Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Kroger Field 1540 University Dr Lexington, KY 40506 Kentucky Wildcats website Kroger Field website Year Opened: 1973 Capacity: 61,000 My New Kentucky Home Kroger Field (formerly Commonwealth Stadium) has served as the home of Kentucky Wildcat football since 1973. The 61,000-seat facility is the newest stadium in the SEC, as judged by date of original construction. However, the University has been very proactive in keeping the stadium state-of-the-art, and recently completed a multi-year renovation costing nearly $120 million. This has dramatically improved the fan experience at a Wildcats game and has caused many locals to refer to the facility as the “New Commonwealth Stadium”. The changes are both cosmetic and functional. The exterior of the stadium has been recovered with a limestone surface native to Kentucky. Once inside, fans will notice much wider concourses and renovated concession and restroom facilities. Seating comfort has been greatly enhanced with the addition of bench back seating on the lower levels and 2,000 new club-level seats. One major aspect of the renovation will have an impact on Kentucky football for years to come. Typically, Kentucky’s recruiting classes have been ranked in the 20s and 30s by Scout.com. The Kentucky program hopes to greatly improve this rating with the brand-new, multipurpose recruiting area in Kroger Field. This facility is a club-like facility above the end zone to entertain high school prospects and their families. It includes state-of-the-art technical facilities and will have graphics celebrating Kentucky’s football history. The facility also includes a patio to watch the game outside, and it will be located adjacent to the student section so recruits can get a feel for the college experience. Food & Beverage 3 In addition to the brick-and-mortar changes made to the stadium and the concession areas, the vendors at Kroger Field have added a number of Kentucky-centric items to the menu. These items include bourbon ice cream, Hot Brown nachos, chicken and waffle cones, beef and cheddar croissants and Twisted Tators. A sampling of food prices at the concession stands includes: barbecue pork sandwich ($9), Cat Tail (bratwurst on a maple glazed long john $5), chicken sandwich ($9.50), nachos ($4), popcorn ($8), and eight-inch Papa John’s pizza ($7.50). Drinks include large sodas ($5), Powerade ($4.50), and sweet or unsweet tea ($5). There is never a charge for water at Kentucky games. Atmosphere 4 While longtime season ticket holders and those who have attended Wildcat games frequently have seen these renovations occur gradually, someone who has been away from the program for a few years will feel like they are in a brand-new facility. In addition to the seating improvements, the field has been redone, a new press box has been erected and 20 more luxury suites have been added to the existing 40. The appearance of the stadium has also been enhanced to feature the UK brand more prominently. Instead of a bland functional silver bowl, there is now a blending of Kentucky’s dark blue color scheme into the stadium design, which fires up the Wildcat faithful even more. The previous video boards and message ribbons are still in place, but have been reconfigured to make them much more fan friendly to read. Neighborhood 4 The University of Kentucky is unique in the SEC (the other exception being Vanderbilt), in that it is not located in a strictly “college town.” Lexington has a population of more than 300,000 residents, and is the second-largest town in the state of Kentucky. It still maintains a small-town feel, but has the restaurants, attractions and nightlife found in bigger cities. The UK campus is located just south of the downtown area. Lexington and the Bluegrass Region surrounding it are known as the Horse Capital of the World for good reason. The city is surrounded by horse farms, and is home to two area horse racing tracks. Both Keeneland (thoroughbred racing) and the Red Mile (harness racing) offer racing schedules during October, so you can add a visit to the track to your sports agenda while in town for a game. One other equine-related attraction that is a “must-see” is the Kentucky Horse Park, located just east of the downtown area. Another claim to fame for Lexington is its leadership as the Birthplace of Bourbon. There are numerous distilleries offering tours (and samples) in the Distillery District. Numerous craft distilleries have also opened their doors recently, including the Barrel House and the Town Branch Distilleries. For those preferring a different adult beverage, take the Brewgrass Trail to craft beer locations, such as Blue Stallion, Country Boy and Ethereal Brewing. There are numerous restaurants of note within a short distance of Kroger Field. These include Crank and Boom, Sawyers and Joe Bologna’s Deli. The closest and most reasonably lodging near UK includes the Holiday Inn Express Downtown, the Hilton Lexington Downtown and the University Inn. Fans 3 Wildcat fans tend to gravitate to two main areas before a game. These are the Wildcat Walk and the Coca-Cola Fan Zone. The Wildcat Walk occurs approximately two hours before kickoff, and takes place between Nutter Field House and the brand-new Kentucky football training facility. The Fan Zone opens three hours before kickoff, and includes musical entertainment, a pep rally, visits with the cheerleaders and the Wildcat mascot, and autograph sessions with greats from Kentucky’s past. One new addition to the fan experience inside Kroger Field are several graphics walls featuring scenes associated with the university and its athletic teams. These will provide an excellent backdrop for fans wanting to get a photo of their family or for selfies. In this way, the stadium will play an active role in promoting the UK brand through social media. One of the goals of the renovation was to make the Wildcat football fans as fervent as their basketball brethren. This is a difficult challenge, as Kentucky has been a basketball school from the days of Adolph Rupp up to the current John Calipari era. Kentucky football averages around 56,000 fans at a game, but often times the crowd tends to thin out early if the game is out of reach on one side or the other. It is hoped that by providing a greatly enhanced fan experience, Kentucky fans will be tempted to give the “other” major sport on campus a closer look. Access 4 On football weekends the population of Lexington swells by more than 60,000 people. The main routes into town are via the Bluegrass Parkway, Broadway St and I-75. While the traffic is heavy once you are on city streets, the university has a well-conceived traffic control plan. Up-to-the-minute information is available at 1700 AM. As is true at most major college stadiums, the parking areas nearest the stadium are reserved for season ticket holders and major donors. For persons with single-game tickets, there are a number of parking options to choose from. Free, on-campus parking is available at lots #2 (near the WT Young Library), #3 (the Kentucky Clinic) or #6 (at the corner of Virginia and Press Avenues). There are also shuttles available from downtown Lexington from the Shops@ Civic Center (430 West Vine) and the Lextran Transit Center (150 East Vine) The shuttles cost $5 roundtrip from downtown or $2 from the on-campus locations. The on-campus locations are within walking distance of Kroger Field and allow you to see much of the beautiful UK campus. Once you reach the stadium, you will find it very easy to navigate. The recent renovations have greatly improved the gate entry process and the traffic flow on the concourses. Return on Investment 3 The Wildcats use a tiered system for single-game ticket prices The prices range from $45 for a non-conference opponent to $60 for games involving an SEC opponent. Parking is free in on-campus lots 2, 3 and 6. The concessions are very reasonably priced, and Lexington-area restaurants and hotels offer a wide range of price points to meet any budget. There are a number of excellent attractions located nearby for pre or post-game entertainment. A trip to Bluegrass Country and a Kentucky Wildcat game adds up to a wonderful fall weekend at reasonable prices. Extras 3 In this age, it is rare for anything to be provided free of charge. The University of Kentucky is to be commended for providing free game programs, free parking (in lots #2, 3 and 6) and free water at any concession stand in Kroger Field. These little touches make a big difference in providing an enjoyable fan experience. The Bluegrass Region offers a wide variety of horse-related activities, including race tracks, museums and tours of horse farms. While in Lexington, a visit to Rupp Arena is required for any basketball fan. It ranks right up with Duke and Kansas in the hierarchy of NCAA college basketball shrines.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Malone Stadium 500 Warhawk Way Monroe, LA 71203 Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks website Malone Stadium website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 30,427 Soaring in Monroe JPS Field at Malone Stadium opened in 1978, and is named after the winningest coach in ULM football history. The stadium originally held 20K fans, but has been expanded several times since its construction, and currently seats 30,427. The most recent renovation occurred in 2014, when JPS Aviation/JPS Equipment Rental paid for the installation of FieldTurf here, in exchange for naming rights of the field for 8 seasons. ULM’s athletic teams were previously known as the Indians, but due to NCAA policy, the university voted to change the mascot to the Warhawks in 2006. The new mascot honors Louisiana-raised Major General Claire Lee Chennault, who commanded the Flying Tigers squadron of P-40s in China during WWII. Though most of ULM’s mascot imagery is bird themed, the mascot’s name is actually Ace, and he “flies” a P-40 styled car onto the field during pre-game when the players come on. Food & Beverage 3 Malone Stadium’s concessions have about what you would expect from a football venue of this size, but the stands do sell alcohol, which is uncommon at college stadiums. Food options include hot dogs, frito pie, pizza, nachos, peanuts, pretzels, popcorn, chips, Cracker Jack, Dippin’ Dots, and boxed candy, and the prices are on the low end; food items range from $2 up to $6. All food items are sold at the main stands, except pizza, which comes from specialty stands from Johnny’s Pizza House. Drink options at the main stands include bottled water, PowerAde, and Coke products in bottles, at a cost of between $3 and $4. Alcohol is available from separate stands, including beer and mixed drinks. Beer is only $4, and selections include Bud, Bud Light, Coors Light, and Michelob Ultra. Atmosphere 3 Malone Stadium has grandstands on both the east and west sides, with plazas and seating for alums and donors behind each end zone. The two grandstands are not really connected, so pay attention to where you are seated so you can park closer to the one you need – the east side has the student section, the west side has the reserved section, and both sides have general admission. Almost all of the seats in Malone Stadium are aluminum benches without backs, but there are some chair back seats on the west side in the first few rows of the upper deck, and in the upper middle section of the lower deck. The stadium doesn’t often get very full, so there isn’t always a ton of crowd noise, but there is some fun entertainment, and the field itself has some great décor. The playing surface is nicely done, with the Warhawks bird head logo in the center of the field and next to every yard marker. In addition, there are talons marking the kickoff spots on both ends of the field; this is a lot more on-field décor than most football stadiums bother with, and is a nice touch. The mascot “flies” a P-40 esque car onto the field when the team comes on, which is fun to watch (see the video below). In addition, the staff shows animated video throughout the game of a Warhawks plane “shooting down” the other teams in the conference; this bird vs. plane dual imagery for the mascot really creates a great contrast. The staff does the typical fan participation events during breaks in the action, such as the Dairy Queen race between fans dressed as a blizzard and an ice cream cone. Neighborhood 3 Malone Stadium is nestled inside the loops of the Bayou DeSiard waterway, and is not far from the Ouachita River, so there are plenty of Cajun-styled seafood restaurants nearby. The closest is Waterfront Grill, which is just across the DeSiard from the stadium, but there are also several a few miles away in the waterfront area next to the Ouachita, including Mohawk Seafood Tavern and Warehouse No 1. Any of these would be a great place to have a bite before or after the game. If you plan to be in town for the weekend, there are several hotels along I-20 to the south of the stadium. Courtyard and TownePlace Suites are the nicest ones, and have reasonable rates, but there are some cheaper ones in the same area if you are on a tighter budget. Fans 2 Unfortunately not a lot of fans come to games at Malone Stadium. On average the venue will draw between 12K and 13K, which is less than half full, and attendance tends to get lower as the season progresses. The best attendance tends to occur during games against in-state opponents (either FCS or FBS) at the beginning of the season, so if you have a choice try for one of those – attendance at games versus big-name opponents (think Power 5) seems to actually be lower than games against non-Power 5 schools. The fans that do come tend to wear team gear, and cheer loudly for their team, but the stadium also tends to clear out before the 4th quarter. Access 4 Malone Stadium is very easy to get to, being not far at all from I-20, and you can park very close to the venue for only $10. There are also plenty of bathrooms and concessions stands, so you will never see any lines. The stands on the east side are easier to get in and out of, because that side has several short sets of stairs spaced evenly along its length, while the west side only has long winding ramps, one on each end, which take a little time more to get up and down. On the plus side, those with special needs will have easy access, but should plan to sit on the west side only. The only potential downside is that the two grandstands are completely separated, so if you want to try and move around during the game it won’t be easy. Also note that the staff does monitor the stands very carefully, so you won’t be able to get into a section you don’t have a ticket for, even though the stadium will have a lot of empty seats. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to games at Malone Stadium start at $26 for adult general admission (upper deck), and max out at $46 for chair backs in the lower level. Youth tickets are $13, and students get in free, but can buy guest tickets for non-student friends for only $11, so if you know any ULM students you could save some money that way. The above ticket prices are slightly on the high side for similarly-sized college football venues, but are reasonable given the experience, which includes some fun entertainment like the mascot’s P-40 car. Personally, I would not spend the extra money for lower-level seats, though, because at such a small venue it is actually easier to see the field from further away. Either way, considering the low cost concessions and cheap parking, this is a very good experience for the money. Extras 3 The dual bird/P-40 mascot is very cool, especially given the strong ties to WWII in Louisiana (the National WWII museum is actually down in New Orleans, in part due to the fact that factories there produced many of the landing craft used in the D-Day invasion). Another plus is the playing surface, which has some pops of color and decoration, unlike what you’ll see at most other venues. Final Thoughts As mentioned before, the best time to see a game at Malone Stadium is early in the season against an in-state opponent if possible. While it may not look quite as modern or have as much crowd noise as some of the other football stadiums in the area, it nevertheless offers some unique elements, and should be a fun time.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Cajun Field 201 Reinhardt Dr Lafayette, LA 70506 UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns website Cajun Field website Year Opened: 1971 Capacity: 31,000 Geaux Cajuns! The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette, for brevity's sake) is the second largest public university in the state of Louisiana, trailing only LSU. It was founded in 1901, but has only gone by the name of UL Lafayette since 1999. The 19,000 students attend school in the heart of Acadiana, a 22-parish area of the state whose ancestry can be linked back to the exile of the French-speaking Acadians from Nova Scotia. Lafayette is seen as the official cultural capital of Cajun Country, with its own language, music, customs and foods. The university's athletic teams have been known as the Ragin' Cajuns since 1962. The home field for the football program is Cajun Field, which opened in 1971. The 41,426-seat stadium is more popularly known as "The Swamp," a name usually associated with the University of Florida’s football stadium. For many reasons, UL Lafayette has a more legitimate claim, as 1) it is located two feet below sea level, 2) the geography of the area around Lafayette is dominated by bayous, wetlands and swamps, and 3) it is located less than 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico. Due to an often wet climate, the school installed Pro Grass synthetic turf to avoid the field becoming a quagmire. The Ragin' Cajuns are members of the Sun Belt Conference, and also have a history of scheduling top-20 teams for their non-conference games. Food & Beverage 5 If the team name did not give it away, the concessions menu at Cajun Field will make it clear you are in Cajun country. Of course, typical stadium food is available, but here it is with a decidedly Cajun twist. Among the items on the menu at Cajun Field are jambalaya ($8), Cajun crab patty burgers ($10), Cajun dogs and po'boy sandwiches ($9). Be sure to try the "Swamp Thing," a double po'boy with shrimp, boudin balls, fried green tomatoes and topped with crawfish cheese sauce! ($12). These delicacies can be found along Restaurant Row at Cajun Field in booths such as the Ragin' Cajun Kitchen, Minus 40 (ice cream and other frozen treats) and The Diner. Non Cajun-twist foods include pretzels ($4), popcorn ($3), nachos ($4), sodas ($4) and bottled water ($3). Because Cajun Field is not physically located on the university campus, you are able to enjoy adult beverages on the bayou. Beer ($7), red and white wines ($9) are available, as are margaritas ($8). Daiquiris include such flavors as Ragin' Cajun Strawberry Lemonade, Cajun Colada, and the Swamprita. The area's obsession for foods that are hot and spicy even carries over the to the school mascot, a hot pepper known as Cayenne. Atmosphere 3 After experiencing Cajun tailgating and the Ragin' March Parade, it's time to make your way into Cajun Field. The stadium is built as a seating bowl, so entry is at the top of the seating area. (There is an upper deck on the west side of the stadium.) For the most part, there is bleacher seating, but there are 2,577 chair back seats at the base of the west stands, At the south end of the field, you will find the very popular Restaurant Row food concessions, while the north end is open and features a grassy embankment which provides general admission seating (seating meaning a beach towel or blanket to sit on). This area also features a huge matrix board featuring HD graphics and a continuing stream of game-related information. Cajun Field played a major role in Louisiana football after Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005. With the Superdome out of commission, UL Lafayette hosted some Tulane games and the New Orleans Bowl. The Saints also used it as a practice facility during their season on the road. Neighborhood 4 The city of Lafayette revels in its title as the Capital City of Acadiana. It is apparent in the diversity of the population, which includes persons of Cajun, Creole and French heritage. The city also holds the title of "Happiest City" (Wall Street Journal Market Watch) and "Tastiest Town" (Southern Living magazine). These are in recognition of the Cajun creed of joie de vivre (joy in life) and the wonderful Cajun and seafood cuisine available in local restaurants. Among the restaurants you will want to check out are the Bon Temps Grill, Pop's Poboys, Broaddus Burgers, and for a sugar fix, Cajun Market Donut Company. Lafayette also has some great nightlife. The famous Blue Dog Café originated here, and other local favorites include the Jefferson Street Pub and Don's Seafood. The nearest hotels to Cajun Field are the Hilton Garden Inn (across the street), the Best Western and the Days Inn Lafayette-University A visit to Lafayette would not be complete without learning about the Acadian way of life. Two "must-sees" on the cultural front are the Acadian Memorial and the Acadian Village, a re-creation of Acadian life in the 1880s. The city also has murals on many of its downtown buildings depicting Cajun lore. If your football trip to Lafayette falls on the second weekend in October, you can take part in the citywide Festivals Acadians et Creoles. The merchants of Lafayette love to share their way of life with visitors - just beware, you'll often see a sign in local stores where you will be encouraged to "Bayou some stuff" while you are in town. Fans 4 Fans in Cajun Country see football games as a fall highlight, a family reunion and a reason to party all rolled up into one. Cajun Field is a five-time leader in the Sun Belt Conference in football game attendance. The fan experience starts long before the kickoff, as the Ragin' Cajuns have been recognized by ESPN.com as one of the top tailgate experiences. The fans are extremely friendly, and they will probably invite you to join them for a drink, some gumbo, jambalaya or grilled rabbit or gator. Once the game gets underway, they are all business, and show their support through standing much of the game, cheering very loudly and boisterously singing the fight song and ringing the Victory Bell after each Cajun touchdown. These fans are used to seeing well-played football in "The Swamp," as the team has a .600 winning percentage for home games. A stunning 48 players have gone on from this relatively small school to play in the NFL. Some of the more notable football alums are Jake Delhomme, Rafael Septien, Charles Tillman and Brian Stokley. Access 3 One of the ways Lafayette has been able to maintain its strong Cajun culture is its relatively isolated location in southwestern Louisiana. Getting there requires traveling some distance. It is located 137 miles from New Orleans, and 215 miles from both Houston and Shreveport. There is an airport in Lafayette, but fares are extremely expensive. It is much more economical to fly in through New Orleans and make the two-hour drive. Once you arrive in Lafayette, parking can be an issue, as the stadium is located 1.5 miles from the campus in UL Lafayette's Athletic complex, which requires football pass parking.. Your best bet is to park in one of the designated lots on campus and take one of the free shuttles over to the game. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $26 for reserved seating or $21 for General Admission, which includes the embankment in the northern end of Cajun Field. These prices reflect purchases made before the day of the game. The concession prices are quite reasonable, and lodging in the Lafayette area can run from $90 to $200 on a home game weekend. Extras 2 Residents of Louisiana are well known for their ability to put on a parade (think Mardi Gras). UL Lafayette is no different, as they hold a Ragin' March Parade one hour prior to the game, featuring the Pride of Acadiana band. The UL Lafayette campus actually has an on-campus swamp, complete with alligators and other animals native to a wetlands habitat.