchup versus conference-leading Wisconsin. Just call the OSU Ticket Office at (614) 292-2624 for details. Overall, a day watching Buckeye basketball will cost more money than you want to spend for the experience. Extras 3 One point for the Buckeye Nuthouse and one of the best student sections and student organizations in the country. Another point for “Hells Bells” before the game. The students lock their arms together and sway back and forth in alternate motions to create a great pregame tradition. This could turn into one of the best if there was more participation from the fans. One last point for the views of Ohio Stadium in the distance. One of the coolest parts of your trip will be driving right alongside this concrete beast, a beautiful sight for any college sports fan. Unfortunately, Value City Arena lacks even half the fervor. Final Thoughts Some people in Columbus say winning the National Championship in football in 2015 was the worst thing that could have happened to the basketball program. There is some truth to this. The environment for basketball games lost a lot of passion, but it is cyclical. If you can catch this program on a good year, it can be one of the best. As of right now, the arena is too big and can’t be filled for every game, giving some experiences an empty feeling. The former home of Buckeye Basketball, St. Johns Arena, would provide a better experience just for the sheer closeness of the stands. Having a professional feeling in a college environment takes away from the overall experience. When this happens, just glance over to The Buckeye Nuthouse, they’ll remind you where you are.

Photos by Paul Baker Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Tate Rink Lonesome Rd. West Point, NY 10996 Army West Point Golden Knights website Tate Rink website Year Opened: 1985 Capacity: 2,648 Hockey Knight in West Point “West Point is all about chills, goosebumps, and sentimentality. When you enter one of the Academy’s four gates, be prepared for a battle of the senses that is sure to be fought on several emotional levels. Army is power and strength, patriotism and pride, sad memories and hope-presented in a pastoral masterpiece.”–The Sporting News Located in the shadows of renowned Michie Stadium, Tate Rink was built to replace the gigantic ice surface at Smith Rink, which had been home to Army hockey since 1930. Tate Rink is named for Joseph S. Tate ’41 and Frederic H. S. Tate ’42, brothers and pilots who were both killed during combat in World War II. Tate Rink is part of the Holleder Center, which also houses Christl Arena and the Black Knights’ basketball team. The Holleder Center is named in honor of Major Donald W. Holleder ’56, an All-American football and basketball player who was killed in action during the Vietnam War in 1967. Hockey has been played at West Point since 1903. The Black Knights currently compete in the Atlantic Hockey Association. The team won one conference championship, in 2008. Army hockey has yet to qualify for the NCAA Tournament. Food & Beverage 3 The main concession stands at Tate Rink are tucked away behind the stairs that bring fans up into the Holleder Center lobby. The menu is limited to your basic arena fare, including hot dogs and nachos. In addition, hungry Black Knight fans will find cotton candy, popcorn, peanuts, Cracker Jack, and assorted candy here. Coca-Cola products are featured at the Holleder Center. Many fans will choose the attractive souvenir mug for six dollars. Also located in this area are a Dippin’ Dots cart and a pretzel cart. Fans looking for something a little more substantial will head over to the secondary lobby, located past the Hall of Captains, where The Grill serves up additional items. Chicken tenders, french fries, sausage, pepper sandwiches, cheesesteaks, and burgers can be found here. Atmosphere 3 Fans who have been to Michie Stadium for an Army football game will be disappointed at the relative lack of pageantry and ceremony here. Still, there is something special about attending a game at one of the service academies. At Tate Rink, the game is the main focus. There aren’t a whole lot of extraneous features here at West Point. Unlike many other college hockey venues, there is no pep band or cheerleading squad to distract fans. Disappointingly, there is no student section filled with Cadets. The simple gameday presentation will undoubtedly please hockey purists. There is only a simple dot matrix scoreboard hanging at center ice, which displays basic game information. A large video board at the far end of the rink shows game highlights, advertisements, and graphics. If you come to a game against one of the Army’s big rivals or another service academy, expect a much livelier atmosphere at Tate Rink. Neighborhood 3 The town of West Point is a small, quaint town of under 7,000 residents. Located about an hour’s drive north of New York City, the town of West Point is dominated by the Military Academy. Fans traveling from out of town will find no shortage of places to stay in the towns surrounding the Academy. Beyond the Military Academy, the Hudson Valley area surrounding West Point is a favorite spot in the fall to take in some incredible foliage. Bear Mountain State Park is a destination for hiking and other outdoor activities, and tours of the West Point campus are popular with sports fans and history buffs alike. During the winter months of the hockey season, the ski lodges of the Adirondack Mountains are only a couple of hours away. With Tate Rink’s location on a military base, visitors will have to travel a short distance off-base before encountering any locations for lodging or dining. Fans 3 Army averages between 1,700-1,800 fans per game at Tate Rink, which places them in the bottom quarter of all the Division One teams nationwide. The Black Knights enjoy strong support from residents, who are knowledgeable and enthusiastic in their support of the team. Unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be much support from the student body here. The support and antics of the Cadet section, which adds so much to the Army football experience, are sorely missed here. Access 3 When planning a trip to Tate Rink, keep in mind that this is an active military base, so give yourself a little extra time to arrive, as there is added security at the entrance to West Point. Located in the shadow of Michie Stadium, the Holleder Center is home to the Army hockey and basketball teams. With its gray concrete shell, it looks very much like a product of the 1980s. What Tate Rink lacks in warmth and creature comforts, it makes up for in tradition. Parking lots are located a short walk from the entrance to the Holleder Center. Fans must navigate several flights of stairs from the lot to the arena. Be warned, it’s a long walk back uphill to get to your car after the game, and the area is not well-lit. Watching the children in attendance try and scale the steep hillside is almost worth the cost of admission in itself. Fans will enter the Holleder Center into a small lobby, where the ticket offices are located. A pair of staircases take fans up to the main lobby, located between Tate Rink and the Cristal Center. A pair of hallways off this main lobby leads to the seating area. Seats at Tate Rink consist of a pair of grandstands that run the length of the rink. The seating area is a bit unusual in that the first row of seats is located eight feet above ice level. This elevated perch, along with the steep pitch of the grandstand, ensure that all seats have a great view of the ice. The first few rows of seats consist of black plastic folding stadium seats, with the upper-level seating consisting of metal bleachers. There is no seating at the ends of the rink. Return on Investment 4 The army utilizes flexible pricing for their games at Tate Rink. Depending on the game you attend, expect to pay between $10 and $20 for chairback seats and between $9 and $15 for bleacher seats. Detailed pricing information can be found on the Army hockey website. Parking is free in the lots next to the Holleder Center. Concession prices are in line with other arenas in the area. Extras 5 It is doubtful that there is a campus anywhere in the United States that can match the history that surrounds when you step foot on the West Point campus. Campus tours operate seven days a week, highlighting many of the campus’ prominent and noteworthy features. It is recommended that if visiting Tate Rink, you carve out some extra time to explore the campus. In the early fall months of the hockey season, the scenery around campus is breathtaking. The West Point Museum contains comprehensive displays on the history of the United States Military, the Academy, and a most impressive collection of old weaponry. Be sure to make time to take in as much of the history available here as you can. Once inside the Holleder Center, be sure to check out the Hall of Captains, where plaques commemorating every captain for every varsity sport in the history of West Point line the hallway. In addition, photos of every hockey team to represent West Point line the hallways at Tate Rink. Banners honoring legendary coach Jack Riley and his successor, his son Brian, hang from the rafters. Final Thoughts While Tate Rink lacks many of the creature comforts that dominate newer hockey rinks, there is an old-school sensibility here that makes taking in a game at