Photos by Daniel Armstrong, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Kazan Arena pr. Khusaina Yamasheva, 115 Kazan, Russia 421001 Russia Rubin Kazan website Kazan Arena website Year Opened: 2013 Capacity: 45,000 Kazan Arena Kazan Arena is the biggest stadium in Kazan, the largest city and capital of Russia’s Republic of Tatarstan. The 45,000-seat arena was built in 2013 and is the home ground of Russian Premier League side FC Rubin Kazan. Food & Beverage 4 The price of food is a pleasant surprise for fans. Most snacks come in cheap combos such as pizza with tea/coffee for 100 rubles ($1.50). But, if you fancy embracing a little local culture, you can swap your pizza for Öçpoçmaq (pronounced Ech-poch-mak) – a popular minced beef and onion triangular Tatar pastry. A hot dog or sandwich with tea/coffee will set you back 200 rubles ($3), KitKats, chocolate nuts and a single cup of tea or coffee are all priced at 50 rubles (75 cents) and sparkling water will set you back 100 rubles. Atmosphere 4 The nature of Russian football dictates that the contemporary structure and layout of Kazan Arena do not compromise the atmosphere. The ultras (or ‘fanati’) stand in designated fan stand areas in the north and south stand, at the front of which they hang banners with chosen messages. Throughout the match fans illuminate the match with flares and test the acoustics with bare-chested chants, rhythmic jumping and even dancing in the aisles. Neighborhood 5 Due its central location, the neighbourhood around Kazan Arena is the centre of Kazan itself. Kazan is recognised as one of the most beautiful cities in Russia and boasts its own Kremlin (Russian for ‘citadel’) built in the 15th century. It also has strong Islamic origins, underlined emphatically by the 16th century Qolşärif Mosque within the Kremlin walls. There is an unmistakable pride in Tatar tradition. Although the Republic is unequivocally part of the Russian Federation it still clings tightly to its identity. The Republic is the only region in Russia to have a president other than Vladimir Putin. The Tatar language – spoken by 6.5 million native speakers – even forms part of the Turkic family as opposed to Russian’s East Slavic grouping. If you want to experience what life is like in one of Russia’s ethnic regions, there are few more colourful places to do it than Kazan. A great hotel/hostel is Loft project Etazhi on Ligovsky Prospekt. It’s a complex including art exhibition space, a cafe, a bar and a great roof view. Pubs, bars and restaurants can be found in abundance on Rubinsteiner Street just of Nevsky (Barcelona bar is a great shout). Those who prefer a more raw Russian night out can visit Dumskaya Ulitsa just adjacent to Kazanskiy sobor or the collection of bars on Ligovsky 50. Bar Griboyedova on Konstantina Zaslonova Ulitsa has a cool eatery and bar on a hill with a nightclub built into an old Soviet bunker too. Fans 4 Each set of ultras in the Kazan Arena fill ‘fan stands’ facing each other. The club has had decent success in recent years, but will only average around 12,000 fans per match, placing them near the middle in the Russian Premier League. Access 4 Kazan Arena is located on the banks of the Kazanka River in the east of central Kazan. It is largely accessible thanks to the Khusain Yamashev highway – named in honour of the Russian revolutionary and first Tatar Bolshevik – and a network of roads nearby. There are large car parks which, ironically do not work on matchdays. There are, however, apartment blocks opposite where it is possible to park. Disabled access is available but limited and fans must pass through two ticket checks including baggage inspection before entering. You can get to Kazan from Moscow by rail. Trains run every couple of hours daily and make the 800km journey in a handy 12 hours. The cheapest (platzkart) ticket costs around 2,000 ($30.30) and generously permits you to one space in a four-bed carriage. Return on Investment 4 Kazan Arena is one of the best stadiums in Russia and offers a glimpse of what Russia has to offer fans at the FIFA World Cup in 2018. The facilities are impressive and refreshments are cheap, although whether these prices will remain when the competition comes around is up for debate. Nevertheless return on investment is high even if it is just for the chance to see Kazan on a sunny day – if you’re lucky. Extras 3 As well as being the home stadium of Russian Premier League side Rubin Kazan, the Kazan Arena doubles as the venue for the Russian Cup final held in early May. The stadium is also one of twelve stadiums to be used for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. The outside of the West Stand has a screen which is used to show advertisements, information and most importantly of all footage of the sporting event taking place inside.

Photo by Daniel Zepeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Crutcher Scott Field 555 Walnut St Abilene, TX 79601 Abilene Christian Wildcats website Crutcher Scott Field website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 4,000 Stadium Upgrades at The Crutch Lifts ACU Baseball After 24 years of baseball at Abilene Christian University, the Wildcats chose to upgrade their field to better suit the dry and unpredictable West Texas weather. In its third year of Division I play, ACU converted its once natural grass field into artificial turf prior to the 2016 season and brought AstroTurf to Crutcher Scott Field for the first time in 25 years. The Wildcats also upgraded several other facilities, such as their batting cages, dugouts and even added a home bullpen behind the right field wall. ACU brought in the wall all along the outfield and the new bullpen can be seen by fans through a coated chain link fence that will run the length of the bullpen, and a new pad will cover the rest of the new outfield. Crutcher Scott Field seats 4,000 fans and spectators and with the renovations, has become one of the best baseball facilities in the state. Located on ACU’s campus, students can get in for free after only a five to ten minute walk from anywhere on campus. When The Crutch officially opened in 1991, it marked the return of baseball to Abilene Christian after a 12 year hiatus. The Wildcats christened their new stadium with a 2-1 win in 10 innings in which students sat in the back of flatbed trucks in the outfield to watch. ACU added the Bonneau Family Indoor Hitting Facility to the complex, giving ACU an indoor facility to use on bad weather days. With weather conditions ranging from 100 degree heat to wind and snow, along with random Texas thunderstorms to dry conditions, Abilene does not make the ideal home of an all-natural field. The move to turf allows the program to spend less time preparing their field and more time practicing and putting work in. Food & Beverage 3 It’s a golden rule to always have hot dogs and peanuts at a baseball game. The Crutch allows for that and more. Hot dogs, peanuts, pretzels, candy, burgers and more can be found at the concession stand located near the main entrance gate. For drinks, soft drinks and bottled water are available. The prices won’t kill you either, usually averaging around $5-$7 per person for a full meal, but the food quality isn’t the best either. With quick service, lines are normally short which keeps fans in their seats where they really want to be. Atmosphere 3 A baseball game at ACU can be one of the most enjoyable things to do when in Abilene. With a solid following from students and the ACU community, seats are always available. Students also stay loud and proud with cheers and chants, allowing for few moments of quiet. It’s a great place to bring kids and families for a great night out. With that said, ACU baseball only averages around 200-250 fans per game. Even with the small stadium seating, the stadium still looks mostly empty for most games. When big programs come to play however, such as Texas Christian or Texas Tech, the fans come out in support. But in the dog days of Southland Conference play, it becomes a challenge to get anyone to show up. Neighborhood 4 With being on campus, safety is never an issue. There is limited parking in the immediate area, so finding a spot can become an issue. But, if you’re willing to do a little walking, it’s not a problem. Crutcher Scott Field is located on the north side of campus, near the softball and soccer fields and the soon-to-come on-campus football stadium. Fans 3 The fans that show up are engaged and steadily cheer on their purple and white Wildcats. With the resurgence of the ACU student’s section called Wildcat Reign, the students who come out often heckle opponents, but nothing along the lines of profanity or distasteful rhetoric. It is a Christian college after all. Access 3 With the stadium on campus, it’s a wonder why ACU baseball doesn’t have a steadier following for home games. The Crutch is only a few minutes walk from any location on campus and is free to all students who show a valid student university ID. The field is located off of Interstate 20 and one of the busiest roads in Abilene, North Judge Ely Boulevard. Parking can be problematic for highly-attended games, but normally isn’t an issue. Return on Investment 4 For non-students, ticket prices are marked at $8 for adults and $4 for kids. Students get in for free with their university ID. So even if you’re not a student, a family of four can spend $24 on tickets and then $20-$30 on food for everyone. That’s less than $60 compared to perhaps hundreds you can spend at some stadiums. Extras 3 The Crutch is one of the best stadiums when it comes to on-field facilities. If ACU could find a way to update some other parts of the stadium like seating and fan-interaction, they could have something special. Overall, catching a game at Crutcher Scott Field is usually a solid choice for baseball fans of all ages.

Photos by Steven Burke, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Dozer Park 730 SW Jefferson St Peoria, IL 61605 Peoria Chiefs website Dozer Park website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 7,500 Baseball in the River City Dozer Park has been the home of the Peoria Chiefs since opening in 2002 as a replacement for their previous home Meinen Field. The stadium contains many of the amenities seen in modern day ballparks. The Converse Club, for instance, is located on the suite level and is equipped with flat screen televisions featuring live sporting events as well as an in-park video feed of the action taking place on the field. The Converse Club is open to all suite level ticket holders as well as full and half season ticket holders, featuring table service with full dining and bar menus providing a luxurious environment to experience game day. Dozer Park also features one of the largest high definition video boards in MiLB, measuring 30 feet by 42 feet. In addition to hosting the Chiefs, Dozer Park also serves as the home of the Bradley University baseball team. The name Dozer Park is reference to the Caterpillar company which is headquartered in Peoria and purchased the naming rights in 2013. Food & Beverage 3 Dozer Park has a good variety of the ballpark staple foods. Two of the best choices are the pork chop sandwich and the foot-long corndog. For something outside of the box, try the pulled pork nachos from the Mexican-inspired concession stand. They come with all of the expected nacho toppings with the added delicious bonus of pulled pork. The Chiefs make sure their ballpark is a place to enjoy a ballgame with quality ballpark food and great craft beer. As is the case in many ballparks in recent years Dozer Park does a good job emphasizing craft beer, the most notable location being the Good Hops stand. Good Hops is located on the concourse behind home plate and serves a wide variety of drafts, bottles, and cans of beer. All draft beers run will run you $7, while bottles and cans sell for $6 or $7. Atmosphere 3 Dozer Park is still a very nice facility, but is beginning to show its age slightly. Although to be fair, the issues that are visible may be more of a lack of maintenance and upkeep. The facade of the press box has countless amounts of dings and dents from foul balls, it appears no attempt has been made to repair or mask this damage. The Firehouse Team Store located on the concourse just to the left of home plate contains all the Chiefs merchandise you could ever need. The store is just to the left of the main gate as you enter the park. The Chiefs’ HD video board at Dozer Park is one of the largest in Minor League Baseball. The board measures 30’x42′ and displays promotions, replays, stats, and pitch speed. Neighborhood 4 One of the best options for a pregame meal within walking distance of Dozer Park is Sugar Wood Fired Bistro. Located in the warehouse district of Peoria, Sugar Wood Fired Bistro provides a comfortable atmosphere with an open kitchen and delicious food. One of the most unique and delicious pizza choices is the Smokey Pork Chipotle which features braised pork, smoked gouda, peaches, bacon, pineapple, and chipotle barbecue sauce. The warehouse district of Peoria appears to be an area ripe for gentrification, signs on buildings around Dozer Park indicate that more businesses will be opening in the near future. Fans 4 Fans at Dozer Park tend to consist of families from the local community. It is not unusual while walking the concourse to see people interacting with acquaintances they just happen to run into at the ballpark. The Chiefs do a great job of being an integral part of the community and a meeting place during the summer months in central Illinois. Access 4 Plenty of street parking is available in the warehouse district surrounding Dozer Park and free parking can easily be obtained. There are also plenty of small lots on the streets surrounding the ballpark where parking can be found for $5-$10. Dozer Park is located close to main roads and interstates so arriving and leaving traffic flows well. Return on Investment 4 The seating bowl at Dozer Park consists of folding plastic seats and are broken into Dugout Box and Field Box sections. Dugout Box seats cost $11 and range between the sections from dugout to dugout. Field Box seats cost $10 and are located past the dugouts down each foul line. Lawn seats are also available for $8. Dozer Park features party decks at the end of the concourse on both the first and third base side of the field. Additional group spaces are available in right field as well as left field. The entire seating bowl is close to the field providing a great view of the action from any seat in the house. As with many MiLB teams, the Chiefs offer promotional food specials throughout the week depending on which night you attend a game at Dozer Park. Wednesday home games are known as “Wins-Days” for the Chiefs with hot dogs, sodas, and ice cream sandwiches all priced at $1 and as an added bonus all fans in attendance receive a ticket to a future Monday-Wednesday home game if the Chiefs win. Dozer Park hosts “Thirsty Thursday” as well as “Taco Bell Live Mas Thursdays” during each Thursday home game. “Thirsty Thursday” features 16-ounce domestic draft beers as well as fountain drinks for $2; while “Taco Bell Live Mas Thursdays” provides buy one get one free ticket with the presentation of a Taco Bell receipt showing a purchase in the last 7 calendar days. Sunday home games feature specials for the rookie and veteran fans with “PNC Kids Sundays” as well as “Senior Sundays” as kids 12 and under and seniors 55 and over receive tickets for just $5 in addition to $1 ice cream sandwiches. Extras 2 Being located geographically between Chicago and St. Louis it is expected to have a split of Cubs and Cardinals fans and the Chiefs seem to do their best to retain the interest of both fan bases. Since 1985 the Chiefs have changed major league affiliates four times and that includes two stints each with the Cardinals and Cubs. From 1985-1994 and 2005-2012 the Chiefs were affiliated with the Cubs and 1995-2004 and 2013 until now the Cardinals have called Peoria the home of their Midwest League affiliate. Also worth note is that just inside the front gate of Dozer Park there is a statue of long-time Chiefs owner, Pete Vonachen. The late executive was known as “Peoria’s Mr. Baseball” and is credited with much of the organization’s success. Final Thoughts While Peoria is situated between Chicago and St. Louis geographically a visit to Dozer Park to see the Chiefs play is a great addition to a trip to either MLB destination city.

Photos by Bradlee Ross, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.86 Taft Stadium NW 27th St. Oklahoma City, OK 73107 Oklahoma City Energy FC website Taft Stadium website Year Opened: 1934 Capacity: 7,500 Energy FC at Taft Stadium Owned by Oklahoma City Public Schools, Taft Stadium was built in 1934 as part of the New Deals programs introduced by Franklin Delano Roosevelt to combat the Great Depression. Its capacity was around 18,000 up until 2013, when renovations reduced the capacity to around 7,500. In addition to the OKC Energy of the USL (United Soccer League), Taft Stadium also hosts Northwest Classen High School and John Marshall High School teams. It has also played host to various other professional and semi-professional teams in the past, including the Oklahoma City Plainsmen of the Continental Football League in the 1960s. Oklahoma City Public Schools granted a lease on the stadium to Pro Soccer, LLC in 2013, and the Energy began playing there in 2015. Food & Beverage 3 Food options in Taft Stadium are not as varied in larger venues, but there is more offered here than one might suspect at first glance. There are two primary concession stands on each side of the stadium. These stands have the basics along with a few specialties that you will not find anywhere else. The prices here are reasonable, especially for the typical concession stand fare; specialty items cost extra. There are also a couple of food trucks at the north end of the stadium. One sells sno-cones, another Modelo beer. There is also one Mob Grill truck that sells the grilled items you’d find at any sporting event. A popsicle stand and a Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade stand are a fan’s only real options for any kind of dessert. The one food item you cannot miss is the Free Kick Nachos, which consist of BBQ pork, jalapeno, shredded cheese and diced red onion over chips. Pair it off with a beer and you’re good to go. Atmosphere 2 Taft Stadium has one of the most unique atmospheres you’ll find in Oklahoma. While it does appear catered to families, there is a large element of young adults as well. There’s a video screen at one end of the field that is easily seen, though the only scoreboard. The PA system plays some music, but it doesn’t really have any affect. There’s a lot of activity, both toward the action on the field and aside from it, but it is somewhat chaotic. It has the same sort of feel as high school football games do in the area. Neighborhood 1 There’s very little close to Taft Stadium that will get any prospective fan excited. The only food place within walking distance is a Taco Bell, and the neighborhood near Taft is not the safest in the Oklahoma City area (though certainly not the most dangerous either). A few other establishments fairly close by (within a few miles) are a Wendy’s, Patty Wagon Drive-In Restaurant and a public indoor karting place called Pole Position Raceway. For a much better neighborhood experience, make the drive to the Bricktown section of OKC, where you’ll find all kinds of restaurants, museums and further attractions. But to get there, you will have to drive 6 or 7 miles. Fans 2 The fans are made up of mostly young families and young adults. The stadium is usually at least three-quarters full. Most of the crowd is disinterested in the action on the field, but there is a hardcore fan section on one side of the stadium. However, this loudest section (which can be heard from any part of the stadium) is also extremely profane and is not a place where a fan with children will want to be. The rest of the crowd is loud at times, but very inconsistent. There also are many seemingly unaccompanied children running around during the matches. Access 2 The bathrooms are clear and spacious, which may surprise some given that the venue is over 80 years old. It is basically a large high school football stadium with bleacher seating only, no chair backs. The seating is pretty uncomfortable. It is fairly easy to get around, and one can walk under the stands which provides even more space for the crowds. There is also an old concrete track that runs around the field, which fans can walk around on to the other side of the stadium. Parking is extremely tough to find. The closer parking appears to be available for season ticket holders only. Free parking can be found, but be prepared for quite a walk. Return on Investment 2 Tickets to OKC Energy games are not expensive for most fans, and this is the only option for soccer fans in the OKC area. So in that sense, it is a decent return on the price. However, the Energy cannot escape comparison with their rivals to the north, the Tulsa Roughnecks, whose stadium experience outshines them in every way. All in all, going to see the OKC Energy at Taft Stadium provides a mediocre return on the ticket price, even considering the low cost of a ticket. Extras 1 There’s not much at this venue that you can’t find elsewhere. One extra point for the face painting stand at the north end of the stadium.