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Martin Stadium 1775 NE Stadium Way Pullman, WA 99164 Washington State Cougars website Martin Stadium website Year Opened: 1972 Capacity: 32,952 Cougar Pride in Pullman Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington is the home field of the Washington State Cougars football program, and currently has a capacity of 32,952, which is the smallest in the PAC-12 by far (over 10,000 less than either Reser Stadium or Rice-Eccles Stadium, home of Oregon State and Utah respectively). The venue opened in 1972, and is named after Washington former governor Clarence D. Martin. Martin Stadium has undergone multiple renovations in the past 10 years, including new concessions and restrooms, upgrades to the scoreboard, and construction of a public plaza outside the stadium, which houses an 11-foot tall bronze cougar statue. The most recent set of renovations were completed in 2014, and consisted of a new football operations center in the west end zone. Food & Beverage 5 Even though it is a relatively small venue, Martin Stadium has everything you could want from concessions and then some, including a wide range of both food and beverages at very reasonable prices. There are concession stands all over the stadium, most of which are on the upper concourse, but with a few closer to field level. Food options include German sausage, Italian sausage, hot dogs, pizza, beef brisket or smoked turkey sandwiches from the carvery, nachos, mac and cheese, chili, soup, soft pretzels, popcorn, kettle corn, peanuts, boxed candy, churros, caramel apples, cotton candy, ice cream sandwiches, and fresh-made mini donuts while you wait. These items range in cost from $3 up to $10, but the best deal is probably the 2 slices of pizza for $5. There is no alcohol available at Martin Stadium, but there is a wide selection of hot and cold beverages for sale. Beverage choices include Coke products in bottles or from the fountain, bottled water, PowerAde, frozen or fresh-squeezed lemonade, iced tea, coffee, and hot cocoa; drink prices range from $3 to $7. Atmosphere 3 Martin Stadium offers a typical game day experience, but with a few bells and whistles to make your visit more enjoyable. The venue is laid out in a U-shape, with the football complex in the west end zone. Most of the seats are along the sidelines, with only a short row of seats in the east end zone, above which sits the scoreboard. The scoreboard itself is pretty massive, and can be easily seen by most fans, except those in the east end zone (who are basically underneath it). For this reason sideline seats are your better option, or you can stand along the concourse in front of the football complex. The most distinguishing feature at Martin Stadium is probably the 11-foot bronze “Cougar Pride” statue in front of the ticket office; a lot of stadiums have statues out front, but this is one of the biggest I have seen. Besides the statue, though, the staff does a great job with pre-game entertainment, starting with the festivities out on the practice field before the game, followed by the band formations before the team comes on the field, especially the giant “W.” The pre-game festivities culminate when the players rush out, and this is definitely the most entertaining part of the night. Led by the mascot piloting his unique 3-wheeled car, the team runs onto the field through cones spurting fire, all accompanied by the pep squad trailing flags spelling the word C-O-U-G-S, complete with giant WSU banner. The latter display will be repeated after every WSU score, along with fireworks, which are always fun to watch. Neighborhood 2 Besides Washington State University, there is not a ton to do in Pullman, which is well off the beaten path, and far from any major cities. If you are going to be in town for the day or weekend, though, there are some hiking trails around, and your typical small town entertainment such as mini golf and an arcade, as well as a variety of restaurants. There are several fast food joints in Pullman, a couple of Asian restaurants, and a few upscale eateries, but not much in the way of your traditional sports bar that would make a good hangout for before or after the game. Your best bet on this score is Paradise Creek Brewery, a brewpub housed in the old post office. Paradise Creek features lots of beers on taps, as well as traditional pub fare such as burgers and nachos, plus some upscale options like seafood and pasta. If you are looking for something lower key, however, Stella’s Calzone & Pizza is also a good place to try. Located on Main Street not far from Martin Stadium, Stella’s has great food and a small beer selection, and even has a kid’s menu. Most of the hotels are on that side of town as well, including a Quality Inn and a Holiday Inn. Fans 4 Martin Stadium has a good crowd, typically bringing in 25-30K fans, which averages well over three-quarters full. About half of the games each year will be sell-outs, which isn’t surprising given the high quality opponents they see in the PAC-12. The biggest game every other year is of course the Apple Cup against in-state rival Washington, but even FCS match-ups will have a great draw, so the experience and crowd noise won’t vary much from game to game. That said, if you are planning to visit Martin Stadium, you may as well choose a less prestigious opponent, when tickets won’t cost quite as much or be so hard to come by. Access 2 Pullman is not easy to get to, and you will face a long, boring drive from nearby big cities like Spokane or Seattle, which are the closest major airports. Furthermore, Martin Stadium’s capacity is actually larger than the population of the town, so traffic on game day will be a little hairy, as the town is not really equipped to handle this many people on the regular. Once you get to the stadium, however, parking is easy enough to find, and at $20 is no more expensive than at most similarly-sized stadiums, but you can’t get very close unless you have a pass, and those are hard to come by. Most fans park on the south side of the stadium (along Olympia Ave), but there are also park and ride shuttles that go a lot further out; parking is much cheaper that way but a lot more of a hassle in my opinion, with the extra time to ride the shuttle back and forth. Once you get inside the stadium, though, moving around is easy enough. There are plenty of concessions stands and bathrooms, and the concessions stands are arranged in such a way to minimize congestion, with some along the sides and others in the middle of the concourse. There are also gates all around the stadium, so getting in and out is simple. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to games at Martin Stadium are $30 for end zone seats, and start at $50 for sideline seating. This is on the low end for college football, but whether it is a good value for the money or not depends on how far you are coming. The in-game experience here is really solid, but getting here can be a bit of a hassle with the potentially long drive, heavy traffic in town, and the parking situation. If you are looking for additional football options, there are several other venues nearby, such as the Kibbie Dome just across the river, or Roos Field closer to Spokane, both of which offer their own unique features and have less traffic, and may cost a little less to attend. There are also lots of other WSU sports right here in Pullman, which tend to have smaller crowds and lower prices at the gate. Extras 3 Being able to see great teams come through is a real plus, and the fact that any game will offer the same type of experience is a nice bonus, since that allows you a lot more flexibility in planning when to come. The pre-game festivities are also really impressive, especially all the fun taking place on the practice field right next to Martin Stadium. The cougar statue is also a great place to snap a few selfies. Final Thoughts A one to three sentence summary of the stadium and experience. Line spacing 1.5

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.86 Husky Stadium 3800 Montlake Blvd NE Seattle, WA 98105 Washington Huskies website Husky Stadium website Year Opened: 1920 Capacity: 70,083 Loud and Purple on the Lake Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium opened in 1920, and currently has a capacity of 70,083. The U-shaped stadium overlooks Lake Washington, and is one of a few college football stadiums that is accessible by water; the UW crew team even offers ferry service to “sailgaters” to get them from their boats to the game. The venue recently underwent a $280 million renovation, which included new seating, removal of the track that used to surround the field, and new concessions and bathrooms throughout. Husky Stadium is notable for several reasons, including hosting speeches for several US presidents, as well as hosting multiple NFL games. More impressively, the wave is said to have originated here back in the fall of 1981 (credit is shared between a former band director, yell leader, and trumpet player).But perhaps most important of all is that Husky Stadium is officially recognized as the loudest college football stadium in the nation, thanks in part to cantilevered metal roofs above each sideline that trap the noise inside. During a 1992 game versus Nebraska, ESPN recorded a noise level of 133.6 decibels, the highest ever recorded for college football. Food & Beverage 5 Husky Stadium offers lots of variety from its many concessions stands, including local favorites like fish ‘n chips. Each stand offers a different mix of items, so feel free to walk around until you see something that catches your eye; the lines are never long, and there are selections available for any price point. Main dishes include several types of hot dogs, including one with kielbasa as well as one that comes with Poutine toppings. Husky Stadium also has burgers, meatball subs, salads, hummus wraps and chicken wraps, fish ‘n chips, chicken strips, chowder, nachos, and something called Montlake Mess (akin to 7-layer dip but with only 4 layers). Other food selections offered are peanuts, popcorn, pretzels, Poutine, and fries (regular or garlic), plus Cracker Jack, boxed candy, cotton candy, 2 flavors of churros, kettle corn, cupcakes, and Dippin’ Dots. Food items range from $4 for the smallest items to around $11 for some of the combos. Drink options include all of the usual suspects, namely Coke products in bottles or from the fountain, bottled water, hot cocoa, fresh-squeezed or frozen lemonade, and Starbucks coffee. One other great feature though is that Husky Stadium has “Hydration Stations” all over the concourse, where fans can fill water bottles, so you don’t necessarily have to purchase any beverages while inside. Beer and wine is available inside the stadium, especially in “The Zone,” a beer garden on the east side of the stadium. Atmosphere 5 Husky Stadium is an amazing venue for college football. There is lots of energy, the setting is beautiful, and the facility has lots of great amenities. Husky Stadium has a lot of great Husky décor, including a Husky statue out front (west end zone), signage commemorating former players and coaches inside, intimidating images of Huskies looking you right in the eyes, and loads of purple. Perhaps the most stunning piece is the shimmering, glittering “W” under the stands as you enter from the south side; all of these great add-ons really enhance the experience here. The stadium has seating on all 4 sides, and all of the seats have chair backs; most of the seats are aluminum benches with chair back rails, but there are a small number of bucket-style (purple) seats in the center of the south sideline. One of the coolest features here, however, is that Husky Stadium actually sits on Lake Washington, and you can see the lake from inside the stadium, behind the east end zone. The lakeside setting creates a wonderful atmosphere, especially with all of the greenery here, and adds to an already enjoyable experience. See a view of the lake from inside the stadium here: The stands on both the north and south sides have overhangs, which help keep the noise trapped inside. This creates a lot of crowd energy, but the noise is not overwhelming, so you can feel all the excitement of college football without being deafened by it. And as a further bonus, the overhangs also mean that the upper deck seats on those sides are protected from rain, which Seattle has a lot of. The band and mascot at Husky Stadium really help add to the energy as well. The band sits near the front of the west end zone, and you can see the band members moving and gyrating throughout the game, while playing popular music as well as classic football songs. You will also see the mascot, usually near that same end zone, pumping his fists after a great play, or strutting back and forth, waving his paws to rev up the crowd. Neighborhood 5 Husky Stadium is located 3 or 4 miles northeast of downtown Seattle, so if you come in for the day or the weekend you won’t be far from everything the city has to offer. The most well-known attractions are of course the Space Needle and Pike Place Fish Market, both of which are worth visiting if you have time. Seattle also has plenty of great restaurants, but if you are looking for something closer to the stadium, try either Schultzy’s Bar & Grill or Big Time Brewery and Alehouse, both of which are next door to UW’s campus, less than a mile from the stadium. Known as Seattle’s “wurst” restaurant, Schultzy’s features house-made wurst plus burgers and cheesesteak, as well as 9 beers on tap that rotate daily, while Big Time is your more typical brewpub that offers pizza and subs, with lots of beers on tap, plus wine and several ciders. There are plenty of hotels in the Seattle area, but the ones downtown are of course on the pricier side. Ye College Inn is the closest to Husky Stadium, and has rates under $100 per night, but there are also 2 Staypineapple properties not much further away (University Inn and Watertown Hotel), which cost a little more but are a bit nicer. There is also a Travelodge not far from the stadium, which offers cheap rates with no frills. Fans 4 Fans at Husky Stadium are very loud, and this is enhanced even more by the overhangs on each sideline, which help trap the noise inside. You will see many, many fans wearing purple, and almost all wear caps, as one of their traditions (besides “woofing” a lot) is waving their caps in unison right before kickoff; seeing 70K+ fans waving their caps simultaneously is really a sight to behold. See the video below: Besides the cheering, another sound you will hear throughout the game are the fans “woofing;” not barking exactly, but more of a low “woof” intended to mimic the sound a real Husky would make. You will hear this sound during most of the game, usually following big plays on either offense or defense. The only disappointment from the fan perspective is that a lot of them leave early, even during a win. Early in the fourth quarter you may see the stands begin to empty, so by the end of the game they are only half to two-thirds full. On the plus side, if you want to get into the Husky spirit with some gear of your own, they have a full size team store inside Husky Stadium (west end zone) and small fan gear kiosks all over the stadium, so lines are never long. Access 4 There are so many ways to get to Husky Stadium – you can get here by car, bus, light rail, on foot, or even by water. There are light rail and bus stops right next to the stadium, and these are actually your best options; the stadium is surrounded by other UW athletic fields, so even the closest parking is many blocks away. Parking ranges from $10 to $40 depending on how close you want to get. There are plenty of concessions stands, as well as hydration stations and fan gear kiosks all over the place, so lines are never very long. There are also plenty of bathrooms, so it is very easy to find what you need. In addition, Husky Stadium has main gates on each of the three sides, so getting in and out is never a problem. The only downside in terms of access is the post-game traffic; local law enforcement does a great job moving people out after the game, but there are lots of cars, and the cops seem to block access going south, so if you are trying to get to the 520 bridge across the water, you’ll have to go all the way over to I-5 and double back. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Husky football games start around $60, which is in line with prices at other major college football venues, as are concessions prices. Parking is probably a little on the high side, unless you want to walk a long way, but then again you can come by train or bus and not even have to deal with traffic. That said, the experience here is definitely worth it.Being able to visit the loudest college football stadium in America, right on the lake, and take in all of the terrific amenities like the Husky décor, comfortable seats, and great crowd is an experience that should not be missed. Extras 5 The lakeside setting is a definite plus, as are the multiple ways to get here. It is also really cool to be in the stadium that ESPN says is officially the loudest one there is. The décor and signage all around the stadium is great to see, especially the Husky statue out front, which people seem to love to snap selfies with. And finally, seeing all of the caps waving in unison before every kickoff is awesome to behold, and even more fun to be a part of, so bring your lid! Final Thoughts There are lots of college football stadiums, but a trip to Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA should definitely be on every fan’s bucket list. It is hard to top the setting and the energy here, and since the Huskies play in the Pac-12, there are always some big name teams coming to town. Furthermore, the recent renovations have added all the bells and whistles you could possibly want, so you are guaranteed a great experience; make plans to visit Husky Stadium today.

Photos by James Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Drake Stadium 2719 Forest Ave Des Moines, IA 50311 Drake Bulldogs website Drake Stadium website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 14,557 Drake Bulldogs Opened in 1925, Drake Stadium plays host to Drake Bulldogs football and hosts the annual Drake Relays, one of the biggest track and field events in the nation. The stadium underwent a significant renovation in 2005 where capacity was decreased from 18,000 to its current capacity of 14,557. At the conclusion of the Bulldogs season in 2015, the dated scoreboard was taken down and replaced with a more modern board. The new Daktronics video board measures 24 feet high by 38.5 feet wide and allows for far more freedom for the video team to show replays and various other graphics. The Drake Relays gather the greatest athletes from around the country on an annual basis. Among the competitors who have competed in the relays are: Michael Johnson, Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, and Gwen Torrence. Following the 2016 relays, a new track was installed and is constructed of the same material used for tracks in the Beijing and London Summer Olympic games. The football field is named after Johnny Bright, a Drake alum and member of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame. The Drake football team has won 13 conference championships. The team is also significant historically as being one of the participants in the first ever night game at Soldier Field (Chicago) in 1930 (against Oregon). The Bulldogs compete in the Pioneer League. Drake Stadium is the largest stadium in the league. Food & Beverage 2 There is certainly nothing elaborate on the menu, but the basics are covered and the prices are reasonable. Cheeseburgers, pulled pork, and brisket sandwiches ($6 each) are the best options. Popcorn, pretzels, candy, nachos, and hot dogs are also on the menu, ranging from $2-$4. Coke products are the beverage of choice here, with the best bet being the large souvenir cup for $5. The souvenir cup comes with $2 refills. Bottled water, Powerade, and coffee and also on the menu. Drake Stadium does not serve alcoholic beverages. Atmosphere 2 The best way to get in the college football mood is to take in the tailgating. Although a smaller group than larger colleges, a spirited crowd gathers before every game enjoying food and drinks before kickoff. Once inside the stadium, there really isn’t much to get excited about. The football field sits in the middle of the track. As such, fans sitting in the front row are still far away from the action due to eight running lanes separating them from the sidelines. The stadium is large and combined with the small crowds, any excitement is minimal. The new scoreboard is located on the north side of the stadium. If you are looking for shade, your only option is sitting behind the south end zone. Don’t worry about requesting a seat there; everything is general admission and there are only smatterings of people that take advantage of the shade. The Drake band sits behind the south end zone while the cheerleaders entertain the crowd along the east sideline. Neighborhood 5 Drake Stadium is located a few miles away from downtown Des Moines. Downtown Des Moines has everything a visitor could want; plenty of great places to eat and drink, lodging options, and things to do with the family. Just down the street from the stadium is Jethro’s BBQ. Jethro’s is a Des Moines favorite, and has been featured on the Travel Channel numerous times offering up some great BBQ. Jethro’s offers patrons a chance to participate in the Emmenecker Challenge. Named after former Bulldog basketball great Adam Emmenecker, the massive sandwich (and a pound of fries) is free if taken down in 15 minutes. Just a few miles north is downtown Des Moines. If you are into “dives” and great food, look no further than the High Life Lounge. Complete with shag carpet and old neon signs, the High Life serves up some great food including broasted chicken and bacon wrapped tater tots. Fans of pizza should be sure to visit Fong’s Pizza. Set in an old Chinese restaurant, Fong’s has traditional pies in addition to unique combinations such as crab Rangoon pizza. Fong’s is a fun place for people of all ages. There are quite a few hotels in the area, including both higher and lower priced options. If visiting with a family, the Iowa Capitol building and State Historical Museum are both must-see options and are both free. Fans 2 I’m not in favor of giving fans a rating this low. The problem isn’t their lack of passion. The folks that show up are generally engaged in the game and cheering on the team. The problem is that the stadium is massive and so few fans actually show up. Drake fans generally sit in the same sections which makes it nice that there are four or so full sections. Unfortunately, that leaves the rest of the stadium (save 30-40 fans that come with the visiting team) completely empty. Access 3 Drake Stadium is located in a residential area on the edge of the Drake campus. Located just a few blocks off I-235, the stadium is easy to get to. There are paid parking lots around the stadium ($8) but if you are willing to walk just a few short blocks, plenty of free parking exists in the residential areas. Inside the stadium, concourses are open and easily maneuverable. Restrooms are clean and more than sufficient for the small football crowds. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are priced well at $12 for adults, $6 for kids 4-18, and children under 3 get in for free. If you save money by parking on the street, getting into the game and having something to eat and drink is a good deal. Extras 1 The south side of the stadium displays banners of bowl games and conference accomplishments that the football team has earned over the years. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, football is an afterthought at Drake. Drake Stadium is clearly all about track and field. If you find yourself in Des Moines during college football season and want to see a game, Drake Stadium provides it at a reasonable price. If you want a great college football atmosphere and stadium experience, this isn’t it.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Carlisle Grounds Quinnsboro’ Road Bray, County Wicklow Ireland Bray Wanderers website Carlisle Grounds website Year Opened: 1862 Capacity: 7,000 The Wicklow Wonder Forty minutes commute from Dublin is the coastal town of Bray and the Carlisle Grounds, home of Bray Wanderers FC. Set beside the sea in County Wicklow, ‘the Seagulls,’ as the club are known, are currently in the League of Ireland Premier Division and have been playing their home matches here since 1942, though as a venue it has been used for a variety of purposes dating as far back as 1862. It is a quaint venue set back a matter of yards from the train station, next to shops and a couple of pubs, basically the average ground hopper’s dream! The ground has had a few modern additions in the last decade with new seating installed in the main stand, and some wall/fence alterations due to a couple of alterations to the wall at the Railway End where the away fans are housed. Its most notable claim to fame is having the ground feature in the film “Michael Collins” which starred Liam Neeson, Julia Roberts, and Alan Rickman. Food & Beverage 4 The food options are available from a fast food van on the right hand side as you gain entry to the ground. The menu includes chips (€3), chips & curry sauce (€4), hot dogs (€4), burgers (€5), chocolate bars (€1.50), and crisps (€1). Soft drinks are available in either bottles (€3), or cans (€2), Also available is Lucozade sport drink (€3), water (€2), tea, and coffee (€2 each). Chips and curry sauce hit the spot and are great value, and would be the recommended concession item if you need a snack to get through the match. Atmosphere 4 The home fans have a small band of youngsters in the main stand who have a drum and create a bit of atmosphere. Depending on the opposing team and the amount of supporters they bring, it can be quite a lively venue. Entering the Carlisle Grounds is by turnstiles on the corner of Quinsborough Road at the Railway End. Along from this are odd ticket booths that look like small hatches. The foot outlet is on the left and the club shop is on the right. There is a walkway that leads you to the away corner (to the right when you enter) which can also accommodate home fans. This is an all-seated open air end which has a small television gantry which is elevated right on the centre circle. Behind the goal is vacant land and there is a limited standing area here if the sun shines you won’t see much of the action on the pitch! On the corner are some basic toilet facilities and this leads to the covered ‘Main Stand’ on the Seymour Road end. It is all seated with a thick canvas type roof and runs the length of the pitch. It has a lot of thin metal supports which can obscure your view. The dug outs are situated in the centre of this stand. At the far end and behind the other goal there is limited standing, and interestingly there is an astro training pitch. This area is not specifically used and that’s likely because the players and officials changing area is situated here. The best unobscured view is in the open seating of the Railway End, providing an excellent view of both goals. The only down side would potentially be the weather, as you would be badly exposed in heavy rain. With the League of Ireland played predominantly through summer months, there will likely be more pleasant nights than not, making it more comfortable to watch a game. Neighborhood 5 The location for all the essentials is excellent. From the train station, football ground, pubs, restaurant/take away options, and hotels, all are in close proximity. One recommendation is the P We Ton Chinese Restaurant, located at 11 Quinsborough Rd. Stacks Sports Bar, The Boomerang Bar and Goldsmiths pubs are all welcoming places with televisions showing a variety of sports. The latter also has live music on late into the night. Fans 3 The capacity fluctuates depending on what source information is obtained. The Carlisle Grounds has just over 3,000 seats, but the average home fixture attracts anything between 700-1,500. The home fans are patient and supportive of a young team still finding their feet in the top flight. Access 5 The train is the prime source for travelling from north or south, but there is car parking available with a limited amount behind the Railway End goal and some side street parking slightly further away from the ground. The street parking is limited due to the permit holders for the main roads near the Carlisle Grounds and next to the shops. Moving around the ground no problem and I was able to stand and sit in three areas without any issues or confrontation, including getting past the away support. Return on Investment 5 The pricing is quite reasonable with tickets available for adults (€15), students (€10), and senior citizens and children (€7). The Carlisle Grounds is a good value at 22 euros for an adult with concession. Extras 3 It is a very pleasant, scenic journey travelling down to Bray from Dublin on the train and a good way to arrive for a match. It’s a quiet town, but friendly enough and it is pleasant to have a number of facilities all in close proximity. The club shop is currently selling a book on their history for 10 euros which is excellent and has a lot of good information and photos. They also sell a massive back catalogue of Bray Wanderers’ programmes and official Ireland International programmes. Also outside the ground to the left of the turnstiles there is a Celtic Cross memorial which is for those who died in the Irish Civil War of the 1920s, as well as from the second world war.