West Point an enjoyable experience. Excellent sightlines and an intimate seating area only add to the enjoyment. Tate Rink’s location on one of the most historic campuses in the country only adds to its allure. It’s an arena that should be included on any hockey fan’s wish list. “Upon the fields of friendly strife are sown the seeds that, upon other fields, on other days, will bear the fruits of victory” –General Douglas MacArthur Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Jared Townsend , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 AMSOIL Arena 350 Harbor Dr. Duluth, MN 55802 Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs men’s hockey website AMSOIL Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 6,726 Enjoying Bulldogs Hockey at AMSOIL Arena Drive on I-35 near downtown Duluth and it’s almost impossible to ignore AMSOIL Arena, the hockey venue that’s served as home to the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs since 2010. Set near the shoreline of Lake Superior with Duluth’s instantly recognizable Aerial Lift Bridge within the site, the stadium features a capacity of 6,726 and is part of the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Complex. Every time the Bulldogs play at AMSOIL, the arena becomes the center of excitement in this quintessential Minnesota city. The passion for hockey in Duluth can’t be emphasized enough and in no way is it better represented in the state than by the fans who show up at AMSOIL to cheer on their Bulldogs every game. Food & Beverage 4 AMSOIL offers a wide variety of foods and beverages at relatively affordable costs. Your basics run for the following prices: hamburger ($7.25), cheeseburger ($8.00), french fries ($4.50), chicken tenders ($7.75), hot dog ($5.00), nachos ($5.50), pretzel ($4.00), popcorn ($4.00). Some of the more interesting items offered (and might I say likely fan favorites), include the smoked wild rice brat ($6.00), the Pulled Porketta Sandwich ($7.00), and the walleye fillet basket, the latter of which is priced a bit high at $12.00 (but it’s a fan favorite along with the Pulled Porketta Sandwich). You can also find pizza served by the slice elsewhere in the arena. In terms of beverages, you’ll find your basic Pepsi products such as Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper, and Sierra Mist. But here’s where things get interesting: AMSOIL offers some amazingly unique beverages that are perfect for Duluth’s cold weather: french vanilla cappuccino ($2.75), hot chocolate ($2.50), hot apple cider ($2.75), and locally roasted ARCO Coffee ($2.25). Meanwhile, if you’re not in the mood for something to warm you up, you can always visit AMSOIL’s Cold Stone Creamery stand, something that’s always popular even during the coldest months. Atmosphere 5 Interestingly enough, the excitement of visiting AMSOIL doesn’t wait to hit you until you’ve entered the concourse or taken your seat it sets in much sooner. It begins with the lobby, probably one of the most impressive for a college arena …so much so that it gives professional arenas a run for their money. The lobby itself is highlighted by blue lighting that illuminates from the ceiling and down upon the artistic terrazzo flooring. Meanwhile, the wording “AMSOIL ARENA” in all caps adorns the gateway entrance. Like much of the lobby around it, it too is lit with blue. You can also catch a great view of downtown Duluth through the lobby window and it is especially beautiful when it’s seen lit up at night. The arena’s concourses are sufficiently sized and if you walk around you’re sure to see some history. One wall features pictures of all the UMD Men’s hockey players who’ve gone on to participate in the Olympics, while another wall features framed jerseys of those who have played at UMD in the past. And the biggest highlight, the seating bowl combined with the ice rink itself are surely the most impressive features of AMSOIL. The maroon and gold seats feature plenty of legroom and no matter where you sit within the venue, you’re sure to feel like you’re right down by the ice where all the action occurs. Meanwhile, the arena features an impressively large scoreboard that hangs over the center of the ice. It’s square and includes four sides. At the bottom is a circular screen that showcases the scores and the game periods. Neighborhood 5 Set near the heart of downtown Duluth right by Lake Superior, it’s hard to imagine a better place in town for this arena to be located. It’s within walking distance of many great restaurants and shops, all part of nearby Canal Park. Just some of the restaurants you’ll find in the area: Famous Dave’ (BBQ), Amazing Grace Bakery & Cafe (sandwich shop & brunch), Green Mill Restaurant, Old Chicago (really good Italian), Canal Park Brewery (beer & pub food), and Red Lobster. One of my favorite shops in the area is the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory which has a wide variety of chocolate candies. My recommendation is to get one of their chocolate-covered apples. Meanwhile, Grandma’s Saloon & Grill is a fan favorite before and after the games and features some great homestyle takes on classic American dishes. Right across from AMSOIL sits none other than the Duluth Curling Club, a place to grab a beer and get some food, all while enjoying the sport of Curling. In addition to exploring the Canal Park area, you can also cross into downtown Duluth via the skyway over I-35. One of the cool places downtown are Dubh Linn Duluth Restaurant and Irish Brew Pub, a place where many Bulldog fans also assemble before and after the games. Display your game ticket stub to the staff, and they’ll offer you one free drink. Fans 5 The fans are energetic, follow the team closely, and appear to be having the time of their lives while watching the Bulldogs play. Attendance is relatively good, albeit there are some notably empty seats during gameplay; of course, part of this could be because people are wandering around. Since moving into AMSOIL back in 2010, the Bulldogs have generated an increased amount of excitement. The following year, they won the NCAA National Championship, and ever since the team has remained the talk of the town. The “Penalty Box” is AMSOIL’s student section. Out of anywhere in the stands, it’s where most of the excitement is generated …especially given the student section’s attempts to get into the heads of UMD opponents (in particular, the opposing team’s goalie). Attend a game at AMSOIL and you’ll hear fans shout their chants with enthusiasm and the whole display of excitement is quite fun to watch. Fans of opposing teams are, of course, treated with respect, it’s a Minnesota Nice thing, after all. Access 4 The arena is just off of I-35, so it’s super easy to find. If you’re driving by car, however, there’s one caveat. Parking directly by AMSOIL can be tricky and traffic around Canal Park can become congested. One idea is to park in one of the parking garages across I-35 and walk across to the Convention Center Complex via the skyway. If you take the tip, getting in and out is a breeze. Parking directly by the arena, however, is affordable and much cheaper than the parking you’ll find at other venues. Most lots in the area charge just around $5.00. Walking from wherever you parked and into the arena is easy. There’s nowhere that crowds can become congested. Important to note: Duluth winters can be extremely harsh, so make sure you’re dressed warmly. Meanwhile, the concourses are relatively wide and there are plenty of bathrooms in the arena. Return on Investment 5 Tickets typically cost anywhere from $20 to $30. However, you can expect to pay higher rates when they play a rival, such as the University of Minnesota. For what you pay, you get more than enough in return. Wherever you sit in the arena, it’s next to impossible to get stuck in what some would refer to as the “nosebleed” section. That said, the setting is what could be described as intimate and you’re sure to feel like you have a premium seat to all the action on the ice. Extras 3 AMSOIL features a lot of history in the concourses. From the wall that displays the UMD Olympians, all the way to the jerseys …you get a sense of school spirit and pride in the team. In addition, you’ll also find quotations from local heroes relevant to Duluth on the walls. You’ll also see plenty of banners proudly displayed above the rink – whether they’re commemorating the 2010 Championship, other storied seasons in UMD’s history, or the team’s 2 retired numbers – those belonging to Brett Hull (#29) and Keith Christiansen (#9). And one last thing that I thought was cool: Try to find the fireplace on the concourse. It’s especially neat to warm up if you’ve just arrived in the arena from the harsh cold of the outdoors. Final Thoughts Having just been opened in 2010, AMSOIL Arena is a relatively new venue. However, once you take in the entire experience, you’re sure to get a vibe that’s steeped deep within the University of Minnesota-Duluth tradition. Simply stated, you feel like you’re at an older arena, and that’s not a bad thing. AMSOIL is certainly one of the best college hockey game day experiences you’ll find in the state, if not the entire U.S. Midwest. It’s more than just getting your money’s worth, it’s an experience that’ll make you want to recommend attending a game here to others, even if they’re not UMD Bulldog fans.