Photos by Jim Colyer, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Bannerwood Park 1790 Richards Rd Bellevue, WA 98005 Seattle Redhawks website Bannerwood Park website Year Opened: 2009 Capacity: 300 Seattle Redhawk Baseball at Bannerwood Park Baseball is our National Pastime. The implications in that title are many. As America’s game it should be played at a high level, be accessible to everyone and, above all, be enjoyable. The Seattle University venue at Bannerwood Park just outside Seattle provides all of these features and then some. The SU Redhawks play Division I collegiate baseball in the Western Athletic Conference made up of teams from CSU Bakersfield, Grand Canyon, Chicago State, UT Rio Grande Valley, Utah Valley, Missouri-Kansas City and New Mexico State. When you sprinkle in visits from Pac12 opponents University of Washington and Washington State University you have a very competitive schedule. Bannerwood is nicely situated in a cozy Bellevue neighborhood with a comfortable, quiet feel to it. It’s easy to get there and easy to get home. Finally, the venue is clean, fun and very relaxing. Fans will enjoy the game and may elect to stay after for a picnic. Food & Beverage 2 Seattle University offers good Division I college baseball. However, think of the concessions at Bannerwood Park on the high school level. While the hot dog is generous and quite tasty the selection of hot food is quite limited. Dogs, chip and Coca-Cola products are available on a cash only basis. The friendly, accommodating Seattle U students recommend The Special (hot dog, drink & chips) for $8. For fans who desire a more substantial meal, eat before you get to the park. Atmosphere 4 One word to describe Bannerwood Park? Immaculate. The seating is modern and well maintained. Seattleites’ reputation for being friendly is reinforced by the “No Seeds, Please” signs placed throughout the venue. In typical Northwest fashion recycling bins are readily accessible. The synthetic turf was newly installed in 2014 and is in perfect condition. Aluminum bleacher seats line the first and third base lines. While they put the fan close to the action the seats are low and the sight lines are not the best. For a more expansive view the 120 “red seats” behind home plate are a better option. They provide seat backs and an unobstructed view down the 325 foot left and right field lines as well as a clear view of the 402 foot left and right gaps and 395 feet down straight away center field. Neighborhood 4 Bannerwood is tucked neatly into trendy, tiny Bellevue, Washington (just a short boat ride south of Bill Gates’ home). The surrounding deciduous trees give an “if we build it, they will come” feeling. The neighborhood is composed of tastefully built townhouses and condominiums. Walking trails surround the park and a small park outside the third base wall is perfect for Frisbee tossers and dog walkers. A very family friendly environment. The area is surrounded by a good selection of restaurants. The Bellevue Square area, a few miles north offers diverse options for every budget and taste. Bellevue offers all the traditional hotel chain options within a couple miles of Bannerwood, along I-90 or I-405. Many are within walking distance. Fans 3 “Northwest Nice” best describes the knowledgeable, well-mannered Redhawk fans. They know their baseball here and fully engage in the game intelligently and courteously. Trips to the restrooms or concession stands happen between innings, not between strikes. Even questionable calls are only mildly criticized and the umpire’s ethnicity is never called into question. During a rival games against the University of Washington good plays made by Husky players are rewarded with polite golf tournament applause. Access 4 Easy in and easy out. Bannerwood Park is a short jaunt off of either Interstate 90 or 405. Even during rush hour the commute is very manageable. Parking is plentiful and free. There is one point of entrance to the park, but lines are short and the staff moves fans through the turnstiles efficiently. The tidy, tight little park is easy to navigate. Wheelchair and handicap seating and parking are available. Restrooms are clean, well maintained, well stocked and odor free. Return on Investment 3 Programs and parking are no cost. Adult admission is reasonable with discounts for seniors and students. While food selection is marginal prices are affordable. Extras 3 Sitting in the upper level of the “red seats,” fans immediately in front of the open air press box can take advantage of listening to Jake Eastwood; The Voice of the Redhawks. He is an objective announcer who calls the streaming broadcast and does an excellent job of calling the game. It’s obvious Jake does his homework. He comes to the game with solid background on the players, the teams and the league. Fans are rewarded for inning ending strike outs with half price popcorn. Final Thoughts Baseball in the Pacific Northwest can be a tentative proposition. Weather is unpredictable and travel can be a challenge. That said, the fan experience at Bannerwood Park is consistent and there is something to be said for predictability. Fans will enjoy the relaxing simplicity of Bannerwood while watching high quality NCAA D1 baseball. It’s a very pleasant way to spend a summer’s evening in a familiar “home town” ballpark. Remember to bring an umbrella because while many things can be guaranteed at Bannerwood, weather isn’t one of them….this is Seattle, after all.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Sydney Cricket Ground Driver Ave Moore Park NSW 2021 Australia Sydney Swans website Sydney Cricket Ground website Year Opened: 1848 Capacity: 48,000 Cheer, Cheer the Red and the White The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) may have only been home to the Sydney Swans since 1982 when South Melbourne relocated to the harbour city, but Australian Rules football was played on the hallowed turf as early as 1881. Indeed the historic Members Pavilion (1886) and Ladies Stand (1896) are visual representations of the venue’s iconic place in Australian and world sport. Given the name, the ground is obviously heavily used for cricket in the summer months. International, interstate and Big Bash League (Sydney Sixers) games are all played at the SCG. Prior to venues such as Allianz Stadium and ANZ Stadium being built, the rugby codes were also based here with a constant flow of grand finals and test matches up until the mid-1980s. Furthermore, the SCG was the main stadium when Sydney hosted the Empire Games, the precursor to the Commonwealth Games, in 1938. Modern renovations have kept the SCG at the forefront of stadiums around the world. Most recently the MA Noble, Don Bradman and Dally Messenger Stands were rebuilt incorporating new restaurant style dining and bar areas. The Swans have a long history, beginning life as a foundation club in the Victorian Football League (VFL), however experienced little success as South Melbourne. Their move to Sydney was considered their only hope of survival after a long period of financial instability and uncertainty. Rebirthed as the Sydney Swans, the club experienced a short period as a glamour club before several years in the doldrums, most notably punctuated by 26 losing games in a row. After a gradual rebuild the club finally broke through for their maiden premiership as the Sydney Swans in 2005. They are now consistently regarded as perennial contenders and one of the strongest clubs in the league. Food & Beverage 4 The new MA Noble and Bradman Stands have really helped set a new benchmark for food and beverage at Australian sporting venues; with gourmet burgers and sandwiches, barramundi, oysters and a good selection of craft beers and ciders by the Matilda Bay Brewing Co. Other sections of the stadium have to make do with the likes of hot dogs ($6), hot chicken roll ($10), meat pie ($7), and hot chips ($5.90). Snacks such as crisps ($5.90) and chocolate bars ($4.60) can be purchased from the same outlets. Coke variety soft drinks will cost you $5.60 while bottled water is $4.80. A number of outlets also offer tempura fish and chips ($10.50), salt and pepper squid with chips ($11.50), sushi ($10.50), wraps ($9.50) and sandwiches ($7.60). Domino’s Pizza is available at some points with individual pizzas (Meatosaurus, Hawaiian or Margarita) available. Depending which area of the stadium you are located, you may or may not have access to full strength beer. Nevertheless, prices include Crown Lager ($9), Peroni ($9), Pure Blonde ($8.90), Cascade Premium Light ($6.80), cider ($9), wine ($7.30), and mid strength spirits ($10.20). As you will note, prices across the board are high and continue to rise, however seasoned stadium travellers will know that this is fairly standard for major venues around the world. Atmosphere 5 The history and charm of the SCG cannot possibly be underestimated. It truly is a gem, celebrating historical significance with modern amenity and comfort. The various grandstands are mostly named after Australia’s cricketing legends; Sir Donald Bradman, Monty Noble, Bill O’Reilly and Victor Trumper, with an additional nod to rugby league’s Dally Messenger and Clive Churchill. The Trumper Stand features good views of the city skyline, including Sydney Tower. The Members Pavilion and Ladies Stand create a sensational backdrop – and is a wonderful place to sit if you’re lucky enough to have access to this area of the ground. Despite the obvious dominance of cricket and rugby league historically, the Swans have well and truly found a home at the SCG and are building a history of their own, with a full house at a Swans game a sea of cheering fans in red and white. In more recent years, with their future secured, the club has embraced their South Melbourne heritage. This has only helped build their identity and the majority of AFL fans in Sydney follow the Swans over their new crosstown rival, the GWS Giants. With Driver Ave closed off to traffic, there is always plenty of excitement out on the street as fans buy their tickets and mingle before entering the stadium. There are various stalls set up but if a big crowd is expected, and you’re in a general admission or non-reserved seating area, it’s best to arrive early and grab a good seat while you can. Neighbourhood 5 The Moore Park precinct is located just south of the Sydney CBD. With Allianz Stadium next door there is often an opportunity for an AFL – rugby union / rugby league double header, although be aware of the traffic implications if this is the case. On the other side of the stadium is the Entertainment Quarter / Fox Studios Australia which hosts a number of options for food and entertainment including a Bavarian Bier Café and PJ Gallagher’s, as well as numerous traditional cafés. The surrounding suburb also features impressive parklands including Centennial Park. Venture further afield and you will find a plethora of dining and drinking options in the nearby suburbs of Paddington and Surry Hills. Many of these old pubs have a great history and are worth a stop on your way to the ground. Of course, Sydney is one of the great cities of the world and if you are from out of town, definitely do sightseeing trips to see iconic landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Sydney is defined by water; the picturesque harbour and world famous beaches are quite accessible. Bondi Beach is close by or you can catch the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach for the day. Fans 5 Sydneysiders have grown their knowledge of the game of AFL as the Swans themselves have grown. The Swans remain a popular sporting / entertainment option for fans of all ages. Crowd figures average over 30,000 with the vast majority proudly sporting red and white. Fans are knowledgeable, loud and constantly engaged in the game. The home crowd at the SCG is no doubt a strong advantage for the Swans who take extra delight in winning for their fans. The only negative quirk is that Sydneysiders are often late to any sporting event, and a Swans game is no exception. Access 4 The SCG is centrally located, just south of the CBD. Parking is available in the parklands over the road for $25, with additional spaces in Fox Studios. Like most venues that attract large crowds, access can be a problem. Allow plenty of time to arrive and park, especially if it’s a big game – there will be traffic, especially in the surrounding areas, if not on the major access roads en route. Public transport to Moore Park is quite good, save for the fact that the nearest train stations require a bus connection to the SCG. If you’re travelling from the north or west, you will likely alight at Central Station for the short bus trip. The SCG is walkable from Central, and although it is uphill, there are several nice pubs on the way if you’re so inclined. The east and south are well serviced by buses. In future years light rail will provide a welcome additional option from the south. Once inside, the concourses get quite crowded as people arrive and move towards their seats. Again, allow plenty of time and get there early. Ushers are plentiful and located at numerous checkpoints. Access around the venue is somewhat limited and you are mostly restricted to the general area in which your seat is located. Bathrooms are readily available and well maintained. Return on Investment 4 General Admission tickets for Adults start from around $32, while the highest value Category 1 tickets costing almost $80. There are discounts available for families, children and other eligible concessions. Be aware that if you choose to go the GA route only a small portion of the ground is dedicated for these tickets. Remember that parking, if applicable, and food, are also quite pricey, although fairly comparable to other major venues. In summary, a Swans game is expensive but don’t let that deter you. Extras 5 The SCG is a special place. Extra points are awarded for the Members Pavilion and Ladies Stands which are unique features in a major sporting venue and a constant reminder of the commitment the SCG Trust has to celebrating their history. The venue deserves credit for continuing to improve the spectator experience. The recent changes have also made the ground a better venue for AFL. There are numerous activities and stands throughout the venue for photo opportunities and fan engagement including access to the playing surface after the game. Final Thoughts A Swans game at the SCG is a must for any sports fan – an amazing atmosphere at one of the world’s great stadiums.

Photos by Sean MacDonald, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 McKethan Stadium 120 SW 13th St Gainesville, FL 32601 Florida Gators website McKethan Stadium website Year Opened: 1988 Year Demolished: 2020 Capacity: 5,500 Stand and Sway at Alfred A. The Florida Gators baseball team is one of the most successful in the nation over the past decade, including four College World Series appearances since 2010. Playing out of Alfred A. McKethan Stadium at Perry Field, the Gators are a top draw during the Gainesville spring. The venue is named for two former alumni: McKethan contributed nearly $3 million towards the stadium’s construction and subsequent improvements, while Perry’s family donated the land on which the stadium was built. Opened in 1988, McKethan Stadium lies just to the west of the O’Connell Center and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Mac, as it is affectionately known by locals, holds 5,500 and attracts top recruits every year. There were six former Gators on MLB rosters at the start of 2016 season and 11 on 40-man rosters, the most in the SEC. Between its opening and the end of the 2015 season, the Gators have posted a 779-266 (.745) home record. The venue has hosted NCAA Regional action 11 times and Super Regional series six times. At many SEC schools, baseball is bigger than even men’s basketball, but this is not true at Florida, due mainly to the success of its hoops program under head coach Billy Donovan. Still, Gator fans take their hardball seriously. Food & Beverage 4 There are two main concession stands called Gator Refreshments that serve typical ballpark fare such as hot dogs ($4), nachos ($5), pretzel braids ($4.50), peanuts and cracker jack ($3), and popcorn ($3.5/$5). The more enticing options are found at the tents in the plaza. Gator Grill offers cheeseburgers, Italian sausages, Philly steaks, grilled chicken sandwiches, and jambalaya for $5 each, while chicken tenders are $7. Everglades Smoked in the Swamp stand features a Pulled Pork sandwich and BBQ Nachos ($7 each) and boiled peanuts for a fiver. Domino’s has a stand where a personal pizza is $8 and there are two dessert carts, one serving ice cream in cones and helmets and the other frozen chills ($5). As is the case for many college venues, no alcohol is sold. Pepsi is the soda provider with a 22-oz. cup costing $4.50 while the 32 ouncer will run you an extra dollar. Gatorade bottles are $4, while water is $2 for 12 ounces and $4 for 20 ounces, a pricing decision that makes no sense. Just buy two smaller bottles and get four free ounces! Atmosphere 4 Most fans will park in the garage next to the ballpark and use the entrance next to the main box office. You will walk down a long path that brings you into the plaza behind the seating bowl. The palm trees are a nice effect here, and this is where you should stock up on food and drink. Inside the seating bowl, you have box seats in the sections surrounding home plate, and bleachers with a seat back in the other areas. There are only two bleacher sections along first base, but six along the third base line. There are some seats that avoid the netting at the far end of this area. There is also a small section above the left field fence behind which you can see the O’Connell Center, while trees adorn the entire length of the outfield fence. There are occasional promotions, with the most obvious being the t-shirt tossed into the stand during the inning break after a visiting batter has struck out. Weather plays a large factor in the atmosphere at Gator baseball games. The season starts in February, where temperatures can get quite chilly, especially for night games. Late in the season, it can be very hot and there is no shade in the stadium, nor are umbrellas allowed. Fans routinely have to go into the concourse area between innings to get away from the hot sun. But sometimes, you get one of those very nice days where the sun is out, there is a nice little breeze, and it is absolutely gorgeous. It is a great setting for a baseball game. Neighborhood 3 The neighborhood surrounding the ballpark is one of a large campus in a college town. There are restaurants and bars all around the ballpark. If you want to show up early and stay late you can get your drink on at The Swamp, the Reggae Shack or the Library Pub Grub Club. All of these places offer food as well, as does Burrito Brothers for Mexican food, or Leonardo’s for a great pizza. Further afield, next to I-75 along Archer Road, you can find a couple of good bars. First is the Gainesville Ale House, a sports bar with a varied food menu, while the Brass Tap lies across the street and offers a number of craft beers, though there is no kitchen. The WingHouse of Gainesville is also here, a chain pub known mostly for its scantily clad servers. Fans 3 Many other southern schools regularly sell out baseball stadiums much bigger than “The Mac,” yet the Gators seem to have trouble at times drawing a crowd. Perhaps this is because UF fans don’t get pumped about baseball until basketball is done. In 2015, the Gators averaged only 3,502 over their 31 home dates. Although those fans in attendance know their team and are supportive, heckling the opposition (I do enjoy the chant of “Left, Right, Left, Right, Step, Step, Siddown!” that follows every visiting strikeout as the player slowly trudges back to the dugout), far too many of them arrive late and leave early. By the 7th inning of the game the GA sections may be only half full; a shame considering the visitors are often top-ranked SEC team. This is really a class program from top to bottom and deserves a full crowd every time they play. Access 3 Florida’s campus is about four miles from the Archer Road exit off I-75, but traffic moves well in the town. On campus, be careful as pedestrians are everywhere, especially where there are other events taking place. The main parking lot is directly north of the O’Connell Center and includes a three-story garage. Parking is free on evenings and weekends. Note that getting out of here will require a wait after the game as there is only one small lane leading back to 2nd Avenue; some fans prefer to head west to Gale Lemerand Drive which is less crowded. Inside the seating bowl, a small walkway separates the few rows closest to the field (all box seats) with the larger sections above. There is no problem walking along here or in the large plaza behind the structure. Washrooms are adequate for the crowd. Return on Investment 5 The cheapest ticket is $4 for general admission, which comprises the top rows of the bleachers, mostly along third base. If you are there when gates open, this is the best option as you can snag a prime spot. Once the place fills up, you might have a bit of difficulty finding a pair of decent seats together. The $8 reserved seats are quite nice and take up the area behind home plate and a little bit down both baselines. There is no need to pay more than this, as the stadium is not that big and there are no bad seats in the place. There are also two great promotions that make a trip to Gainesville even more tempting: on Fridays, a family pack of four GA tickets, hot dogs, and sodas is only $20, while Sunday sees GA tickets, hot dogs, and popcorn all for a dollar. Coupled with the free parking and the fact that Florida is a perennial contender, and this is an incredible sports bargain and perhaps the best value in all of college baseball. Extras 3 Despite the recent history of success, there aren’t a lot of extras here. A point for the tradition of singing “We Are the Boys from Old Florida” while standing and swaying, something that is done at every Gator event. There are a couple of plaques on the walls of the breezeways honoring past coaches. It would be nice to add a few more displays honoring players who have made it to the bigs and more championship information like some other schools have done. Final Thoughts NCAA ballparks are generally functional facilities designed to provide student athletes with the tools to succeed rather than to attract fans, so a visit to McKethan should appeal to those who prefer to watch the game rather than be entertained by mascots and in-game hosts. Given the high quality of the Florida baseball program and the ridiculously cheap ticket prices, I cannot figure out why more Gator fans don’t turn out to support their team. But their absence means more room for you, and if you have yet to visit Alfred A. McKethan Stadium, you should do so at your next available opportunity.