Photo Courtesy of Bison Illustrated Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Scheels Center 1600 University Dr N Fargo, ND 58102 North Dakota State Bison website Scheels Center website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 6,000 Bison Basketball Winters in Fargo, North Dakota are notoriously long, dark, cold, and brutally windy, but that doesn’t stop the devoted fans of NDSU from coming out to support their beloved Bison basketball team. Sporting their green and yellow, Bison fans escape the cold by staggering into the Scheels Center a multi-use sports complex outfitted for numerous sports including basketball and track. The arena first opened for the 1970-71 season, and despite a few technological upgrades, it has remained fairly unchanged. Many details throughout the arena make the age very noticeable, a fact that does not escape the attention of the NDSU athletic department staff. They are on the verge of securing $32 million in private donations in order to improve the Bison Sports Arena, among other athletic buildings around campus. Until the renovations are complete, Bison fans are left to cope with an arena that struggles to identify itself as a basketball arena, instead of a multi-use sports complex. Food & Beverage 2 The Scheels Center offers your normal concession food choices, and not much more. They offer hot dogs, popcorn, and candy as their mainstays. However they do offer brats in both regular and Cajun flavor. The Cajun brat was a little soggy and not overly spicy, but fairly tasty nonetheless. If you find your Cajun brat too spicy, the concession stand offers Pepsi products to alleviate the burn, however, no alcohol is served in the arena. Drinks, like the food options are all very inexpensive. Most items at the main concession stand are priced between $2 and $4. The crowd favorite appears to be the Dippin’ Dots stand that is set up right before tip-off. The lines swelled at their stand during halftime, so if you are craving some ice cream, get down there quickly. Atmosphere 2 Since the arena is a multi-sports complex, they struggle providing the intimate fan experience like some arenas can offer. With the indoor track encompassing the court, the building is much larger than need be for basketball. The staff has gone to great lengths to make the arena not feel as cavernous by shutting off the lights behind the bleachers. The staff also installed large banners that provide a better sense of a closed off feeling, but it is still hard to forget that you are inside an indoor track. The majority of seats throughout the arena are wooden bleachers; they do have some seats with backs. Among the sections with backs on the seats, some do have obstructed-views due to support beams. Most of the atmosphere in the building is provided by the school’s pep band. They are small in number but large in sound. NDSU also has a large contingent of cheerleaders that are involved throughout the entire game. Most of the technological features in the arena were updated in 2005. They have two video boards that face each side of the court, and two digital scoreboards that are located at each end of the court. The sound system however left much to be desired. It was quiet, hard to hear, and not very clear. Neighborhood 3 The Scheel Center is positioned right in the heart of the NDSU campus. The campus is located in a mostly residential section of Fargo; however there are several bars and restaurants around campus that you can visit before or after the game. The resounding favorite seems to be The Turf Restaurant & Bar located about a mile from the arena. At The Turf, you can pick up a huge 32 ounce tap beer for less than five dollars, which goes great when coupled with their jalapeno cheese nuggets. There are also many fast food restaurants around too, including McDonalds, Taco Bell, Subway and Jimmy Johns. Fans 4 The fans are very knowledgeable and friendly in Fargo. They are more than willing to help you out by providing advice on where to go, what to see, and what to do while in town. The fans are not overly loud while in their arena, but that could be due to the fact that there were very few students in attendance during my most recent visit because it was a holiday weekend. Bison fans do have a tradition of standing until their beloved Bison make their first basket which provides a strong sense of solidarity between the fans and their team. Access 4 There are a number of parking lots around the arena and few, if any, charge fees to park. Once inside the arena, there is plenty of space to walk around without bumping into people, so much space in fact that many kids are running around, and some even throw a football around. In the arena, there are only a couple restrooms, but they are well-kept, clean, and stay relatively empty except during halftime. Due to the fact that the concourse, restrooms, concessions, and playing surface are all on the same level, the arena is very handicap accessible and allows ease of movement throughout. Return on Investment 4 Tickets to a Bison basketball game will run you between $10-$15 for general admission adult’s ticket and $5 for youth tickets. When you combine the price of the ticket, free parking, and inexpensive concession stands, a family of four can go to a Bison basketball for about the same price, if not cheaper than, a trip to the movies. Taking in a Bison basketball game is a great way to spend a cold winter’s night in Fargo without breaking the bank. Extras 2 One hidden gem of the Scheels Center is the Bison Hall of Fame that is hidden underneath the bleachers. It hosts a number of the NDSU trophies that they have won throughout the years. The Bison Hall of Fame also houses old field turf from one of the endzones of the Fargodome, which is the home of the famed Bison football team. The hall of fame is a definite must-see if you visit the arena.

Photos Courtesy of Manhattan Jaspers Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Draddy Gymnasium 4513 Manhattan College Pkwy. Bronx, NY 10471 Manhattan Jaspers website Draddy Gymnasium website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,345 Who’s Your Draddy? There are several questions that you’ll ask yourself when attending a Manhattan Jaspers basketball game. The first question everyone asks: “What’s a Jasper?”. Well, the team nickname is derived from Brother Jasper, who was credited with bringing baseball to Manhattan College’s campus in the late 19th century. He served as the first baseball coach of the university, and according to campus lore, was the creator of the seventh inning stretch. The story goes something like this; Brother Jasper also served as the head of discipline for the University and would police the student fans in the stands at home games. He noticed during one game that the students were getting restless during the seventh inning of a close game . He called timeout and ordered the students to stand up and stretch in order to alleviate the tension. Since Manhattan played the New York Giants regularly at the Polo Grounds in New York City, the tradition stuck in the major leagues and continues to this day. The second question you might ask is “Why is Manhattan College located in the Bronx?”. The answer is the school started up in Manhattan in 1853, but outgrew its facilities there, and moved to the Riverdale section of the Bronx in 1922. The campus area feels more like a suburb instead of being in New York City. The Jaspers have a history of good basketball teams. Manhattan has made the NCAA Tournament six times, advancing to the second round twice; once in 1995 after beating Oklahoma and again in 2004 after beating Florida. The team currently plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, and has local rivalries with Iona and Marist. Becoming the Jaspers head coach has been a good springboard to bigger jobs for several coaches. The school can count Bobby Gonzalez, Fran Fraschilla and Steve Lappas as coaches who advanced to a Big East head coaching position straight from Manhattan. The Jaspers are currently coached by Steve Masiello, who was Rick Pitino’s head assistant coach at Louisville. Draddy Gymnasium, the Jaspers home court, is named after Vincent dePaul Draddy, a college football hall of famer. He was a Manhattan graduate, and a trophy is given out yearly by the National Football Foundation in his honor to the college football player who has the best combination of academics, community service and on-field performance. Let’s stretch out here, and take a closer look at Draddy Gymnasium, the home of the Jaspers. Food & Beverage 3 None of the concession offerings jump off the page, but the fare has some variety and the prices are low (you can get a bottle of Coke and a soft pretzel for $5, for example). In an effort to offer more healthy selections at a sporting event, you can buy an apple or a banana at the snack bar for $1. They’re labeled as “hand fruits”. If you feel like a sandwich, the school offers a variety of “grab and go” sandwiches for $5. Atmosphere 4 Draddy Gymnasium has a very intimate atmosphere, but is in a very large building. The gym seats 2,345 for basketball, but Draddy Gym itself has a full track, batting cages and a basketball arena all under the same roof. One of the coolest things about seeing a game there is when you’re walking in, the Jaspers cheerleaders are lined up behind the ticket-taker, and actually cheer you like a player when you’re walking in. The gym has bleacher seating behind both baskets, with the students and the pep band taking up one of those sections. Between the hoops, you have chair-backs seating on one side, with bleacher seating on the other. There is a center-hung scoreboard, and a crystal-clear replay screen on each side of the gym. When the Jaspers are playing in a rivalry game against a local opponent, the students come out in force and make it an exciting atmosphere. The Jaspers have a dance team that performs during timeouts and halftime. Neighborhood 4 The campus of Manhattan College is very colonial-looking and quite handsome. The neighborhood surrounding the campus has nice apartment buildings and single-family homes. The area around the subway station that services the campus does not share these same characteristics, however. There are a few fast food places around campus (Dunkin’ Donuts, Burger King) and a good diner on Riverdale Avenue (The Riverdale Diner) that is open 24 hours. If you’re looking for a drink after the game, check out The Punch Bowl on 238th Street, a good Irish pub that won’t kill your wallet if you’re having more than one. If you like the microbrews, check out The Bronx Ale House, also on 238th Street. They have hundreds of beers and really good wings. Fans 4 The fans that come to Jaspers games are passionate about the home team. The crowd is a diverse mix of students, alumni, college basketball fans and, since most of the players are local, a good representation of family and friends. A Jaspers game is very much a PG atmosphere, and I wouldn’t hesitate to take a kid to a game. In fact, with all the area to run around inside of the gym, most kids are racing each other on the track or diving into the foam pit that the gymnastics team uses behind the bleachers. The students did storm the court after their win against local rival Iona, but it was a double-overtime game and it was nationally televised, so it wasn’t beyond reason for them to do so. Access 3 If you’re walking to Draddy Gymnasium from the subway stop on 242nd Street, bring an oxygen tank or a sherpa. You will have a long climb up several sets of stairs just to get to the front door of the gym. Even if you are in really good shape, you will likely be winded from that walk. The school could do a better job of marking where the gym is located when you enter campus. You sort of have to follow the crowd to know where you’re going. There is on-site parking, and I didn’t see them charging for it, but the lot is small and there did not appear to be a lot of nearby off-street parking. Return on Investment 5 It is typical to overpay for everything in New York City, but Jaspers tickets are quite a deal. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids under 12. There is usually a giveaway of some sort, so you might end up with a frisbee or a free t-shirt included. The Jaspers offer good Division 1 basketball, and a family of four gets in for $30. That’s cheaper than the movies, and a great way to spend a Friday night in New York City. The concessions won’t break the bank, either. $50 gets everyone a ticket, a soft pretzel and soda each. Extras 4 Four stars are given for the unique setup of the arena, the cheerleaders cheering you when you walk in, the very fair prices and the friendliness of everyone who works at Draddy Gym. Final Thoughts New York City may have better-known venues to watch basketball games, but a trip to Riverdale to watch the Jaspers is worth your time. It may be out of the way of the bright lights and big city, but it’s a beautiful campus and a special place to see really good basketball.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Turners Cross Curragh Road Cork, Co. Cork Ireland Cork City FC website Turners Cross website Year Opened: 1897 Capacity: 7,100 Cork City The city of Cork, known as ‘the rebel county,’ is synonymous with sport, from gaelic games to rugby and football. The professional football teams in Cork have had many guises over the generations, from Cork Hibs, Cork Celtic and even a post World War Two side called Cork City. However, the current football team were established in 1984 and are known as ‘the Rebels’ or ‘the Leesiders.’ Throughout their relatively short history, the club have had several homes, from Turners Cross, Flower Lodge (also known as Christy Ring Park), Bishopstown and then back to Turners Cross in 1996. The club also played a European tie against Bayern Munich in 1991 at the local rugby stadium, Musgrave Park, and utilised Shelbourne’s Tolka Park to fulfill a couple of league fixtures that same year too. Cork City have had notorious and high profile financial issues over the last thirty two years, which came to a head in 2008 as the country’s economic crash bit hard into the football clubs. Cork went into administration (referred to as examinership in Ireland) and were spared going out of business by a supporter-led takeover known as FORAS – Friends of The Rebel Army Society. Despite a temporary reprieve, it wasn’t enough to prevent a court battle which saw the club forced to start in the second tier of Irish football in 2010, but the recovery has been quick and the club now operate on a more sound and secure financial footing. Boasting some of the best facilities in the League of Ireland, they also play to one of the biggest average attendances. The last two years under manager John Caulfield, himself a former cult hero with the club, have seen the team challenge a dominant Dundalk side, finishing as runners up in the league and cup in 2015. With the current campaign reaching its conclusion they still have the opportunity to right the wrongs of last season. Turners Cross is situated just over a mile outside the city centre and is nestled in the midst of a modern housing estate. It has been used for both GAA games and football over its 120-plus years. From having mainly grass embankments with an old covered ‘shed,’ a two year modernisation programme was completed in 2009 and leaves it as one of only two stadia in the country with four fully covered all-seater ends, the other being the Aviva Stadium, which is used predominantly for international football and rugby. The stadium has held some youth fixtures and finals over the years, along with minor international matches. Most notable though is the full international played at Turners Cross in May 2016, as Ireland lost 2-1 to Belarus in a friendly prior to European Championship Finals in France. Food & Beverage 3 There are a couple of points within the stands for fans to buy food, both hot and cold. All are easily accessible, with reasonable sized queues, though it’s best to avoid going just before half time which is the busiest period. The popular food ranges from chips at €3, burger & cheeseburger at €4, jumbo hot dog at €4, chicken burger €4 and fish €3.50. Tea, coffee and other soft drink are priced at €2, with cans €1.50 and Lucozade €2.50. Atmosphere 4 With the four stands occupied, even half full, Turners Cross is a great venue to watch football. Like other League of Ireland clubs there is a very close-knit community link among the supporters. There is an expectancy for the team to deliver without it being a demand or arrogance among fans. There is an evident passion within the crowd, none more so than the ‘Commandos 84’ ultra group who congregate behind the Joe Delaney Stand in what is the most recently-built stand. The Donie Ford Main Stand is where the majority of the activity is, as this is where you will find the corporate area, media facilities, Police control box and more. It is a popular area with a lot of fans; indeed, it is the designated family section too. There is a small television gantry perched on top of the stand and the players dugouts are on this side. On the left is the St Anne’s Stand which predominantly houses the away supporters with an access turnstile area designated for them. The league sponsor SSE Airtricity run competitions with selected fans to try and kick the ball through a hole from distance, with prizes being match tickets to a future fixture. There are also youth sides playing four a side with small goals for around ten minutes of the interval. By and large sitting in any part of Turners Cross provides a decent view of the pitch. If you were to find yourself sitting in the front row of any one of the four stands means you will be at pitch level and maybe not ideal. If the sun is out, which is something of a novelty in Ireland, you may find yourself squinting if you are sitting in the Joe Delaney Stand! Neighborhood 3 Set among housing a mile from the city centre, there are shops and a couple of pubs literally outside the ground, mainly for home supporters. They are busy, but the service is good and you may be able to get a seat as well. It is a busy city, but laid back. There are a couple of shopping centres, plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants and some fast food options. The latter is always welcome after a few drinks and watching the football. Fans 4 Cork City have a passionate fan base, with a lot of flag bearers, singing, drums and occasional pyrotechnics! It can be a colourful and noisy experience and this is pretty much throughout the full ninety minutes. The club have been playing to an average home gate of just under 3,000, having nearly reached 5,000 for fixtures versus Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers and a near sell out for their Europa League Qualifier against KRC Genk of Belgium. Access 4 The stadium is very accessible in terms of getting to it and moving around inside it. The only end that you would struggle to get near would be next to the away fans. If for whatever reason you wanted to sit in a different area, by and large you could find seats in three of the four stands. The number 203 bus to Ballyphehane stops on Patrick’s Street at a cost of €1.80 and passes right by the ground, while Kent train station is five minutes’ walk from the city centre and there are a couple of taxi ranks en route. Taking the latter option would set you back no more than €10 to Turners Cross. There is street parking directly outside the ground and around the streets nearby. It can be busy, but the traffic flows away from it with ease. Tickets can be bought online from Ticketmaster.ie and from a couple of designated local shops in the lead up to any home fixture. You can also walk up on the night and buy from the cabins outside the Joe Delaney Stand. This area is well stewarded with minimum fuss trying to enter. Return on Investment 4 The club run a very fair ticketing policy with adults priced at €15, youths aged between 13-18 at €10 and under 13s and pensioners at €5, making it affordable for all age levels. From the admission cost, programme and prices of food and drink, Cork City offer a good return for your outlay. Extras 2 The match programme costs €4 and is full colour, great value, an informative read and overall very well produced. The club are also still selling a book about the 2008 collapse and subsequent take over in 2010, called “Death of a Football Club” and written by former player Neal Horgan. It is a very honest account of what was happening behind the scenes, told first hand by an employee affected by the whole situation. Final Thoughts As one of the biggest and best-supported clubs in the country, not to mention the fact it has a full complement of stands, Turners Cross is a recommended visit. The city itself is also steeped in history and a very popular tourist destination.

Photos by Andrew Maurins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Mackay Stadium 17th St. & E. Stadium Way Reno, NV 89501 Nevada Wolf Pack website Mackay Stadium website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 29,993 The Law of the Jungle The modern era of Nevada Wolf Pack football has had two constants for most of the last fifty years: Chris Ault and Mackay Stadium. From the very first game played there on October 1, 1966, when the young quarterback from San Bernardino guided Nevada to an upset of nationally ranked Santa Barbara, the two have been firmly intertwined. Ault went on to spend 41 years of his life at Nevada as a player, coach and administrator, nearly the entire lifespan of Mackay Stadium itself. In that time, both the stadium and the football program grew from humble beginnings further south on campus. Since moving into the “new” Mackay – named after mining magnate and university benefactor Clarence Mackay – the Pack has played in eight conferences across four divisions, winning eleven conference titles along the way. It’s even borne witness to two “miracles” with the Mackay name: the first in 1991, when Nevada overcame a 35-point deficit against Weber State to complete the biggest second-half comeback in NCAA history; and the second in 2010, when the #19 Wolf Pack came from behind to stun #3 Boise State in overtime. It even saw the birth of Ault’s famous “pistol offense” in 2005. Ault resigned in 2012, and the historic field on North Virginia Street he made his own was named after him the following year. In 2016, Nevada completed a slew of renovations to coincide with the facility’s 50th anniversary. These include a new club area, seven sections of chair back seats, loge boxes, patio areas, more ADA seats, a new video board and a new sound system. Even though the updates to the stadium lowered its capacity to around 26,000, it’s now much more in line with its peers in the Mountain West Conference. Food & Beverage 4 Mackay Stadium’s selection of food and beverages represent a good combination of quantity and quality, and are a few small complaints away from a perfect score. The attendants are friendly, and the stands all accept credit cards, but the lines can sometimes get long. Fixed concession stands in the two end zones have standard stadium fare like hot, jumbo and Polish dogs, nachos, pretzels, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, popcorn and candy ($4-$6), and the north end zone stands also offer a large cheeseburger with a bag of potato chips ($10), tortilla chips with either queso or salsa ($4.75) and a large burrito with your choice of meat ($10). The pop-up stands in the south end zone offer more varied choices, like six-inch sub sandwiches ($7.50), chili cups, loaded baked potatoes, French fries, cheese fries, sweet potato fries, deep-fried pickles, tater tots, potato wedges and potato skins ($6-$9), pulled pork or chicken sandwiches with kettle chips, barbecue nachos, rib tips, rib platters, a full slab of ribs and barbecue sides like coleslaw, beans and spicy mac and cheese ($4-$24). Two more stands in that area also have kid-sized hot dogs, nachos and pretzels ($3-$4), cotton candy ($5.50) and a “healthy choices” menu that includes fruit skewers, red pepper hummus, a chicken Caesar wrap, beef sliders, Asian chicken wings and pork tacos ($5-$8) as well as whole pieces of fruit ($2 each). Our recommendation is the pulled pork sandwich and spicy mac and cheese from the Famous Dave’s barbecue stand ($8). For drinks, the sodas (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mug Root Beer and Sierra Mist) are primarily served in 20 oz. bottles ($4.50), but are also available in cans ($3) and souvenir cups ($5). Bottled water is sold in 20 oz. ($4) or 1-liter bottles ($6), while alcoholic beverages like beer ($8 for Budweiser and Bud Lite, $8.50 for “premium” drafts like Shock Top, Red Hook and seasonals from Sam Adams and Alaskan) and margaritas ($12) are also available. Atmosphere 3 An outing at Mackay Stadium represents a mostly typical experience for a college football game outside the power conferences. Metal bleachers comprise the majority of the stadium’s seats in four non-symmetrical sections around the field and its accompanying track, pitched at a good enough angle that all but the lowest seats afford a good view. Those bleacher seats can feel cramped for games with bigger crowds or anyone on the taller end of the height spectrum. The newly added sections of padded chair back seats, however, are much roomier, and include their own cup holders. The ones in the club level on the west sideline have their own closed circuit viewing screens and outdoor heaters for cold games. General admission seats in the south end zone and student seating in the north end zone go right up to the field, but the closest sideline seats are separated by the track. Mackay’s 36 foot by 64 foot video board is believed to be the only one in college football with a 12-millimeter display, and it replays all of the action with terrific clarity. In-game promotions are similarly typical for mid-major college football experiences, with t-shirt tosses and several “text to win” drawings among others. The Wolf Pack’s costumed mascots and cheerleaders move around for some of the game, but primarily stick to the end zone sidelines. The Pride of the Sierra marching band plays a nice selection of contemporary and older tunes, and the stadium’s new sound system and PA announcer are both in the Goldilocks “just right” zone, but the referees often have a difficult time being heard. Section D on the west side affords you the “dead center” view of the middle of the field, but usually doesn’t have single game tickets available. If you can afford one, any of the chair back seats are a great way to take in a game, but a seat in the east side’s upper deck offers a more complete view of the whole game day scene at the cost of a bit of stair-climbing. In general, seats on the west side will be in the shade and colder for most games, while every other section – especially the east side – will be in the sun. All areas except the suites and the sliver of east side loge boxes are exposed to the notoriously unpredictable northern Nevada weather. Neighborhood 3 Originally built at a time when there was little else on the north end of campus, Mackay Stadium now sits near the hub of university-related activity. It’s bordered by parking lots to its north, a parking structure and intramural fields to its east and west, and the rest of campus to its south, with Interstate 80 and downtown beyond that. A five-minute stroll from the stadium across Virginia Street will take you to Red’s Little Waldorf Saloon, known as “the Wal” to locals, and catering to the pre and post-game crowd. About a mile south of the stadium on University Terrace is GourMelt, a sandwich joint specializing in upscale grilled cheese creations with a devoted following in town from its days as a food truck. The third floor of the student union next door also has several chain restaurants for a quick bite, while downtown offers a greater variety of cuisines and price ranges. Speaking of that area, the Riverwalk District of the city has enough shops, restaurants and bars to appeal to a wide variety of travelers, along with several nice, green spaces like Wingfield Park. The National Automobile Museum on Lake Street also has an impressive array of more than 200 cars from the personal collection of former casino magnate Bill Harrah. Being a casino town, Reno’s other entertainment options can include concerts and performances that change with the seasons. Broadening out to the greater Truckee Meadows area, day trips up to Lake Tahoe or Virginia City are also fun options. Lodging choices are as varied as your wallet and personal preferences allow, with most of the area’s hotels clustered downtown. The University Inn is across the street from Mackay, and can satisfy a budget traveler, but we suggest saving up more for either the Whitney Peak Hotel next to the famous Reno arch or the Peppermill south of downtown. Fans 3 Mackay Stadium fans are sufficiently passionate and engaged in their team’s fortunes, but would benefit from a string of great seasons in order to really give them a jolt. An average game day on North Virginia Street is in the neighborhood of around 21,000 fans, putting them in the middle third of the Mountain West and slightly below the conference average. The “big ticket” games against UNLV and Boise State tend to draw some of the only crowds that approach sellouts. On that note, the fans are appropriately responsive for big plays, get loud on defensive third downs, fill the air with “Packfetti” after each Nevada touchdown, and finish the PA announcer’s calls of “And that’s another Wolf Pack…” “FIRST DOWN!” One particular segment that needs work are the students, who seem disinterested