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Maverik Stadium 800 East 1400 North Logan, UT 84322 Utah State Aggies website Maverik Stadium website Year Opened: 1968 Capacity: 25,513 Fear The Ox! Utah State played its first game at then Romney Stadium in 1968. In 2015, the stadium got a new name and was ready for an upgrade. With funds from Maverik for the sponsorship rights and millions in donations, the stage was set for a new press box and more. The renovations were completed in September, 2016 and include new club suites, concession stands and more. Food & Beverage 4 With the new naming rights, there are now Maverik products that are sold on site, with items being sold out of the old concession stand. At the Bonfire Grill, there are personal pizzas available for $6, and are available in plain cheese, pepperoni or BBQ chicken. Other items include a Sugar Cookie for $2, various candies for $3 and Pixy Stix for $1. For drinks, there is Aquafina for $3, Fiji water for $4, Gatorade for $3 and various Pepsi products for $5. There are also several food stands inside the stadium on game day, ranging from Italian cuisine to Korean BBQ. Atmosphere 4 When plans were revealed for the renovations, one of the biggest items on the to-do list was to improve the game day atmosphere and the overall feel of the stadium. And the improvements have been noticed by fans, players and coaches alike. The most noticeable difference is the new West Stadium Center, complete with a new press box, club suites and reserved seating. There are also new video boards on both ends of the stadium, with the one in the north end zone now being the biggest in the Mountain West. And with the new video boards also came a brand-new sound system. The quality is much improved over the old speaker system and now everything is crystal clear, including the Aggie Marching Band. There is a fan-fest that takes place a couple of hours before the game, complete with booths that give away free food and usually have giveaways before or during the game. Another pre-game festivity includes a Harley ride, in which the Spirit Squad and Big Blue are brought in on Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Neighborhood 3 Even though Logan is somewhat of a small town, there are plenty of restaurants in the city, and some are very new. There are also places to go hang out after the game. If you’re looking for something good either on game day or any other day of the week, there is the local favorite, Angie’s. It is a diner type restaurant, and there is plenty to eat depending on the appetite. But what Angie’s is known for is a “challenge” called Cleaning The Sink. Here, you have a replica sink filled with lots of ice cream, and a choice of toppings such as hot fudge, bananas and peanut butter cups. If the entire sink is “cleaned,” you get a bumper sticker that says “I Cleaned The Sink At Angie’s.” It is $12, so the more people you have the better. I have done it twice so far, and it is worth it. If you’re on a budget, there are cheaper options in town, including Pizza Pie Cafe and Texas Roadhouse, both of which are very good places to go if you’re looking for a hangout spot after the game. If you’re not after food, there are options for the outdoor enthusiast, including many hiking trails located just a few minutes up Logan Canyon. Fans 3 Even though this year was a rough year football wise, the fans are very loyal to the Aggie football team. The main student section here, known as The HURD, does a good job getting students to the game and they have a real impact during the game. Special events like in-state rivalry games and Whiteouts help bolster the crowd. You will always see them doing the Aggie fight song and a special song known as “The Scotsman.” Overall, The HURD is the best student section I’ve seen – you’ll definitely see their impact the next time you go to a game. This is the smallest of the FBS stadiums in Utah with a capacity just over 25,000. Depending on how the team is doing, you’ll either see some empty seats or a stadium at capacity. Either way, you always have the diehard fans at every game, which is very cool to see. Access 4 Parking definitely isn’t a problem if you’re coming to Logan. If you’re a parking pass holder, you’ll get a spot right in front of or directly adjacent to the stadium. But for those without passes, there are more parking areas on campus just a few blocks from the stadium for just $10. With the new renovations, there are now more entrances into the stadium. Instead of having to walk around to the north or south ends of the stadium to enter, there are now entrances on the west side of the stadium, which is nice for those who want to get their seats quicker. Not to mention there is now more room for foot traffic. The bathrooms on the east side are the same as they once were but the ones on the west side were updated with a more modern feel. They are also bigger than the ones on the east side, but there are plenty of bathrooms either way. Return on Investment 4 The price for general admission seats did go up a few dollars, but $19 is still a pretty good deal to go see a game. It is the same price for a seat in the south end zone, but it will cost you a few extra dollars if you want a chair back seat. And if you want one, plan ahead as they go fast. Extras 2 One point for the beautiful views from the stadium. If you sit on the east side, you get a beautiful view of the mountains that tower above the stadium. But when you enter or exit the same side, you get a great view of the entire Cache Valley. One point for the statue of Merlin Olsen outside the south entrance. It is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest players in Aggie history. It is also part of a new student tradition in which the students touch the helmet before they enter the stadium. Final Thoughts Maverik Stadium is a decent little stadium to visit, and is very family friendly. It’s worth a visit if you are in the area, or if you want to see your team play on the road, and don’t want to fight the crowds at a large venue.