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Jackie Robinson Stadium 100 Constitution Ave Los Angeles, CA 90095 UCLA Bruins website Jackie Robinson Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 1,820 Home to Jackie Robinson and the Sons of Westwood Jackie Robinson is a name known throughout baseball, but before becoming famous with the Dodgers, he was a four sport letter recipient at UCLA. Being the first to achieve this feat, it’s only appropriate that a UCLA facility be named for him. The baseball stadium opened in 1981 thanks to a private gift from Hoyt Pardee, a former classmate of Jackie Robinson. The new stadium would be UCLA’s sixth home field in its history and the famous Jackie Robinson statue was dedicated in 1985. The stadium is set on the grounds of the Veterans Health Administration. After some controversy, UCLA recently signed a $300,000 lease with the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs to continue use of the stadium for many years to come, along with other provisions. Food & Beverage 3 Upon entering, most fans ascending the steps will be treated to the smell of hot dogs and onions being grilled just in front of the snack stand on the first base side. The menu is on par for a college baseball venue. A permanent concession stand on the first base concourse serves up hot links and cheeseburgers ($6), hamburgers ($5), hot dogs and veggie burgers ($4), pretzels and nachos ($3 – add .25 for a cheese cup), chips, peanuts and Cup o’ Noodles ($2), assorted candy, cookies and cracker jacks ($1). Other snacking and dining options are available on the third base concourse. A bag of freshly popped popcorn ($2) as well as Turkey and Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches are available from Jersey Mike’s ($9). Coke product beverages are available for $3 while bottled water, coffee, hot chocolate and hot tea are $2. Atmosphere 4 Despite being a stone’s throw from a major freeway and minutes from a large downtown area, the trees that surround the stadium provide a surprisingly suburban feel. Immediately upon climbing the steps to the main concourse, fans are treated to a table that will enhance their experience. There is a frequent fan card (offering a raffle ticket for each game attended during the season), scorecard, baseball bingo card, and opportunities to win free gifts. The baseball bingo card certainly does keep the crowd involved as fans mark off the appropriate boxes based on what the batters of the home team do when the ball is in play. The Bruins recent run of success, including their first ever National Championship in 2013 has certainly increased interest in the baseball program as is certainly noticed in the stands. Neighborhood 3 The surrounding area around Jackie Robinson Stadium really does not offer much in regards to dining and entertainment due to the fact that the stadium sits on the grounds of the U.S. Dept of Veterans Affairs. In spite of the fact the stadium is only a few minutes from campus, driving towards Westwood Village can still be a pain. If attending a weeknight game, you will definitely want to plan ahead as traffic within the surrounding areas can be, to put it kindly, brutal. I wish I could tell you otherwise, but unfortunately, there is no way around it. Should you opt to head toward the Village after the game, one way to expedite your journey would be to make a left on Sepulveda after exiting the lot and head north two lights toward Montana Ave. Make a right, head east through a residential neighborhood. As the street curves south it will change into Gayley Ave leading you directly into the Village. While I cannot guarantee that this will entirely alleviate your navigational nightmares through our notorious L.A. traffic, this is still your best option, particularly if it’s a weekend game as you will by all means want to avoid driving along Wilshire Blvd, one of L.A.’s major thoroughfares. For your dining, entertainment, and parking options just click on the link provided above. A good majority of the dining and entertainment options are open late. Fans 3 Bruin fans are easily some of the best when it comes to wearing their team colors. Though not as rabid as those at Pauley Pavilion, the crowd is at near capacity. The fans are a very diverse breed, ranging from a mix of older folks all the way to the little league groups. Access 3 The stadium is located just minutes off of the 405 freeway and can be accessed on foot from the UCLA campus. However, I can never stress enough the importance of early planning when dealing with the area traffic, so do plan accordingly. Once inside the stadium, fans will find bucket seating circling between the first and third base dugouts. Should the comfortable bucket seating overflow, there is also a set of bleachers above the concourse between third base and home plate that looks as if it has survived a nuclear war. Parking is listed on the UCLA website as $10, yet it was $8 when I arrived at the lot. I would assume the price varies depending on the magnitude of the game. There is only a single restroom area on site and the men’s room has only three stations. This can pose a problem during high attendance games as the line can back up. With increased interest in the baseball program and more fans attending as opposed to years past, perhaps it would help to alleviate backups if a few mobile unisex bathrooms could be added. Return on Investment 4 The ticket prices are very reasonable, with adult ticket prices at $12 for seats behind home plate, $8 for adult general admission and $5 for youth general admission. The price of parking, at $10, is more than a general admission ticket. However, with few other options, the lot is your best bet. Extras 3 Easily the foremost attraction at the ballpark is the statue of Jackie Robinson along the first base line. The plaque below reads, “The Name. The Legend. The Man.” Alongside the statue is a recently added mural by artist Mike Sullivan depicting Jackie in his UCLA uniform, with references to his playing days as well as his time in the Army. Jackie was the first four letter athlete in UCLA history (football, basketball, baseball and track), and his presence is certainly felt throughout the stadium. All around the concourse, fans can view banners that show recent major league players that formerly appeared in a Bruins uniform. Some of the players that appear on these banners include Hector Embriz, Garrett Atkins, Todd Zeile, Eric Byrnes, Chase Utley, Trevor Bauer, Gerrit Cole, Dave Roberts, Troy Glaus, and Eric Karros. Just next to the ticket office, there is a large ProGrass logo with a patch of the synthetic grass. For fans that have never had a chance to walk on or feel FieldTurf, this presents a good opportunity. It’s funny that Jackie Robinson is largely credited with breaking the color barrier, yet he was not even the first black player on the UCLA baseball team. The man credited with being the first was Kenny Washington, and he would eventually have his number 13 retired. Today, fans can spot his number 13 in left field, honoring the man they called “Kingfish.” Lastly of note is the Jack and Rhodine Gifford hitting facility. Located beyond the right field fence, this area allows fans a peek at the practice facilities and a free view through the fence at the action on the field. Final Thoughts A recent run of success, a national championship, along with some notable enhancements throughout the stadium, including a new state of the art scoreboard with an analog clock reminiscent of old-time yards has added to the game day experience to a stadium that not long ago, was in need of some upgrades. With a recent national title added to the school’s vast trophy case, the interest in UCLA baseball is certainly evident. A visit to Steele Field at Jackie Robinson Stadium should definitely be on any baseball fan’s travel list. Also a must, especially if you are a true fan of historical significance, is the chance to snap some photos of you next to the Jackie Robinson displays along the first base concourse. Aside from showing them off on your social media site, these photos will make for great stories about a true icon that any baseball fan should share and pass down to other future baseball fans. Follow me @good_drei on Twitter & Instagram.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field W Dakota St Hammond, LA 70402 Southeastern Louisiana Lions website Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field website Year Opened: 1992 Capacity: 2,500 Pat on the Back Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field, home to the Southeastern Louisiana Lions, is an under-the-radar college baseball mid-major gem. While other stadiums across the country might provide more modern features like wild concession items and minor league antics, The Pat provides a comfortable environment with the classic elements that provide a great neighborhood ballpark atmosphere. The ballpark is located in the city of Hammond on the southwest corner of the Southeastern Louisiana University campus. Since opening in 1992, Alumni Field has undergone several enhancements including brick wall fencing along both foul lines, installation of a new playing surface with natural Bermuda Tifway 419 sod, and decorative-perimeter fencing on the outside of the stadium. A new video scoreboard and party-deck-style box seats in the foul area along right field were installed in 2016 and have improved an already great environment. The playing field is named in honor of former long-time baseball coach, athletic director, and football coach for Southeastern Louisiana, Pat Kenelly, and was designated as such on February 19, 2006. The official capacity is listed as 2,500. Food & Beverage 2 The Pat provides the basic stadium staples you’d expect at a ballpark and also offers a couple of unique items like frozen daiquiris. The main concession stand and an ice cream cart are located under the grandstand and behind the home plate. Beyond the bleachers down the first baseline is a beer and daiquiri stand operated by Wise Guys Daiquiris (a local, independent vendor). While the variety of options is anything but unlimited, the basics are covered. Your main entree items will include a Chick-fil-A sandwich ($5), hamburger ($4), hot dog ($3), and nachos ($4). Snacks include popcorn ($2), peanuts ($2), pickles ($1), and assorted candy ($1). Specials such as pulled pork sandwiches and jambalaya are available and vary from game to game. There’s also an ice cream stand (Captain’s Tasty Treats) across from the main concession stand which offers up ice cream sandwiches and bars. The ballpark serves bottled Coca-Cola products for $3. One of the most unique items offered at The Pat is an assortment of daiquiris served up at the Wise Guys stand out in the right field concourse. Beer is also available for purchase, which is somewhat unique for a college ballpark. Atmosphere 5 Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field provides a genuinely great neighborhood ballpark atmosphere. Situated at the corner of the campus where the university meets the residential area, your view around the ballpark includes neighborhood homes and Strawberry Stadium beyond the outfield wall. The brick foul line walls and iron outer fencing add to the cozy ambiance of the ballpark. The new video scoreboard has enhanced the overall experience. It’s pretty unique to see a mid-major program with its outfield bullpen (of such high quality), which is located inside the left field wall and was constructed in 2012. Some additional signage and displays provide a “home” feel around the ballpark. Both dugouts have signage that displays the field name. The area underneath the grandstand behind home plate pays homage to significant Lion baseball players and coaches with banners hanging from the rafters. A display can be found on the wall listing the different Lions baseball players who have gone pro including Kirk Bullinger and Wade Miley. Post-season accomplishments are displayed including TAAC Championships and NCAA Regional appearances in both 1992 and 1994 and a College World Series berth in 1975. The layout of the stadium is a strength with box seats available under the main grandstand and just behind home plate. A new “party deck” area was developed down the first base line in the right field. In the upper level, chair backs are provided in the center of the seating area with bleacher seating on both sides. The bleacher seating along the third baseline typically features the younger crowd, including SLU student groups. Fans of the opposing team often sit on the first baseline side of the upper deck grandstand, across from the visitor’s dugout. Neighborhood 3 The city of Hammond is your classic small college town. While there isn’t a long list of attractions in the area, Hammond is home to a few great independent restaurants and you’ll find enough entertainment to keep you satisfied during a trip in town. For extended stays, both Baton Rouge and New Orleans are within driving distance (approximately an hour's drive). While in town, be sure to stop at Mariner’s Inn in the historic downtown area. This pub-style restaurant offers a bar area, a couple of tasty chowders, and an amazing ‘Kickin’ Chicken’ sandwich. Tommy’s on Thomas is another great stop for pizza, Buffalo breadsticks, and drinks. Some additional options include Brady’s Restaurant (order the club sandwich), Trey Yen (try the sweet and sour pork), and La Carreta Mexican Restaurant (fajitas are great). When it comes to attractions, Hammond doesn’t have a plethora of options, however, you’ll find a few decent college town bars and some family entertainment in the area. Check out The Red, White & Brew, and Wise Guys Daiquiris for a pre or postgame drink. If you are traveling with small kids, the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center is a small, but fun break from the baseball action. If you have time for a 30-minute drive, the Global Wildlife Center offers a fun family safari adventure complete with feeding giraffes and other wildlife. There are several hotels in the Hammond area. If you’re looking for a bed & breakfast experience, check out the Historic Michabelle Inn & Restaurant. The Holiday Inn Hammond – Northshore offers a comfortable stay near I-12 and the Hammond Square Mall shopping center. Fans 4 The Southeastern Lions baseball fan base is continuing to grow with the success of the program. While fans are not the rowdiest you’ll encounter, most are friendly, supportive, and knowledgeable about baseball. The typical crowd for Southeastern baseball games ranges from about 900 to 1,200, depending on the match-up. It wasn’t long ago when the program struggled to bring in 250 consistently, but winning ways have Lion faithful feeling nostalgic about a program that had a successful run in the ’90s. Crowds will reach their peak against in-state rivals like Tulane, UL-Lafayette, and LSU, as well as in-state conference foes including Nicholls State, McNeese State, and Northwestern State. Lions fans get into the game during big plays and bad calls. The baseball program can be credited with starting the newest and most visible fan tradition at Southeastern, known as the “Lion Up.” Both hands make an L shape and are placed on both sides of the head. Access 4 Overall, access to Alumni Field is a breeze. There are a couple of pain points, but you shouldn’t experience many problems getting around the ballpark. Hammond is located at the intersection of two major interstates, I-55 and I-12. The ballpark is accessible from both, depending on the direction you’re arriving from. Your quickest route to the stadium is probably via I-55. Exit onto W. University Ave. and head east for about 1.75 miles until you reach the SLU campus. Turn right onto N. General Pershing St. and go about a half mile where you’ll then turn left on Western Ave. You’ll see the ballpark and parking garage connected to Strawberry Stadium. There are a few rows of ground-level parking behind the right field wall, but these spots will typically fill quickly and are in prime home run broken window territory. If you don’t mind a little longer walk, park on the first level of the parking garage or the ground lot around it (further out from the outfield wall). Parking is free and plentiful around the stadium. The ticket booth is located at the end of the first baseline in the right field. As crowds have increased, so has the line at the ticket window. Be prepared for as much as a 15-minute wait to purchase tickets. The main entrance gate is on the first base side of the home plate. As a smaller, neighborhood ballpark, The Pat is constrained some by the surrounding homes and facilities. The concourses are typically wide enough to move around comfortably but can get a little congested as the concession line grows. The restrooms usually don’t have any lines but are a bit small for the typical crowd size. The foul line bleachers along both the first and third baselines don’t have clear aisles, so for bigger crowds, it can sometimes be a challenge to get up and down to your seat in these sections. Return on Investment 5 Considering the overall experience and atmosphere, it’s hard to top the return on your investment at The Pat. General admission for adults is $8 and $5 for youth (3-12). Chairbacks are available for $12 and the lower box seats are for $15. Concession prices are reasonable and parking is free. Extras 4 There are a few “extra” items at The Pat which significantly enhance the overall game day atmosphere: SLU does an outstanding job memorializing past accomplishments and great players. Several banners are hanging in the main concourse which honor former players and championships. The ballpark also has a starting lineup display, as well as the current conference standings. It’s a nice benefit to fans in the main concourse. While more and more college baseball programs move towards a synthetic turf playing surface, it’s refreshing to watch a small college baseball game played on a beautiful, well-kept, authentic grass playing surface. The program keeps the playing field in excellent condition. The brick foul line walls and decorative iron fencing add to the overall ambiance of the stadium. Many recent improvements have helped establish a truly classic ballpark feel. Finding beer at college baseball venues isn’t easy, much less frozen daiquiris. It’s a nice bonus that doesn’t get out of hand.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 ANZ Stadium Edwin Flack Ave Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Australia South Sydney Rabbitohs website ANZ Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 83,500 Glory, Glory to South Sydney If you know anything about the geography of the Sydney metropolitan area, the first thing you will notice about this review is that it is of a stadium in Western Sydney, for a team that represents an area just south of the city Central Business District. Indeed the spiritual home of the Rabbitohs is the highly urbanised suburb of Redfern, a mere 3km from the city centre. However, ANZ Stadium is located at Sydney Olympic Park which is at least a 30 minute drive west. The decision to go west was made for several reasons. Firstly, from 1988 Souths were sharing Allianz Stadium with the Sydney Roosters. While Allianz was a newer and larger venue than the small and undoubtedly outdated Redfern Oval, it was never a great fit for the Bunnies. Financially it also made sense to shift to ANZ, and as a club that is known as “the pride of the league,” the reality is that in modern times many fans live outside the original South Sydney district meaning Olympic Park is more accessible. South Sydney are one of the most historic and storied teams in the history of rugby league in Australia. They are very well supported both within celebrity circles and the general community all over the country. Despite this, the 1990s and early 2000s were not a happy time for Souths. A lack of on field success and financial instability led to the club being excluded from the NRL for a period of two years under a rationalisation process. They were reinstated after a high profile legal battle and in subsequent years began to rebuild, which included actor Russell Crowe buying into the club. The Rabbitohs finally broke through for a premiership victory in 2014, their first since 1971. ANZ Stadium was the main stadium of the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics and remains the largest venue in the harbour city. Several NRL clubs currently use ANZ Stadium for the regular season, either in full or in part; Canterbury, Wests Tigers, St George Illawarra Dragons and South Sydney. The majority of major finals and international games for both rugby league and rugby union are played at ANZ. Food & Beverage 3 This category can be easily summed up as follows; respectable quality and variety but very expensive. The most basic combo of a hot dog (or pie or sausage roll), hot chips and a drink will set you back over $16, a hefty price tag by any measure. Individual hot items include the aforementioned hot dogs ($6.20), sausage rolls ($5.20), meat pies ($5.60), and hot chips ($6.20), as well as pizza ($10.20), burritos ($10) and chicken burgers ($9.20). Also available are sushi ($14.50), sandwiches, baguettes, and salads. Beers aren’t cheap either, at $7.90 for a Hahn Super Dry, with wine available at a similar price. Pre mixed spirits are priced at $10.50. Atmosphere 4 ANZ Stadium is good venue for sport but probably suffers from being designed as multi-purpose. The gradient of ground level seating and the stands is quite gentle leading to the common complaint from fans that they are a long way from the playing field. It is also quite difficult to personalise the stadium for each team, however Souths have red and green in as many places as possible – along with posters of past and current greats. For all intents and purposes, it actually looks like the stadium is permanently there for the Rabbitohs. Lastly, the other downside is that with a capacity of in excess of 80,000, the stadium is unlikely to ever be filled for a regular season game. Neighborhood 4 Sydney Olympic Park is quite a large area that includes many other venues in addition to hotels, restaurants and bars. There’s plenty of food options before or after the game. As well as fast food there are options covering Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian and modern Australian. While that is the case, the precinct doesn’t tend to be buzzing except during major events. You should also check the schedule for the Greater Western Sydney Giants (AFL) for the possibility of a doubleheader. Fans 5 Souths fans are great. They are very knowledgeable, show up in good numbers (average crowds of around 20,000), are passionate and add to the experience. “The Burrow” group have flags, banners and sing numerous witty chants. One of the other things that was impressive on this recent visit was the number of fans on site to support the feeder teams in the curtain raiser. Most of the crowd arrives early or on time at worst, which is fairly unusual for Sydney teams. The atmosphere is also very family friendly, with people of all ages coming together to barrack for their Bunnies. Access 4 Sydney Olympic Park is located close to the geographic centre of Sydney, with good transport options. There is normally plenty of parking (P1 is probably the closest), although it is expensive. Also be mindful that if there is a large event(s) on, traffic into the precinct will be an issue. Best to check beforehand, otherwise strongly consider public transport. The train station is a short walk from the stadium. As a large stadium the venue handles crowds well and access inside is fairly smooth. Ushers are polite and helpful, and also realistic in not being too zealous when enforcing seating allocations. Concourses are wide and bathrooms are plentiful. It is a big stadium so it can be quite a walk if your entry point is on the far side! Return on Investment 4 A ticket to see the Bunnies at ANZ Stadium is priced comparatively to other clubs that utilise the same venue. Buy online to save some money, and also select your seat. Additional discounts apply for concessions and families. General admission (unreserved) is about $25 for an adult. The GA seats at ANZ are at either end, which is actually quite good quality when judged against most other venues. Just remember that parking and food will not be cheap if you choose to utilise those services. Extras 3 There was little happening outside the stadium when we attended which was a bit disappointing, but once inside the club used a number of smart initiatives to highlight the home team. Free Wi-Fi is always a bonus, plus the ushers are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. Final Thoughts In coming years ANZ Stadium will receive a $780m transformation. Commencing in 2018, the stadium will likely become permanently rectangular which will definitely improve the experience – especially for club level football. In the meantime, a Bunnies game at ANZ Stadium offers a great day out.