even though their section of the stadium starts off mostly full. Fans in all areas of the stadium often leave late night games in noticeable numbers, even if the game is still close. Access 4 Getting to Mackay Stadium is not generally a hassle, but once you’re inside, a few problems crop up. A public transit option to consider is the Sierra Spirit bus, which has several stops throughout the downtown and university areas on a round that takes about half hour and charges 25 cents per person, and also has free WiFi on board. Reno-Tahoe International Airport provides commercial flights in and out of the area, and is fifteen minutes away by car. Parking in the surface lots near the stadium requires a permit with an accompanying season donation ranging from $100 to $700. If you don’t mind walking, there are free areas in the Whalen parking structure (our recommendation) and the lots behind Peccole Park and the School of Medicine, as well as the aforementioned bus line, which has stops near a few of downtown’s free parking structures. After games, cars parked north of the stadium get diverted to McCarran Boulevard, and those south of the stadium go down to Interstate 80. Any of Mackay Stadium’s entrances will give you a fairly similar experience getting in: a quick search of small bags for any prohibited items. There are no ticketless entry options at this time, but Nevada’s athletic department informed us they’re hoping this will change in the near future. Moving around the stadium is mostly easy with a few big exceptions. Since the majority of the concession stands are located in the north and south end zones, that’s naturally where fans have the most room to spread out and mingle. It’s at field level on the east and west sidelines that things get dicey, as the new ADA seating (of which there is now much more) has greatly reduced the amount of walk-able space to as little as five feet wide in some places. The upper concourses – now diverted into a parking structure on the west side – are better, but can still get crowded for bigger games. Bathroom lines for most games are reasonable, and ADA parking is easily reached on the first level of the West Stadium garage next door. Return on Investment 4 Even after its recent renovations, tickets to a game at Mackay Stadium are consistent with Nevada’s peers in the Mountain West, and offer a number of options for prospective fans. Single game tickets are typically $19 for the plaza reserved sections (3, 7, 8 and 9), $25 for the south end zone and family areas (section A), $39 for the field reserved sections (G, I, L, 4, 5 and 6), $90 for premium field sections B and F, and $115 for premium field sections J and K. Season tickets in the above areas range from $99 to $550, and do not include a Pack Educational Fund donation for some of the more expensive sections. All of those prices often go up for “big ticket” games like UNLV, Boise State and power conference opponents. Discounts of $9-$10 off per ticket are available for large groups of 20 or more people, military service members, senior citizens (65 and over) and youths (8th grade and under), as well as 3-game mini plans ($51-$105), a “Pup Club” for youths with an adult season ticket holder ($55 for access to all home, regular season football, volleyball, women’s soccer, women’s basketball, baseball and softball games and other perks), university staff members ($20 off per season ticket for up to two tickets), and employees of Washoe County School District, Nevada System of Higher Education and the State of Nevada ($396 for four season tickets in select sections). Lastly, a game program will run you $3. Extras 2 If you’re attending a night game at Mackay, consider getting a seat in the upper deck on the east side. Provided you’re not averse to climbing some stairs, you’ll enjoy a very pleasant view of the downtown Reno skyline to go along with the action on the field. Slightly unusual but nonetheless welcome for a college football stadium is the line of trees in the north end zone. If you’re having trouble finding your way around, there’s a group of volunteers wearing white polo shirts, blue vests and white baseball caps that will happily answer any questions you might have. We also like that there’s a children’s play area with bounce houses in the north end zone free of charge. Final Thoughts Ultimately, Mackay Stadium is a fine place to watch a college football game made better by its recent renovations. What separates it from truly great experiences elsewhere in the country is better fan support and more deeply ingrained traditions of excellence. Right now, it’s something fun to do at a certain time of year, but it’s not what one would call “the place to be” on fall Saturdays just yet. A few consecutive seasons of stellar play from the Wolf Pack would do wonders to increase the number of people at their games and, by extension, enhance the rest of the Mackay Stadium gameday experience.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Oriel Park Carrickmacross Road Dundalk, County Louth Ireland Dundalk FC website Oriel Park website Year Opened: 1936 Capacity: 4,500 Vibrant and Lively Venue in Dundalk Dundalk FC were founded in 1903, nicknamed ‘The Lilywhites’ for their predominantly white kit. The club have been playing at Oriel Park since 1936. The town of Dundalk is located in the east of the country, in County Louth which is close to the border with Northern Ireland. The club’s nearest rivals are Drogheda United. Oriel Park is an old fashioned stadium with a mixture of new and old features, with a capacity of 4,500. This includes a traditional Main Stand, a new covered enclosure opposite, standing areas behind both goals, and open area corner seating added at either side of the Main Stand. Under an experienced manager in Stephen Kenny, the club have won the league title in 2014 and 2015. This has ensured qualification for the Champions League Qualifiers, elevating the club’s profile, while providing extra income for the club, which in turn has enabled the club to make improvements both on and off the pitch. The club have been playing on a synthetic surface since 2005 and were the first to do so in Ireland. This also allows the Dundalk teams of all ages to train on it along with local teams getting to use it; again enhancing income streams. Food & Beverage 3 The refreshments options are very limited, with a couple of burger and ice cream type vans offering hot and cold drinks, burgers, and hot dogs. If that’s not what you are after, then you will have to wait until after the game and treat yourself at a local shop or a take away/fast food outlet. The majority, if not all clubs in the League of Ireland are part time, so the funds to improve specific areas like designated eating areas are limited. Bringing in third party companies and vans is convenient for them. That being the case, it may prove beneficial to bring in vans that offer more (dare I say) healthier options, for both hot and cold foods. I suppose from experience the people who run the vans will know what is popular, and know their market enough to make changes based on supply and demand. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Oriel Park is excellent and the locals really embrace the team. Walking around town you will see people wearing the kits, badges, stickers and pennants hanging in shops, cars, and house windows. For bigger fixtures like European games or derby matches against Drogheda there are organised marches from the town centre to the stadium. With flags, banners, drums, singing and pyros it certainly adds to the atmosphere, more so if you are visiting. Even throughout the game, the main area where the singing emanates from is the enclosure on the far side, which at certain points encourages others to join in and get involved. The stadium entry is down a lane off Carrickmacross Road which takes you down to the Main Stand. This is the main hub for office use, dressing rooms, and club shop with the turnstiles on the left and right hand side. The away fans are situated on the right and will get limited use of both covered and open seating areas. Behind the left hand goal is a slightly sloped grass embankment for standing, which is known as ‘the Town End’ and it is a popular area for league matches. Behind the other goal at the Carrick Road end, there is limited standing space due to a large green net to catch stray balls, and that’s due to there being nothing there apart from a narrow road and wasteland. The Main Stand is quite small and does not run the full length of the pitch. It has had a roof replacement in the last decade and has open seating on either side and this is to increase capacity due to the UEFA restrictions for European ties. Opposite is ‘The Shed’ which is an old small terrace that has had seats fitted and a roof to cover it in recent years. It also has open seating on either side of it, which isn’t ideal for the average winters day in Ireland. The best view is from the Main Stand as it is elevated from the rest of the ground, providing the best vantage point to see the action, though there are a couple of supporting pillars, but doesn’t impede your view too much. Neighborhood 4 The local people in the shops, pubs, and hotels, as well as club staff are very friendly and welcoming. They are often keen to ask why you are visiting and to tell you about Dundalk. The personal touch certainly adds to the experience and helps you embrace the town. There are a number of take away places for chips, pizza, Chinese, and Indian food which are on the main road and are within walking distance from the train station, Oriel Park, and The Imperial Hotel. Some of the local pubs will do food until 9pm. There are a few hotels in town, but the closest to the stadium and best value is at: The Imperial Hotel which is very friendly and comfortable, and only about a five minute walk from Oriel Park. A twin room costs 70 Euros which includes breakfast. Fans 5 The fans are very passionate, creating noise and singing their heart out before, during and after the match. Dundalk have one of the higher average attendances within the League of Ireland, with an average of 3,400 for home fixtures. The problem with higher profile games like a European tie, UEFA regulations mean the standing areas cannot be used which reduces the capacity. One song that tends to get all supporters involved is the tune of ‘When The Saints Go Marching In,’ when one section starts with “Oh when the whites,” and another replies “the Lilywhites,” both then join in singing “go marching in, oh when the whites go marching in!” Access 4 Entrance to all of the stadium is next to the Main Stand and the approach is from turning left, just off Carrickmacross Road. The area is well stewarded and the queues at the turnstiles move quickly. Oriel Park is ideally situated, a few minutes walk from the town centre, train station and is also on a regular bus route. For anyone taking the car, parking is limited at the ground, but street parking is available. It is busy on approach and may be worthwhile taking one of the side streets before it, as this will allow you an easier exit too. Tickets can only be bought directly from the club and the pricing is certainly fair enough. If you wish to sit in the Main Stand it is 20 Euros and 15 for a concession. For the rest of the areas within the ground it is 15 Euros for an adult, 10 Euros concession and 5 Euros for U12s. There is limited movement once you are inside the stadium as each designated area is monitored by stewards. I am assuming this is to prevent people paying the lower admission price from getting into the Main Stand. Return on Investment 4 Overall, Oriel Park offers a good return on your investment for sporting entertainment. With the hotel location in close proximity to the train station, stadium, pubs and food outlets, this is possibly one of the best venues you can get. With the price of juveniles being 5 Euros, it is exceptional value if any adult wished to take along their kids. Extras 4 The club shop offers the current kit and there are special deals on polo shirts, a book on the previous season’s title win and some stationery. The match programme is also well produced and good value at 4 Euros. Final Thoughts There are not many grounds or stadiums that will have a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with all you need merely minutes away as Oriel Park. The town is easily accessible by train or bus travelling from Dublin in the south or from Belfast in the north.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Bishopsgate Strokestown Road Longford, Co. Longford Ireland Longford Town FC website Bishopsgate website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 6,800 Longford Town FC Note: In November 2019, the ground's name was renamed Bishopsgate after the club's new main sponsor. In the Irish midlands and ninety minutes from Dublin is the county of Longford. The football team, Longford Town, were established in 1924 and played in the local leagues up until they were elected to the League of Ireland in 1984. Situated three miles from the town centre, the club – nicknamed “de Town” – have always played at their current and somewhat remote stadium, known locally as Strokestown Road since their inception. Through sponsorship deals and grant funding, the stadium was renamed Flancare Park in 2001 and is still affectionately referred to by League of Ireland fans as ‘the Flan Siro,’ in reference to the famous San Siro stadium in Milan. Ironically the club colours are black and red stripes, but that’s where any similarities with the Italian side AC Milan end. In 2013 the club signed a sponsorship arrangement with the City Calling Group and since then the ground has been known as the City Calling Stadium. Longford Town were promoted to the League of Ireland Premier in 2001 and enjoyed a successful early millennium. This coincided with the club upgrading and modernising facilities within the ground, replacing old terracing with new seating and bringing it up to the present 6,800 all seated capacity. In 2014 the club invested more money in facilities at the City Calling Stadium, with an upgrade to dressing rooms, the physiotherapy room and club offices. Following promotion in 2001 up until 2007, the team went onto achieve a number of successes on the pitch, reaching no fewer than six cup finals, winning three and losing three. They won the FAI Cup in 2003 beating St. Patrick’s Athletic and in 2004 against Waterford United. Longford also claimed a cup double in 2004 when they beat Bohemians 2-1 at home, when it was known as Flancare Park. The club had three brief forays into the UEFA Cup (currently the Europa League), all ending in disappointing first round exits. Following relegation from the top flight in 2007, Longford had a pretty bleak spell, spending seven years in the second tier and despite promotion in 2014 it looks like another stint in the First Division beckons. Food & Beverage 3 Food and drink options are available from two locations within the ground: the clubhouse, which is within the Main Stand, and from a small cabin just outside it. On offer at both are the very basic (and mostly homemade) essentials, including tea, coffee, soup, various sandwiches, crisps, nuts, chocolate, cans and bottles of soft drink, and all very reasonably priced between €1 and €2.50. There is no alcohol sold at the City Calling Stadium and nothing outside for three miles, so you would need to be fed and watered in town before and after a fixture in Longford. Atmosphere 3 Longford Town don’t attract much of a crowd, which has an impact on any atmosphere generated, but despite the remoteness of its location it is a very likable, homely and pleasant venue to watch football from. The club’s supporters group is known as ‘Section O,’ but apart from a couple of flags laid out, there are no audible fan groups congregated in any part of the ground, though there are a very few passionate individuals in attendance. Once you enter the stadium through the single available entrance, you have the option to sit in the stand or walk round to the three other sides of the ground. These three areas have uncovered seating on an elevated deck consisting of seven rows, with a handful of entrance and exit walkways. The Main Stand itself is relatively small and central with twenty feet of space on the left, which has a small covered shelter that has a couple of seats designated for elderly and disabled fans. The dressing rooms and players’ tunnel are situated at the right of the stand with the dugouts also in this area. It has eight truss type supporting pillars which will partially obscure your view. The seats have LTFC printed in black against red. The majority of both teams’ fans tend to congregate here and behind the left hand side goal. Behind the goal on the right there is seating for around half that end, then there is a brick wall which is painted red and black. It is evident that this area is rarely used due to the discoloured seats, some of which are also broken. However it is an uncovered end and, providing the weather is dry, sitting around the halfway line across from the Main Stand provides an excellent, unimpeded view of the pitch. Neighborhood 1 In short, there is no neighborhood. The City Calling Stadium is located in farmland on the N5 Strokestown Road, which is three miles from the town centre. If it is the lively all-round package of a match day experience you’re after with local sightseeing, the City Calling Stadium is not for you unfortunately. Fans 2 It would be hard to criticise the Longford Town fans as there is some internal strife at the club, with a recent managerial change and the team bottom of the table. Their current predicament is reflected by the low attendances of late, making it difficult to gauge the regular support at the City Calling Stadium. The average home gate varies between 400-800 depending on the occasion, so the level of support can change dramatically. Access 4 Free parking is available outside the stadium and if this fills up there is roadside space too. There is no direct public transport link to the stadium, with all incoming bus and train transport options stopping in town. You could walk to it, but this is not advisable if it is dark; it would be better to take a local taxi which will set you back 7 euros. On the approach to the City Calling Stadium there is a very generous-sized car park which caters for the majority of fans attending. There is only one entrance for supporters, which is through a couple of turnstiles facing you as you walk towards it. Once through, the Main Stand is on the right and you find yourself in a busy juncture with a spacious walkway. From here you can easily access all four areas and find the facilities from the programme sellers and club lottery ticket sellers to food outlets and toilets. Return on Investment 4 Adult tickets cost €15, while concessions and students are charged €10 and children pay just €5. This pricing structure is more than fair as it is in line with the rest of the league. The prices of food and drink are very manageable, making the all-in cost of a day out to watch Longford Town very affordable, with decent enough toilet facilities too. Extras 1 The remote setting was in line with the accoutrement of the main course on the pitch – nothing is laid on to present the occasion in a more entertaining light except the footballers themselves. If you are expecting a glamorous halftime show with fireworks and acrobats, you will leave sorely disappointed. Final Thoughts County Longford still shows signs of the recession over the last decade, but also shows signs of progress and recovery. It’s a friendly town and the club has friendly staff and stewards who are only too happy to sign post and advise. At the match of this review, the sky line at the City Calling Stadium as the sun was going down was stunning and was a pleasure to watch the game in such surroundings.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Lake Olmstead Stadium 78 Milledge Rd Augusta, GA 30904 Augusta GreenJackets website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 4,822 On the Green in Augusta Typically when you hear the words Augusta and green jacket, you immediately think of a very prestigious golf tournament that serves as one-quarter of golf’s Grand Slam. However, there is another sport in town that also goes by this moniker. The Augusta GreenJackets baseball franchise is the Class-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants, and their mascot is a bee wearing the fabled green jacket awarded to the winner of each year’s Masters golf tournament. The history of baseball in Augusta actually goes back to 1885 and includes the Georgia Peach, Ty Cobb, as one of the players who wore the home team’s uniform. Augusta was one of the charter members of the South Atlantic League and is one of its most successful teams. Some of the modern-era players who have worn the GreenJackets uniform are Tim Wakefield, Moises Alou, Jason Kendall, Hanley Ramirez, Dustin Pedroia, Madison Bumgarner and Jon Lester. Home field for the GreenJackets is Lake Olmstead Stadium, a city-owned facility in Lake Olmstead Park. The stadium was built in 1995 and has a baseball seating capacity of over 4,800. Seating is broken down into 1,000 box seats, 800 reserved seats and 2,500 general admission seats. An additional group seating area along the right field line, the Sweetwater Draft House Party Deck, can hold up to 500 people. Food & Beverage 4 Since the stadium is located in a city park, there are no restaurants within walking distance of the stadium. Fortunately, the GreenJackets offer a good array of foods at reasonable prices. The following items are available at $3: cheeseburger, chicken tenders, nachos, pretzels and corn dog bites. Hot dogs and fries are available for $2.50. A few “Olmstead Only” offerings include the Auggie Doggie at $5.50 (a hot dog covered with pulled pork and coleslaw), the Auggie Burger at $9.50 (two hamburger patties with slaw, barbecue pork and pimento cheese) and loaded nachos at $6.50 or loaded fries at $5.75 (both include barbecue pork and cheese). We promise not to tell your cardiologist! Every Monday is a Feed Your Face night, which provides you an all-you-can-eat experience for a rotating set of menu items. Beverages include sodas, bottled water, and Powerade at $2.50.The beer offerings are fairly broad and include Bud Light, Miller Light, Yuengling, Kilian’s, Sweetwater Blue and Sweetwater 420. Prices are $3 for 16-ounce. and $5 for 32-ounce. Tuesdays are Brewsdays at Lake Olmstead, and you can buy a beer at 50% off. Atmosphere 3 Two nods to baseball’s past are components of Lake Olmstead’s structure: a roof extending out over most of the seating areas to protect the fans from the brutal heat of Georgia’s summers, and Ty Cobb, a Georgia native, spent time in Augusta before moving onto the big leagues. His lifetime batting average was .366. One of the outfield walls measures 366 feet from home plate. On the wall are the figure 366 and the name of Ty Cobb. Aside from these salutes to an earlier time in baseball, Lake Olmstead Stadium also celebrates more recent accomplishments. A large display of the team’s championship seasons is found on a wall on the concourse, as are banners saluting the many GreenJackets who have gone on to the major leagues. Additional amenities provided at Lake Olmstead Stadium are a children’s playground and the Cool Zone, a water misting area to cool off during the often hot and humid Georgia summers. A large group party area is located further down the right-field line. The Sweetwater Draft House features a 6,000-square foot party deck with numerous food and beverage packages, depending on the size of the group. The seating bowl wraps around the infield and includes both individual seating (in reserved or box areas) or aluminum bench seating (in general admission areas).There are no seats or berms behind the outfield fences. Because the roof is over a major portion of the seating area, there are some obstructed views due to support poles. Neighborhood 3 The area immediately surrounding the stadium is Lake Olmstead Park, a park owned and managed by the Augusta-Richmond County Parks Department. Its central feature is the namesake Lake Olmstead, a 113-acre lake located just down a steep embankment from the baseball stadium. The lake was created as a part of the Augusta Canal construction project in 1870 by Charles Olmstead, who also did major engineering work on the Erie Canal. In recognition of his work, the lake and park were named in his honor. The lake is used primarily for boating and fishing purposes, while the remainder of the park is dedicated to a disc golf course, hiking trails, picnic areas and, of course, the baseball stadium. You should plan to park in the immediate vicinity of Lake Olmstead Stadium and make sure to lock your car. There has been a crime problem in the vicinity. The broader neighborhood is the city of Augusta, Georgia’s second-largest city, with a population of over 400,000. The city sits on the western banks of the Savannah River, with the city of North Augusta, South Carolina, and the state of South Carolina forming on the eastern banks of the river. Augusta is primarily known for the Augusta National Golf Club and its Masters Golf Tournament, but the city is also a cultural center with its own ballet company, opera company, and symphony. The city also takes advantage of the Augusta Canal and the Savannah River to host a number of water-based sports events. One of the major developments in recent years is the Augusta Riverwalk, a park that hosts festivals, social events and 4th of July celebrations involving the whole city. Some of the popular restaurants in Augusta are Hildebrandt’s Deli (an Augusta staple since 1879!) and the Boll Weevil Cafe and Sweets. Fans 4 Due to its long history with baseball, Augusta GreenJacket fans are very loyal and very knowledgeable. They also come knowing that many of the players they are seeing have a very high likelihood of going to the majors, based on past history. The team has local ownership and is quite involved in the local community, working with many charities, promoting reading programs in the schools and visiting the many hospitals in the Augusta region. There is a real bond between the team and its fans that goes beyond just baseball. The demographics of the fan base in the Augusta region assure a solid future for the team. You are just as likely to see a seniors group at a game as a youth baseball team. Fort Gordon is a major employer in the area, and you will always see a good number of service members at each game. Augusta is also the hub city in the CSRA (Central Savannah Regional Area) which includes eastern portions of Georgia and several counties in South Carolina, which is just across the Savannah River from Augusta. Access 3 Augusta and Lake Olmstead Park are easily accessed via I-20, the main east/west interstate in Georgia. The city is located 150 miles east of Atlanta and 68 miles west of Columbia, South Carolina. Once departing the interstate at the Washington Road exit, you will go six miles south to reach the stadium. You will actually pass the Augusta National Golf Club, en route to the stadium. Once you arrive at Lake Olmstead Stadium, parking is readily available next to the park. There is only one ticket stand and entrance into the stadium itself, so you may want to buy your tickets online ahead of time to avoid a long line. Pre-purchasing your tickets also provide cost savings for your wallet. The concourse area inside the gates is a large plaza and is home to multiple concession stands and The Hive Team Store. Return on Investment 4 Ticket prices are tiered at three levels at Lake Olmstead Stadium: Box seats are $12, reserved seats are $10 and general admission seats are $8. Seniors, children and military seating is priced at $6. (Fort Gordon is a large Army base just outside of Augusta, and frequent Military Appreciation nights are held during the season). A $1 discount is given for all online ticket purchases and all tickets purchased prior to the day of the game. The concessions at Lake Olmstead are of good quality and reasonably priced. Since Augusta is the second-largest city in Georgia, hotels are available at every price level. If Augusta has an afternoon game, many people simply drive over from Atlanta or Columbia and return home afterward. It is less than a two-hour drive from either city. Extras 3 The Augusta Riverwalk has become the entertainment and dining center for residents of, and visitors to, Augusta. In addition to the beauty of the beautiful gardens and brick plazas lining the river, you will be able to enjoy boating, concerts, and fireworks on special occasions. Singer James Brown was a native of Augusta, and you will find numerous historical markers about his life throughout the city. Obviously, the Masters is the biggest event in town. It is also an impossible ticket to get, as the waiting list is thousands of people long. However, it is possible to obtain a badge for one of the practice rounds on Tuesday and Wednesday before the tournament begins. The pro-am is especially fun, as the players are more relaxed, and you often will see a famous celebrity in several of the foursomes. Final Thoughts EDITOR’S NOTE: Since Stadium Journey’s visit, the GreenJackets have relocated to SRP Park in North Augusta. The team’s new home is part of the Riverside Village at Hammond’s Ferry overlooking the Savannah River featuring 280 new apartments, a senior living facility, office space, a luxury hotel, and a beer garden. The Jackets called Lake Olmstead Stadium home from 1995-2017 and the new stadium will seat 4,000 people-be on the lookout this season for our review of SRP Park.