Photos by Jordan Fallconer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Canada Life Centre 300 Portage Ave Winnipeg, MB R3C 5S4, Canada Manitoba Moose website Canada Life Centre website Year Opened: 2004 Capacity: 15,294 MTS Centre AHL Style The return of the Manitoba Moose to Winnipeg may not have been as heralded as the return of their parent club, the Winnipeg Jets, but is has been very warmly received. With the return of the NHL to Winnipeg, a lot of families have been squeezed out of the MTS Centre. The Moose provide a family-friendly, affordable and accessible hockey option. The Moose use only the lower bowl of the MTS Centre. Tickets are $20 or $25 with lots of mini-pack options. Utilizing MTS Centres lower bowl with a capacity of 8,260 the Moose have consistently drawn between 5,000 – 7,000 fans per game with an average approaching 7,000 per game. Mini-pack games see larger crowds and the popular New Year’s Eve game is likely to be a complete sell-out. The Moose will actually open the upper bowl for the New Year’s Eve game this month. Ticket sales are already over 10,000 for the late afternoon game. Fans heading to the game should not expect a minor-league experience. The in-game production is the same as the Jets – a benefit of sharing the arena. All the sound, lights, effects and promotions are available to and used by the Moose. The Moose use the MTS Centre’s new HD scoreboard and LED power boards throughout the game. In game promotions and giveaways appeal to families and there are ample opportunities for kids to see themselves on the scoreboard’s large HD screens. Fans can watch for themselves on the Fan Cam, the Flex Cam or the Kiss Cam. These three popular scoreboard features give folks the chance to have some fun. Attending a Moose game is inexpensive and many families have jumped at the chance to get the whole family to a professional hockey game in Winnipeg. The atmosphere in the MTS Centre is definitely family friendly and there are many kids in attendance so this review will reflect and focus on this. Note: In May, 2017 MTS Centre’s name changed to Bell MTS Place as a result of Bell’s acquisition of MTS. In 2021, the arena’s name changed from Bell MTS Place to Canada Life Centre. Food & Beverage 5 Once inside MTS Centre for the game, there are many options for those looking to grab some food and beverages. Food options range from regular arena fare (burgers, dogs, pretzels, pizza, fries, etc.) at several locations around the concourse to favourites like Pizza Pizza, Tim Hortons, Moxies, and Local 204 which features local products like Granny’s poultry products. New this year is the Wrap Around, which features wraps for $13 (including beverage). Fans can choose from pork souvlaki, chicken shawarma or falafel and fill their wrap with a variety of fixings. Options abound at MTS Centre and even the hungriest of fans will be able to fill up on good quality food. From carved beef, pulled pork, and poutine to the usual fare of burgers, dogs, smokies, and fries there are many options for even the hungriest of fans. If you are really hungry, try the Jumbo Jet Dog – an MTS Centre feature and fan favorite. The Jumbo Jet Dog is a very large hot dog that will run you $9.50 but will fill you up. You may want to share this one with a friend or the whole family! It is also available in a combo for $13.50. In addition to the regular toppings, additional toppings available are what make this a monster. Bacon bits, pierogie pieces, chili or nacho cheese are available for an extra $1.50 each. Try the pierogie pieces and if you are not worried about spilling on your jersey, go for the nacho cheese and chili! Most concessions will run you about $10 – $15 for an “arena meal.” Beverage prices range from $5 for bottled water, $5.50 for a bottled pop (fountain drinks are $5.25 and $5.75) while beer is $8.50 for a regular draft (12 oz) and $9.50 for a large draft (17 oz). Concession information is available on the MTS Centre website where you can open a document with maps of both concourses that details the concessions available. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at MTS Centre during a Moose game is family friendly. Parents should feel comfortable bringing their kids to the MTS Centre to see the Moose play. The Moose cater to families and provide enough entertainment to occupy the little ones’ attention. While this is not the same atmosphere that one experiences at a Jets game, the MTS Centre fans are still knowledgeable and inviting. Fans cheer loud and proud and the kids get right into it! Neighborhood 3 While options abound for the pre-gamers, the options for families are not as plentiful. MTS Centre’s central downtown location does make for easy access. Traffic before and after a game is never really an issue as there are many routes in and out of the downtown area. Family-friendly pre-game meal options are not as plentiful in the immediate area next to MTS Centre. Boston Pizza Cityplace and the food court at Cityplace provide the best options as they are close and the building also has a parkade and is attached to the MTS Centre. Other options might include dinner at the Forks Market before heading over to the game, Carbone Coal Fired Pizza, Ichi Ban Japanese Steakhouse (a more pricey option), Mitzi’s for their famous chicken fingers, or fast food options such as Subway and A&W. Families should consider dinner at home first or along the way to the MTS Centre rather than planning a stop in the vicinity. Fans 4 Moose fans are active and engaged in the game. Fans can be heard reacting to penalty calls, chanting the opposition goalie’s name and, of course, cheering on their team as loudly as they can. Mick E. Moose is always firing up a “Go! Moose! Go!” chant and fans are willing to join in. Fans are knowledgeable about their home team. The fans at MTS Centre create a one of a kind atmosphere making the overall experience for families a positive one. Fans will be decked out in their Moose jerseys and there will be lots in their Jets jerseys as well. Many fans wear their Moose gear from before the Moose left Winnipeg so don’t be confused by the different color schemed jerseys. If you are a fan who likes to cheer and get involved, grab some seats close to ice level or in the first row. The last rows of the 100 and 200 levels offer great views and there is nobody behind you if you want to stand and stretch your legs. Fans who want to socialize may find the Budweiser King Club, which includes its own bar area and places to stand and watch the game. Access 5 Access to MTS Centre is easy. Situated on Winnipeg’s famous Portage Avenue between Donald and Hargraeve, the MTS Centre is easy to get to and easy to get home from after a game as well. It’s a remarkable change for anyone who ever saw a game at the old Winnipeg Arena. One need not leave early from the game to beat the traffic. Fans can stick around to the last whistle and enjoy every moment of the game. MTS Centre is connected to Winnipeg’s extensive downtown indoor walkway system so fans can park, leave jackets in the car and wear only their jerseys to the game while walking indoors. Return on Investment 5 Prices at MTS Centre are what one would expect for an NHL arena. Families looking for AHL prices won’t find them here. Fans will pay more on site for food than elsewhere so a pre-game visit to your family’s restaurant of choice is a good option. The overall return on investment is excellent, however, due to the low cost of tickets. An evening at the game for two with food, beverage and parking can be under $100. A family of four can get great seats for $80. Add parking ($5 – $10) and some snacks and a family can have a night out for around $120 or less. The Moose have filled a void in the Winnipeg hockey market. With the return of the Jets it has been difficult and expensive for families to get tickets. The Moose provide an option that is both affordable and accessible as tickets are readily available. Extras 3 There are several bonus points at MTS Centre during a Moose game. The facility itself is well thought out. Now entering its second decade, the building looks remarkably new thanks to constant renovations and additions. The views are good no matter where you sit. The new large HD scoreboard scores bonus points for MTS Centre as well. It is easy to see from anywhere in the arena bowl. Be sure to get to your seat early enough to watch the Moose game day production team’s build up to puck drop. From game intro videos and highlights the features prior to the game are worth watching – especially on the large HD screens. The biggest bonus that MTS Centre provides fans is the family-friendly atmosphere during Moose games. There are plenty of opportunities for the kids to see themselves on the scoreboard and even to interact with Mick E. Moose, the team’s mascot. Fans will also note that there are often players available for autographs after the game. At a recent game, the entire team was available after for autographs and the giveaway included a team puzzle that fans could get signed.