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Hank Aaron Stadium 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd Mobile, AL 36606 Year Opened: 1997 Capacity: 6,000 Getting By On The BayBear Necessities Mobile has a long and proud history with baseball, as five Baseball Hall of Famers (Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams) were born and grew up in this Gulf Coast port city. The Mobile BayBears minor league franchise has sent more than 130 players to the major leagues in the 20-plus years of the franchise’s existence. These include such present-day stars as Justin Upton, Jason Bay, Jake Peavy and Max Scherzer. In 20 years, the BayBears have brought home four Southern League Championships and five Division Championships. There is no doubt Mobile is a great baseball town. The team annually puts a competitive team on the field at Hank Aaron Stadium. However, the stadium itself has become the weak link in the franchise’s operation. Built in 1997, the stadium has suffered from less than adequate maintenance, in some cases not meeting league standards (field lighting), while also losing more home dates to weather than any other Southern League field due to inadequate drainage. It also suffers in comparison to new Southern League stadiums in Biloxi, Pensacola and Birmingham. The attendance in the 6,000-seat stadium now averages 1,700 people per game, the league’s lowest average attendance. Hank Aaron Stadium is now the oldest stadium in the Southern League. The issue has become a tug of war between the franchise, which has not paid rent to the city for its usage of the city-owned stadium in several years, and the City of Mobile, which under the lease is committed to keeping the stadium in good shape. The real losers in this situation are the wonderful fans of Mobile, who are caught in the middle. Unfortunately the BayBears’ parent team, the Los Angeles Angels, has no say in the matter. Food & Beverage 4 The concession stands are numerous enough that you will not encounter any lines. A sampling of the baseball food menu includes hot dogs ($3.50), hamburgers ($5.50), cheeseburgers ($6), chicken tenders ($5), and corn dogs ($4). Drink selections include domestic beers ($4.50) and sodas ($4), and bottled water ($3.50). In addition to the normal baseball fare, some locally-produced items are also on the menu. These include Conecuh sausage dogs produced in Evergreen, Alabama, and they are available as a combo meal with a 20-ounce soda and chips or fries for $11. Fairhope Brewing Company, another local vendor, provides its brewing best for $5.75 for a 16-ounce draft. A new concessionaire manager has dramatically expanded the menu to highlight many of the culinary specialties of the Gulf Coast region. One game each month includes an Eat Alabama Seafood Show-Off, featuring local restaurants. Fans get to sample the various dishes, and the item voted the tastiest that night is added to the concession menu for the rest of the month. Categories include gumbo, shrimp, oysters and a Best of Seafood competition at the end of the season to determine which item will be permanently added to the concession menu. The partnership with Eat Alabama Seafood extends to the mascot race held at each ballgame, with the featured contestants being a fish, a shrimp and an oyster. The race is a fan favorite. Atmosphere 2 The first impression you have of Hank Aaron Stadium is the exterior, and that impression is “dated.” The entry area is constructed of low brick, which leads you into what appears to be a concrete seating bowl. Once through the gates, you enter a wide concourse, which contains the various concession stands. Also, the concession stands’ locations in the concourse do not allow for any view of the action on the field while you are in line. As you enter the seating area of the stadium, you will notice the seating areas are the reverse of what you what you would find in a typical stadium. The luxury suites are located at the field level, rather than atop the stadium. As a result, the front row of seats behind home plate is much further away from the field than in most stadiums. The closest seats to the field itself are located beyond the dugouts along the first and third baselines, which provide less than great angles to see the field of play. The stadium also has two seating levels, but not in the traditional upper and lower deck design. The level break is actually an inner concourse which circles the field. The problem is that this concourse constantly has people circulating through it, so if you are in the first 3-4 rows above it, your view is obstructed for much of the game. One suggestion concerning seat selection — if you are not utilizing one of the 24 air conditioned suites at field level, consider the grandstand/general admission level. In addition to saving you money, the seats in this section are covered by a roof to protect you from the heat of the summer sun or shield you from the frequent showers that pass through this area of the Gulf Coast. You will get somewhat of a retro feel when looking out on the field of play, as every inch of the outfield wall is covered with advertising from Mobile area merchants. There is some berm seating behind the outfield walls, but the nearest services (restrooms, etc.) will be found along the third base line in the BayBear Beach area. The beach area has activities for the kids, as well as some picnic tables for families/groups to sit together. Neighborhood 3 There is no neighborhood, so to speak, in the immediate vicinity of Hank Aaron Stadium, as it is located immediately off the I-65 interstate. However, the city of Mobile offers a wide variety of attractions, due to its location along the Gulf Coast and its historical beginnings going back to 1702. Among the most popular attractions are the USS Alabama, moored in Mobile Bay, the beautiful Bellingrath Gardens and Home, and its numerous historic districts. Mobile also claims the title of holding the first Mardi Gras celebration, dating back to 1703. Across Mobile Bay is the small town of Fairhope, which is noted for its arts community and its many antique stores. Mobile is also a foodie’s delight, with cuisine derived from Creole, Cajun, French, Spanish and African-American origins. Among the most popular restaurants to choose from are Mama’s on Dauphin, Wintzell’s Oyster House and Dreamland Bar-B-Que. For dessert, try a Mobile Moonpie in flavors and dishes you never dreamed of. There are numerous lodging selections within a two-mile radius of Hank Aaron Stadium along the I-65 corridor. These include the Homewood Suites by Hilton, the Hampton Inn I-65/Airport and the Mobile Marriott. Fans 3 The fans in Mobile are among the most loyal in the Southern League. For a majority of the 20 years the BayBears have existed, they have led the league in attendance. They are well aware that one of the BayBears of today may become the next Max Scherzer or Justin Upton in the big leagues. It is only in recent years that their numbers have dwindled due to issues with the stadium. For the past several years, the team has been last in attendance in the Southern League. Each night of the week features something special for the fans: Funday Sunday allows the kids to run the bases and throw the ball around at the game’s conclusion and is also Bark in the Park day. Monday Matters is a night where charitable giving is promoted, as fans bringing in donations of food, clothing or books receive free tickets. Two-for-One Tuesday offers half price on all tickets, and Thirsty Thursdays are set aside for half-price drinks for designated products. Fireworks Fridays round out each week with a bang. Access 4 Hank Aaron Stadium is easily accessed via the Government Avenue exit off of I-65. This is the first exit north of the I-10/I-65 interchange. Once you exit, you simply take Bolling Brothers Boulevard directly to the stadium. This is only a two-lane access road, so it does become congested at the end of the game. Once in the park, the stadium is easily navigated via wide concourses. There are adequate concession facilities and restrooms, so you should not encounter any major lines. Return on Investment 4 The BayBears offer an entertaining night of baseball at family friendly prices. Tickets are offered at the following levels: Field Level ($16), Club Level ($13), Center Box ($10), Baseline Box ($9) or Grandstand/General Admission ($8). Children under the ages of 12, seniors (60 years and older) and military members get a $2 discount on each price level. Parking at BayBears games is $3 (there are no alternate lots nearby). The concession prices are in line with the typical baseball fare offered, and the new Gulf Coast Seafood entrees are a big addition. Extras 3 The BayBears’ front office is doing an admirable job in providing the best possible experience for the fans, despite the stadium’s structural issues. They have done a great job in highlighting Mobile’s proud baseball heritage in a number of ways. The most obvious symbol of this heritage is the relocation and placement of Hank Aaron’s boyhood home in front of the stadium. In addition to its heritage status historically, its insides have been converted into a museum highlighting Hank Aaron’s career from the playgrounds of Mobile to a minor league stop in Eau Claire, then on to his major league career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves, where he hit 755 home runs. The museum is open 9-5 Monday-Friday and all home game evenings. There is a $5 admission charge, but it is well worth it. Another extra is the placement of a plaque honoring the five Mobile natives who have been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (Hank Aaron, Willie McCovey, Satchel Paige, Ozzie Smith and Billy Williams). BayBear Beach is a unique play/picnic area for families attending the games.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 The Palace of Auburn Hills 6 Championship Drive Auburn Hills, MI 48326 Detroit Pistons website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 21,231 Demolished: 2020 The Palace In 1988, the Detroit Pistons made the move from the Silverdome in Pontiac to the elaborately named Palace of Auburn Hills. Located in a far north suburb, the Palace is located just over 32 miles from Detroit’s city center, the longest distance between an NBA arena and the primary city it represents. The Pistons opened the new arena by winning back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990 behind the Bad Boys of Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Bill Laimbeer, et al. Fifteen years later, the cast of Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace, and Rip Hamilton brought home the franchise’s third NBA championship in 2004. Following the 2009 season, the Pistons found themselves in a state of constant disappointment, missing the playoffs in six consecutive season despite playing in a rather weak Eastern Conference. This resulted in the team ranking at or near the bottom of NBA attendance by percent of capacity. This in part can be attributed to having the largest arena in the NBA with a capacity of 21,231. No doubt that team performance had a significant impact, but the first rule in real estate is location, location, location. When all of those things converge (isolated location, poor quality on the floor, and an oversized building) it can take away from the overall experience. A berth in the 2016 NBA playoffs hopefully signals the start of better things again for men of Motown. This arena may be out of the way, but once you’ve arrived, it’s a great place to see an NBA game. Food & Beverage 4 The Palace offers up a good variety of food and drinks along their one single concourse which connects upper and lower level seats. There are plenty of local items, and that should be your focus, although prices seem a bit high overall. It’s a long walk all the way around the concourse, so it would be worthwhile to check the Palace concessions list before you make your visit. Specific recommendations include the Open Pit Pork Belly Sliders from Maplewood BBQ ($12) near section 123, Smoked Kielbasa from Dearborn Sausage Company at the Linkery ($10) also near section 123, or more typical items from Championship Grill near section 110. There is also a wide variety of beverages available throughout the area. Fans of local craft beers will be attracted to the Craft Brewhouse located near section 112. You’ll find selections from Michigan breweries like Bell’s, Arbor Brewing Company, Dark Horse, Founders, and New Holland ($9.50). Craft cocktails go for $13.50. Coca-Cola products are available in two sizes ($4.50 and $6.50 for a souvenir size). You can also find bottled water ($4), Monster energy drinks ($6), and Tim Hortons coffee ($2). Atmosphere 4 The Palace of Auburn Hills nails it when it comes to entertainment value. The combination of the announcer, dancers, scoreboard videos, promotions, and in-game entertainment are hard to beat. Seats are comfortable with slightly better than average legroom, but no cup holders. Even from the very back row of the upper seating section you have a good view of the action on the floor. The court design is classic bordered in red with the circular Pistons logo at center court. The center scoreboard is one of the best in the league, with large screens and angled screens so that you have a view of the replays, video montages, and statistics whether you are sitting courtside or behind the baselines. It’s large without being the monstrosity that is taking over at many sports venues these days. John Mason is a name you probably have never heard, but he is a master of the mic as the PA announcer at the Palace of Auburn Hills. His signature call of “Deeeee-troit Baaasket-balllll!” is perfect. He no doubt adds to the overall experience. The Pistons offer a rather good drumline and dance team and you will hear and see them throughout the game during breaks in the action. Hooper, the Pistons’ horse-themed mascot, is also present in the stands and on the court throughout the contest. Look for Hooper to man a t-shirt turret and shoot shirts into the stands. The Detroit Pistons also do a good job of attracting popular (or once popular) artists. In 2016, halftime performers included CeeLo Green, Young MC, The Four Tops, and Uncle Kracker. For seating options, shoot for sections 201 or 230 so you are in the upper section near center court with a view of both benches. These seats provide good value as well as a good perspective of everything happening on the floor below. Neighborhood 3 There’s no doubt that location is the biggest negative of attending a Pistons game, although there are a couple of options for pre or post game food or drinks. Ciccarelli’s 22 Sports Bar is located just across the street from the Palace, and has some of the biggest screens that you will encounter in a sports bar, including HD Theatre Projection screens. There are at least 40 screens in all, and they do a good job of ensuring that the day’s biggest games are up for your viewing pleasure. The food is good as well with sort of a Canadian-Italian undertone to the pub grub, including poutine and arancini mixed in with burgers, BBQ, pizza, and pasta. A mile or so down the road is another classic sports bar, Hoops. They’ve been a mainstay in the area for more than two decades. Go for the wings here, or one of their burgers or sandwiches. If you are looking for additional sports experiences while you’re in the area, check the schedule for the Oakland University Golden Grizzlies who put on a good show in nearby Rochester at the O’rena. Of course during the season there are also opportunities to find doubeheader opportunities with the Red Wings at Joe Louis Arena, and to a lesser extent with the Lions at Ford Field or Tigers at Comerica Park. Auto enthusiasts should make a trip to the Walter P. Chrysler Museum. If you are looking for a hotel near the arena, then the Hawthorn Suites by Windham is your best bet. Fans 3 The Pistons have ranked at 25th or lower in average attendance in the NBA in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. In 2004, the team led the league in average attendance. Sure, that was a championship season, but the point is that the basketball fans in southeast Michigan have the wherewithal to make the trip to Auburn Hills when there is a quality team on the court. Now that the Pistons have once again returned to the playoffs, and have an exciting nucleus, it is time for Pistons fans to return and make an impact in the seats. In the meantime, the benefit of having 5,000 or so empty seats is that you should be able to move around almost anywhere in the upper section to choose your seat. Seat assignments are more strictly enforced in the lower sections. The fans that come to the Palace are knowledgeable of the sport and show good etiquette. You won’t see fans walking around very often while the ball is in play. Access 3 Getting to the Palace is not too difficult. It is located immediately east of I-75 and west of Highway 24. The local police and Palace officials do a terrific job of moving traffic out when the event is over. This is a huge bonus considering that arenas and stadiums that are in more rural areas tend to have more difficult times getting traffic moving slowly. During the week you can expect some rush hour traffic all around the Detroit metro area so plan accordingly and give yourself extra time. Parking will cost you $15 for Pistons games, and unfortunately you don’t have many options as there is no street parking to speak of, but there is plenty of room in the large lot surrounding the Palace. This price point is about average compared to the rest of the NBA. Given the low attendance, it may be wise to cut that cost down a bit to attract more fans. Inside The Palace, the abundance of stairs is a bit daunting. Sharing one concourse for both the upper and lower bowl increases traffic and the concourses are not that wide to begin with. Washroom facilities are adequate, although you will find lines for both men’s and women’s restrooms during peak periods. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Pistons games can often be found for as low as $8-$12 on ticket marketplaces. Parking is near league average at $15, and food and beverage prices are about right, maybe slightly on the high side. Overall, everything is priced at about what you would expect. Look for daily deals in the Pistons team shop as well, especially as the season winds down. Extras 4 An extra mark for PA announcer John Mason who brings so much to the Pistons experience. An extra mark for the Palace being the first major arena being built while being completely privately financed. An extra mark for Hooper and his slapstick routine that he plays with visiting players during the warmup. One final extra point for the three championship banners and many retired jerseys hanging from the rafters at the Palace. Final Thoughts The Detroit Pistons are a proud franchise that seems to be on a resurgence. While the location isn’t ideal, the facility and in-game entertainment more than make up for any hassle in making the drive up to Auburn Hills.