Photos by Martin Mc Nelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Mazuma Stadium Christie Way, Westgate Morecambe, England LA4 4TB Morecambe FC website Mazuma Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 6,476 Turn Up the Feelgood Note: The venue name changed from Globe Arena to Mazuma Stadium in 2020. The Globe Arena is the home of Morecambe FC, located in a seaside town in Lancashire, England. They played non league football throughout their history until they gained promotion to League 2, the fourth tier in the English Football League in 2007, after defeating Exeter City in the Play off Final at Wembley Stadium. Their nickname is ‘the Shrimps’ due to their association to the fishing and shrimp industry in Morecambe Bay. The club moved to this purpose-built facility in 2010 after spending 89 years at their old ground, Christie Park. The Globe Arena has a very modern, welcoming entrance and facade and is named after the builders, Globe Construction. It comprises a large and impressive Main stand, covered terrace behind each goal and an open terrace where spectators can stand and watch the match. The Main, Peter McGuigan Stand is named after the current club chairman and is the main hub of the club’s activities, containing corporate hospitality facilities for both match day and external functions. It is also where the main entrance and reception is located for both sets of players, officials and directors. The dressing room, gymnasium and public bar and a busy club shop are also housed within here too. Across from the Main Stand is the open North terrace, which has four narrow steps with a safety barrier at the front. The view of the pitch from here is decent and is especially nice when the weather is good, otherwise you are exposed to all the UK elements. The entrance is located in the centre, with a small television gantry perched above it. Either side of this there are toilet and refreshments, though no alcohol is sold in this particular area of the ground. In the right hand corner there is a police control box which is discrete and outside it, there is a very basic scoreboard providing information like substitutions, messages and other scores from the division. The covered East terrace is to the right of the Main Stand and is for away fans, though this will depend on the opposition and the number of supporters they bring. Opposite this, the similarly structured West Terrace is also covered, and it is for the home supporters and where the majority of the atmosphere is generated. Food & Beverage 3 This part of northern England is associated with a variety of pies. It would be unfair to be overly critical as I was only able to access the refreshments in this particular area of the ground. With only one person serving, it isn’t overly busy and sells only basic hot and cold drinks with pies. Alcohol is sold within the Main Stand and like every other ground in England, it can only be consumed on the concourses and not in your seat. Atmosphere 4 The away fans are vocal throughout and the home fans behind the goal in the West terrace respond in turn, though they can be subdued in parts when the team is losing. The Omega Holidays Stand is your best bet for atmosphere at Globe Arena. The stand accommodates 2,234 standing spectators near the left end of the goal. The stand also features a bar and concession stands. The Shrimps have been in League Two for the past decade and crowd support has risen to above 2,000 fans per game the past season for the first time in seven seasons. There is plenty of cheering, chanting, and singing that makes a visit to the grounds an interesting day at the football grounds. Neighborhood 3 The stadium is located near the coastline, a couple of miles from the town centre and train station, which in itself is approximately a twenty minute walk away. Outside it, the houses on the main road are modern and lavish. This is a good place to park as it is literally just a couple of minutes walk away from the stadium. There is also a holiday park with up to date looking chalets along the road which is popular with tourists. Within a one mile radius of either side of the stadium, there are a couple of fast food establishments, a couple of pubs and restaurants to give you some options depending on your preferences. There are a variety of hotels, travel lodges and bed and breakfasts located at either end of the town. The most prestigious establishment being the renovated Midland Hotel. Fans 3 The fans are both passionate and yet quiet at various times during the match. The club mascot ‘Christie’ goes round the perimeter of the home end doing high fives with fans and posing for pictures. Fans are courteous without being overly friendly. Morecambe’s average attendance is just under 2,000 a match. The home supporters retort with chants of their own when the away fans go through their own renditions and repertoires. When there isn’t a huge crowd on hand, it has a negative impact on the overall atmosphere of the stadium experience. Access 3 The stadium is set just off a busy main road and has a walkway in which you can see the ground ahead. It is spacious around every side of the stadium and you should expect to encounter no difficulty or restrictions walking round it, with both sets of supporters mingling freely and hassle free. The number 6 bus, which goes to and from town, is very regular along the main road, and the train station is located approximately 20-25 minutes walk from the stadium. Approaching Morecambe by car from the motorway you have two options. Taking the junction 34 exit will take you through the main part of town where the traffic is very slow and tedious due to the volume of cars passing through. Coming from the north, junction 35 takes you through Carnforth and along the more coastal part of Morecambe. I used this on the way out and found the traffic moved a lot quicker. There is limited parking at the stadium and a couple of areas charge £10 to leave your car there. On either side of the stadium there is adequate street parking and only a few minutes walk to the stadium entrance. You are very restricted to each individual end and I encountered a very officious steward when I asked to go into the West Terrace to take a photo! If there is no flexibility to move under cover when the rain comes on, you could be in for a very wet and uncomfortable 90 minutes. Return on Investment 4 The cost for admission, food, programme and items in the club shop is on a parallel with other clubs in the division. The uncovered North terrace end is the cheapest option for tickets at £16 and the other ends are a couple of pounds more, with the West Terrace behind the goal £17 and the Main Stand £21 for the family section or up to £26. The club have an impressive pricing system for other groups like concessions at £14 or £17, under 18s are £5 and anyone aged under 14 is admitted free, so it would be financially beneficial to bring the family with you! You could potentially buy a match ticket or cash for the premium seats in the Main Stand at £26 and bring say two children under the age of fourteen and still pay the same price. Alternatively if you are looking for maximum value, you could do the same and stand in the uncovered North terrace for £16. Extras 3 The Morecambe match programme is an impressive 68-page full colour publication, priced at £3. There are a number of features including current team stats for the season, past meetings between the clubs, upcoming local events, interviews with current and former players, the Academy players and in depth details on the opposition. Final Thoughts Given the club’s location and depending on weekend or midweek fixtures, not to mention the television schedule, you could potentially stay a couple of nights locally and take in a number of games with clubs located close by like Blackpool, Fleetwood and Preston North End.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Markets Field 22-, 34 Garryowen Road Limerick, Munster Ireland Limerick FC website Markets Field website Year Opened: 1886 Capacity: 5,000 Home of the Super Blues Football in the Irish county of Limerick has an interesting and chequered past, with name changes, boardroom fall outs, success, relegations, European football and the standard financial torments throughout their 79-year history. Formed in 1937, the club were challengers in the FAI Cup when they were twice-beaten semi finalists and also runners up in the league during the 1940s. The club won their first league title in 1960 and only replicated this once more, winning it again in 1980. Despite being in the province of Munster, a very sporting county overall, Limerick is very much a rugby city. As much as it is popular with local interest, football wrestles with this and the gaelic games. The club’s initial colours were red and white, changed in the 80s to green and yellow, but they are regularly recognised in Ireland as wearing blue, white and occasionally black. The club have gone by various names including Limerick City, United, and even Limerick 37 for the start of the 2007 season, after the FAI would not provide them with a licence to play in the league due to them not meeting their standard requirements. The current title of Limerick FC returned in 2009 and remains so to the present day. The club are a full-time entity, something which is rare in Ireland’s second football tier, and this is due to fresh financial investment which coincided with the return to their spiritual home of Markets Field in 2015. Limerick have always claimed that this is their natural home and returned here having left in 1984 after massive renovation works and an outright purchase by a local consortium. Originally built in the late 1800s it was mainly used for gaelic games and rugby. Limerick played football here when they were formed and played at a number of venues including the impressive Thomond Stadium, the home of Munster rugby, and amateur football grounds Jackman Park, Hogan Park and Pike Rovers’ Crossagalla. With a new Main Stand built on and around the original structure, it boasts new corporate, media and player facilities. There was also significant money spent on the pitch and the club were awarded the best playing surface in the League of Ireland for 2016. Food & Beverage 4 There are a few food and drink options available at Markets Field, served from an ice cream van, a small hut and a burger van. The ice cream van sells what you would expect; confectionary, crisps, juice and also some hot drink options of tea, coffee and hot chocolate. The hut sells sweets only at shop prices and is good value. The burger van also has a wide variety of options. All burgers (cheese, plain/regular, chicken) are priced between 3 – 4.50 euros, hot dogs and breakfast rolls are 4 euros, chicken goujons and nuggets are between 3-4 euros, chips come in large and regular portions priced 3-4 euros and you can have them with a curry, garlic or cheese dip for 3.50. All hot and cold drinks are excellently priced between 1.50 and 2 euros. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Markets Field is mainly generated by the club’s unofficial ultras group, ‘The Blue Army Loyalty Club.’ After a successful season on the pitch, the club have been lucky to have quite a vibrant crowd, mainly due to more local people attending home matches. They have had a couple of tifo displays, occasional pyro and numerous chants and songs in support of the team. Markets Field can be accessed at three turnstile entry points, two of them on Garryowen Road for home fans, the corner of this road and Markets Field Terrace being for both home and away fans. The Main Stand is relatively small, containing seating for around 1,400 spectators and doesn’t run the length of the pitch. It has corporate and media facilities on one side and standing area for fans on the other. It has modern toilet facilities underneath and disabled toilet access next to it. Across from this is what’s known as the ‘Popular Terrace End’ and has a distinctive large wall on the back with housing on the other side. It is also where the dugouts are situated and has a single perimeter barrier behind them for fans to stand round and watch the game. There is a grass embankment here too which runs the length of the pitch and is popular with supporters on match days when it is dry. There is also a small television gantry perched in the centre. The Rossa Avenue/West Terrace home end is where you will find a large walk way for fans going between ends, buying food and using the facilities. The food bars are situated here as is a portacabin which acts as the club shop. This end is busy, but with it being almost at pitch level you won’t see much of the play from here, more so with people regularly passing through. Opposite this and behind the other goal, the Marketsfield Terrace was similarly an open end terrace, but a small temporary stand containing seating for around three hundred fans has been erected in the last year. In front of this and on either side of it there are also designated standing areas. The half-time entertainment comes from local junior teams playing 4 a side games. There are also announcements about upcoming fixtures, travel and pick up times for supporters. There are pros and cons to the best area to watch the action on the pitch. As the Main Stand is elevated it provides shelter and a good angle, but there are seven thin supporting pillars which will partially obscure the view. Opposite here standing on the grass embankment also provides a very good view, but there is no cover and in poorer weather this would be thoroughly miserable. Neighborhood 4 From Colbert train station you are ten minutes walk from Markets Field stadium, and along the way there are various shops and bars. Limerick is distinctive for the amount of churches and cathedrals which can be seen from some distance, none more so than St John’s which is over the back of Garryowen Road and features heavily in photographs of Markets Field, professional or otherwise. Hospitality is warm, with Tait’s Bar & Grill, part of Pery’s Hotel, a comfortable, welcoming and homely option offering a wide selection of food and drink options. Fans 3 The Limerick fans have supported a very successful team on the pitch and can have no complaints with the season, so it is hard to establish what they are really like. As a result of their dominance of the First Division all comments and chanting are positive. The majority of the noise and atmosphere generated stems from the small group of ultras who congregate in a corner of the Main Stand. Access 4 The train station is ten minutes walk away while local buses pass regularly with the Dublin direct bus also stopping off a couple of times a day. There is no specifically designated car parking, but there are plenty of street parking options around the ground. Tickets can be bought outside the ground right up to kick off and there are a couple of designated shops in the city centre which sell them too. Once purchased they are barcoded by stewards to enter. Once inside you have the freedom of three ends, but the only area you can’t access is where the away fans are allocated. The majority of the facilities are in the West Terrace end behind the home goal and getting around poses no problems. Return on Investment 4 The ticket structure at Limerick is very fair, with Adults at 15 euros for the Main Stand and 12 for the Terraces. It is 10 euros for students and OAPs, and 5 euros for under 12s. The club offer individual match packages for families, ranging from 15 euros for one adult and one child under 12, up to two adults and two children under 12 at 35 euros. Extras 1 The family package deserves a point mainly because it helps entice more local fans and families to come out and support the team. Final Thoughts Markets Field is a decent venue to watch football and one a lot of ground hoppers may wish to visit as it only re-opened in June 2015 after the club spent more than three decades away from it. It is very laid back and I found the staff and stewards both friendly and helpful.

Photos by Google Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Riverside Stadium Shepherdson Way Middlesbrough, England TS3 6RS United Kingdom Middlesbrough FC website Riverside Stadium website Year Opened: 1995 Capacity: 35,100 Riverside Stadium The Riverside Stadium has opened in 1995 following Middlesbrough's relocation from their historic but outdated Ayresome Park home a little over a mile away. The Riverside was one of the first newly built larger stadiums within Britain at that time and now has an all-seated capacity of 35,100. The stadium has nearly reached its capacity on many occasions during Boro's time in the English Premier League but the stadium's record attendance is 35,000 for England's game against Slovakia in June 2003 whilst Wembley was being rebuilt. The stadium is completely enclosed with the West Stand being slightly larger than its counterparts. The old Ayresome Park gates are located directly outside the main entrance to the stadium keeping the clubs linked to the past. Food & Beverage 3 Once inside, the stadium is well populated with food and drink kiosks offering the normal range of stadium food. Hot drinks £3, pies £2.70, chips £2, and hot dogs £3 are a selection of what is on offer. Meal deals are also available to purchase. Atmosphere 2 Having been to Riverside on many occasions, it is a stadium that is lacking in the atmosphere since Boro's relegation from the top flight of English football. When full it rivals any other venue in Britain, but the club's poor form on the pitch since the heady days of signing famous international superstars and the hard economical climate within the northeast of England of late has seen thousands of seats remain empty on match days. Neighborhood 3 The approach to the stadium is well-populated with places to eat and drink. The retail park situated near the stadium has McDonald's, KFC, and Frankie & Bennies. Also near here is the Doctor Browns Public House which is a pre-match drinking venue for many fans. The Town Centre is a mere ten-minute walk from the stadium and the normal range of Coffee Houses and Restaurants can be found here. Although Middlesbrough has the major high street shops, it is a drab town centre and not one to rush to unless you have other reasons to be there. Middlesbrough's most famous landmark is its Transporter Bridge and although the town is not a tourist attraction, its surrounding countryside and market towns certainly are. The closure of the steelworks has hit the town hard and various regeneration projects are on the go, however, despite this, Middlesbrough folk are a friendly bunch and guarantee you a friendly welcome. Fans 3 Like most clubs, Boro has their hard-core loyal supporters and it was these that got the club through in the late eighties when the club fell on hard times and even had the gates to Ayresome Park locked by the Administrator, meaning that the club had to play a few games at the ground of nearby Hartlepool United. Local rivals are Sunderland and Newcastle United and games against these clubs are often heated affairs both on and off the pitch. Access 3 If traveling by car, take the A66 from the A1 or A19 major trunk roads towards the Town Centre. The stadium is well-signposted. Although there are no public car parks at the stadium there is free park just on the other side of the railway line by the Retail Park. There are also plenty of other Town Centre car parks within a ten-minute walk. If arriving by rail then the station is situated in the Town Centre on Albert Road. Return on Investment 3 Boro's prices are the norm for Championship football in England and the club does its best to keep prices down, being mindful of the high unemployment rate in the area following the closure of the Steel Works. Prices start at £25 but are aware the club does operate a match grading system where prices are higher for some games. Extras 4 Stadium tours are available on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday and are good value at £6. Betting facilities are available inside the stadium and a match day programme is produced for each game priced at £3. There are also various Fanzines for sale on the approach to the stadium. The club's large megastore at the stadium also sells a wide range of merchandise.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Weavers Park Windmill Rd Drogheda, County Louth Ireland Drogheda United website Weavers Park website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 2,000 Drogheda Delight Note: In 2023, the name of the park changed from United Park to Weavers Park. The famous town of Drogheda is situated on Ireland’s east coast between Dublin and Dundalk, which is in the Boyne Valley between County Louth and County Meath. The local professional football team is Drogheda United, based just outside the town centre at the small, but homely United Park, also referred to as Hunky Dorys Park through a former sponsorship deal. The club have been here since 1979, following the merger of Drogheda FC and the original Drogheda United who were formed in 1919, and are currently playing in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Division 1. At one point the ground had a capacity in the region of 5,000, but presently has a maximum of 2,000, with 1,500 of that figure seated in both covered and uncovered areas. Known as ‘The Drogs’ or ‘Super Drogs,’ the club’s main rivals are neighbours Dundalk and share a link with Turkish side Trabzonspor, due to their club crest and claret/blue colour similarities. Since their formation, the club have regularly found themselves flirting with promotion to the top flight and relegation back to the second tier. Early in the millennium the club went full time and reaped the rewards, with accolades achieved including a Premier League title, FAI Cup and Setanta Cup wins, which also brought qualification for the old UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League) and a fleeting couple of rounds in the Champions League qualifiers. By the end of that decade, and coinciding with the financial crisis in Ireland, the club found themselves in administration, or as the Irish call it, examinership. Full time football is no more and Drogheda primarily now focus on providing a platform to young players to develop in the first team and potentially move on for financial gain. Food & Beverage 3 Standard offerings are sold from a small hatch at the side of the Main Stand. The menu consists of crisps, bars of chocolate, bottled soft drinks, and tea and coffee sold in small polystyrene cups. There may not be a lot, but it’s enough to get you through the match if you’re feeling peckish. Atmosphere 3 With United Park being a narrow and tight venue, it has the potential to have a decent atmosphere depending on the opposition. The club have their own ‘ultras’ group of maybe 50-100, mainly younger lads who congregate in the seated terrace across from the Main Stand. They have their own flags and banners, and start up most, if not all of the chants. Along with having their own drum, it adds to the atmosphere and tends to get a reaction from the opposition support. United Park is an intriguing, but lovable mis-match of stands and terracing, situated on the corner of a busy road, next to a housing estate, a GAA venue and across from a local hospital. There are two entrances to the ground, at the top of Windmill Road and a slightly longer walk round the other side to Cross Lane. At the former it gives you access to the Main Stand (home fans) and to the covered away terrace. The latter is for the seated terrace which is for home fans only. Outside the Main Stand there is VERY limited parking and with local housing next to it, it’s mainly permit holders only. So if you are driving, expect to park a reasonable distance away from the ground. There is a small ticket office situated next to the turnstiles and this area is well stewarded. Once through, you are able to sit in the small Main Stand on your right and if you are a member, you can access the social club on your left. There is a 10-15 foot gap between the Main Stand and a small covered standing terrace which is where the away fans are allocated. In this area is where the food and drink bar is situated. Behind both goals there is a large net to catch any stray footballs during the game and this is due to the houses and main road situated behind both respectively. The seated terrace is partly uncovered at either side, but doesn’t prove to be a problem on a regular match day as it is not always full in this area. Perched on the roof, in the centre of this stand, there is a small television gantry. Due to the limited space behind each goal there is also limited movement round United Park. With only two entry options, whatever side you access, this is the only area you will be able to stand or sit in unfortunately. Half time entertainment is provided by a quick match between two local boys club teams and also the club’s raffle ticket draw, which is a small but worthwhile fundraising initiative. All areas of the ground have supporting pillars of some sort, so regardless where you choose to watch a match from, your view will be slightly obscured. Sitting too far to the right of the Main Stand means you will be looking through a metal mesh fence and won’t be able to see the goal on that side. All things considered, the best view is likely from the centre of the covered terrace at the Cross Lane end, which is also the most atmospheric in any case. Neighborhood 4 Drogheda is a busy, friendly town and offers a variety of good options to stay, visit, eat and drink. The views from high up at Millmount Tower are phenomenal, especially on a clear day, and you will also be well educated on some Irish history from very knowledgeable tour guides. Pubs near United Park that are recommended include Mother Hughes which is five minutes walk away, Windmill House which is next door to the ground, and Gleesons which is between the ground and the town centre. In town, The Grey Goose and JB’s Bar on West Street are very friendly, with a good variety of beers and spirits. Fans 3 With Drogheda United currently in the second tier, crowds have dropped slightly, so the attendances will vary depending on the opposition. A typical match will attract somewhere between 500-1,100 fans. Access 3 The ground is a 15 minute walk from town. If coming from MacBride train station it is potentially a further 15 minutes onto the journey. There are taxis regularly going to and from the station and town. With the ground only having two sides, movement is limited. Any request to get to the other side may be blocked by over officious stewards. Return on Investment 4 Seating on the Windmill Road side costs €15 for adults, €12 OAP/students, and €10 for children under the age of 14. If you choose to sit in the Home Terrace – Cross Lane end, then tickets will cost €12 for adults, €10 for OAP/students, and €5 for children under the age of 14. You can also purchase a ‘family ticket,’ which includes two adult and two children passes for €22. Overall, United Park provides a good value for the cost of a ticket, and is currently priced right. Extras 3 United Park was the site for some of the matches for the 1994 UEFA Under-16 football championships. It has also hosted several Under-21 Irish national team matches. The emblem for the Drogheda United club is adapted from the town’s coat of arms. The star and crescent are symbolic of the support that Ireland received from the Ottoman Empire during the Great Famine during the mid 19th century in Ireland. Final Thoughts If you have any interest in football and particularly Irish history, then Drogheda is a fine destination to visit.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 The Showgrounds Church Hill, Knappagh Beg Sligo, County Sligo Ireland Sligo Rovers website The Showgrounds website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 5,500 The Bit O’ Red Set in the northwest of Ireland is the scenic town of Sligo, a popular tourist area and home to Sligo Rovers FC, who currently play in the League of Ireland Premier division. Known as ‘The Bit O’Red,’ the club have played at The Showgrounds stadium since their formation in 1928, when two local junior teams Sligo Town and Blues merged. The club are unique in that they have been fan owned by the local people of the town since 1968 and that they have only ever played at The Showgrounds throughout their history. They have no direct neighbours to share a derby fixture with, but enjoy jousts against the two northern clubs – Finn Harps from Donegal and Derry City. Sligo Rovers are very much a community club and you will see advertisements for home matches and kids’ training camps in a lot of the local shops. Walking around town there are people of all ages wearing the team’s colours, whether it be home kits, jackets, or stickers in windows and cars. The club’s halcyon days are oddly recent having come in the last decade and under the stewardship of two English managers in Paul Cook and Ian Baraclough. Since 2010, Sligo Rovers have won the League Cup, the FAI Cup three times and the Premier League title in 2012. This gave the club an opportunity of some European competition, though their forays in both Europa League and Champions League qualifying were short lived, with early exits on each occasion. With more disposable income generated through these successes, along with the backing of local sponsor Connolly’s Volkswagen, Sligo made some alterations to The Showgrounds, some of which were compulsory to comply with UEFA regulations. These included some new seating, a new club shop location and the waste land where the old ‘Shed End’ behind the goal at the Church Hill side getting a modern tarmac surface. The Church Hill End was an old enclosure area and was demolished in 2006. It now has a neat, open space that includes a large club shop, ticket office, food outlet, toilets and an annex type building which acts as the club offices. The Main Stand, rebuilt in 2001, runs the length of the pitch and has a capacity of 1,800. It has a floodlight pylon either side of it, has no supporting pillars and has the players tunnel and dugouts in the centre. The Jinks Avenue Stand is the oldest part of The Showgrounds, also running the length of the pitch and has seating for around 850 spectators. It has a low, narrow roof, four floodlights and a couple of supporting pillars. In the centre it has a television gantry with the club’s name emblazoned on it. The last upgrade here was in 2009 and this was to ensure the club met the minimum seating requirements for participation in the Europa League. Food & Beverage 3 There is no alcohol sold in the ground, but there are plenty of options for hot and cold drinks, with a variety of food too. A large portion of chips, either on their own, with curry sauce or cheese, will cost between €3 and €5. Fish is €5, burgers and cheeseburgers are €3, chicken burgers are €4 and jumbo hot dogs are €3. Confectionary is available from €1-€2, while soft drinks, tea and coffee are €2. Atmosphere 3 Both home and away supporters occupy the segregated Jinks Avenue Stand and this is where most of the atmosphere is generated. There is a good vibe generated at The Showgrounds in general, but throughout the ninety minutes most of the singing and drumming emanates from this end, orchestrated by the colourful, flag waving ‘Forza Rovers’ group, as both sets of fans try and make the most noise. Some away contingents are larger than others and this only adds to the occasion. Three stands are seated; the Main Stand, the Jinks Avenue Stand, while the Railway End has uncovered seating. The Church Hill side is open and has a standing area, though the view is somewhat limited from behind the goal. The Railway End was an old open terrace which was upgraded in 2012 with new elevated seating, and resembles a terrace similar to that of St. Patrick’s Athletic and Longford Town. The seating is comfortable and you can get a good unobscured view of the pitch regardless whereabouts you sit in this area, though it is still uncovered. There is also plenty of space at either side of this area, which is ideal for moving round the ground and for wheelchair access. With nothing to obscure your view, the best place to watch the action is from the Main Stand. However, it is very popular and fills up a good twenty minutes or so before kick off, so you would need to be in early to get a good seat near the centre. Neighborhood 4 The Showgrounds is located up on a hill in among some modern and modest looking housing, a mere ten minute walk from the town centre. Sligo is a very active, scenic town, with a river running through the centre, and plenty of shops, cafes and bars. The Great Southern Hotel is five minutes walk from the Showgrounds and the floodlights are visible from the lounge. They also do food and drink at very reasonable prices. Fans 3 Sligo fans are vocal, colourful and supportive of the team, singing for the majority of the game. Locals of all ages come out to support the club and it has a welcoming feel, with helpful, friendly staff and stewards. Away fans are searched thoroughly for missiles on entry. Tickets for some games are sold at the gate, while other matches are all ticket events. Sligo play to crowds of anything between 1,500 to 2,500 depending on both how the club are doing in the league and the opposition. Access 4 Sligo train and bus stations are located next to each other just a few yards down from The Great Southern Hotel. The train station is on the main line to and from Dublin with regular stops throughout the day. From here to The Showgrounds it is less than ten minutes’ walk up the hill. Parking is difficult due to the housing surrounding the ground, but can be found a few streets back. Once inside the ground you have access to just about every end. The only part you cannot access is through the Jinks Avenue Stand past the away fans to the Railway End. Return on Investment 3 The price scheme for The Showgrounds is similar to other Premier league clubs, with tickets sold at the competitive rate of €15 for adults, €10 for concessions and €5 for children. The improved facilities make a visit more comfortable than before, with the added bonus of greater recent success on the pitch leading to a higher standard of opposition. Extras 1 Much as the camaraderie from the staff and the local people in the town make a visit to Sligo highly recommended, match days don’t offer a great deal of enhanced experience for fans. Final Thoughts Sligo is accessible travelling down on the bus from Derry and Donegal, or the train from Dublin in the east, due to the good transport links in place. On a sunny day, sitting outside a cafe or having a beer outside is a very relaxed, pleasant experience. Getting a good game of football into the bargain is a bonus!