Photos Courtesy of Siena College Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 MVP Arena 51 Pearl Street Albany, NY 12207 Siena Saints website MVP Arena website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 15,229 Good Times Siena has been recognized as one of the elite programs in the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) since the start of the 21st century. Former head coach Fran McCaffery, now at Iowa, led the Saints to a 77-26 record, including 46-8 in conference play, and three consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament between 2008-2010. The Saints currently play in one of college basketball’s most overlooked rivalries with the Great Danes from the University at Albany. Each season, the two teams battle it out for the Albany Cup before 10,000+ fans at the Times Union Center. Note: The arena name changed from Times Union Center to MVP Arena in Jan 2022. Food & Beverage 3 The options are never limited as locations to buy refreshments surround the area in-between the first and second levels. The typical arena favorites like pizza, chicken fingers, cheeseburgers, and hot dogs are all available. However, like cross-town rival UAlbany’s SEFCU Arena, the Saints suffer from a major problem. There are a number of both fast food and sit-down restaurants nearby, but food and drink does not come cheap, such as $4.50 for a Gatorade or $5.50 for a box of cracker jacks. The options are in your favor; the prices are not. Atmosphere 4 By far the largest arena in the capital region, The Times Union Center is a great place to watch a basketball game. There is a major college basketball game experience at every game, complete with an enthusiastic student section and multiple tv cameras. The TU is great entertainment whenever the Saints are in town. Neighborhood 2 The Times Union Center is on South Pearl Street in downtown Albany. Surrounded by a handful of bars that are home to ever increasingly rowdy patrons, downtown Albany can be a dangerous place to visit. There is constant police presence on the weekends and bar owners are sometimes also called upon to take action. Fans 3 In the competition for bragging rights with cross-town rival Albany, Siena can check off a win in the fans department. More residents, and especially more students come out to Siena home games. The fact that capacity at the Times Union Center is more than twice what the capacity is at SEFCU Arena might play a factor, but the fact remains that the fans still make the effort to come out and support their Saints. Access 3 A parking garage is attached to the west end of the building, but it costs $8 to park there for the day. Street parking is typically available on nights and weekends, but the spots are almost always filled up with a far greater demand than there is supply, leaving those attending an event to park far from the building. Return on Investment 4 The Saints have made four NCAA Tournament appearances since 2002, and have upset national powerhouses Ohio State and Vanderbilt in two of those appearances. You can expect to see a good team, which is an important element. Tickets range from $10-$35, and the price is well worth it to see the Saints of Siena. Extras 2 The Saints do a decent job of keeping fans entertained during media timeouts, with games revolving around the “Minute to Win It” concept and the ever-famous kiss cam.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 Credit Union of Texas Event Center 200 E Stacy Rd Allen, TX 75002 Allen Americans website Credit Union of Texas Event Center website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 6,275 Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Red! Allen Americans The Allen Americans are a minor league ice hockey team currently playing in the ECHL (every coast hockey league – I made that up; it used to be the East Coast Hockey League but they rebranded to just the initials ECHL after the league expanded across North America). The Allen Americans began their play in 2009 as part of the now defunct CHL (Central Hockey League). When that league folded in 2014, the Americans transitioned to the ECHL. The Americans have a rich history of success in their short existence winning the Ray Miron Presidents Cup twice in the CHL and the Kelly Cup the two seasons they’ve been in the ECHL so far (both cups are comparable to the NHL’s Stanley Cup). They have always played in the Allen Event Center, in Allen, TX (30 or so miles north of Dallas, TX). The Allen Event Center also hosts indoor soccer Dallas Sidekicks as well as a variety of other concerts and entertainment shows. Editor’s Note: In Fall 2021, the arena name changed from Allen Event Center to Credit Union of Texas Event Center. Food & Beverage 4 The Allen Event Center provides a decent fare and then some. The concession stands each offer the basic snacks (hot dog, popcorn, pretzels, candy, peanuts, etc.) but each stand has different main entrees so be sure to walk the concourse and check them all out before ordering. One offers pulled pork and chopped brisket sandwiches, turkey leg, sausage on a stick, baked potato or a loaded spud ranging from $5 – $8. Another has Philly cheesesteak or chicken fried steak baskets, corn dogs and a variety of fries; and still another presents a diverse range of burgers and chicken sandwiches $6.50 – $7.75, and for $3 more add some fries. A CiCi’s Pizza provides slices, a whole pie, and garlic cheesy bread. Try the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or a Nestles Toll House cookie stand ($2.50 a cookie) for sweets. Even with all these choices, the recommended place is Savour Cantina serving delicious items such as fajita nacho grande, empanadas, crackling pork shank, taquitos, elote, and burritos ranging from $6.50 – $10. Across from the stand on the concourse, ambiance is provided with lights strung up and tables with red table cloths and chairs and umbrellas. Coca-Cola is the soda preference. Domestic draft beers go for $6/$8.25; a 24 ounce can is $9.25 and are sold at most concession stands. One beer stand (near Savour Cantina) has a variety of craft brews in a can. The souvenir/merchandise area is set up on tables on the concourse and has plenty of red hats, red shirts, red jerseys, some novelties like earrings and pucks but no hat pins or pennants. Atmosphere 3 The Allen Event Center is a fine facility to watch an ice hockey game; it has some nice features and others that can be improved upon. One level of seating is available with suites on a second level. It is a smaller arena so one can get a good view of the ice from all seats. Entering the seating area brings a visitor to row E or so, fans will walk up or down depending on their row level; the highest row is S. The steps are a tad steep but there are handrails for those who might have unsteady footage. To sit center ice facing the player benches, choose sections 116 (seat #’s 1 to 7) or 115 (seat #’s 11 – 18) or so to be within the blue lines. No center hung video board blocks the view of the other side (nice!); instead two huge flat screen displays are mounted above the seating areas on each side of the ice. Smaller score lines are located on the wall behind the goals. Pretty, young cheerleaders hand out game day rosters (the print is too small to read…) when entering the arena. To me, cheerleaders feel out of place at hockey games. Unless, they can ice dance, save them for basketball and football games. It is dark in the area so said rosters can’t be read. I, personally, don’t like the darkness but that’s a fans preference. It can get chilly at Allen Event Center for a hockey game (but not as bad as some ECHL arenas in the league). Bring extra layers if you’re one who tends to be cold. The music and announcements are way too loud to have any kind of conversation with neighbors between play of game. At the game of this review, one exceptionally nice between-period entertainment was displaying a full rendition of John Denver and his band actually performing ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ on the video boards interposed with fans in the stands. Neighborhood 3 If you or your significant other likes shopping, you will be a happy camper. Otherwise, there’s not a heck of a lot of things to do within walking distance of the venue. The arena is located within and close to three shopping outlets / malls. There are plenty of restaurants within the shopping mall closest to the Allen Event Center which include: BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, Dodie’s Place Cajun Bar & Grill, Pane Vino, Pluckers Wing Bar and more. If a beer before or after the game is desired, Kelly’s at the Village Craft Tavern is recommended. It is steps from the arena and has a huge variety of beers on tap (30+) many local to Texas, as well as a complete menu. There’s seating inside and outside at Kelly’s. Both Kelly’s at the Village and Dodie’s Place Cajun Bar & Grill seem to be the most frequented by Allen American fans. For places to stay, a Courtyard Marriott is spitting distance from the entrance. A Hampton Inn is right under the highway (walking distance) but currently (Fall 2016) the sidewalks are closed due to road construction so walking from there is not an option. On a side note, the Hampton Inn is where the visiting team players stayed (during the weekend of this review). Fans 4 Fans are strong and ardent and show up in team jerseys and colors and are respective of the visiting fans and players. For the most part, no ‘make some noise’ prompts are needed. A select group of fans with drums sit behind one of the goals and get the fans cheering. The coolest tradition and chant the fans execute is when after an American goal, all fans stand up and pump their arms and shout Red! Red! Red! Red! at the appropriate time during the goal song, “Don’t Stop Living in the Red” by Andrew W.K. Average attendance is steady and near or above the 4,000 mark for both their CHL days and their current ECHL league. Allen American fans have a lot to be proud of. Access 3 Allen, TX is about a 40 minute drive from Dallas. And Dallas traffic is always horrific and roadways always seem to be under construction. Public transportation from Dallas Love Field Airport will take 3 – 4 hours depending on arrival time and day, so the Allen Event Center is not the easiest to get to for a sports stadium traveler. The arena is just east off of US-75 between McKinney and Plano, TX. Traffic is congested around the Event Center as it is in the midst of huge shopping centers/outdoor malls – The Village at Allen and The Village at Fairview. Exiting the area after the game will take some time. The concourse is not overly crowded except at the two entrance areas. Not unique in minor league venues, one cannot walk the entire concourse but must circle back after a certain closed off area. It appears the only wheelchair accessible seating is on the glass level – this may or may not be a good thing depending on preference. Restrooms are plenty with no lines and are clean. Return on Investment 3 For a Saturday day game, tickets run $20 – $42 with an additional $2 – $8 charge when purchasing on game day. Ticket prices run a little less for weekday games (starting at $14). Parking is free; concession prices are not out of this world. There’s no need to purchase tickets beforehand (unless you’re particular about where you sit and/or want to save a few extra game day purchase fees). This recommendation could change when the Americans make it to the Kelly Cup playoffs in early spring. It’s a winning team and a decent facility so it’s worth the investment. Extras 3 If planned properly, a stadium journey traveler may find several doubleheader weekends of hockey/soccer at the Allen Event Center. The John Denver video delivery of ‘Thank God I’m a Country Boy’ and the ‘Living in the Red’ goal celebration are worth an extra mention. Various jerseys the Allen Americans have sported are displayed on the walls behind the suites on the second level. Final Thoughts The Allen Event Center is a respectable venue in which to watch an ECHL game. It has above average food choices, is in the midst of an outdoor shopping mall and has hotels within walking distance. And the team wins. Check it out if in the area north of Dallas.