Photos by Joe Rogers, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.43 Coca-Cola Park 1050 IronPigs Way Allentown, PA 18109 Lehigh Valley IronPigs website Coca-Cola Park website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 10,100 A Swine Time to be Had By All Built in 2007 at a cost of $50.25 million, making it one of the costliest minor league stadiums ever built, Coca-Cola Park opened its gates in 2008 to starving baseball enthusiasts in the northeastern corridor of the Keystone Commonwealth. Those fans have continued to turn out in droves to cheer on their beloved IronPigs (a nickname derived from the term “pig iron” which is used in the manufacturing of steel, for which this region of Pennsylvania is renowned). The stadium is equipped to handle these rhapsodic fans with 8,278 actual seats, but can accommodate an additional 1,900 of them with its popular center field berm seating area raising the total to 10,178. And if you don’t think they need them, guess again, as the Pigs have averaged a Minor League Baseball best 9,011 fans per contest and they have surpassed 600,000 fans annually since that inaugural season, which is the longest active streak in the minors and are currently on pace this season to keep it intact. In order to maintain this popularity, Lehigh Valley brass has been outstanding in remaining in front of the fans’ seating and hospitality demands, and so Coca-Cola Park has undergone a few significant seating additions over her last nine seasons. The organization introduced their most recent renovation in 2015, and titled it the “Pig Pen” – a very unique seating area located on the field level and in extraordinarily close proximity to the bullpen area in left field. Previously, in 2013, the club unveiled the extremely popular “Hot Corner,” rightfully dubbed due to its location behind third base, and the “Bacon Strip,” a bi-level seating area located along the right field wall featuring drink rail counter tops. Prior to that, the Red Robin Tiki Terrace & Oasis made its debut, and has continued to remain a very popular area to relax and enjoy a drink and baseball conversation. Keeping in line with the new generation of ballparks, but definitely going a step or two higher, there are plenty of luxury options at Coca-Cola Park. The park features four luxury suites (BSI Dugout Suites) directly behind home plate, and below field-grade level, offering an amazing view and perspective. There are a few other suite options and party porches for group outings, including the Coordinated Health Club Level suites located on the 300 level that features an oval shaped bar which is a social hub prior to, and during the game. Very visible on this level is the regions’ rich industrial and baseball history with beautiful reminders everywhere in the form of artwork and photos. It is with these seemingly subtle touches that Coca-Cola Park has been able to maintain her charm and great looks even though in today’s ballpark trends, she should be slowly approaching her mid-life crisis. Assisting in her beauty, perfectly situated in left-center field may actually be the park’s finest attribute-a striking nine-story scoreboard, reportedly the largest in Minor League Baseball, adorned by a tilted Coke bottle that pops its top spilling out fireworks following an IronPig home run. Food & Beverage 4 Following a visit to Coca-Cola Park, Peter King of Sports Illustrated and ESPN fame was once quoted as saying “Aw Shuck’s Roasted Corn out in right field. Now, I’ve been to many ballparks in my 52 years, and I’ve never seen a roasted corn concession at a ballpark. But this corn was … well, I’ll just say if I had my choice between a Kansas City Porterhouse or an Aw Shucks ear, I’d take the corn.” And yes, folks, it’s that delicious. Bathed in tasty butter and dressed with a secretive southwestern blend of spices and Parmesan cheese makes a trip to one of its two locations (behind Section 116 and in right field) mandatory. As one would assume, with a nickname like IronPigs, there are a significant number of food stands referencing the team’s moniker including: the Pig Stop, Pork & Chips and Hog Heaven to name just a few. Their delectable offerings of course include: a Bacon Funnel Cake, the Porker Grande, a Three Little Pigs Sandwich and practically anything you could cook-up related to swine. If pork is not your twist, and you are still searching for that perfect pairing for your ear of corn, there are still a plethora of alternatives at relatively reasonable prices. The Chicken Cordon Bleu Cheesesteak is one of these tasty options and can be found at one of the two Philly Grill locations along the concourse on either baseline. Once you find what you’re looking for to eat, head on out to the Bud Light Trough and grab a Fegley’s Amber Lager, brewed locally to help wash it down. Atmosphere 5 The ‘Hog Wild’ fan base creates a very lively atmosphere not found in a lot of ballparks at this level. Following a few very dismal years with not a lot to cheer about, the IronPigs are poised to make a run at an International League championship and the crowd’s enthusiasm is a reflection of this. Besides enjoying the play of a few future Phillies’ all-stars, there are a number of between inning on-field antics and contests to keep the fans entertained and on their feet including: t-shirt tosses, sling shot contests and the extremely popular Pork Race featuring: Chris P. Bacon, Diggity, Hambone, and Barbie Q., a few of the Ironpigs’ mascots, which usually takes place during the middle of the game and is always entertaining. Neighborhood 3 The ballpark is situated in the eastern part of Allentown and in very close proximity to neighboring Bethlehem. Unfortunately, for everything this park has going for it before and during the game, there is a very limited number of worthwhile options following. Stahley’s, a friendly and fun little family restaurant and sports bar is one of your few options for a pre or post-game beer and is located just a 1.5 miles from the stadium. If you are looking for a little more action than what you witnessed on the field, head on over to Bethlehem following the game and visit the Sands Casino (10 minute drive). With the Lehigh Valley International Airport being only a few minutes away, there is no shortage of hotel options should you require one. The Renaissance Allentown Hotel is probably your best and is located just two miles from the park and if you’re looking to save a little, the Wingate by Wyndham is great option and one of the area’s better rated hotels, and also just a short commute to Coca-Cola Park. Fans 5 Since Coca-Cola Park opened its gates in 2008, fans donning a wide array of IronPigs jerseys and t-shirts have been revolving the turnstiles at a mind-boggling rate with every seat in the ballpark being sold for 393 of the 557 (70.6%) regular season contests prior to the start of the 2016 season. It is this passion, energy and enthusiasm that have earned them several distinctions over the past several seasons, including being named FoxNews.com’s “Best Fans in Minor League Baseball.” They seem like a knowledgeable group, in tune and attentive to the action on the field and will definitely share their feelings with an umpire should he miss a call. According to Steve Roche, the Director of MLB Business for Majestic Athletic, “The IronPigs are treated as the 31st club of Major League Baseball,” and this is evident as nearly every fan, young or old, is showing their team spirit with a jersey or t-shirt. Access 4 Allentown, and more specifically Coca-Cola Park, are fairly easy to access from all points off of major thoroughfares 476 and 78 and local state roads 22 and 22. It is an hour drive from Philadelphia and roughly a half hour more from Scranton, Harrisburg, Lancaster and New York City. There are three entry points for parking, with the Dauphin Street entrance recommended when traveling from downtown Allentown. In addition to the Dauphin Street entrance, entry to Coca-Cola Park can be gained off American Parkway and Union Boulevard. If you would prefer to have someone else do the driving, download Uber and use the code IRONPIGS to get up to $15 off your first trip to the ballpark. According to the IronPigs, there are 2,500 on-site parking spaces and the cost is $5 a vehicle and they are located within a very short walking distance to the entrance. Return on Investment 5 Let’s face it, the Phillies minor league system was absolutely one of the worst in baseball two or three seasons ago after mortgaging their future to maintain their winning ways in a chase for a second World Series title. After the departures of a few of its stars via trades bringing in an influx of fresh young talent, the same system is now one of the best in baseball and many of them can be seen at Lehigh Valley for a lot less than it will cost to see them play in a year or two at the big league level. This, coupled with the fact that the food is relatively easy on the wallet as you can grab a hot dog ($2) and a Mason Jar of beer ($7.50) for less than $10 makes your ROI very high. Ticket prices range from $25 for Iron Tickets, which include a $10 Field Level ticket as well as $20 of ballpark credit to nine dollars for Capital BlueCross Lawn seats. Lawn seats can be loaded with five dollars of ballpark credit for an additional three dollars. The vast majority of seats can be purchased for $20 or less. Extras 5 Coca-Cola Park is very family oriented and thus kid friendly which is evident here with the Red Robin Kid Zone located down the left field line. It features a free playground area; in addition, the little fans can take advantage of a number of games, including speed pitch, slides and more at a small cost. All-inclusive wristbands are available for $10 allowing unlimited play throughout the game. AT&T Plaza, located down the opposite line is an inviting area for adults and children alike. This area doubles as the social center of the park and its main entrance, and is a great place to sit down and enjoy a pre-game meal and beverage while enjoying a local act on their entertainment stage. Adjacent to the Plaza, the Majestic Clubhouse Store features a wide array of items, including official and replica IronPigs jerseys and claims to sell more merchandise than any other minor league club. The store mimics the industrial appearance that is present throughout Coca-Cola Park and features an open-grid ceiling along with hardwood and diamond plate steel flooring. Thanks to a partnering with nearby Majestic, the merchandise and the feel of this place is definitely Major League. The Pork Center, MILB’s first fan-interactive social media command center, is located down right field line as well and features a quad-screen set-up for social media tracking, game watching and more. There is an IronPigs employee stationed there who can assist you with uploading a “selfie” of you with your new Pigs gear and may even post it on the outfield video board. There is no jaw-dropping skyline beyond the outfield like you see in most modern day stadiums, unfortunately, the park’s location was not conducive to that element, and nothing seemingly too aesthetically pleasing, however, Populous, the sports design firm that is responsible for the new era of retro-like ballpark designs still managed to subtlety knock this one out of the park. Final Thoughts A night out at Coca-Cola Park is one of exceptional value and pleasure. As a fan, one can appreciate the great lengths in which Lehigh Valley brass and game day staff go in order to insure that their fans are continually pleased with their experiences at the park. I actually can’t wait to get back!

Photo Courtesy of North Carolina Central Eagles Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Durham Athletic Park 500 Corporation St Durham, NC 27701 North Carolina Central Eagles website Durham Athletic Park website Year Opened: 1926 Capacity: 5,000 College Baseball at Bull Durham Up until 1995, the Durham Athletic Park was one of the best parks in the minor leagues. It has since been replaced by the newer Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Durham Athletic Park was then rarely used for more than 10 years before the NCCU Eagles moved in. If this park looks familiar to you, then you probably remember it from the movie Bull Durham. The DAP was the main setting for the movie and was the home of the real Durham Bulls until 1994. In 2007, NCCU expanded its athletic programs and included baseball. The DAP was a logical home field for the Eagles, who have played there ever since. Food & Beverage 2 The concession stand is located in the grass area on the first base side. The offerings are limited, with only hot dogs, Pepsi drinks, and basic snacks. Prices are about average for a stadium of this size. One upsetting point is that the stadium’s original concession stands are no longer in use. The stand-alone building is original, but those attached to the ballpark itself are not used. Atmosphere 3 Overall, this is just a great place to catch a game. The nine inning scoreboard overlooks what is a beautifully kept field. The Durham Bulls recently purchased the contract to maintain the DAP, and they do an amazing job. Free admission gives you access to anywhere in the park and there are many seating options. If you want to sit close, there are four rows of stadium seats that put you almost on the field. Behind those rows are benches, but they are not usually necessary. Finally, you can sit on either of the lawn areas on each side of the field. This atmosphere is only enhanced with the presence of a great announcer and good music selection. The announcer is in the game and excited from the pre-game to the final pitch. The music played is pretty good but made better by the themed songs, such as “Everybody Talks” during a manager argument. Neighborhood 4 The ballpark sits right in the heart of Durham, which is good news if you enjoy pre-game or post-game activities. Durham has become known in recent years for its large variety of restaurants, shops, and other interests. I’ll only be highlighting a few, but make sure to do your own research if you plan on visiting. For an extraordinary sports bar experience, check out Tobacco Road sports cafe. The Durham location is incredibly unique, because it overlooks Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The restaurant’s patio is a part of the Bulls’ left field monster. Along with the multiple TVs and great food, it is a sports fan’s heaven. Also worth mentioning is Dame’s Chicken and Waffles. Dame’s is a restaurant that in recent years has become so popular that reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. While the wait is usually around 30 minutes, a reservation will save you some time. Once in the restaurant, you have a variety of options for chicken and waffles. They also feature a kind of flavored butter called schmeres. Known for dressing up the chicken and waffle, this place is a can’t-miss for any lover of comfort food. Fans 3 It’s quite obvious that almost all of the fans are family and friends of the athletes. While not a bad thing, it doesn’t promote the same atmosphere as a ballpark filled with just fans. There are no catchy cheers or fan traditions. The fans are there simply to see a friend or family member play college baseball. That being said, don’t mistake these fans as quiet. They come early, stay late and know when to cheer. They know every player by name (some personally) and are always encouraging. Access 3 Durham itself is not hard to find. There are two major highways that lead to the city (I-85 and I-40), and getting in the city is usually not hard. The DAP however, is not close to either of the highways. It is deep into the city, making it tough for non-locals to find. A simple GPS should be enough to get you there. Once at the stadium, parking is usually easy to find, as the stadium’s lot is small but doesn’t fill up very fast. If needed, there is street parking and other parking options available, most for free. Return on Investment 4 If the best things in life are free, then a NCCU baseball game is one of them. There is no admission cost, and fans are free to sit wherever they like. With concession prices low, I suppose the only question is why not come to a game? Free tickets, free parking, and minimal concessions give even the casual fan a reason to come. Adding in the priceless cost of seeing the set of Bull Durham, the decision is a no-brainer. Extras 2 NCCU provides free streaming for all of its games. With many teams making fans pay for streaming access, this is a huge value. The Durham Athletic Park and the surrounding buildings were the setting for the famous movie Bull Durham. Since the park has changed very little since the movie was filmed, walking around the ballpark is almost surreal. Final Thoughts The city of Durham, the Bulls, and NCCU have partnered together to create a great mix of Hollywood, history, and the present day. The stadium looks the same as it does in the movie, which was a typical minor league ballpark for its time. Thankfully, the stadium has been slightly upgraded since then, and still presents a quality baseball experience. If you like the movie, history, or just free baseball, then a game at the DAP is for you.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Reagan Field Gilbert Graves Cir Murray, KY 42071 Murray State Racers website Reagan Field website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 800 A Stable Environment Murray State University is a four-year public university in the small town of Murray, Kentucky, which is located in western Kentucky, just seven miles north of the Tennessee state line. It opened in 1923, and presently has a student body of more than 11,000 students. Its major focuses academically are the School of Education, the School of Business and the College of Science, Technology and Engineering. For 25 straight years, MSU has been recognized as one of the top regional universities in the United States by U.S. News and World Report. The school’s athletic teams compete under the moniker of the ‘Racers,’ a salute to the Bluegrass State’s predominant position in the horse racing and breeding industries. The ‘racing colors’ of the university are a majestic navy and gold color scheme, and the university has two mascots – a live thoroughbred named Racer One and a costumed mascot named ‘Dunker’ (basketball is the predominant sport on campus, having gone to multiple NCAA regionals over the years). All of the Racer teams compete in the Ohio Valley Conference, which is filled with geographically close rivals, such as Austin Peay, the University of Tennessee-Martin, Tennessee Tech, Belmont University and Southeast Missouri State University. The Racer baseball program has been in existence since 1924, and has played over .500 baseball within that 92-year span. It has appeared in three NCAA regionals over the years. Home turf for the baseball team is Reagan Field. Named for Racers coaching legend Johnny Reagan, who won more than 700 games in his career with MSU, the field opened in 1989 and features seating for more than 500 fans. Its dimensions are 330 feet to the foul poles, 325 feet to the power alleys and 400 feet to straightaway center field. Fences are only eight feet in height, which leads to many jaw-dropping leaps to rob hitters of home runs from both sides. Reagan Field underwent major renovations in both 2014 and 2015 to improve the fan and player experience. A new grandstand was erected, which offers chair back seating. Improved lighting was installed, making it possible for the university to offer more doubleheaders and night games, and new dugouts were built for both teams, a major improvement over their predecessors. Additional upgrades include a brand new press box and scoreboard, and a totally new sod infield. The stadium did retain one feature of the original structure by popular demand — terraced seating down both the third and first base lines. Oddly enough, a majority of fans prefer this to the new seating provided. Food & Beverage 4 Concessions are sold out of a portable trailer brought in before each game. The beverages sold are all Pepsi products (Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Dr. Pepper and Diet Dr. Pepper, along with bottled water). All beverages come in a 16-ounce size only and cost $1. The food selections consist of hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs, which all go for $3. Candy (Reese’s, Hershey’s, M&M’s and 3 Musketeers) all sell for $1 each. The remainder of the menu includes popcorn, sunflowers, peanuts and chips, which all cost $1.00. While the choices are limited, they are offered at prices that cannot be beat. Atmosphere 2 Murray State’s Reagan Field is the first athletic facility you will see as you enter the campus, but it seems overwhelmed by the adjoining Roy Stewart Stadium, as well as the CFSB Center, home of the Murray State Racers basketball team. You are in Kentucky, and that means the basketball team gets the most attention. Even the school’s mascot, a horse named Dunker, wears a basketball outfit most of the time. The Racers basketball team deserves much of the attention, as it has won 24 OVC championships and appeared in 15 NCAA tournaments. Reagan Field has great sight lines, as both the bleachers and the terraced areas are elevated above the field, with a great view of the action. There are eight rows of stadium-style seats and eight rows of aluminum bench seating in the bleachers. Persons sitting in the terraced area either bring their lawn chairs or stretch out on beach towels. The stadium announcer stays fairly much on the game and adds related information on upcoming games during lulls in the action. The Racers have a very well-groomed natural turf field with dimensions of 330 to left, 400 to center and 330 to right. The scoreboard is in left-center and provides only the game line statistics. There are no graphics capabilities. Neighborhood 3 Reagan Field is in the on-campus athletic complex located at the intersection of Highways US 641 and Kentucky State Highway 121. Just across the highway is the business district of Murray. It is filled with big-box stores and every fast food restaurant you can imagine. There are three lodging options in Murray (Holiday Inn Express, Hampton Inn and the Best Western University Inn). For dining; I would suggest Jasmine, Mugsy’s Hideout or The Keg. The Keg has a surprisingly varied menu, including barbecue, seafood and many Cajun options. (The owners originally hail from the Pelican State). These are all locally-owned businesses. Fans 2 The fan base of the Racers baseball program is basically the parents of the ballplayers, the girlfriends of the players and 10-20 students who are friends of the players. The visiting team on the day we attended, which came from a campus more than 100 miles from Murray State, actually brought more fans with them. Access 2 Murray State University is not the easiest location to get to, as it is located more than 30 miles from the nearest interstate (I-24), depending on which way you are coming from. The main road bringing you into Murray from whichever direction will be US 641. You will come to a red light at the Hwy 641/Hwy 121 intersection and turn into the entrance for Murray State University’s athletic complex. You will find free parking at the Roy Stewart Stadium parking lot adjacent to Reagan Field. Return on Investment 4 Reagan Field receives a high score in this section, not for an outstanding experience, but because it virtually costs nothing to attend a Racer game. There is no admission charged, and the seating options go from stadium seats to stretching out on a beach towel with a great view of the game. Parking is free and adjacent to the field, and the concession prices beat even a fast food restaurant. Extras 1 One of the best extras for Murray State is the route you take to get there from I-24. This route will take you through the Land Between the Lakes Nature and Recreation area. Most of the 30 miles between I-24 and Murray are included within this park. The two lakes combined, Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake, have a combined shoreline of more than 3,000 miles. The land mass between them offers boating, fishing, a wildlife preserve for bison and elk and some terrific scenery.