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Kindrick Field 1300 N Ewing St Helena, MT 59601 Kindrick Field website Year Opened: 1932 Capacity: 2,100 Baseball under the Big Sky Kindrick Legion Field exemplifies all the positive qualities of Montana, and then some. Nestled under Montana’s famous Big Sky, the stadium is encapsulated by the picture perfect landscape that is Montana. While in attendance, a fan gets a glimpse of the glorious northern side of Mount Helena, a mountain that overlooks the southern side of the Queen City. Located in the heart of the capital city of Helena, Montana, Kindrick Legion Field is home to the Helena Brewers, the Rookie affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. The stadium is complemented by Memorial Park, a quaint place featuring a dome amphitheater, waterpark, and a recently renovated playground. If the fences of Kindrick could talk, they would tell the stories of former (and current) MLB and Brewer greats such as Ryne Sandberg, George Bell, Darren Daulton, Ricky Jordan, Gary Sheffield, Greg Vaughn, Dave Nilsson, Jeff Cirillo, Mike Matheny, and most recently Milwaukee’s National League MVP Ryan Braun. Built in 1932, the park holds approximately 2,000 people. While the stadium does not typically reach capacity, the crowd it does accommodate is always a passionate, friendly and respectful group. Food & Beverage 4 There are not any chain or corporate food stands around here, so hey independent consumer, Kindrick Legion is right for you! There are a plethora of eats available at the two concessions stationed inside of the stadium (a third concession area is reserved for private parties). Some of the treats for your liking are hamburgers, cheeseburgers, chicken burgers, brats, polish and cheddar dogs, kids, corn, jumbo and chili cheese dogs, chili cheese fries, nachos, super nachos with chili, large pretzels, pulled pork sandwiches, chips, and peanuts. Prices are typical, ranging from $2.75 for smaller items (kids dog) up to $7.50 for larger food (steak or pulled pork sandwich). Overall, it still beats your local movie theater. Drink-wise, you’re looking at 12, 16, and 24 ounce domestic beers ranging $3.75 to $6.75. The park also serves micro-brews from one of the local breweries, Lewis & Clark Brewing Company. Hey hey ladies, don’t feel left out, there are Twisted Tea and Bacardi available for $3.75. For the underage crowd, or if alcohol is not your forte, there are 22 and 32 oz. soda available for $3.50 and $4.50, respectively. Coffee and hot cocoa run $2, Powerade is $3.25 and a can of Red Bull costs $4.00. There is also an assortment of ice cream delicacies available; frozen goodies ranging from ice cream sandwiches to popsicles to ice cream sundaes with prices starting at $2 and going up to $4.50. Atmosphere 3 Atmosphere is jovial and welcoming – most of which can be attributed to the hospitable people Montana is known for. In Helena, everybody knows everybody, and if you’re visiting from afar, be prepared to meet some of the most pleasant people around. The atmosphere is not the richest in terms of history, but the scenic view of Mount Helena, under the flawless skies of Montana, makes Kindrick Legion a beautiful place to enjoy America’s pastime. The ushers and concession attendants are personable and timely with service. Neighborhood 3 Memorial Park lies due west of the park, and makes for an even greater family environment. As far as restaurants and bars go, the nearest venue is the aforementioned Lewis & Clark Brewing Company, which is about .5 miles away from the stadium. The tap room is a historical and classical looking building that makes for a great environment to check out before the game (tap room closes at 8). Other than that, the options for meandering around outside the stadium are limited. Fans 5 Easily the best part of your Helena, Montana visit will be the fans. Although their attendance figures might not be awe-inspiring, Brewers fans genuinely know what’s going on with their team and even early in the season are familiar with players’ strengths and weaknesses – a testament to the word fanatic. If you’re unaware what a 6-4-3 double play is, you won’t be uneducated for long. Seemingly every fan has grown up around the game. Montana is a traditional sports state, which makes for some of the more knowledgeable fans you’ll find anywhere. Despite the score, the Brewers faithful always maintained a positive attitude, and implored their hometown team for victory. Access 4 Parking is free, and spots seem endless all around the stadium. No problems here. Restrooms never have lines and are easily accessible to anyone. Return on Investment 4 Tickets are priced at $9 for box reserved seats, $7 for grand stand and $6 for general admission. Overall, the Helena Brewers experience is one worth having. Extras 0 There are no additional unique features worth noting.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Richmond Park 125 Emmet Rd Inchicore, Dublin 8 Ireland St Patrick’s Athletic FC website Richmond Park website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 5,340 Revel At Richmond Richmond Park is located in the Dublin suburb of Inchicore, a brisk 20 minute walk from the city centre, encompassing the historic landmarks of The Guinness brewery, Heuston train station and Kilmainham jail. The land was a former British Army facility, which lay derelict for three years following the war of independence, before being used by local side Brideville FC for a year. They moved out in 1930 to let St Patrick’s Athletic in and despite a couple of relocation ideas mentioned by the club’s board of directors over the last 20 years, including an unpopular suggestion of a ground share with Shamrock Rovers, it remains home to the ‘Saints’ or ‘Pats.’ The present capacity is 5,340, with 2,800 of that figure seated. The club are the current EA Sports Cup holders and play in the League of Ireland Premier Division. For a stranger, it isn’t the easiest venue to find, with the offices and main entrance gates set in among terraced housing on a busy main road. When all the gates are open on a match day it leads you down a gentle slope into both the Main Stand and further along into the turnstiles. It is a homely stadium which has signs of both old and modern alterations, offering covered and open seating, along with traditional terracing areas. Behind the left hand goal, known as the Inchicore End, is an industrial unit and behind the other goal, the Shed End, are some modern day apartment flats. Across from the Main Stand, the River Camac runs behind an open terracing, which also has trees overhanging. As the League of Ireland matches are played through the summer months you might find your enjoyment of a match is interrupted by swatting insects away should you watch from this area of the ground. Food & Beverage 3 Standard fast food is available with a variety of options and side orders. You can have a variety of burgers, on its own, with cheese or bacon and these are 4 or 5 Euros. The same with fries, you can have them on their own or cheesy or garlic fries which are 3 or 4 Euros. A sausage and fries is 5 Euros, chicken burger is 4 Euros, jumbo hot dog is 4.50. There is a basic offering of soft drinks, with a couple of hot options like tea and coffee at 2 or 3 Euros each. Atmosphere 3 Once in through the turnstiles there is a walkway which has a handful of entrances into the Main Stand. The players and officials emerge from the tunnel in the centre and the dugouts are situated here too. Facing you on entry there are two portakabins perched on top of each other and this is where you will find the club shop. Going slightly to the left past the shop as you enter allows you to sit behind the goal or access to the terrace across. This area is one of the modern additions to comply with UEFA regulations for European ties. The Saints are regularly in European competition through both their league and cup finishes. The club were fined previously when part of the old wooden structure gave way, but this has since been replaced with a more robust frame. In between both these areas is where you will find the toilet facilities situated. In the centre of the terrace there is a small elevated television gantry. Both sitting and standing in these areas provide a good view of the pitch, but both are uncovered, so are weather permitting. The Shed End is used sparingly and normally for large away followings and it has an old roof which covers most of what is an old terrace area. The Main Stand is the busiest area of Richmond Park and if you’re not in early enough, the only seats available are down near the front. You may find your view obstructed by both the dugouts, the four floodlight pylons and four supporting pillars. On a decent night going behind the goal at the Inchicore seated area is a good vantage point to see a match. Neighborhood 4 The stadium is near the main motorway through Dublin, so is a busy suburb to get in and out the city. There are plenty of shops and pub options that cater to both football fans and local residents. If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Hilton Dublin Kilmainham is a good option and near the ground. Attractions worth visiting include the Kilmainham Gaol (jail), Irish Museum of Modern Art, or take a stroll through the Irish National War Memorial Garden. Of course, no trip to Dublin is complete without a trip to St James’s Gate and the Guinness Storehouse. Restaurant recommendations include McDowells and the Patriots Inn. Fans 3 Depending on the competition and opposition, Saints will get crowds ranging from 800-2,000 for the average home match. The away fans congregate to the right of the Main Stand and despite relatively low numbers they make a bit of noise, which encourages the home fans. At the opposite end of the same stand, the Saints fans have their own group who sing and have a drum, generating a good atmosphere throughout the majority of a home match. Access 4 There is a bus route literally outside Richmond Park with the number 13 and 40 buses running approximately every 10 minutes to and from the city centre. The Luas tram and Heuston train station have stops which are about a 10-15 minutes walk away. If driving by car you would have to park some distance away as the traffic and supporters milling around on a match day slows Emmet Road down to a crawl. Moving around the stadium poses no problem, with the only area restricted by stewards being the covered terrace at the (away) Shed End. Return on Investment 4 The Saints provide average league pricing and good value for the different family categories. Ticketing is on par with other League of Ireland clubs and offers good value with Adults (€15), Students and concessions (€10), and children under the age of 12 with an adult (€5). You can purchase a ticket in advance of the match or get one from the club offices and a steward then scans you in on entry. Extras 2 Transport options are very good, the club shop offers a variety of souvenirs from; kits, jackets, accessories and DVDs which are priced from high (clothing) to €5 (key rings and cup win DVD). Final Thoughts Richmond Park is another intriguing League of Ireland venue, fulfilling some of the basic needs that fans want; homely, scenic and friendly. The club are one of the bigger Irish sides in terms of stature, resources, and success. This is definitely a good ground to tick off the list.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 St. George’s Cricket Club 56 Wellington Slip Rd St. George’s GE 02, GE 02 Bermuda Bermuda Cricket Cup Match website St. George’s Cricket Club website Year Opened: 1892 Capacity: 15,000 Happy Cup Match! If only Bermuda were located 1,200 miles (1,931 km) or so to the southwest, cricket would probably look a lot different here. Instead of being isolated in the middle of the Atlantic, our hypothetical geography would place Bermuda smack in the middle of the Caribbean. It would put Bermuda inside the home turf of the multi-national, international West Indies Cricket Board. And, in our imaginary world, Bermudian cricket would be on the world cricket radar. But it’s not to be. So, instead of being one of the small islands permitted to join forces to compete as a single national team, tiny Bermuda must compete alone in international cricket. And Bermuda’s tiny population means that it just can’t muster the manpower to take on an India or an Australia. Bermuda is doomed to be a minnow in international cricket. For two days every summer, though, it doesn’t matter. With Bermuda relegated to the sidelines of international cricket, it looks inward and nurtures a thriving domestic scene. Every summer, the island’s two biggest clubs, St. George’s and Somerset, face off for Cup Match, a two-day event that is a legal holiday with its own holiday greeting: “Happy Cup Match!” For these two days, the island shuts down for a celebration of all things cricket and all things Bermuda. We attended the 2015 event and came away extremely impressed with St. George’s biannual hosting effort. Food & Beverage 5 Many Bermudian friends and families rent out space for “camps” at Cup Match. These are box seats in the truest sense: fans rent out a box and do with it what they like–including self-catering. Bermudian fans know the drill, and it wouldn’t be unheard of for visitors to the island to score an invite into a camp, but most outsiders will hit the concession stands. Food choices are nearly unlimited, as many families self-cater their own camps. Concession stands are temporary pop-ups along the lines of what you might find at a carnival. Fish dishes are by far the most popular here in the middle of the North Atlantic. As in any one-off annual event, vendors and quality can change from year to year, but overall quality is high. Prices are similar to what one would find at major events on the US mainland. Just as food options are limited only by what people bring in, so are the drinks. Given that Cup Match is just as much of a celebration of Bermuda as it is a sporting event, Bermuda’s trademark cocktails, the Dark and Stormy and the Rum Swizzle are popular beverage choices. Of course, plenty of soft drinks are also available. Fans visiting from off the island should keep their eyes peeled for the Visitors Camp run by the Bermuda Tourism Authority. Although not as large as in previous years, the BTA treated visiting fans to free drinks of their choice. Atmosphere 5 Cup Match is simply one of the most unique events a fan will come across on his or her stadium journey. While Bermuda is a rich territory by all definitions, the stadium at St. George doesn’t hint at this. In fact, the ramshackle semi-temporary structure has a distinct developing-world feel. But that’s part of the fun. Bermuda is a small island with a small population, and a stadium like this is only needed two days per year. So that’s what the stadium is built for. Don’t come here looking for luxury; come here for a chance to experience cricket’s Burning Man. It’s here until it disappears, only to reappear again. And take the opportunity to wander around, because everything about the place changes from one area to the next. The fans brings their own excitement here. The main draw is socializing and simply experiencing Cup Match. Cricket plays second fiddle to many, and perhaps most Cup Match attendees. Mascots, music, and promotions are not even on the radar here. Fans looking for something a bit different can head to one of the Crown and Anchor tents, where Bermuda’s national dice game is played legally and for real money during the only days when it’s legal. Neighborhood 2 St. George’s Cricket Club sits in a quiet residential neighborhood a little over a kilometer (or a little under a mile) southwest of downtown St. George, Bermuda’s second city. Cup Match is a national holiday, and it is no exaggeration to say that the island virtually shuts down for the event. In fact, tourism authorities and even hotels actively discourage visits to the island during Cup Match for those not planning to make cricket a centerpiece of their trip. There is simply nothing else going on. Generally, St. George’s is a high point on the tourist route. But during Cup Match, the neighborhood dies down as everyone and everything moves into the stadium. Fans 4 Cup Match is filled with Bermudians, Brits, Americans, and a handful of other nationalities all at the cricket ground to have a good time. Sports diehards might bristle at the fact that cricket is clearly an afterthought to a significant portion of the crowd here, but this can be a selling point to those who are always up for a party before a game. Cup Match is the sporting and social event of the year in Bermuda. Expect a big crowd and difficulty finding a seat if arriving late in the day. But don’t expect to be turned away. On our 2015 visit, fans were still patiently lining up to enter the venue even after the event ended! Hey, some care more about the party than the game. And frankly, considering that this is a significant step below international cricket in quality, the five-figure attendance numbers are even more impressive. Access 1 Sold on Cup Match? Good, you should be! Sadly, getting here is a hurdle. Even once you make it to this small, expensive, and isolated island, getting to the ground will be a challenge. Cup Match attendees may be best served by a taxi, since public transportation to St. George’s Cricket Club is limited to city bus service. Sadly and frustratingly, buses run on a Sunday schedule, due to Cup Match’s status as a holiday. Even worse, passengers can be left stranded if the bus fills up (and the buses do fill up.) If you are relying on the bus, consider going to the downtown Hamilton bus station to be among the first on as the bus starts its journey to St. George. After the match, physically fit fans might want to consider making the 25-minute walk to the downtown St. George bus stop to get on the bus before the stadium crowd boards a few stops later. For many Bermudians, a parking ticket is simply the price of parking at Cup Match. A small parking lot is available, but it fills up early in the day. Since non-residents of Bermuda are legally prohibited from driving a car on Bermuda, this isn’t a concern for tourists. Many tourists do choose to rent Vespa-style scooters. Parking these can also be a headache during Cup Match, but most riders will eventually find a spot. Made it to the stadium? Congratulations! Things get easier now. Not easy, but easier. Tickets are simply paper wrist bands that are purchased in cash (US or Bermudian dollars) at the entrance on the day of the event. Fans line up to buy a ticket, then proceed immediately to a security check. The line can be long and slow, but it does move–especially early in the day. Cricket is a game that requires patience, and relatively few fans want to get up early and endure the marathon of an eight-hour long session. But once lunchtime rolls around the crowd gets thicker and moving through a few choke points can get tricky for even the most physically-abled fan. Fans with limited mobility will struggle throughout the day. The concourse area is largely unpaved. Many surfaces are uneven. A complete lap of the ground requires moving through some narrow passageways, and entrance to the upper-level camps requires climbing steps that are somewhere between ordinary stairs and a construction ladder. For some, this is part of the charm. For others, these quirks make Cup Match an impossibility. And finally, remember that St. George’s Cricket Club only hosts Cup Match in odd-numbered years. If it’s an even-numbered year, you will have to head to Somerset and learn the unique quirks of that venue. Return on Investment 4 There is no getting around the fact that Bermuda is an expensive destination. In fact, its tourism industry has suffered from declining crowds, as more and more tourists opt for similar vacation experiences in lower-cost locales like Mexico and the Caribbean. But by Bermudian standards, or even by US or European standards, Cup Match isn’t a particularly expensive event. A full day at the cricket ground for Cup Match will cost an amount roughly equivalent to an afternoon at a high-level match in the US or Europe. Admittedly, Cup Match is not the pinnacle of cricket skill. But the quality is good, and this is the best that this territory has to offer. Extras 1 Cup Match in Bermuda is one of the most unique events in sports. Getting to Bermuda, getting to the ground, and getting around the stadium pose significant challenges to significant numbers of people. Many sports travel enthusiasts will find that the reward is absolutely worth the effort. Others will not. But attending Cup Match absolutely warrants consideration.