Photos by Eric Moreno, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Retama Park 1 Retama Pkwy Selma, TX 78154 Retama Park website Year Opened: 1996 Capacity: 15,000 A Day at the Races There’s something special about a racetrack. The electricity of the crowd; the majestic beauty of a fine racehorse; the air of hope that permeates the atmosphere with each race as everyone with a ticket is sure they’ve got themselves a winner. Yes sir, there is something truly special about a racetrack. Just outside the San Antonio city limits, in the town of Selma lies Retama Park. Constructed to mimic the Spanish colonial style reminiscent of “old world” racing venues like Santa Anita and Del Mar in California, the 2016 season marks the 21st racing season at the track. Retama Park, which has turf and track surfacing, enters into its fourth under new ownership and management, it has repositioned itself as a must-visit attraction. Food & Beverage 4 Like most great sporting venues, Retama Park has a nice selection of all the traditional favorites including hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, sodas ($1.50), and domestic beer (starting at $5). There is also a specialty Tex-Mex stand on the turf level. Once you get through the main entrance, you are greeted by the wafting smells of grilling hamburgers (starting at $5) and hot dogs (starting at $2). The burgers are some of the best around. Also on hand is the tasty Pepito’s Italian Ice (in a variety of flavors for $5). This stand’s frozen, sweet treats are a perfect complement to a hot summer night at the track. Inside and upstairs, first on the Grandstand Level, that’s when the food options really start to expand. At the Terrace Level, you will find more of the traditional fare and also the Sports Bar. Chicken wings, grilled chicken salads, and specialty sandwiches are all on the menu. As the name would imply, a full complement of beer and alcoholic spirits are available. Be warned though, this is one of the most popular spots in the track and it fills up fast. On the Terrace Level and at the Private Suite Level, the fare gets even better. Both offer spectacular, all you can eat, carved prime rib dinners ($22.95 on the clubhouse level and $39.95 on the press box level). Both of these areas offer exclusive seating; once you have paid for your dinner, your table and unique view of the track is yours for the entire night. Atmosphere 5 Whether you’re a seasoned handicapper of horses or a first time visitor, you will enjoy your visit to Retama Park. Every weekend during the live-racing season (mid June until November), there are special events for patrons of the track. These range from a Comic Con Night to Family Nights (complete with a petting zoo and food and drink specials). These events feed into the overall atmosphere of the track. A highlight for visitors of all ages is a trip to the horse paddock. Before each race, the horses are brought into their stalls for a rub down before being walked to loosen them up. It’s a great chance to get up close and personal to these magnificent animals. Another unique offering of the track is the Fan Education area. For no cost aside from admission, you can sit in and listen as the track’s resident handicapper walks you through the betting process, answers your questions, and bets right alongside you (should you be so inclined). This free education eliminates one of the main barriers that some have for visiting the track. In 2015, a new merchandise stand was set up near the main entrance to purchase Retama Park related apparel and accessories. One of the best features of the track is the seating. Whether you sit outside in the open seating near the track, up against the fence, or in some of the clubhouse seating, there isn’t a bad seat in the house. Neighborhood 3 Retama Park lies outside of San Antonio proper. It is built in a former industrial area and is set by itself on land adjacent to I-35. However, while it has no “immediate” neighbors, just up the highway is The Forum at Olympia Parkway, a very family friendly shopping center. The Forum is home to large chain stores such as Target, Kohl’s, Toys R Us, and Best Buy, among others. Similarly, a vast number of family-style eating establishments are available ranging from fast food places like Chick-fil-A and Subway, to sit down establishments like Red Robin, Chili’s Bar & Grill, and Chipotle Mexican Grill. Heading out the other direction from Retama Park, up Lookout Road, within 10 minutes you will be able to visit Rolling Oaks Mall, which is a mid-sized shopping mall complete with a number of national shopping and dining chains. With Retama Park being so close to I-35, you can hop on and head south and be at San Antonio’s lively downtown in 15-20 minutes or head north and visit the quaint German town of New Braunfels or even, ultimately, be in Austin within an hour. Fans 5 I think it is fair to say that the best part of the overall experience at Retama Park are the fans. The track is open 364 days out of the year (closed on Christmas Day) and there are a group of hardcore, serious racing enthusiasts who will be there waiting at the gate for the track to open all 364 of those days. You will see some “colorful” characters on the Track and Grandstand Levels, especially by the TV banks and near the betting windows. You will see men and women in their lucky shirts or hats, carrying their lucky charms, and engaging in “track banter.” The fans make the track truly something special. Access 4 There are two main access points to Retama Park: I-35 and Lookout Road. I-35 spans the entire city of San Antonio, from north to south and continues. It also connects to every major highway and loop in the city, so you can be virtually anywhere in San Antonio from Retama Park in 30 minutes. Lookout Road connects to another large thoroughfare, Nacogdoches Road. This road also travels a large portion of the city, north to south. One point of emphasis should be noted; the area of I-35 where Retama Park lies will experience larger than normal amounts of traffic at most times of the day. Loop 1604 intersects with I-35 just south of the track. This often causes traffic to stack up, so be prepared. Return on Investment 4 The cost for admittance to Retama Park, which opens every day 10:30am, is $5 during live racing season and $2 the rest of the year; children 12 and under get in free. Parking is free (or you can go big and valet your car for $8). A racing program, if you’re looking to gamble or if you just want a nice souvenir, is $3 and you can eat and drink very well on $10-$20 per person (or even cheaper on $1 nights, which run the entire summer). Where else can you spend as little as $5 for an event and walk away, conceivably, with thousands of dollars? Only at a good race track, and Retama is just that. Extras 4 The fans, the atmosphere, the relative affordability of every amenity, the excitement of the crowds, all of these make Retama a great venue to enjoy, either for a single person or a whole family. Getting the chance to see the majestic horses up close in the paddock or along the fence line, is sure to tug at the heartstrings of kids of any age. Couple these perks with the free fan education forum, the theme nights (Mardi Gras Night is particularly enjoyable), and the chance to mingle with a crowd of interesting people, and you’ve got a truly special sporting venue. As part of the upgrades that the new ownership (Pinnacle Entertainment) have brought in has been to fully integrate the venue with free wifi. A new pari-mutuel betting app is also available for those who have their lucky spot and don’t want to vacate it to visit a betting window. Final Thoughts For casual horse racing fans, first time visitors, or dyed-in-the-wool track folk, you are guaranteed to enjoy your day or evening at Retama Park. The classic old style look, the electricity of a close horse race, the food and drink options, and the beauty of the horses themselves all harken back to a time when horse racing was the sport of kings. You can capture that feeling-and maybe win a little walking around money-with a day or night at the races. If you’re in San Antonio or even Austin, do yourself a favor and plan a visit to Retama Park. Follow Eric Moreno’s Stadium Journey on Twitter at @EricMoreno6477. Visit Eric Moreno’s writer’s portfolio site at ericmoreno.contently.com.