Photos by Lloyd Brown, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Raymond C. Hand Park Drane St and Farris Dr Clarksville, TN 37040 Austin Peay Governors website Raymond C. Hand Park website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 777 We’re Number One…So Let’s Go Peay! Austin Peay State University is a liberal arts university located in Clarksville, Tennessee. It is affiliated with the Tennessee Board of Regents and has a student body of more than 10,600. The University was founded in 1927 and is named in honor of former Tennessee Governor Austin Peay, a native of Clarkesville. This explains the unique nickname and mascot for the school, the Governors. (Note: Please do not take offense at the title of the review. it is cheer that proudly erupts at all APSU sporting events and is on signage all over the campus!) The school was originally founded as a two-year normal school to train teachers, became a four-year college in 1941 and attained University status in 1967. APSU offers more than 50 majors, including arts and sciences, business, education, engineering, nursing and human services. Best of all, every Austin Peay graduate has the right to be addressed as a Governor! The Governor athletic programs are members of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC), which includes teams such as Belmont, Murray State, Morehead State, Tennessee Tech, UT Martin, Eastern Kentucky and Jacksonville State . Their fiercest rival is nearby Murray State University. Austin Peay has fielded a baseball team since 1931, and has a near .500 record over its entire history. During this period, it has won 10 OVC season championships, six OVC tournament championships, and made six NCAA tournament appearances. Seven APSU baseball alums have reached Major League Baseball. The Governor’s ‘mansion’ for the baseball program is Raymond C. Hand Park. Built in 1970, it was originally named Governors Park, and then renamed for Mr. Hand in honor of his contribution to major upgrades to the park in 1993. These improvements included lighting for the field, as well as chair back and bleacher seating to replace the concrete seating of the original structure. Subsequent renovations have added wrought iron fencing at the gates, new signage reflecting the Governors’ baseball history and upgrades to the press box, restrooms and concession areas. Raymond Hand Park has a natural turf field and a permanent seating capacity of 777. Food & Beverage 2 Concession items are available at Peay!Nuts Grill, which is located on the concourse at the top of the stands on the third base side of the stadium. The menu consists of hot dogs ($2), hamburgers ($3), peay-nuts (that is how they spell it, folks!) ($3), popcorn ($3), nachos ($5), candy ($1.50) and chips ($1). Pepsi is available for $2, Gatorade for $3 and bottled water is $2. Food and beverage cannot be brought into Hand Park, so plan to eat before the game, or you may decide to set up a picnic on the hill behind the outfield walls to watch the action. APSU also has a souvenir stand on the first base side of the concourse with a good variety of Governors baseball gear. Atmosphere 3 The setting for Hand Park is quite attractive, in that it has a city park-like setting, with nice landscaping and trees surrounding the field. You will enter through one central wrought iron gate, which, of course, has the Governors’ likeness on it. The concourse is located at street level and includes the concessions, press box and restrooms. The stands and the field fill the natural bowl below you. The seating directly behind home plate is all stadium seats with cup holders. The next two aisles on both the left and right side of the stands are aluminum bleachers with seat backs. The seats closest to the dugouts on both ends are aluminum bench seating. One of the quirks in the shape of the field is a huge amount of open area behind home plate and in front of the dugouts. Even though all of this is in foul territory, this can play a significant part in a ball game. A wild pitch/passed ball may allow a runner to advance two bases, and runners on second can tag up on a popup into the first base foul territory, as it would take a long throw to get them out. The turnout for Governors games usually fills about two-thirds of the stadium, and the student body and Clarksville locals form a majority of the crowd. The stadium announcer pretty much sticks with the basics of the game, and the only fan participation activity is to play baseball bingo at the end of each inning. Neighborhood 4 APSU is located in the heart of downtown Clarksville, and is within easy walking distance of a majority of the town’s shopping, restaurants, museums and businesses. Clarksville has a population of more than 132,000 (the fifth-largest city in Tennessee), with APSU and nearby Fort Campbell being the main employers. This has insulated the area somewhat from the recent economic downturn, so you will not find many empty storefronts. Some of the more interesting sites in the area around the university include the Roxy Theatre and the L&N Train Station (the inspiration for the Monkees’ hit song “Last Train to Clarksville”). One of the more popular restaurants in downtown Clarksville is the Blackhorse Pub and Brewery. For the best view in town, stay at the Riverview Inn, located on a bluff with terrific views of the Cumberland River below. Clarksville has been the hometown to an amazing variety of famous people. They include Wilma Rudolph of Olympic fame, Tennessee basketball coaching legend Pat Summitt, golfer Mason Rudolph, poet Robert Penn Warren and General William Westmoreland. Fans 3 You will definitely be seeing red when you attend a game at Hand Park, as ASPU fans wear the team colors proudly. They love their Governors through thick and thin, and also travel well to the team’s away games. One of the great things about the Ohio Valley Conference is that half of the member institutions are in Tennessee or in southern Kentucky, which is just across the Cumberland River from Clarksville. This means a short drive to a majority of the school’s away games. The mix of fans you will see at an APSU ball game includes townspeople, students, a large turnout of soldiers from Ft. Campbell and an unusually large contingent from the visiting team that make the short drive over. This results in spirited cheering matches when either team puts on a rally. Offensive rallies are met with the cheer “let’s go Peay!,” while visiting rallies are greeted with chants of “Peay U!” Access 4 APSU is located just 40 miles north of Nashville, then six miles off I-24 via Wilma Rudolph Parkway. Though it is the fifth-largest city in Tennessee, Clarksville is very easy to navigate traffic-wise, and there is plenty of signage to guide you to the campus. Fans coming in from outside the state can fly into Nashville and rent a car, or take advantage of several shuttle services that run hourly between the airport and Clarksville. Return on Investment 5 Tickets to Governors baseball games are priced at $5 for an adult ticket and $3 for a youth/senior ticket. (Youth tickets are for ages 2-18 and seniors are fans age 65 or older.) Members of the APSU student body and the military receive free admission upon presentation of their appropriate ID. The concessions are limited, but are priced well for the value. Free parking is located across the street in the football stadium parking lot. Unless you are traveling a great distance to see a game, an overnight stay is not required, as Nashville is less than a 45-minute drive away. If a stay is required, most hotels are in the $60 – $80 range, as their primary users are family visiting their loved ones at Ft. Campbell. Extras 4 For a town its size, Clarksville offers a surprisingly large number of extras. The Cumberland River Walk lines the banks of this large river on the north side of the city. It features a marina, scenic overlooks, an amphitheater for concerts and connections to the Clarksville Greenway for hiking/biking enthusiasts. The Customs House Museum has some great exhibits and is housed in one of the most architecturally stunning buildings in town. Those with a taste for the finer things in life may want to sample the Beachhaven Vineyard and Winery just outside of town. The third weekend in April hosts the River and Spires Festival, saluting the river on which Clarksville grew and the many spires found on the older businesses, churches and academic buildings in town. The festival offers concerts, a food midway, quilting exhibits and a salute to the military.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 McLane Baseball Stadium at Kobs Field 223 Kalamazoo St East Lansing, MI 48824 Michigan State Spartans website McLane Baseball Stadium at Kobs Stadium website Year Opened: 1925 Capacity: 2,500 Spartan Baseball at McLane Baseball Stadium The bronze statue, known as the Spartan, stands at the intersection of Kalamazoo Street, Chestnut Road and Red Cedar Road on the campus of Michigan State University. The iconic sculpture is probably more associated with the football team, but his glance is directed away from Spartan Stadium, and into right field of McLane Stadium. The official name of the venue is McLane Stadium at Kobs Field. Drayton and Elizabeth McLane donated $4 million to allow the university to construct the current seating, and the stadium was ready for the 2009 season. The Spartans opened it up in style as pitcher Nolan Moody hurled a no-hitter in the opening game against Northwestern. The Michigan State baseball team has some history of success, but they have not appeared in the College World Series since 1954. The program was able to win the Big Ten Championship in 2011. It was their first conference championship since 1979. The retired numbers of former greats are displayed in right field including Kirk Gibson (#30), Steve Garvey (#10), Tom Yewcic (#5), Danny Litwhiler (#1), Hall-of-Famer Robin Roberts (#36), and the field's namesake John Kobs (#25). John Kobs coached the baseball team from 1925-1963, and also served as head coach for basketball and hockey at different periods of his time in East Lansing. Other notable players to wear the green and white include John Smoltz, and Mark Mulder. The combination of a new and comfortable stadium with historic and unique charm, on a beautiful college campus makes for an enjoyable afternoon of baseball. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand with two windows that serves DeMartin Soccer Stadium, Secchia Stadium (softball), and McLane Stadium. In the spring, all of these teams could conceivably have a home game on the same day. The menu is exactly what you would expect from attending a sporting event, although there is more selection than you may find at many college baseball venues in the Midwest. Hot dogs ($4.50), brats ($5), burgers ($6), chicken sandwiches ($6), and cheeseburgers ($7) are on offer. I tried the brat and cheeseburger, both of which were decent and perhaps slightly above average in quality. Other snacks available include fries ($4), popcorn ($4-$5), and nachos ($4.50). Pepsi products are available ($4.50/$5), as is bottled water ($4), and hot beverages from Tim Horton's. On a cold spring day, you'll appreciate the coffee, and hot chocolate available ($3). If you're owed 50 cents in change then you will likely be getting a half dollar coin, a quirk that is kind of cool. Prices have increased by about $1 on each item since our last review back in 2012, making a trip out to the ballgame about 20% more expensive if you plan to get something to eat and/or drink. The quality does not make up for the price, and lines during a recent visit which coincided with the football team's spring game moved incredibly slow. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is indeed located on the banks of the Red Cedar, in close proximity to the other Spartan athletic facilities including Spartan Stadium, Breslin Center, and Munn Ice Arena. Of historic note is also the nearby Jenison Fieldhouse, the former home of the basketball team, current home of the wrestling and volleyball teams. Right field is unique at Kobs Field with a small hill that stretches from right center to the right field line, and helps to determine the length of the outfield fence, only 302 feet down the line. It's an interesting quirk of the ballpark, and must be attractive to left handed pull hitters. Immediately behind the plate there are 3-5 rows of green plastic seats with cup holders and adequate legroom. These stretch between the two dugouts and have a screen in front to protect the fans from foul balls. Beyond the dugouts there are some bleacher seats which are unobstructed by the net. The bleachers are a cold metal, not ideal for many games in March or April. There are 11 additional rows of bleachers that make up sort of a mini upper deck as you climb a flight of stairs to reach these seats. There is an interior walkway that separates the lower and upper seats, and the upper seats are elevated enough so that your view is not obstructed if someone is walking by, a nice design decision. If you end up with a bleacher seat, then you may want to bring a stadium cushion to sit on during the game. The announcer calls out, "Let's play Spartan Baseball," as the team readies to throw the first pitch, and the MSU fight song plays over the PA after each run scored by the Spartans. This is one of the few interactive touches that you'll get as a spectator, as the presentation becomes pretty no frills from there, although you will see a couple of between-innings contests and some t-shirts chucked into the crowd. Neighborhood 3 Walking around the Michigan State campus is quite enjoyable, but it can be a bit of a hike to any restaurants or bars. You'll likely be driving and not walking should you want to add a stop to your trip. That said, I am a big fan of the Harrison Roadhouse and their cheeseburgers and selection of local beers. This would be my suggestion if you want a bite to eat. Dublin Square is also a good spot with well executed Irish pub fare. Fans 3 The ballpark seats 2,500 fans with 400 chair back seats and room for 2,100 on the metal bleachers. Like many college baseball teams in this part of the country, the crowd mostly consists of friends and family, although there are certainly alumni and baseball fans who decide to see a game, especially when the weather is nice. The crowd is courteous and intent on watching the game on the field. Access 3 There aren't really any signs of where to park for a baseball game, and most of the parking lots are reserved for those with a pass. There is a parking garage on Harrison Rd, which is connected to the Kellogg Center (219 S Harrison Rd), which has reasonable rates in the spring. Parking for the game cost $3. Another parking option would be to head to Spartan Stadium, which is also the visitor's lot. There is a charge for parking depending on the length that you are there. Parking rates are 80 cents per half hour, so you can expect to pay somewhere between $4-$6.40 for most games. Set your GPS for Spartan Stadium and you should find it just fine, and there will be very little traffic getting in or out of the game. The sports facilities can be found just a couple of miles from M127. The concessions can be found closer to the third base side of the stadium, but you have to walk a bit, a minor inconvenience. Restrooms are found in the same building. Restrooms feature touchless technology and are clean with enough room to accommodate the usual crowds. Return on Investment 3 Prices vary depending on the day of the week, age, and student status. During the week some selected games are offered with no admission charge. In 2016, the game that coincided with the football team's Spring game was offered at no charge as well in order to try and attract a few more people to the ballpark. MSU students always get free entry. Adult tickets are generally $5, with discounts given to kids under age 18, seniors, and military ($3). When you factor in about $10 for concessions and $3-$6 or so for parking, there is a cost for attending a game that exceeds many other college ballpark experiences in the region, but overall it is still a worthwhile experience. Extras 3 One-sheet programs are available for free in the stairways, giving you the rosters for each team, team stats for the Spartans, and the current Big Ten standings. The hill in right field really adds some uniqueness to the park. You may be inclined to see balls hit to right field just to see how it may affect the game. After the game, players are made available for a "meet and greet," and kids are allowed to come down and run the bases. Final Thoughts College baseball is one of those hidden gems of sporting events, and a trip to McLane Stadium is a worthwhile experience. If you are in the state of Michigan, and need to get some baseball into the system in the early spring, then this is definitely a recommended stop. Check out the schedule for the minor league Lansing Lugnuts, who play about three miles away at Cooley Law School Stadium, and you may be able to make a doubleheader out of the trip.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 Matador Stadium 18111 Nordhoff St Northridge, CA 91330 Cal State Northridge Matadors website Matador Stadium website Year Opened: 1961 Capacity: 1,200 Baseball Under the CSUN Located in the northwest sector of the San Fernando Valley, California State University, Northridge was established in 1958. It was known as San Fernando Valley State College until 1972. Though not as notable nationwide as USC or UCLA, CSUN is the largest of the 23 campuses within the Cal State University system. If fans are not from the area, they may remember Northridge as the epicenter of a devastating earthquake in 1994. Years have passed and today Northridge has as beautiful a campus as any Southern California school. Among the recent additions to CSUN is the Valley Performing Arts Center. Matador Field, built in 1961 has had six major renovations, most recent of which was a new backstop in 2008. Food & Beverage 2 The dining options are about as basic as it gets, featuring a hot dog, turkey dog, or spicy dog ($3.50), chips ($2.50) and candy ($2). There is a combo deal where fans could get a dog, chips, and a small soda or water for $7, which would save them $1 than if purchased separately. The beverage options include bottled Coke products ($2), water ($3 for large), Gatorade ($2.50), as well as coffee, tea or hot chocolate ($2). Atmosphere 3 Because Matador Field is void of any lights, all games are played under the sun, giving baseball traditionalists that old-school feel. There are not any specific chants or cheers the fans take part in however, Matty the Matador, the school's mascot is present, making his rounds throughout the stands, mingling with the fans. Neighborhood 3 The Northridge campus and the area surrounding it are an interesting contrast. Should you head either direction you will find there are areas packed with strip malls, restaurants, and all sorts of consumerism. If you're in the mood for some ethnic Middle Eastern dining, the Falafel Palace on Reseda and Prairie, a local student favorite, serves up some really tasty gyros as well as other Greek dishes. If you don't mind driving 5 minutes west of campus, the Northridge Fashion Center is nearby as well and offers these sit-down options: Bonefish Grill, Claim Jumper, Yard House, as well as a Buffalo Wild Wings, to name a few. Should you opt to remain close to Matador Field, Cupid's Hot Dogs, a San Fernando Valley staple serving nothing but chili dogs (I prefer to keep mine simple, chili and onions), is within walking distance a few short blocks south. Fans 3 There is not a lot of activity coming from the Northridge fans, with very few sporting any CSUN attire. This really is not a surprise given the school's local reputation as a commuter school. What I do find interesting is that many of the fans in the stands get creative in regards to shading themselves from the afternoon sun. Given this is Southern California, winter months can be warm as well and many of the fans more than compensate for the lack of shade in the stands by setting up their own portable umbrellas, a good call by those in charge. Access 2 Access to CSUN is not far from three of LA's major freeways; the 405, 101 and 118. If you are coming from LA, the drive time, pending traffic, can vary from 30 to 90 minutes. All Matador home games are played under the CSUN (pun intended) so there's that possibility that you may actually dodge some traffic. It's still a good idea to check the local traffic reports before heading out. Once you have arrived on campus, you will find the main parking lot on the Zelzah Avenue side of campus. There are meters there that accept both cash and credit/debit cards, $5 for up to 4 hours, $6 all day. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may be able to find street parking nearby if you are willing to walk for a bit. Upon entering Matador Field you will find that all the seats are metal bleachers. Given that all games are played during the day, chances are there will be plenty of sun so you may want to bring either a portable chair back or a beach towel to protect yourself from a hot metal seat. Hopefully you will not miss much of the ballgame but if nature is calling, prepare yourself for a long walk. The trek to the restrooms is quite a distance as fans must walk along a narrow walkway beyond the outfield fence and beyond the left field corner. Matador Field could certainly use a couple of mobile restrooms in the open grass area behind the first base dugout as this would save fans a long walk toward relieving themselves. Return on Investment 3 General admission seating for adults is $8, $5 for youth (17 and under) and seniors (60 and over). Though much more affordable than most MLB games, I was surprised a bit by the GA price for this less-known program. Extras 2 Matador Field is as simple as it gets. If you're looking for any historical displays paying homage to the baseball program, you will find a mural behind the first base dugout commemorating the school's conference titles as well as their two Division II National Championship titles. This is a pretty impressive display when taken into account CSUN's hidden presence among the abundance of collegiate baseball programs that reside in Southern California. Final Thoughts If expecting an amplified atmosphere, you may find yourself somewhat disappointed. If a simple day at the ballgame under the sun in a serene, intimate setting without all the bells and whistles is all you need, a stop at Matador Field is certainly worth checking out. Depending on when you plan to visit, because all CSUN baseball games are played during the day, you may even be able to check out a Dodger game as well.