Photos by Paul Hilchen, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Volcanoes Stadium 6700 Field of Dreams Way Keizer, OR 97307 Salem-Keizer Volcanoes website Volcanoes Stadium website Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 4,252 A Volcano in the Pacific Northwest Nicknamed "Oregon's Field Of Dreams," Volcanoes Stadium is the home of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes, now part of the 4-team Mavericks Independent Baseball League. The team began operations in 1997, the same year the stadium opened. The organization was transferred from Bellingham and returned minor league baseball to Salem after an eight-year absence. The city's first professional team were the Salem Senators, who played from 1940-1965 under a few different names and affiliations. The stadium has a capacity of 4,252, which at first glance seems like a lot considering the seats only go as far as the end of the dugout on the third base side. The bullpens for each team are on the field, as they are at Wrigley Field in Chicago. It is not the most advanced stadium out there although there have been upgrades recently including a large video board just beyond the left-center field fence. In 1999, the American Institute of Architects honored the ball club with a design award for the stadium. The Volcanoes have been a very successful team since their inception, winning 5 NWL championships ('98, '01, '06, '07 & '08). The team also boasts several alumni that have reached the major leagues including Joe Nathan, Ryan Vogelsong, Pablo Sandoval, Tim Lincecum, and Buster Posey. Food & Beverage 4 The food selections at Volcanoes Stadium are relatively standard stadium fare. Overall, the menu items here are less expensive than other sports venues, which is a definite plus these days. Hot Dogs and Burgers ($3 - $4), Soda (Pepsi products) $3 - $4, Beer $5 - $6, and so on. There are a few non-traditional baseball items available such as a Chicken Rice Bowl at the Asian Wok for $8, and Eruption Burrito at Cafe Ole for $8, or an SW Chicken Wrap at The Healthy Hut, also for $8. In the left field corner, there is the Lava Lounge, which opens at the top of the 2nd inning, where you can get mixed drinks and beer. Atmosphere 4 A game at Volcanoes Stadium is baseball at its most basic level, which is a good thing. Most teams will run special gimmicks to get fans in the door, and there's nothing wrong with that. The stadium has a very cozy feeling to it that is very refreshing. As I walked around the stadium, it was my perception that most people there knew each other. Even though the Salem-Keizer area is a decent size, it feels like a small town ballpark. Neighborhood 3 Volcanoes Stadium is adjacent to Interstate 5 on the north side of the Salem-Keizer area. The stadium is in Keizer proper, tucked in behind Keizer Station, a sizable shopping area. If the menu at the stadium doesn't interest you that much, Keizer Station has an Outback Steakhouse and a Panera Bread that might fit the bill. Salem has many historical sites worth visiting while you're in the area. The State Capitol is a popular site to visit as well as the Willamette Heritage Center. The Willamette Heritage Center features a retrospective of the Mill that helped Salem thrive as well as a full history of the area. If you want an outdoor adventure, Detroit Lake is a popular spot about an hour southeast of Salem. The Oregon Coast is approximately an hour west, and Portland is about an hour north. Fans 4 There is a small-town cozy feeling to the stadium. The game I attended was mildly attended. Some might see that as a negative, but the fans that were in attendance were very in tune with the on-field activities. The crowd was fairly loud for its size. I did not see a lot of the unruly fans you would see at other venues. Many fans were building memories with their families and just enjoying themselves. It was clear to me these fans were here for the love of the game, which in my time reviewing stadiums, I can't say I've seen that often. Access 5 Volcanoes Stadium is off of I-5 at Keizer Station. You have to weave yourself through the area, but it's not bad at all. There is a large parking lot, capable of accommodating a capacity crowd and then some. Inside there is plenty of room to maneuver about. The main thoroughfare is wide and can handle many fans at once. The bathrooms have plenty of room for all. There are plenty of spots for handicapped fans at the top of the box seat section. Return on Investment 4 Single-game tickets range from $9 on the left field berm to $20 for the lower box seats. There are a couple of specialty seating sections, one being the 4Topps VIP seating. Four swivel seats with table, in-seat waiter service, and the best sightline in the stadium directly behind home plate for $120. The other is the Party Patio down the right field line. $900 will get you this area exclusive for large groups of up to 75 (additional tickets can be purchased for $12) with a private bartender. There is also an option to add a pregame meal. The stadium does have Skybox Suites. These are available on a 3-year lease and seat 12 in theater-style seating. I have to say that the value you get going to a Volcanoes game may or may not show it in dollars and cents, but the experience you get when attending makes it all worthwhile. Extras 3 Souvenirs are about what you would find at other stadiums. Caps $22-$30, Hoodies $30-$39, balls $5, shirts $13 and up. You can also get MLB balls and caps ($6, $20). On the night of this review, it was Don Larsen night. Fans had a chance to get an autograph from the only man to throw a perfect game in the World Series. There is a Kids Area behind the right-field bleachers that has a batting cage, batting tee, a play structure, and a bounce house. Parents should be cautious here because this area is not supervised. Crater, the Volcanoes mascot, invites the kids on the field for the 7th inning stretch to sing "Take Me Out To The Ballgame," and also races kids around the bases in between an inning. The big attraction for the 2017 season will be Eclipsefest. On August 21, Keizer, Oregon will be sitting in the path of a once in a lifetime total solar eclipse. The start time on that day will be in the morning and be the first-ever "eclipse delay" in baseball history. Fans on that day will receive commemorative sunglasses to wear during the delay. Final Thoughts If you are a person that goes to a baseball game purely for the love of baseball, this is the place for you.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Dalymount Park Connaught St Phibsborough, Dublin 7 Ireland Bohemian FC website Dalymount Park website Year Opened: 1901 Capacity: 4,227 Friday Night Football In Dublin Dalymount Park is a famous north Dublin soccer ground in the Phibsborough district of the city that opened in 1901. Known locally and generally by football fans as ‘Dalyer,’ it is home to League of Ireland side, Bohemian FC. The team is often known by their nickname of ‘the Bohs’ or ‘the Gypsies.’ The stadium has hosted, among other things, Irish internationals, the first in 1904 versus Scotland and the last being a Friendly against Morocco in 1990. It has hosted a number of national domestic cup finals through the years, and has provided a neutral venue for other club’s fixtures. Famous names to have graced the Dalymount pitch out with any Irish stars include Gullit, Van Basten, Best, Pele, Zidane, to name but few. It is looking a bit run down internally, but homely and quite distinguished at the same time, with its four large floodlight pylons visible from some distance. The last upgrade the ground had was in 1999, when the current Main Stand was built. However, the club have major plans to redevelop Dalymount Park in conjunction with Dublin city council, after speculation in 2015 that it would be demolished, with Bohemians moving to a purpose built facility in a different location. The proposed venue will be used as a public amenity, which would suggest the possibility of an artificial pitch. Local rivals Shelbourne were rumoured to be part of a stadium ground share, but they are not part of the immediate plans. Food & Beverage 3 Food at Dalymount is served from a reasonably sized snack bar that has a variety of hot and cold drinks, with a slightly healthier menu in comparison to a lot of football grounds. They offer baguettes, chicken and cheese wraps, chips with cheese or curry sauce, and chicken burgers, instead of the standard pies and burgers. All items are priced from 4 or 5 Euros each. Soft drinks served in cartons or cups, hot drinks including tea and coffee are served in polystyrene cups. There are also two bars under the Main Stand selling a variety of beers, wines and spirits. Atmosphere 3 Entry to Dalymount is through two narrow lanes, one in the middle off the main North Circular Road, the other to the left around some local housing. Over recent years the capacity has been reduced to around 3,200 due to health and safety reasons. The crowds vary from 1,000-2,000 for home games, and occasionally more for bigger fixtures. There are two internal bars at either end of the Main (Jodi) Stand, the only licensed part for alcohol. For most games this is the only end that is opened. It has four supporting pillars, two of which may slightly obscure your view. The Des Kelly Carpets Stand behind the goal (on the left) is not used unless for a rival Dublin club like Shamrock Rovers, St Patrick’s Athletic or even Shelbourne. It has both an open area on the left and covered section on the other. Across from the Main Jodi Stand is car park space (on the left) from when half of this was demolished a few years ago. The other half is open air seating and is seldom used, if at all. There is a large sign here that declares; “Dalymount Park The Home of Irish Football.” On the halfway line there is a small tv gantry and both the dugouts are also situated in front of this area of the ground. Behind the other goal (to the right of the Main Stand) is open terracing known as the Tramway End which has been condemned for a number of years. A limited number of home fans are allowed to enter here before kickoff to hang their flags over the crush barriers. At half time there are a couple of local youth teams consisting of both boys and girls who come onto the pitch for a quick kick about. There are also some travel announcements for up and coming fixtures and the half time draw details disclosed where fans can win cash prizes. The Main Stand tends to be the only one open and your view will be slightly impeded by two of the four supporting pillars. Neighborhood 4 The ground is situated not far from the city centre, but it is still a very busy area, so allowing extra time for public transport or getting parked if you’re taking the car is strongly recommended. There is a busy street over the back of Dalymount, with a number of pubs and shops. This includes a large Tesco store, McDonald’s, chip shop, and a Chinese take away. If you are staying overnight, then you may consider the Charleville Lodge Hotel at 268-272 N Circular Rd, Phibsborough. The hotel is barely five minutes walk from Dalymount Park. Prices range from 75-100 Euros depending on room size and breakfast options. Glasnevin Cemetery and Museum is great for anyone interested in Irish history, and is situated ten minutes walk away. Fans 4 The club receives gates of 1,000-2,000 for home games with more for bigger fixtures against other Dublin rivals. Bohemian’s fans have a group known as the ‘Rude Boys’ and they have several flags tied to the crush barriers in the unused terrace behind the right hand goal. At certain points of the game, notably before kick off and after a goal, a section of the support get the atmosphere going with some singing. They will also react to any chants from the away fans. Access 4 The number 120 bus to Dalymount is regular from the city centre and a 20 minute walk if you fancy that. Drumcondra station is the closest train station and is a 10 minute walk away. There are a lot of local permit holders only, so parking slightly further away from the ground is advisable. All gates/turnstiles are accessed from the Jodi Main Stand. You hand over your cash and you are given a small match ticket for entry. With only the one stand open there is still reasonable room to get to the toilets, bar and food outlet, or if you fancy changing seats. Return on Investment 4 The match day prices are 15 Euros entry fee for adults, 10 Euros for concessions and students, and 5 Euros for children. The programme is 4 Euros and there are also half time draw tickets available to purchase to win cash prizes. The standard of the match can be questionable, but does provide some entertainment and value for money. Extras 2 The club shop is in a small cabin to the left of the Jodi Stand selling a variety of club shirts, jackets, jumpers and club merchandise including calendars, mugs and pens. The more than 100 years of history of this ground is also worth an extra point. Final Thoughts Dalymount Park is a very prestigious landmark and home to one of Ireland’s most well known clubs. The new investment will hopefully benefit not only the club, but the local community and the League of Ireland. Soccer in Ireland requires massive investment and often plays second fiddle due to competing against the very popular Gaelic football and hurling (GAA), not to mention the big interest in the English Premiership.

Photos Courtesy of Elizabeth Hensley Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 J.P. Riddle Stadium 2823 Legion Rd Fayetteville, NC 28306 J.P. Riddle Stadium website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 4,000 Exciting SwampDogs Baseball One of the multiple NC towns in the I-95 corridor, Fayetteville is a town most famous for its military base, Fort Bragg. Fayetteville is also home to the SwampDogs, a team from the Collegiate summer league, the Coastal Plain League. J.P. Riddle Stadium, or “The Swamp”, was originally built as a temporary stadium for the Fayetteville Generals, the Class-A affiliate for the Detroit Tigers. Talks of a new stadium ran around for years but nothing was ever finalized. Unfortunately, the team took a path similar to other teams in their league and folded in 1996. Now that the professional team was gone, this temporary stadium would become permanent. While it may never again house professional baseball, this stadium serves as an adequate home to the SwampDogs. The team has a favorite phrase around the ballpark: “Exciting SwampDogs Baseball”. While the game may not be exciting for everyone, there are plenty of promotions, games, and other fun things to do that will keep even non-baseball lovers in the game. Food & Beverage 4 There are hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, and your other basic stadium foods available. It might not be much to write home about until you read the menu again and notice the unique offerings. You may not notice them the first time, but Riddle Stadium has some of the more unique offerings in the CPL. First is the Junkyard Dog which costs $9.50. This may seem a lot for a specialty dog, but the Junkyard Dog is TWO foot-long hot dogs topped with chili, cheese, peppers, onions, bacon, and fries. I’m assuming that it is meant to be shared, but this is still a monstrosity of a dish. There is also a nacho version of this which costs the same price. If toppings aren’t your thing, then you can always go for the big dog which is simply 1/3-lb. hot dog. As far as beverages, Riddle Stadium serves Pepsi products and offers refills for any size for just $1.50. For beer, the SwampDogs operate on the wristband system. You can obtain a wristband at the entrance that allows you to purchase alcohol. It’s a quicker way to ID fans for the purchase of drinks. With its variety and uniqueness, it’s safe to say that Riddle Stadium features some of the best concessions the CPL has to offer. Atmosphere 2 The stadium was simply not meant to last as long as it did. The portable metal bleachers accompanied by its metal-walled press box and its broken scoreboard seem to be begging for a new stadium. On the bright side, the SwampDogs really do a great job of engaging the fans. After every between inning contest, the announcer leads with “Now back to more…” and the contestant always answers with “exciting SwampDogs baseball!” While the on field product may not be as exciting as the kids keep telling you it is, the staff really knows how to make the ballpark experience exciting by getting those young fans involved. There are several promotional nights such as Duck Dynasty night as well as plenty of creative between inning games. The promotions are embraced by the staff in the outfits and sometimes the games are even themed for the night. You have two options for seating. One is an $8 “box” seat which is a “lower level” seat with a metal chair back and handles. On the other hand, you can spend $6 ($5 for kids) for an “upper level” seat on a metal bench. The two levels are separated by a small concourse and any seat has a decent view of the action. The atmosphere varies game to game. At its best, Riddle is packed with families who know appropriate times to cheer but are mostly there for a night out. At its worse, the stadium is nearly empty with a few locals just looking to watch a ball game. Either way, the atmosphere would be seriously lacking without the exceptional on field staff. Neighborhood 2 Unless you want fast food from a strip mall down the road, there is nothing in the area. There are plenty of places to hang around closer to the downtown area of Fayetteville, but that’s all about 10 minutes away. There just isn’t a lot going on the in general area of the ballpark. Fans 2 There is not a huge interest in the game from the fans. The attendance fluctuates game by game, but no matter how many fans are there, the diehards are few. Most families are just there for a day at the ballpark, which is fine, but it does not help in creating a baseball atmosphere. Most fans know when to cheer, the same as it is at many small ballparks. The difference is that there aren’t enough diehard fans to create any serious noise. Normally at these parks, you can find a small base of season ticket holders who know every player by name and can be easily heard. While it’s possible these fans exist, I have never found them during my visits to Riddle Stadium. Access 4 While the neighborhood isn’t the most exciting, at least finding your way to the park is quite easy. Roughly 15 minutes from I-95, Riddle Stadium isn’t hard to find and has plenty of free parking options right next to the stadium. On the way in to the stadium, you will notice that the only thing on the ground is the field and concessions. All the bleachers are elevated a considerable distance from the field. This can probably be contributed, again, to the fact that this stadium has lasted much longer than initially intended. Regardless of the reason, the number of stairs up to the seats can make transporting concessions a challenge. Return on Investment 3 $6 general admission tickets ($5 for students, soldiers, and seniors) along with adequate concession prices create yet another good value on the CPL circuit. While it isn’t the best value I’ve seen, this is yet another example of the CPL doing what it does best: creating a family baseball experience that is not hard on the wallet. Extras 3 I always make an attempt to recognize mascots because there is a certain element of creativity involved in creating one. The SwampDogs mascots are Fun-Go and Cookie, two costumed dogs that actively participate in the between inning games and are always around to greet kids. Fun-Go also has a “Homerun Haven” which features inflatable play houses. Let me again emphasize the amazing job done by the SwampDogs’ on-field staff. They really try to keep fans into the game in all kinds of creative ways. Finally, if mascots and children aren’t your thing, you can appreciate the CPL leaderboard posted at the entrance. Updated daily, it is very helpful to the fan who may not attend every game. Final Thoughts J.P. Riddle Stadium is a peculiar stadium. It was obviously meant to be improved but never has been. That being said, the SwampDogs use it to its fullest extent. They take the ballpark that they have, put in a catchy slogan and some between inning games, and it becomes a great place for a family night out at a baseball game.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 4 Pines Park Pittwater Rd Brookvale NSW 2100 Australia Manly Warringah Sea Eagles website 4 PInes Park website Year Opened: 1947 Capacity: 23,000 Eagle Rock at the Fortress Lottoland, formerly, Brookvale Oval, is located on the world-famous Northern Beaches of Sydney, and has served as the home of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles NRL club since they were formed in 1947 – although the area land was designated Brookvale Park as early as 1911. Brookvale Oval has a capacity 23,000 and is managed by the local council – meaning it’s supposedly a public recreation space. The Sea Eagles have fought running battles against the council, as well as at other levels of government, to try and improve the maintenance standard of the current facility and to secure a commitment for a substantial upgrade. A junior league was first formed on the peninsula in 1932, a traditional rugby union stronghold. As such, the league was forced north from Manly itself to the nearby suburb of Brookvale. Having first requested to join the NSWRL as early as 1937, the Sea Eagles were eventually admitted to the 1947 competition along with Parramatta. They’ve since become one of the strongest and most consistent clubs in the NRL, with the distinction of never having ever finished last at the conclusion of a season. Manly are traditionally very strong at their home ground, which is often described as “The Fortress” or colloquially as “Brookie.” Note: Stadium name is now 4 Pines Park. Food & Beverage 3 The haphazard design of the stadium has resulted in a mismatch of concession stands placed around the ground, rather than permanent outlets. Given this is the case, the outlets are often placed where they can be fitted in rather than strategically incorporated into the general flow of the stadium. The food itself is of comparable quality to that of similar stadiums around Sydney and Australia, which of course means mass produced and therefore fairly average in taste yet quite expensive. A standard meal deal (main hot item plus chips and a drink) is costed at $15.50. The individual main items (pie/sausage roll / hot dog / nuggets / hot chips) at $5.50 have no price variation whatsoever, unusually so. There are several additional stands around the ground offering gourmet hot dogs ($7), pulled pork bun ($12) and donuts ($2). Several different beers are available at the bar for between $6 for a Hahn Premium Light and $8.10 for a James Squire 150 Lashes. Pre mixed spirits cost $10, cider is $7.80 and house wine $6.90. As always, if you need a carry tray you will need to fork out an additional $1. Atmosphere 3 Brookvale Oval offers a mix of seating options. The largest of the three grandstands runs the length of the western side of the playing field and is known as the Jane Try Stand in recognition of a land donation in the early 20th century. The stand offers one level of elevated seating and as it faces the east, is shaded. There’s also seating at ground level in front of the concourse. The player’s race runs through this concourse and on to the playing surface. In the south western corner lies the Ken Arthurson Stand, named after the long-time Manly Sea Eagles administrator. The Fulton-Menzies Stand sits at the southern end of the ground, and honours the Fulton family (former player and later coach Bob, and two of his sons who also played for Manly) and Steve Menzies, the highest try scorer in Sea Eagles history. The northern end and eastern side are dominated by several rows of bleacher style seating and a grass hill. Plenty of spectators take the opportunity to enjoy the sun and soak up the atmosphere in this area. There is a scoreboard that displays text only at the back of the northern hill. Neighbourhood 4 Brookvale is located towards the southern end of the northern beaches. The suburb has a large industrial presence but also boasts the largest shopping centre on the peninsula, Warringah Mall. The mall offers plenty in the way of retail as well as a large food court and several café / restaurants. Manly Leagues Club (563 Pittwater Rd) is just down the road from the stadium, providing standard bistro food and several bars. The other option close by is the Brookvale Hotel (511 Pittwater Rd). However, to get the most out of your visit to the area, you really need to travel away from Brookvale. The beaches themselves in this part of Sydney are amongst the very best Australia has to offer. The closest beach is North Curl Curl, but take your pick of any of the 21 patrolled beaches along this stretch of coastline. A few highlights to consider include Avalon (where an episode of the TV show Baywatch was filmed) and Palm Beach (where the Australian soap opera Home and Away is filmed) to the north; and Freshwater (look for the statue of Duke Kahanamoku who is said to have introduced surfing to Australia on the headland) and the world-famous Manly Beach to the south. Freshwater also offers the Harbord Diggers licensed club (80 Evans St) and Harbord Beach Hotel (29 Moore Rd). If you’re looking for an extended night out, head down to Manly. Here you will find an abundance of pubs, cafes, restaurants and hotels spread along The Corso and North Steyne. Some of the more popular pubs include The Steyne (75 The Corso), nicknamed “The Drain” amongst locals, the Ivanhoe (27 The Corso) and Manly Wharf Bar (21 East Esplanade). I’d also recommend the Manly Skiff Club (Stuart St) as a great place to enjoy a cold beer with a sensational view overlooking Manly Cove. A little closer to Brookvale lies Dee Why where numerous cafes and restaurants line the beachfront, including my personal favourite, Sandbar (25 The Strand). In short, you’re in one of the best areas of Sydney but you will need transport to make the most of it. Fans 4 Manly fans are infamous for their reluctance to travel to away games, but their passion at Brookvale cannot be questioned. The Sea Eagles army show up in good numbers, mostly in Manly’s maroon colours. An average crowd is between 13,000 and 15,000 which will mean a fairly full and therefore loud stadium. Access 2 The northern beaches suffer from poor public transport, traffic and a lack of parking. The only public transport offering a direct service to Brookvale Oval is bus. If you are making a day of it and come via the city then the ferry is certainly a good option, providing great views of the harbour and showcasing Sydney as a whole. However, you will then need to get the bus up to Brookvale. Car parking in the surrounding streets is free however you’ll definitely need to be prepared for a walk – and keep in mind how steep Beacon Hill Rd is to the northwest if you park in that direction. Otherwise, $10 parking can be found in nearby Brookvale Public School. In terms of the facilities once inside, they are showing their age and the bathrooms appear not to be well cleaned with cobwebs abound. Return on Investment 2 General admission starts at around $29 for unreserved areas and up to $66 for reserved undercover grandstand seating. If the weather is nice then take your chance on the hill (although you’ll be looking into the sun for afternoon games) but be aware the entire stadium offers little in the way of covered areas. It is priced similar to other NRL venues, but to be fair the majority of them offer a more comfortable and modern fan experience. Extras 2 Additional points awarded in recognition of mascots (Egor and Ellie), cheerleaders and team store. Final Thoughts It appears as though plans are finally afoot to redevelop Brookvale, which will be a welcome relief. In the meantime, you’ll be treated to a traditionally strong team with plenty of fan support for the home team.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bradner Stadium 550 East State St Olean, NY 14760 Olean Oilers website Bradner Stadium website Year Opened: 1928 Capacity: 2,400 Olean's Bradner Stadium is Quite the Ballpark The Olean Oilers are members of the New York Collegiate Baseball League. They began to play in 2013 and have called Bradner Stadium home since 2015. The summer-collegiate club returned organized baseball to the historic stadium that served as home to the original Oilers from 1939 to 1962. The new Oilers hit the ground running, capturing the league championship in 2015 and then a record 24 games in a row the following year, en route to another title. The Oilers made it back to the championship series in 2018 but fell to Onondaga. The club would go on hiatus for two seasons but are back in 2022. The original Oilers were members of the New York-Penn League, and Pennsylvania-Ontario-New York League from 1939 to 1962; and affiliated with numerous major league teams, most notably the Brooklyn Dodgers from 1939 to 1948. Oiler clubs captured four championships (1939, 1940, 1951, and 1961). Food & Beverage 3 The traditional items of hot dogs, popcorn, peanuts, and nachos are served at the stadium. They are enough to keep fans satisfied for the duration of the game, and there are also plenty of cold drinks to wash it all down with during the hot summers in upstate New York. Atmosphere 3 Bradner is on the list of the country’s quirkiest venues for baseball. The venue is historic and has been the home to baseball for over 90 years, but it looks more like a football venue than one for baseball. However, that has not changed the fact that folks enjoy an Oilers game. Let’s look at some of its features. The grandstand is no more than 10 feet deep, and the last rows of seats on the first base side are even with the main street. You will also find a tunnel underneath the street that provides safe access from the parking lot to the ballpark. There is a raised press box is also in this area, instead of being behind home plate. There is also netting behind the seating bowl to protect motorists from a foul ball crashing into their car window while passing through. The third baseline has a field goal post even with third base and field-level dugouts with bus-stop-like coverings for the visiting players. The seating curves away at an angle in this area and is separated by a large concrete area. The distance to left field is not shortened as with other football stadiums that have served as baseball venues, since Bradner was built with extra room to accommodate baseball. Needless to say, the best seats are down the first side, and there are a lot of them to find throughout the 4,000-seat stadium, but listed as 2,400 for baseball games. The concourse is directly behind the last rows of seats and features a hub of activity from concession stands, merchandise tables, restrooms, and the main entrance to the stadium. Neighborhood 3 The small town of 13,437 is worth a visit before or after an Oilers game. There are a few local restaurants that are of interest to any visitor. Angee’s Restaurant serves Italian dishes, sandwiches, burgers, and beer. The Old Library Inn is in a class by itself that offers chops, seafood, and homemade pasta. The Prohibition Bar is worth a visit for its specialty cocktails. Mickey’s and Century Manor Grillhouse are ideal for steak, while the Spot 2 Be Restaurant and 3rd Base Bar & Grill are perfect for traditional pub food. Outside of the restaurants, visitors can visit Rock City Park for hiking the trails through the beautiful rock formations. The Cutco-Ka-Bar Visitors Center makes for a great visit to one of the most durable collections of knives in the business. Learn about the company and its tools that are also available for purchase. Four Mile Brewing is the town’s microbrewery with sandwiches, wraps, quesadillas, and flatbreads. Fans 3 During the week, crowds can be light at the game and total around 300-500; however, weekend games can attract crowds between 1,000 to 2,000 spectators. You will find the usual mix of supporters from ardent fans, casual onlookers, and host families. It’s a nice mix that also results in conversation throughout the 9-innings of play. Access 4 The ballpark is easy to spot from East State Street. A large parking lot at War Veterans Park provides ample space, while a tunnel leads fans directly into the stadium on the third-base side. There is plenty of room to move around, but when fireworks take place, it could get a lot more cumbersome. The large concourse on top of the stadium provides all the essentials from bathrooms, guest services, concessions, and merchandise sales. Return on Investment 4 The price of admission is dirt-cheap, with anyone under the age of 18 allowed free of charge. A season ticket package is only $35, but if anyone older than 18 wants to see a game, the cost is $5. Concession items are inexpensive, and parking is free. This might help when deciding to purchase a cap or t-shirt at the concession table. . Extras 3 Bradner Stadium earns a few points for its quirkiness, including the tunnel that leads into the seating bowl, the goal post behind the third-base bag, and its netting up above the grandstand. Another point is awarded for free admission to anyone 18 and under. Final Thoughts Bradner has a lot of quirks, and sometimes the focus is on the design and aesthetics of the structure. However, it is another spot for small-town baseball in New York state; the town of Olean is better for having the Oilers playing during the summer months. The town is not too far away from other ballpark destinations, and if you can fit it in during your traveling plans, you’ll enjoy some of those quirks as well. ——– Follow all of Marc’s stadium journeys on YouTube @ballparkhunter, Twitter @ballparkhunter, and on Instagram.