Photos by Connor Comeau, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 LaVell Edwards Stadium 1700 N Canyon Rd Provo, UT 84604 BYU Cougars website LaVell Edwards Stadium website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 63,470 Independent (And it feels so good) The Brigham Young Cougars have been playing football since 1896, but have been independent since 2011. Since then, the stadium and the school have seen quality opponents come and go, but the excitement at games continues to remain and impress. And with a new head coach and coaching staff at the helm, there is even more excitement surrounding the program. The stadium was built in 1964, but with the near-constant sellouts, the upgrades to the stadium and the quality of the opponents, you probably wouldn’t think it is that old. But as one of the few independents in the nation, does the LaVell Edwards Stadium (LES) fit the bill? Food & Beverage 4 As the largest stadium in the state of Utah, there are plenty of food options to choose from, whether you want just a snack or a full fledged entree. There are even a few specialty items that will get your taste buds going. Some of the more popular items include “Cougar” Dogs ($4), Polish Sausages ($5), Popcorn ($4), Nachos ($4) and Candy ($4). The BYU Creamery is a big staple on campus and it is available on game day – you can get a pint of BYU Creamery ice cream for $4. The more unique items on the menu include Pulled Pork Sandwiches ($9) and a Bratwurst combo with chips and a drink ($7). As a Coke campus, all soft drinks served on game day are Coke – a regular sized soda will cost $4 while a souvenir cup costs $7 but you do get unlimited refills during the game. Minute Maid frozen lemonade is also available for $5 and is available in regular and strawberry flavors. The biggest note here is that as an LDS (Latter-day Saints) campus, there is no alcohol served during the game. The Creamery items and any of the sandwiches are definite must tries if you ever attend a game at the LES. No matter what you choose, you will not be disappointed. Atmosphere 4 With more high quality opponents on the schedule, LaVell Edwards Stadium has a bigger game day atmosphere than in years past. The stadium is a bowl-shaped stadium, so fans will have a great view of the field no matter where they sit. The biggest features are the two HD scoreboards on both the north and south ends of the stadium. The video boards are connected by a video ribbon that surrounds the entire edge of the stadium. The graphics are top notch, especially on replays, which shows the actual replay system officials use during the game. The sound system is pretty good, and music is played often in between downs and during game breaks such as TV timeouts and quarter breaks. Before the game, there is the ceremonial lighting of the “Y” and the pregame prayer, which take place before every home game. There are different “cams” that are interspersed throughout the game, including the Air Guitar Cam and the Dance Cam. The BYU Marching Band does a terrific job throughout the game keeping fans entertained while playing very good music as well. You will have a pretty good view of the field regardless of where you sit. But if you want a view that faces the mountains, you will want to sit closer to the west side of the stadium. As a reminder, if you come during the winter months, it will be a lot colder and the chances of snow increase – just keep in mind there are no umbrellas allowed in the stadium so plan ahead. Neighborhood 4 LaVell Edwards Stadium is located on the extreme northern end of campus and along University Parkway, which is the main road to get from Interstate 15 to the stadium. As an atypical college town, there are no bars around town – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t stuff to do. Even though there are no bars in town, there are plenty of places to eat within driving distance of the stadium. One of my favorites is Pizza Pie Cafe – where it is all you can eat Pizza, Pasta and Salad – for around $7 (drinks are a buck or two extra). They have several different kinds of pizza (including dessert pizza) and have 10 different kinds of pasta with six different kinds of sauce. For a more local feel, you can try Burgers Supreme which is just down the road. As a bacon fanatic, I recommend the Bacon Cheeseburger. There are a lot of shopping areas as you come down University Parkway, but not much in the way of attractions. If you’re craving a flick before the game, there is a Cinemark theater on the way to the stadium, which includes new Luxury Lounger seats that recline back. For LDS faithful, the Provo Temple is about a half-mile to a mile away. Coming into the stadium, I noticed a Super 8 that was just two blocks away and a Days Inn that wasn’t far behind that. If you’re coming from I-15 and using University Parkway to get to the stadium, you will pass anywhere between 7 to 10 hotels within driving distance. So if you’re coming from out of town, book in advance because rooms tend to fill up and it can be more expensive closer to game day. Fans 5 If there was one thing that made my visit to LaVell Edwards Stadium special, it would be the fans. They are about as passionate a fan base as I have seen so far. And the game I went to was homecoming, which made the night even more special. The capacity of the stadium is 63,470, which makes it the largest stadium in the state – and it was a near sellout with very few empty seats. It may be a little emptier during the winter months, but it looked just about full from where I was. Add to the fact they were playing an SEC opponent AND they’re getting opponents like these to come play there – I’m not at all surprised the stadium was near capacity. Up in the press box, it is still LOUD – glass vibrating and floor rumbling loud. The fans are in the game the whole time – the only time they get up is at halftime and quarter breaks. Both the student section (known as The ROC) and all other fans join in to the fight song “Rise and Shout, the Cougar is out!” and everyone gets loud on third and fourth down plays. It is an exciting fan base to say the least. Access 4 In terms of accessibility, the stadium has enough features and parking to make game day an enjoyable experience. The Utah Transit Authority (UTA) has buses and Trax lines that run near the stadium, but they fill up on game day, so make sure you give yourself extra time to get to the game. And if you’re coming in by plane, the nearest major airport is Salt Lake International, about a 45 minute drive north of the stadium. There are numerous lots around the stadium open to Cougar Club members or reserved parking – otherwise it will be a little of walk but should cost around $10 to park further away. Traffic wise – make sure to pack your patience. If a game is sold out or close to it, you could be looking at a 20 to 30 minute wait just to get out of your lot – but campus and city police do a nice job of directing traffic before and after the game. You can either pick up your ticket at will call or print it out at home and bring it to the game. When entering the stadium, as long as you don’t have any of the prohibited items with you, you will be just fine. Event staff are very friendly and they are there to help answer your questions. The upper concourse has a little less room than the lower, but it didn’t cause too many problems during the game. The restrooms are a little hard to find but look nicely kept at least during my experience. For those wanting to move between the upper and lower concourse, there are ramps located throughout the stadium for those that want to move around. Return on Investment 4 The stadium has done a great job of keeping everyone happy, so you really do get the bang for your buck. Seats in the upper bowl start at around $15 and lower bowl seats start at around $35 to $40 dollars, so depending on where you sit, you may be getting a good deal. The concession prices are right on par in regards to other stadiums in the country. And parking is not bad if you take public transit – you’ll also pay as little as $10 for parking. Extras 3 One point for the pregame rituals. The marching band spells out the word “Cougars” before the game, with the crowd getting into it. There is the Cougar Walk, where students line up outside the stadium and then rush in to take their seats. And starting something new this year (2016), the athletics program is inviting active service members to come and participate in the lighting of the “Y” prior to the game. One point to “Y” Mountain. It is well kept all throughout the year, and was lit up for the homecoming game, which I thought was a nice touch. One point for the beautiful Wasatch Mountains. With fall in full swing, you can see the colors changing on the trees. And with just the right sunset (which we had), the mountain gives off a beautiful glow that is remarkable. It truly is breathtaking to have that type of beauty within range of the stadium. Final Thoughts It may not be a bucket list experience quite yet, but it is certainly getting close. You may be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t attend at least one home game during a season. With quality opponents and a very devoted fan base, LaVell Edwards Stadium is a must visit the next time you’re in town for game day.