Photos by Andrew Maurins, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 Lawlor Events Center 1664 N Virginia St Reno, NV 89557 Nevada Wolf Pack website Lawlor Events Center website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 11,536 Wolves of Virginia Street Since 1983 when it first opened, Lawlor Events Center has been the rock of Nevada’s basketball programs. The 11,536-seat oval arena at the corner of Virginia and 15th Streets witnessed the growth of Wolf Pack basketball from the Big Sky to the Big West to the Western Athletic and now the Mountain West Conference. It’s played host to eight different conference championship-winning Nevada basketball teams, ten different conference basketball tournaments from 1986 to 2010, and a plethora of different musical acts and entertainment spectacles. In the program’s heyday of the mid- to late 2000s, the Wolf Pack went on a run of four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and seven straight seasons with 21 or more wins. That era also witnessed a slew of Nevada players get drafted by NBA teams. Since that time, area fans have eagerly awaited the Pack’s return to national prominence. Eric Musselman has re-energized the program with high-profile recruits, and an exciting, fast-paced style of basketball bringing progressively bigger crowds to Lawlor. Fans visiting this 2016-2017 season will find the arena enhanced by a few highly visible new additions. Food & Beverage 4 A surprising variety of food and beverage items of decent qualities await fans at Lawlor Events Center, with fairly reasonable wait times and stands that accept all major credit cards. The only real criticism is a lack of signature items of truly outstanding quality. Standard concession items include assorted hot dogs (regular, Polish, cheddar and spicy Chicago), nachos, pretzels, peanuts, Cracker Jacks, a small popcorn, kettle or caramel corn, churros, cotton candy, snowcones, ice cream bars and assorted boxes of candy ($4-$7), along with a refillable popcorn tub for $10 and select two-item combos of some of the above from $9 to $10. Selections expand as you move to the wheeled carts on the inner part of the concourse, like a “Healthy Options” menu featuring Moroccan meatballs, fish tacos, vegetarian chili, a chicken Caesar wrap and fruit skewers ($5-$8); a Mexican food cart with chips and queso ($4.75) or build-your-own burrito, burrito bowl or nachos for $10; a sandwich cart with select 6-inch subs for $7.50; a cart with hamburgers and a variety of condiments for $10; and a couple of dessert stands offering Dippin’ Dots ice cream ($4.50 or $6.50), various caramel apples ($6-$9) and frozen, chocolate-dipped strawberries, bananas and cheesecake slices ($5-$8). All are of above average quality, and adequately priced by sporting event standards. Drink selections are similarly expansive, with Pepsi (including Diet Pepsi, Mug Root Beer, Mountain Dew and Sierra Mist) available in canned ($3.50), bottled ($4.50) or fountain ($5 for a souvenir cup, $6 for a large cup) choices, and other options like bottled water, Starbucks coffee and hot chocolate ($4-$6) also available. Lawlor does, in fact serve alcohol, like aluminum bottles of Budweiser, Bud Lite and Coors Lite ($8), “premiums” such as Shock Top, Samuel Adams seasonals (both canned), New Belgium, Pyramid, Goose Island and Angry Orchard (poured into a 12-oz. plastic cup for $8.50), and select wines ($8.50 per cup), cocktails ($9 for a regular, $18 for a double) and margaritas ($9). For value, nothing beats a refillable popcorn tub shared with friends, but we enjoyed the ultimate nachos ($10) at the cart outside section six. Atmosphere 3 Lawlor’s recent additions represent a big step forward for a game day experience that was already pretty good, but a few key complaints still keep it from scoring higher in this area. The arena’s 11,536 seats are laid out in a slight oval configuration inside a circular building, with the court running perpendicular to that oval. The upper and lower halves of the seats are divided by an internal concourse, which is free for people to move around in during games, with the one exception being the center court area where TV cameras are placed. The vast majority of the seats are folding, blue plastic with shared armrests that might be a little snug for taller fans, while padded seats on the two sidelines round out the rest. The newest main attractions are a stunning set of four new center-hung HD video boards, a ribbon board with individual player stats below that, and a brand-new playing surface with an equally new design. The picture quality, while excellent on both new boards, has tiny text on the ribbon board that is hard to read in the uppermost reaches of the arena, and supplemental stats like rebounds, blocks, steals, assists and three-pointers are confined to older boards that are almost totally obscured by fold-out seats on the two baselines. In-game promotions run the standard gamut of “tweet your seat” and “upgrade your seat” promotions, shooting contests during timeouts, and different interactive “cam” games (dance, flex, emoji and air guitar, to name a few), while the music is contemporary sporting event fare played at a reasonable volume on the arena’s new sound system. The PA announcer adds to games without distracting from them, while the cheerleaders and mascots could benefit from a little more interactivity with fans. Nevada’s pep band, the Howlers, is frequently the best bunch of student fans at games, in addition to playing a good selection of peppy tunes. The optimum location to take in the game day scene is in section five at center court, but pretty much anywhere in the arena that isn’t directly behind the TV cameras will afford you a good view. That includes the upper reaches, too, though the complaint with the ribbon board text is especially applicable there. Neighborhood 3 The arena is located at the north end of the University of Nevada campus in an area primarily comprised of newish buildings and residential homes. Its immediate surroundings are safe, and a have a few options for pre and postgame activities that get more varied the farther south you go towards downtown. For lunch, one of the university neighborhood’s newest additions is GourMelt off of Sierra Street at University Terrace, specializing in grilled cheese sandwich creations. For dinner or a drink, the area’s most famous watering hole is arguably Red’s Little Waldorf Saloon – “the Wal” to locals – and offers a wide assortment of bar and pub grub a short walk north and across Virginia Street from Lawlor. If you’d prefer to cast a wider net to the downtown area, Campo on Sierra next to the Truckee River is our pick. The National Automobile Museum at Lake and Mill Streets showcases a cool assortment of more than 220 cars from the personal collection of former casino magnate Bill Harrah. West of that is the Riverwalk District and its charming collection of shops, restaurants and green spaces like Wingfield Park, where free outdoor concerts are often played. Casino shows change with the seasons, and they offer tourists an added layer of possible entertainment destinations. A hop in a car for a short drive south can take you to either Lake Tahoe or Virginia City for a day trip. Suggestions on where to stay are plentiful, and depend almost entirely on how much you’re willing to spend and the general area where you’d prefer to stay. A traveler on a small budget could make due with one of the smaller hotels, but we think saving up for either the Peppermill about four miles south of the arena or Whitney Peak next to the Reno Arch will yield a better overall experience. Fans 4 Though it won’t be confused with New Mexico’s Pit or Viejas Arena at San Diego State, Lawlor’s fan support is passionate, engaged in the action, and on the upswing. The main exception to this is a lackluster student section. Nevada’s average attendance increased from 5,496 in the 2014-15 season to 6,554 in Eric Musselman’s first year at the helm. This puts them slightly below the Mountain West’s average attendance of 7,167 at that time, which is still the best among American college basketball’s “non-power” conferences. They’re squarely in the middle of a league with venues both highly attended (New Mexico, San Diego State and UNLV) and sparsely attended (San Jose State and Air Force), but are getting better each year. Though typically not near the arena’s full capacity, the crowds at Lawlor are loud, and engaged in what’s transpiring on the court. They limit their movement during the action, and get especially loud when a series of calls doesn’t go their way, which carries over to other moments when Nevada does something great. They could be even greater if the Blue Crew, Nevada’s student section, were better at filling up their end of the arena, starting chants, and generating noise during important stretches – all of which they rarely do with any consistency. Access 4 Getting to Lawlor is straightforward and hassle-free to the necessary extent. Moving around inside, however, can be tricky under certain circumstances. The Sierra Spirit bus offers an easy public transit option from the downtown area to Lawlor for 25 cents per person per ride on a round that takes about 30 minutes. Commercial flights into and out of the area go through Reno-Tahoe International Airport, a 15-minute car ride away. The majority of free parking for games is located in surface lots north of Mackay Stadium next door. The Whalen parking structure just south of the new campus fitness center also has free spaces, but it’s only available for games that fall on weekends, holidays or days when class isn’t in session. If you can get there early enough and it’s not during normal business hours, we suggest parking at the university post office. Provided you aren’t bringing in any unsealed containers of food or liquids, the security screenings at a typical home game are a breeze. We’ve used the entrances near the West Stadium parking structure, but odds are that none of them will give you any significant problems. The only people who currently have ticketless entry are the students who swipe their IDs to get in. The arena’s main concourse is where the only real criticism crops up, going from comfortably wide along the court’s sidelines to downright claustrophobic behind the baskets. For games that are either highly attended or very close or both, having lots of people moving in one direction at once through those latter areas can be a problem. The lines at Lawlor’s decently clean restrooms are usually fine, but can back up at busy times. Unfortunately, the main concourse isn’t open to the court, and the closed-circuit TVs that used to be at every concession stand are no longer there. Thankfully, there are lots of accessible parking spots in the West Stadium garage, and accessible seating is located in each even-numbered section on the interior concourse. Return on Investment 4 For a program on the rise, the current price to enjoy a basketball game at Lawlor Events Center is just right, with a good number of different options to enjoy an outing there. The majority of the lower bowl is unavailable for single game ticket sales, unless you decide to turn to the secondary market. In the upper bowl, single game tickets start at $16 for the plaza basket area (sections 12-16), $18 for plaza corner seats (sections 1, 9-11, 17-19, 23-25 and 35-36), $20 for plaza center seats (the uppermost reaches of sections 2-8 and 20-26), $30 for the center concourse (the lower half of those same sections) and $60 for lower basket seats (the lower bowl seats in sections 10-18, 28-29 and 35-36). Season tickets for the aforementioned sections range from $179 in the plaza basket area all the way up to $650 in the lower basket sections. For more attractive “premium” home games, these prices are subject to slight increases. We found the plaza center seats to be a good way to take in a single game, while a season ticket in the plaza basket area is an especially great value. Free parking is typically not a problem to find for most games, the cost of a trip on the Sierra Spirit bus is minimal, the programs are free, and a bottomless popcorn or plate of ultimate nachos with a bottled water will set you back $14. Single game discounts of anywhere from $6 to $16 per ticket are available for groups of 20 or more people, depending on where you sit, and there are also bigger discounts available for youth, senior and military guests. Special season ticket discounts are available for University of Nevada staff ($20 off per season ticket for up to two people), four-packs ($596) in select sections for employees of Washoe County School District, the Nevada System of Higher Education and the State of Nevada, and for children eighth grade and younger (a Pup Club membership for $55 that includes free admission to home, regular season games for six different Wolf Pack sports along with several other perks). Extras 2 We like the championship banners hanging from the rafters inside Lawlor, as well as the banners of great past players on the arena’s main concourse. We also liked that the ribbon board that shows individual player stats has the watermarked logos of the two teams playing, though they could stand to be directly underneath their respective team scores rather than in opposite places. There’s also a tribute to long-time booster Link Piazzo on the concourse, and the people at Nevada’s athletic department were courteous and professional with us. Final Thoughts It’s clear the Nevada Wolf Pack is on its way up in the college basketball world, and a game day at Lawlor Events Center is similarly above average. It’s excellent in a few areas, mediocre in others, and only lacks that certain magic that consistently excellent programs carry over from year to year and decade to decade. A few more great seasons strung together could potentially vault a game at Lawlor from “above average” to “bucket list” destination.

Photos courtesy of Amy Lane Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 The Nest at Colbert Court 6000 J St Sacramento, CA 95819 Sacramento State Hornets website The Nest at Colberg Court website Year Opened: 1955 Capacity: 1,012 The Hornets Nest The Sacramento State Hornets play in one of the smallest gyms in NCAA's Division I. This creates an intimate environment for the Hornets men's basketball team that routinely fills up The Nest to its 1,012 spectator capacity. The Hornets Nest at Colberg Court has been the home to Sacramento State basketball and volleyball since it opened in 1955. Sacramento State plays in California's capital city and competes in the Big Sky Conference. The conference is the home to many state universities with smaller athletic programs in the Western United States. Next year, Sac State's neighbor, UC-Davis , will join the conference as an affiliate member, participating only in football. During this time of complete conference overhauls, the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) has shown interest in recruiting the Hornets into the FBS realm of college football. Some of the holdup has been the state of Colberg Court and the perception that it is unfit and too small in relation to other schools in the conference and in the division. After all the courting of universities and conferences it seems Sacramento State is staying put in the Big Sky for the foreseeable future. Food & Beverage 2 There is nothing too exciting about the food and beverage options at The Nest. However, I did appreciate the straight forward nature of the menu and the reasonable prices. Hot dogs ($4), polish dogs ($5), nachos ($3), popcorn ($1), chips ($1) and candy ($1) are the extent of the food options. Bottled water ($1.50) and soda ($1.50), coffee ($1), Gatorade ($3) and Rockstar Energy Drink ($2.50) were the only beverage options, but again, at very reasonable prices. My recommendation is to eat at a nearby restaurant prior and grabbing a cup of coffee at the game. Atmosphere 4 I didn't know what to expect when I traveled to Sacramento to see the Hornets play. I'd been to many basketball venues in the state's lesser conferences with decidedly mixed atmospheres. To top it off, it was a rainy Thursday and 8:00 pm tip. Sacramento State had the best basketball atmosphere of the "smaller" venues I've been to, surpassing UC-Davis, Pacific and San Jose State, and rivaling the likes of USF and Saint Mary's . To begin, the place was packed. Granted, the maximum capacity is only 1,200 persons but I was still pleasantly surprised. I often think that schools with passionate, yet small fan bases would be better suited for even smaller, intimate venues. Many members of the other athletic programs were in attendance creating quite a buzz around the gym. It was also the night which the senior members of the Hornet cheer leading squad and dance team were recognized for their time at Sac State. One could easily confuse Colberg Court for a high school gym as it is particularly small for a college venue and the atmosphere is definitely a social event. Granted, there are plenty of fans paying attention to the game but the social aspect is certainly strong. There were two sections of seating, mirroring one another on either side of the court. Each section was only about a dozen rows high for the duration of its length, allowing great views no matter your seat. One thing of note that I certainly took issue with. On one end line, against the wall, are what look to be at first glance, banners immortalizing great moments in Hornets history. Upon further review, they are nothing but sponsorship adds masquerading as relevant banners. Neighborhood 4 There are plenty of spots near the school to grab a bite nearby. Cafe 601 is on University Avenue and a popular destination for college students serving sandwiches and other to-go items. Hoppy Brewing Company is the most popular brewery in Sacramento and serves regular pub food. Their beer can be found at retailers all around Northern California. Though you can imbibe nearby the venue, if you have time, a trip downtown might be in order. You can visit the California State Capital, just five miles from the university as well as enjoy the rest of the downtown Sacramento area. The Pilothouse and Moxie are good downtown restaurants if you're looking for sit-down restaurant while the Firehouse and Biba are upscale restaurants in Old Sacramento near the waterfront. As the sixth-largest city in California, Sacramento has nearly half a million residents so it follows that there will be historical and social value in your surroundings. Fans 4 As previously mentioned, the fans filled up The Nest for this weeknight game, and I was pleasantly surprised. Many of the fans in attendance were families, no doubt because of the affordable nature of a Sac State basketball game. At one baseline there was a small group of students on sofas and a riser that were particularly rowdy. Some of the students were shirtless and waving flags. I did think that the socialization during the game was a tad inappropriate due to the close score of the game, but many, many other fans were engaged with the Hornets. The fans seemed to really respond to the emotion of the players playing the game and that was due in part to the proximity of any seat to the action. When their star player was pumped up, so were they. Access 2 The university is easily accessible from highway 50 and just a few miles from the I-5 and 99 junctions. Unfortunately, the easy access ends there. You almost need to have pre-existing knowledge of The Nest to know where it is. It is just a part of the bigger building complex and may take some investigating to find its actual location. Though there are four doors leading to the court, only one of them is accessible for patrons. This one entrance can get rather crowded as it also is the main entrance to the building, has access to other parts of the building, houses the snack bar and restrooms, as well as displays the championship trophies of Hornets athletics. Once you make your way through the threshold and into the gym you must walk in front of all of the spectators to get wherever you are going. This in particular made the gym feel particularly small as the bigger venues have fans enter from above and behind the seats. Return on Investment 4 This is by no means a top-flight college basketball team or conference but that doesn't mean it's not a great experience, and for a great price. General admission tickets are $10 with discounts available for seniors, students, and children. Parking is free on campus during the evenings and food, while not extensive, is certainly affordable. Extras 2 The Nest at Colberg Court does not have any great awe aspects or intangibles that separate it from any other venue. I did enjoy perusing the trophy case but that was nullified by the silly banners displaying local and national sponsors. What is nice is that it is an experience unlike any other I've experienced in Division I college basketball. The size of the gym certainly plays a roll in that, along with loyal fans.