Photos by Eric Hasman, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 TD Ballpark 373 Douglas Ave Dunedin, FL 34698 Dunedin Blue Jays website TD Ballpark website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 5,509 Canada in Florida TD Ballpark opened in 1990. It is the home of the Single-A Dunedin Blue Jays and the spring training home of the Toronto Blue Jays since 1977. The ballpark is built on the site of Grant Field, which was the original home of the Jays. The city of Dunedin and this location are the only home that the Blue Jays have ever had since their inception as a franchise in 1977. While many teams have shifted spring training venues over the decades and in some cases moved back and forth between Florida and Arizona, Toronto’s relationship with Dunedin has been a constant and the Blue Jays are synonymous with this suburban bedroom community on the outskirts of St.Petersburg/Clearwater. In November 2019, the Jays announced that TD Bank had acquired naming rights for the renovated stadium, which would be renamed TD Ballpark Food & Beverage 3 The food choices are your basic minor league items including pizza ($4.75 for pepperoni less for cheese), hamburger ($5.75), hot dogs ($3), chicken strip with fries ($7.50), nachos ($4.75), and pulled pork sandwiches ($6.50). Coke products are $3-$5, and draft Budweisers are also $5.25. Additionally there are cans of Labatt, Corona, and Landshark available ($5.75). There are a few items that are interesting like frozen Minute Maid ($4.50) or a veggie burger ($5.50). What is also appreciated is the nod toward the team’s Canadian fans. There is poutine (fries covered with gravy and cheese) for $6.00, and maple/bacon flavored potato chips. Atmosphere 2 This ballpark is like many of the Florida League stadiums. It is rather bland. Nothing really stands out. But the place could use some renovations. The scoreboard is like a high school facility with no video. The seats are fixed, they don’t fold up/down and they face straight ahead and not turned toward the mound. The bullpens for both teams are way down the lines or in the outfield. It is very difficult to see who is warming up. One nice aspect of this ballpark is that there is plenty of cover for those sunny day games. There is nothing for the kids to do. The Jays should get a bouncy house or playground to help entertain the youngsters that have trouble sitting in a seat for nine innings. Neighborhood 4 TD Ballpark is located within a residential neighborhood and adjacent to the Jays’ spring training practice facility. There are a couple of bars within a couple of blocks of the stadium. The bars are typical neighborhood bars and not tourist traps. Approximately a mile away from the park is downtown Dunedin. This area is bustling with shops, restaurants, and bars. It is a very nice area and parking is easy too. Fans 2 The fans that show up and have a good time. You’ll find several fans with a scorebook intently watching the game and keeping track of every pitch. The fans know their team and are very friendly. Unfortunately, there just aren’t enough fans to create much of an atmosphere at the typical game. Access 5 Getting to the park is easy. It is located on Douglas Avenue about a mile west of US-19. The stadium is well served with easily drivable boulevards to get you in and out. Public transportation is not an option. Parking is available on the stadium grounds but there isn’t a lot of it. Parking on the grounds is free so that is a good thing. During spring training when the crowds are much larger, some of the homes surrounding the ballpark property sell spaces on their front lawns. Return on Investment 3 The price of a ticket is $7 and you are able to move all over the ballpark to view the game from different areas since there are no reserved seats. This place is for the old school baseball people. If you are looking for all the modern entertainment options found at many ballparks today, then this is not the place for you. Extras 3 The Canadian tilt that can be found at the ballpark is really enjoyable. Even the Canadian flag was next to the American Flag. Sadly though, they do not play O Canada before the game. During my visit, before the game they played Robin Sparkles-Let’s Go To The Mall (from the TV show How I Met Your Mother – Robin is from Canada and a former teen pop star). The distances on the fences are in feet and meters. Also, they play the Toronto Blue Jays’ anthem and fight song, “OK Blue Jays” during the 7th inning stretch. The “Canadian” food, poutine and the maple/bacon potato chips are a nice touch. Final Thoughts The ballpark could be better with just a few tweaks (sans any renovations). Have some Canadian beers, more Canadian foods or maybe some fresh fish options (they are in Florida) and step up the condiments, at least add hot peppers. Try some more between innings contests or entertainment or something in the concourse area. Also, maybe conduct some renovation to allow some seating / viewing from the outfield area since you can’t currently do this.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center 201 Waterfront St National Harbor, MD 20745 Scripps National Spelling Bee website Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 3,300 Scripps National Spelling Bee at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center The Scripps National Spelling Bee has managed to carve out a place in America’s national consciousness. Beyond its impressive TV deal on ESPN, the Bee has managed to inspire Saturday Night live sketches (Mary Katherine Gallagher), a Broadway musical (“The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”), and even a major motion picture (2006’s “Akeelah and the Bee”). But beyond stage and screen, the National Spelling Bee is an often-overlooked spectator event as well. Every May, hundreds of young spellers and their families pack the ballroom of a resort hotel in suburban Washington, DC, to watch the final rounds live on a high-tech stage. A handful unaffiliated spelling enthusiasts also attend the final rounds. Almost all come away impressed by the high-quality production on the final night of this unique and drama-filled event. Food & Beverage 4 In 2011, the Scripps National Spelling Bee decamped from downtown Washington, DC, and set up shop in the planned suburban community of National Harbor, Maryland. Though the Bee based itself in hotels in both locales, the current setting is a true resort that wouldn’t be particularly out of place in Las Vegas. And neither would the food offerings. Half-a-dozen dining options exist at various price points within the Gaylord National Resort. Not much eating goes on in the ballroom during the final televised rounds of the Bee itself. Instead, given the sheer size of this massive complex, most fans will head out to eat well before the cameras roll on the final rounds. This is a tourist center in an expensive city, so food is pricey, but quality is good. Fans hoping to save a few bucks can head out of the hotel and take a short walk through the streets of downtown National Harbor. But the whole town caters largely to tourists and day-trippers, so true bargains are hard to find. Those in a real pinch won’t have any trouble carrying in a candy bar or two. Atmosphere 4 Bee sponsor and media conglomerate E.W. Scripps partners well with ESPN and the Gaylord National Resort to temporarily turn a hotel ballroom into a venue that feels special. The stage at the Scripps National Spelling Bee vaguely resembles something you might see at a large auto show with sleek lighting, video boards, and its trademark beehive backdrop drawing you in. Seating is on banquet chairs that give a comfort that’s more common at a wedding reception than a stadium. Aisles are wide, and there is an abundance of legroom for everyone. High quality video display boards flank the stage and do a good job at keeping fans engaged. During competition, one screen displays information about the competition; the other shows the live video feed. Before and after commercial breaks, attendees see the same quirky video interstitials as fans watching at home. Out in the hallway, Bee sponsors create a mini Hall of Fame with historical displays and banners commemorating previous champions. A few sponsors set up booths that change a bit from year to year. Recent years have seen photo ops for fans to post on social media. Despite being a free event that draws very respectable crowds, you don’t need to arrive too early to get inside. Pairs of seats together are generally available throughout the Bee. Of course, early birds are more likely to have their choice. Parties of three or more should consider arriving at least 30 minutes early. Similarly, keep in mind that this is a ballroom, not a stadium. Everyone is seated at ground level. As such, the vertically challenged might also want to show up early to grab a spot closer to the front to avoid peering through a sea of heads. Neighborhood 5 The whole of National Harbor is new, and it’s immediately clear that the site for this planned community was well-thought out. This place feels like a destination, first when arriving in the waterfront town and again when entering the Gaylord Resort under its trademark glass atrium. Complaints that the neighborhood feels artificial aren’t entirely off-base, but it does a good job in creating a place that feels a little different from everyday life. It’s a good destination for an event kids will talk about for the rest of their lives. The Scripps National Spelling Bee actually lasts for several days–not just the two hours or so that make it onto TV. Families of the children competing will likely want to step out for some air at some point, and National Harbor is a good place to take a stroll and maybe find something to eat. Since this town was built as a place to spend a day or night out, there is no shortage of options. Elevation Burger (about a quarter mile from the Gaylord) and National Pastime Sports Bar and Grill (inside the hotel) offer higher-end versions of typical stadium fare, but an assortment of nicer options also exist for those looking for something a bit more memorable. Of course, with a hotel the size of the Gaylord, you never really need to go outside, even to spend the night. The Bee takes place just a short walk from the Gaylord’s hotel rooms. Other lodging options also exist in National Harbor. Those looking for something a bit more economical are likely to look across the river in Alexandria, Virginia. Surprising bargains can sometimes be found in downtown DC, though rarely the spring tourist season that corresponds with Bee week. Fans 4 Most of those in attendance at the Scripps National Spelling Bee are in some way part of the Bee community — families of spellers, past spellers, sponsors, or organizers. But more than a few people come out who are simply interested in checking out the event. One thing virtually all Bee attendees have in common is that they are there for the kids. Every speller gets applause, whether they’re correct or incorrect in their attempt. Fans are polite and engaged, but not overly-competitive in the way that youth sports are often stereotyped. In fact, a large portion of the crowd consists of the children who were eliminated at earlier stages of the competition. They circulate through the hall signing each other’s autograph books and cheering the other competitors. Access 4 In terms of access, National Harbor, Maryland manages to combine both the best and worst of a city with the best and worst of the suburbs. Traffic is a concern, but shouldn’t be too bad since the Bee mostly avoids DC’s notorious rush hour. Parking is available, but expensive. Public transportation is available, but inconvenient. Despite being located less than 10 miles from the White House, National Harbor is linked with the U.S. Capital’s extensive public transport system by only the twice-hourly NH1 Metrobus, which takes about 30 minutes to connect riders with Southern Avenue Station on Washington’s Metrorail (subway) Green Line. A water taxi service provides sporadic, but expensive service to various points around Washington. Hotel staff can provide up-to-date information on this service. Most people will find that driving (or Ubering) is the best way to get to National Harbor from other parts of the DC area. Free parking is virtually nonexistent, but lots and garages are always available. We paid $14 to park for the 2016 Bee. The Gaylord National Resort’s glass atrium is something of a tourist attraction, so people come and go freely from the hotel at all hours. To enter the ballroom that hosts the Bee itself, tickets are not required, but spectators do pass through a metal detector, and wands are used on those who set it off. Security is polite, and used to families packed with laptops and other things to keep busy for long competition days. Lines are non-existent at most times. Wide aisles and hallways make moving around the National Spelling Bee a breeze. Fans should have little difficulty when getting up to explore the Bee, grab a bite, or use the facilities. The restrooms are not only among the cleanest you’ll find anywhere, they’re also plentiful and stylish. Return on Investment 5 After years of charging for tickets (up to $40 as recently as 2013), the Scripps National Spelling Bee went free and ticket-free for 2014 and remains so as of 2016. In addition to a free night out, most years offer some sort of free souvenir in the form of a program or a promotional item. Extras 4 The Scripps National Spelling has become an American institution for a reason. TV viewers see an innocent but suspense-filled competition. But what you don’t see on TV is the experience that the Bee provides for its preteen contestants. Banners that would fit in at a pro sports Hall of Fame, a top notch souvenir program, a professional stage, press coverage, and a big crowd in a gorgeous setting combine to make this something that these young spellers will never forget. It also makes an extremely memorable visit for a spectator.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Brandywell Stadium Lone Moor Rd Derry, Northern Ireland BT48 9LA Derry City FC website Brandywell Stadium website Year Opened: 1929 Capacity: 7,700 The Sweet Town of Derry Derry City, known as ‘The Candystripes’ for their distinctive red and white striped shirts were formed in 1928 and have been playing at their Brandywell home since 1929. It is located in the southwest of Derry and is only 10-15 minutes walking distance from the city centre. It is set in the bottom of a valley, flanked by housing, with the (GAA) Gaelic Athletic Association’s Celtic Park adjacent, the city cemetery looming over it on one side and the famous city walls visible high up on the other. Its floodlights are visible from some distance and although the club are from Northern Ireland, they have been playing within the Republic of Ireland league structure since 1985, following a variety of safety and political issues dating back to civil unrest in the 1970s and 80s. The Brandywell’s current capacity is approximately 7,700. It is owned by the local council and is used by community teams of all ages. It has a very distinctive oval type shape to incorporate football and greyhound racing and displays a mixture of modern facilities with some older and traditional features. The club have been allocated funding with a programme of redevelopment works that will be completed in early 2017. The plans indicate a new synthetic pitch, purpose built stand, an upgrade to the perimeter track and car parking facilities around the venue. Food & Beverage 4 The club have a couple of external fast food vans along with a couple of their own outlets selling home made soup, tea, coffee, and confectionaries. Food is of similar standard for the average football ground, with the likes of burgers, chips and gravy proving very popular, along with chips and curry sauce. Drink options are varied with bottles of Coke for sale, along with small polystyrene cups of Coke and hot drinks like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and soup. Atmosphere 4 Walking up to the game, there is a good positive atmosphere. The fans are passionate and there is a healthy rivalry, more likely because the Dublin teams dominate the Premier League. There are a couple of areas which start songs and bang a drum, with the majority in the left corner near the scoreboard. There are also a small band of fans who congregate on the right hand terrace who are vocal at certain parts of the game. The current Main Stand was built in 1991. It is all seated in red with the stadium name outlined with black seats and runs the length of the pitch, taking it just into both the corners of that side. The away fans are housed in the right hand corner of this stand, with everywhere else designated for the home support. It has a low roof with no supporting pillars and provides possibly the best view of watching a game, despite there being some distance from the pitch due to the dog track and a grass verge. To the left of this stand there is an electric scoreboard which displays the team scores, clock, and relevant notices, with a burger van behind it. You are able to walk around most of the ground and behind the left goal is where there is a variety of activity and intrigue. This part is a standing area and is monitored by a number of stewards before kick off, half time and full time. Fans are not permitted to pass this area for a few minutes at each of those key times as the players and officials are escorted through a passageway that leads to a detached building that provides the changing room facilities. As you make your way around, the ‘Candy Stripes Store’ is located here, with Police control and First Aid huts in front of it. On the corner is the disabled section with two entrances and exits behind on Lone Moor Road. There is also a very small covered terrace on the far left corner which would shelter in the region of one hundred people. There used to be a small stand oddly located here, but this was demolished in 2004. Past this, there is an open terrace which has a mixture of crush barriers for fans who wish to stand and then a few hundred red seats which run four steps deep and covers most of that side of the ground. Despite some changes over the years, this area is still referred to by Derry City fans as ‘the Jungle.’ The dug outs are facing you if you are sitting low down in the middle of the open side across from the Main Stand, therefore you will miss quite a lot of the game if you choose to sit here for the entire 90 minutes. On the right hand corner there is an exit which is opened towards the end of a home match, and behind the right hand goal there is an open, limited standing space dominated by advertising hoardings. Having sat and stood at all parts of the ground throughout the game attended, the best view in my opinion is in the middle on either side of the half way line in the Main Stand. It provides a clear view of all areas of the pitch and you are sheltered from the Irish elements! Neighborhood 4 The ground is 10 minutes walk and five minutes drive from the city centre. There are a couple of small shops and pubs next to the ground, but for more variety you could easily eat and drink in the centre then leave plenty of time to head to the game. The Bentley Bar & Steakhouse in the city centre is a good choice. They have great food and drink options with excellent staff service. The Guildhall, Derry’s Walls, Peace Bridge, Tower Museum and the endless wall murals painted on the side of some of the houses are all worth a visit if you have the time. If you are staying in town, the Maldron Hotel is modern and has been recently upgraded with excellent rooms, bar and breakfast available with friendly accommodating staff. The Travelodge is one of the cheaper options and provides decent value and a good base, located in the centre of town. Fans 4 This is a community club who display patience with a young team. There are a good blend of ages with people attending alone, in small groups and encouragingly a lot of young families. Depending on the opposition and how the team are faring in the league, crowds can vary from 3,000-5,000 for home games. Access 5 The ground is situated a matter of minutes from the city centre if travelling on foot or from the Foyle bus station. Derry/Londonderry train station is slightly further out and will take a few more minutes longer to get to the Brandywell. Street parking is available in among some of the housing and there is an official car park at the back of the Lone Moor Road. The crowd disperses with relative ease and there is not much congestion when exiting. Inside the ground you can move freely around to access the toilets, change of area to watch the game, or to get food and drink. Return on Investment 5 The ticket pricing is very fair. For seating in the Main Stand, an adult it is £12, concessions will cost about £9, and Under 14s are £5. For standing areas, adults are £10, concessions are £8, and Under14s £2. The tickets for home games can be bought at the ground or from a variety of local shops. It is beneficial to get them before hand to avoid any queue congestion in the lead up to kick off. The club use Ticketmaster and each ticket is scanned with the barcode on it. Derry City are a well supported Premier League club and have pricing that is fair and affordable for the average fan, and for those who also wish to bring along friends, relatives and young kids. The standard of football is fair and provides a decent level of entertainment. Extras 4 This is an area steeped in history, good and bad over hundreds of years. The ground is surrounded by the cemetery, Derry’s walls, a large playing field and the imposing Celtic Park Gaelic stadium next door. Final Thoughts A very pleasant, entertaining and almost educational experience. I think any stadium enthusiast would enjoy taking in some of the sights, like the changing rooms set up which are not available at a lot of other grounds in Ireland or the U.K.