Photo Courtesy of Collegegridirons.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Faurot Field 600 E Stadium Blvd Columbia, MO 65201 Missouri Tigers website Faurot Field website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 67,124 Let’s cheer MIZZOU! Missouri football has been in existence since 1890 and has a long and illustrious history. Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium has been host to the football team since 1926. It has been expanded and renovated many times since it’s opening. In 1972, Memorial Stadium’s playing surface was named Faurot Field in honor of longtime coach Don Faurot. The seating bowl is horseshoe shaped with lawn seating in the end zone featuring a pile of painted rocks in the shape of a block M. Missouri football recently joined the SEC after a long run in the Big 12 and Big 8. Joining the SEC has seemed to rejuvenate the passion among the Tiger faithful. There is a new sense of pride being associated with the conference and their run of success in football. Food & Beverage 3 There are plenty of concession areas around the stadium with choices for everyone. The regular concession items such as hot dogs, hamburgers (fresh off the grill), and brats (tasty and well cooked) can be found at most stands. There are specialty stands offering larger varieties of cheesesteaks and barbecue sandwiches. Mizzou has also partnered with Levy Restaurants to include a few more specialty items like the popular mac and cheese burnt end sandwich, loaded crispy potatoes, parmesan garlic fries, and M Dawgs that puts boring hot dogs to shame. The Faurotious Dawg is topped with buffalo sauce and blue cheese slaw and the Big Zou Dawg is covered with baked beans, potato salad, cheddar cheese, and barbecue sauce. Coca-Cola products are available and are priced fairly with a large going for $5. Snacks can be found around the stadium such as popcorn, nachos, pretzels, and candy. The prices for these will run between $3-$5. Lines at the concession stands flow well and you should have little problem getting food and getting back to your seat in time. The basic stands have plenty of workers which is nice. The concourses are wide as well so fans can still walk by without having to dodge people waiting in line. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere here is electric, especially for night games. The stadium is set on campus which makes it perfect on a fall afternoon or evening. Before the game, fans can be seen tailgating in parking lots or in the residential neighborhoods near the stadium. Missouri football does a fantastic job with its pregame presentation, and the band does a wonderful job getting the crowd into it the game. Truman, the Tigers mascot, makes a lap around the perimeter of the playing field in a black and gold fire truck. After the National anthem, a hype video is displayed on a massive scoreboard in the north end zone showcasing Missouri highlights from years past. One feature that isn’t seen often at other places is the entire starting team (offense/defense/specialists) introductions on the big screen. The Missouri band has Big Mo, the world’s largest drum at nine feet tall in the south end zone. There is also a cannon that goes off when Missouri scores; it is loud so be prepared for it. Below the north concourse and above the north end zone is the stadium’s most historic and identifiable landmark-the large “M.” Measuring at 90-feet wide by 95-feet high, it’s made up of white washed rocks set in the grass berm where fans sit in general admission seating. It debuted October 1, 1927, and was built by students using leftover rocks from the original construction of Memorial Stadium. The rock “M” is whitewashed by incoming freshman prior to the first game. If Missouri ever encloses the lower seating bowl, I hope they find a way to keep this feature. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood around the stadium is athletic fields and structures. The campus is just to the north. To find most retail stores, bars or restaurants you have to go about a mile or so to the downtown area. Around the stadium there are tailgaters in parking lots along Stadium Road and about anywhere fans can find to set up their game day banquet. Amazingly, they pull their cars up on the grass along Stadium Road and park their cars. They break out their grills and the tailgating shifts into high gear. There is not a lot of entertainment options close to the stadium, but there is a sports bar at the Hampton Inn a couple blocks away on Stadium Road. On the other side of campus, north of the stadium, there are plenty of places to eat and drink in downtown. Some of these places include Booche’s, Addison’s, 9th Street Public House, and Flat Branch Pub and Brewery. Fans 4 Mizzou fans are loud and proud of their team. They are a passionate bunch who seem to be relishing the fact that they now support an SEC program. If you get there early you can experience the Tiger Walk. This is when the football team arrives at the Mizzou Athletic Training Complex and walks across the pedestrian bridge down the south tunnel to its locker room. At some point the students will yell “M-I-Z” and the alums will respond “Z-O-U.” This is similar to Ohio State fans that yell “O-H,” “I-O.” Legend is that Mizzou fans liked the Ohio State chant and adopted their own version of it. Access 4 Faurot Field is easily accessible from any direction around Columbia and is off of I-70 on Stadium Drive. The stadium area is set up well for incoming/outgoing traffic. You will have to fight some traffic after the game, but that’s par for the course at any stadium. Parking at the stadium will cost you $25 nearby or free along Stadium Drive if you get there early enough. Some residential spots charge a few bucks less to park in their driveways. There are a series of bus routes that will take you to and from the stadium as well. There is a bus from the Holiday Inn a few miles out near I-70 for three dollars round trip. This can save on parking or if you want to stop somewhere for a beer before the game. The area around the stadium is taxi/Uber/Lyft friendly as well. On another trip here, our Uber drivers pick up in the south lot of the stadium. Apparently, they can show a pass and they are let in and out easily. This can help alleviate traffic after the game and very helpful for to anyone using this service. Restrooms are large and spacious, and the lines go quick for the most part unless you want to use the bathroom at halftime. Return on Investment 3 Tickets here go for around $50, normal for SEC games. There are plenty of people selling tickets outside as well if you can’t get a ticket before the game. Food is priced right and the options for free parking make it a worthy experience and easy on the wallet. Extras 3 Faurot Field is a basic place to watch a college football game and that is not a bad thing at all. Fans are loud, sightlines are perfect, and the ingress/egress around the stadium is good for fans. The massive scoreboard has valuable information, stats, and scores from games around the country. Final Thoughts Attending a game at Mizzou is a great experience. Its campus setting is perfect for tailgating and catching up with friends old and new. Inclusion into the SEC has brought a great sense of pride and swagger among the fans and program. You will not regret seeing a game here.