Photos Courtesy of TSU Tigers Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 Gentry Center 3500 John Merritt Blvd Nashville, TN 37209 Tennessee State Tigers website Gentry Center website Year Opened: 1980 Capacity: 10,500 A Tiger by the Tail in the Music City Nashville is primarily known as the Music City and for being the capital of Tennessee. It is also an educational hub for the state, as it is home to more than 16 colleges and universities. One of these schools is Tennessee State University (TSU), the only state-funded historically black university in the Volunteer State. Founded in 1912, TSU has an enrollment of nearly 10,000 students on its urban campus. It offers 45 bachelor’s degree programs and 24 master’s degree programs. Its most famous alumnus is Oprah Winfrey. Tennessee State’s athletic teams are known as the Tigers, and they compete in the Ohio Valley Conference in all sports. Before joining the OVC, the Tigers played in the NAIA level of competition, where they were three-time national champions in basketball. Since moving up to Division I, TSU has made two NCAA tournament appearances. The Tigers’ home court is known as the Gentry Center, and it is located centrally on campus. Built-in 1980, the basketball portion of the facility has a capacity of 10,500 in its game configuration. The Gentry Complex also houses the Physical Education Department, a dance studio, an indoor track, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, racquetball courts, and training/weight room facilities. One unique aspect of the indoor track is that it is part of the basketball arena, as it is located behind the top row of seating. The track is named for Wilma Rudolph, a TSU alumnus and a world-famous Olympian in track and field. Food & Beverage 2 There are only two concession stands in this 10,000-seat facility, which equals long lines at any time during the game. One is located on the upper level of the south stands just inside the main entrance to the facility. The other is located on the lower level of the north and stands next to the ticket office. The offerings at either stand are rather meager, as the complete menu consists of Tiger Dogs ($3), chili dogs ($4), nachos ($3), and pickles, chips, and candy (all $1 each). The bottled drinks are Pepsi brands and are priced at $2. My advice is to stop and eat at one of the many restaurants along West End Avenue (a five-minute drive from TSU), as there are no eating establishments within walking distance of the campus. Atmosphere 3 The Gentry Center offers the largest seating capacity of any OVC school. To fill those seats, you need a quality team on the court, frequent promotions involving the fans, and in TSU’s case, one of the best college bands around …. The Aristocrat of Bands. The band can stir up the crowd with numerous upbeat songs, and it is almost a religious experience when they launch into “I’m So Glad,” the school’s unofficial fight song, and the entire stands break into a choreographed set of moves to the song. The cheerleaders and dance team are a valuable part of this celebration. You will leave the arena humming the tune. Gentry Center offers an excellent seating arrangement for viewing the games, as the stands are elevated above the court. Seating on the sides is plastic molded stadium seats, while the band and student body fill the bleacher seating at the end of the court. There are no suites available, and all tickets are general admission. The scoreboard over the playing surface does provide a good overview of the stats of the game but is lacking, in that it has no video or graphics capabilities. There are two small Daktronics screens on the corners of the court behind the upper seating level. They are very outdated with poor picture quality and are simply too small relative to the size of the facility. One other distraction is the multi-purpose function of the facility. Other sports share the facility simultaneously, so mesh curtains are let down to screen out other activities, which in turn can block your view of the game from behind the baskets if you are on the upper concourse. Also, even though it is named in honor of hands down the greatest track athlete ever, Wilma Rudolph, the indoor track’s location at the top of the stands makes you think first before crossing, as you never know when a stray runner may sprint by. Neighborhood 4 The main campus of TSU is located in a residential area near the Cumberland River, approximately 10 minutes northwest of downtown Nashville. While the neighborhood is very attractive, there is very little to do in the immediate area of the campus. There is one Wendy’s within walking distance of TSU. Your best bets as far as eating establishments are Harper’s on Jefferson Avenue, which is a Nashville tradition and serves a highly-regarded southern and soul food cuisine, or M.L. Rose Craft Beer and Burger located on Charlotte Avenue, which is on the other side of I-40 from the TSU campus. The West End Avenue district is located just five minutes from TSU, and offers all levels of food service and entertainment offerings, as it fronts Vanderbilt University. Some of the local favorites include Jimmy Kelly’s, the Nashville Dog, and for breakfast, the Pancake Pantry. This area also offers you the best selection of choices for lodging, with all major brands represented at more reasonable prices than the downtown hotels, which cater to the convention and tourism trade. Depending on your budget, the Marriott holdings (Courtyard Marriott- West End, the Springhill Suites -Vanderbilt, or the Marriott Residence Inn- West End) are within a block of each other and are within walking distance of some great restaurants. Fans 4 Tennessee State’s membership in the Ohio Valley Conference means there are frequent rivalry games against five other OVC schools within a 100-mile radius of Nashville. These schools include Belmont University, Austin Peay University, Lipscomb University, Tennessee Tech, and the University of Tennessee-Martin. This proximity results in a very lively experience, both in the stands and on the court. TSU students stand and cheer for the majority of the game. Aided by the non-stop music provided by the famous and award-winning Aristocrat of Bands, there is a party going on the whole game. Due to the on-campus location, most of the students simply walk over from their dorms to the games. Since the student activity fee covers game admission, expect the student section to be filled and rocking the whole game. Access 2 The Gentry Complex is easily accessed via I-40. You would simply take the 28th Avenue exit and go three red lights, following the signage to Tennessee State University. You would then turn left onto Walter S. Davis Boulevard, and the Gentry Complex will be on your left. The real fun comes in identifying which building it is, as there is absolutely no name, athletic logo, or other signage indicating it is an athletic facility. For a new visitor to the campus, this confusion is compounded by the placement of the ticketing facilities at the back of the building on what looks like a service road. The parking is free along the driveway leading up to the Gentry Center or in the faculty lot just to the left of the Olympic Plaza. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are all general admission seating and cost $10. Parking for the Gentry Complex is free. The concession prices are very reasonable, but your food choices are extremely limited. Probably the most expensive aspect of going to a TSU Tigers game will be lodging, as there are no hotels located in the vicinity of the school. The closest options are in the downtown or West End districts of the Nashville area and run from $100-$350.00 a night. If you do not require overnight accommodations, a night out at a Tennessee State basketball game will not break the bank. Extras 3 The Aristocrat of Bands certainly deserves an extra point for its showmanship, musical talent, and ability to keep the audience enthused. A second extra goes to TSU’s Olympics Plaza, which is located just outside the Gentry Center and celebrates the dozens of TSU track and field stars who have gone on to Olympic glory. The plaza offers a listing of these athletes, who reads like a who’s who of gold, silver, and bronze medalists, in addition to many world record holders. A very contemporary statue depicting a relay runner also highlights this area. The third extra goes to Music City and all its entertainment offerings. This ranges from professional sports, big-name concerts almost nightly, and lively arts and cultural heritage.

Photo Courtesy of utrgvrider.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 UTRGV Fieldhouse 1201 West University Dr Edinburg, TX 78541 UT-Rio Grande Valley Vaqueros website UTRGV Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1969 Capacity: 2,500 Deep South Texas Division I Home The Fieldhouse, located in the city of Edinburg (in the Deep South Texas), has a unique charm. It may not be impressive from the outside but it is inside. Built in 1969 the Fieldhouse has aged well. Major renovations to the bleachers on both sides, center court, and a graphics layout has given the venue a face lift that makes it a great place to visit. With a name change from UTPA to UTRGV in fall 2015 came new court insignias and branding around the Field House and campus. The new looks are only the start of the face lift that the Fieldhouse may get in the near future. Food & Beverage 2 Honestly food and drink at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Fieldhouse is nothing to write home about. There is not a kitchen or even a concession stand inside. In the courtyard outside of the west entrance two mobile trailers sell concessions. ‘Concession’ is the right word because you will not find too many extravagant stadium foods like burgers. Hot dogs are available most of the time if the demand isn’t too much. A strong suggestion from the concession stand options is hot cheetos with cheese. This is a regional snack that is the spicy version of hot cheetos with a hearty spoonful of nacho cheese. (Served with a fork because it is as messy as it sounds.) Other than that it’s an average variety of chips, drinks and candy bars. If you want good eats I would suggest eating on University Drive before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 Even though Texas-Rio Grande Valley is known as a commuter campus everything about a UTRGV game is a college experience. The UTRGV pep band is always fun and keeping the attitude light no matter the score. The band is always loud but are sometimes rivalled by that of fraternities or the student section. The video scoreboard is impressive for the size of the arena. Spanning nearly the entire end line on the south side, the video board offers instant replay and also serves as a scoreboard. Just above the video board you’ll find the 1962-63 NAIA National Championship banner. On the left side hangs a banner recognizing the 1980-81 NIT bid and to the right hangs the retired jersey of Luke Jackson (NBA and Olympic champion). Near the walkway on the southwest corner and Fieldhouse wall is a plaque which pays homage to the coach of the ’63 championship team as well as the father of UTPA, now UTRGV basketball, Sam Williams. Above the east side bleachers is a “Welcome to the Valley” banner. Neighborhood 2 Edinburg, Texas is not exactly a hot spot for tourism. It is a suburb of a town, McAllen, that isn’t really heavy on attractions either. There is a very unique culture along the US-Mexico border, but sadly there is not much more to do than eat out. Within a mile or so radius of the Fieldhouse there is a plethora of eating options catered for the college students (or fans). There are tons of fast foods options if you just want to fulfill a meal but there’s some nicer sit down options as well. My top suggestion is to check out the University Drafthouse. The Drafthouse is newly opened and is tailor-made for game days. They will even stream UTRGV away games if there is streaming capabilities wherever the Vaqueros are traveling. The restaurant keeps more than 30 beers on tap, many in bottles and serves some top notch hamburgers (something you’ll have leave campus to do). There’s also a taqueria right across the street if you want to get into the traditional food of the Rio Grande Valley. La Mexicana won’t take too much out of your wallet and the meal should be memorable. The history of the area can be further explored at the Museum of South Texas History. Another neat stop is the Tejano Walk of Fame near the Edinburg city hall which serves as a tribute to Tejano music legends. Edinburg in itself isn’t overflowing with attractions, so I recommend lodging in nearby McAllen at the Hilton Garden Inn. McAllen is a much larger city with tons more to do and is only a skip south. About an hour and a half east of Edinburg is the summer time travel stop of South Padre Island. Depending on the timing and weather for your trip, you may want to try to include a stop here as a side excursion. Fans 3 Since UTRGV doesn’t boast a football team (yet), basketball is the pride and joy of the school. UTRGV fans often go the way the team goes. If the team isn’t winning the crowds will thin out. Even during rough seasons however, you can find some passionate fans wearing green and orange to support the team. There is a very loyal group of senior citizens that often purchase season tickets that you can always find frequenting the bleachers at the Fieldhouse no matter what the state of the Vaqueros may be. Sadly tough times have fallen upon the Vaqueros and often attendance can dip below 500 fans a night. A factor contributing to this is the cross-country opponents they face during conference play. It might be hard for a crowd to get behind a rivalry with a team from say Bakersfield, California. If you attend a game against a more geographical rival, like UT-San Antonio then you are likely to find a more healthy crowd. Fans are always into the game, cheering hard when good things happen and everything you would hope for in a college crowd. If you’re lucky you can even catch the Fieldhouse on an extra festive day with pre-game tailgates or pep rallies. Access 3 UTRGV’s Fieldhouse in Edinburg is approximately a 20 minute drive from the Rio Grande Valley’s nearest airport in McAllen. If you fly into the other international airport in Harlingen, you can expect a 45 minute to an hour drive. Finding the Fieldhouse has been said to be a challenge to non-regulars. This mostly stems from the fact that almost all of the buildings on the campus have the exact same exterior and the Fieldhouse is no different. Look for parking lot F. Wheelchair access is available upon request and you’ll be seated somewhere on the floor. The restrooms are outside of the doors that non-season ticket holders enter through and lines are nonexistent. Return on Investment 3 An adult ticket will set you back $8, or $10 for reserved which is reasonable considering you are catching NCAA Division I action. Parking is always free. A better on-court product might have warranted a bump in ROI but until UTRGV starts to host and compete with high-caliber opponents or even makes a run at WAC success it still can seem like a tough sell. The price leaves room for a decent meal before or after your evening at the Fieldhouse. The Rio Grande Valley has one of the lowest costs of livings in the country so a visit to South Texas won’t break the bank. Extras 2 The pep band likes to play sing along tunes and also leads the heckling department. It’s also fun to do the fake shot clock countdown which has been known to force a few point guards to rush the play. In 2012 a Coca-Cola sponsored video board was installed that is very helpful for those keeping stats to see exactly what every player on the court is doing in terms or points, assists, rebounds and fouls.

Photo Courtesy of Tyler Smith Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Truist Arena 500 Nunn Dr Highland Heights, KY 41099 Northern Kentucky Norse website Truist Arena website Year Opened: 2008 Capacity: 9,400 Valhalla Wasn’t Built in a Day Opened in 2008, BB&T Arena ushered in the new era of Northern Kentucky Norse basketball. The school announced its intentions to move the school’s athletic programs from the Division II level, where they had great success, up to Division I. However, that era came a bit later than expected after the arena proved a bit too nice for the Ohio Valley Conference. Luckily, the Atlantic Sun would step up and accepted NKU months later in December 2011. After playing three of the NCAA-required four probationary seasons in the A-Sun, including 2015 where the conference allowed the Norse to play in the conference tournament earlier than required, the Norse announced the surprising news that the school was abruptly moving its teams to the Midwest-based Horizon League for the 2015-2016 season. Note: The arena name changed to Truist Arena in April 2022. Food & Beverage 3 With smaller crowds, for now, the arena has one main concession stand open in the corner outside section 108. It’s a small menu with the basics like burgers, hot dogs, Papa John’s pizza, popcorn, and nachos. Prices are slightly higher than expected at a small college, but still in line with most arenas ($4-$8 for most items). Like the other Cincinnati-area schools, NKU serves alcohol at its on-campus arena with Budweiser and Bud Light on draft ($7 for 20 oz) at the main concession stand and also at a smaller beer-specific stand outside sections 105 and 106. The main stand does offer a couple premium beers (also $7), including cans of Stella Artois (16 oz pour), and an area beer in Cougar Bait (an American Blonde Ale; 12 oz pour) from Lexington, Kentucky’s Country Boy Brewing. On the student section side, there’s a small stand without beer sales tucked behind section 101. On the open platform above the seats, there’s a small ice cream stand. I’m assuming there’s a contingency plan for when the upper deck seats are used but even now there could probably be something done to get the line at the main stand moving quicker. Observing the stand outside of halftime showed the lines still backed up, blocking the concourse path. Atmosphere 3 Designed in part by local firm GBBN Architects and 360 (now HOK Sport), seating at BB&T Arena is configured for 9,400 with a complete lower bowl and a 3/4 upper deck. The seating bowl offers great views from every angle. The place is modern, bright and comfortable and is one of the nicer venues among mid-major programs.. Like many basketball-centric schools, BB&T Arena serves as not just the home of the men’s and women’s basketball programs, but also as the spiritual home of all the university’s athletic programs. This is exemplified in the NKU Athletics Hall Of Fame near the arena’s main entrance on the north end. All of the school’s championships and star players from the Division II era are recorded here. It really shows just how successful the school was and how it aided their ambition to step up to the Division I level. In their time as a Division II power since the early 70s until 2012, Norse athletic teams racked up 50 conference titles in the Great Lakes Valley Conference, 25 NCAA regional championships and three national titles. The trophies spill out into another case in the concourse. As crowds increase hopefully the school will consider moving the inflatables outside of the arena area and give that space to the students or some sort of standing perch. It is odd to see that stuff taking up space while the game is going on. Neighborhood 2 The campus was built in the early 1970s, and the architecture reflects the concrete brutalist-inspired structures popular at that time, but the campus is also being augmented with modern glass and steel buildings like Griffin Hall. NKU is still very much a commuter campus, so there’s not much life on it outside of class hours, though the university has put an effort into growing that. The surrounding town of Highland Heights is a car-centric suburb. Along with the grocery and drugstores, there are a number of shops and restaurants that dot the strip malls along Alexandria Pike (US 27). There are some decent spots nearby like local favorite Frisch’s and fast-casual chains like Chipotle and Smashburger. Fans 2 It is natural that NKU’s crowds are going to be smaller for the near future. You don’t build fan loyalty overnight and the school is still in the nascent years of its D-I era. Add in that they’re fighting for attention in a region crowded with college basketball from the likes of Kentucky, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Xavier and it’s quite the uphill fight for the young program. Nonetheless, it is still a bit disappointing to see the lack of student turnout. Perhaps the oversized student section exacerbates things, but the empty bleachers are surprising. In fairness, along with fighting to get locals to care and become invested in Norse basketball, NKU is trying to shift away from being a commuter school, and currently has only 16% of its 15,000 students in university-related housing. Access 4 NKU is located about seven miles south of downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The campus is quite easy to reach as it sits near the intersection of Cincinnati’s beltway (I-275) and Kentucky SR-471, which starts downtown as a spur from I-71. From the city’s airport in Hebron, KY it’s just 15 minutes on 275E to the campus. After turning on Nunn Drive or using 3 Mile Road/University Drive exit from 275 (East only), the NKU Soccer Stadium and the arena are the first pieces of the campus you’ll encounter. Parking is simple as the main Welcome Center garage sits next to the arena across University Drive along with a couple of surface lots. From the garage second level, there’s an elevated walkway straight to the arena’s main entrance that also serves as one of the campus’ major visual landmarks. The surface lots next to the arena, Lot O, are generally reserved for donors and premium ticket holders with the exception of accessible parking spaces. There is also designated accessible parking in the surface lots next to the garage. Return on Investment 3 Tickets are $10 ($12 day of game) and parking is $5, which has to be one of the best sports deal in this area. Add in some snacks and a group of four can have a night out for around $70 total. With the school’s investment in the program, the Norse should continue to improve on the court, and with time should hopefully turn into a decent mid-major team. While this review was based on a men’s game, I’d advise basketball fans to look at attending a women’s game, as well. The women’s team has historically been the more successful of the two, winning two of the school’s three national titles, and continues to fare better in the D-I transition. Extras 3 One point for the Norse nickname and theme. It’s a unique choice amongst Division I schools and the school has done a nice job of utilizing Norse imagery to add to the school’s sports culture and atmosphere. Even with the smaller crowd, you’ll still see a number of students and fans wearing Viking hats and the school mascot, Victor E. Viking, is all over the place. As well, the upper-level seating is divided into the Thunder and Lightning Decks. One point for the move to the Horizon League. The A-Sun was a means to an end in the transition to Division I, but the Horizon offers many benefits as the school wraps up its probationary stage and works toward that eventful NCAA tourney berth. One point for the Hall of Fame. It shows that NKU has been excelling at sports long before the arena was built and provides major context to the history of Norse athletics. Final Thoughts There are the makings here for a great basketball atmosphere but it’s going to take time and, really, stakes. There are tons of schools that would love to have a facility this nice and the Norse fans will hopefully come around and make this a tough place for teams to play. I’m looking forward to seeing what the crowds look like here in a couple seasons when the Norse are fighting for Horizon League tournament position and have a shot at the NCAA’s.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Alumni Coliseum 521 Lancaster Ave Richmond, KY 40475 Eastern Kentucky Colonels website Alumni Coliseum website Year Opened: 1963 Capacity: 6,500 Ballin’ in Richmond Alumni Coliseum, otherwise known as Paul S. McBrayer Arena, is located in Richmond, Kentucky, and opened in 1963. The venue has a capacity of 6,500, and is currently home to Eastern Kentucky University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams, as well as EKU’s women’s volleyball team. The court itself is named after Paul McBrayer, a former EKU basketball coach. The venue is unique, in that its ceiling is made entirely of wooden beams, and is believed to be the largest such ceiling in existence. Food & Beverage 3 While Alumni Coliseum does not offer a ton of choices at its concessions stands, there is more than enough variety to suit most tastes. Food options include chicken sandwiches, tacos, burgers, hot dogs, brats, and pizza; these items range in price from $3.50 to $4.75. Snack options include popcorn, chips, candy, nachos, soft pretzels, peanuts, cookies, and Dippin’ Dots, which cost between $1 and $4. The food quality is actually fairly good for a sports stadium, especially the burgers (simple, but tasty). Drinks available at Alumni Coliseum include all of the basics, such as bottled soda (Pepsi products), bottled water, Gatorade, coffee, and hot cocoa, all of which cost $2.50 to $3. No alcohol is sold here, as the venue is located on a college campus. There are two types of concessions stands at Alumni Coliseum – the main ones are permanent, and the others are just plastic tables set up in the concourse. The tables only take cash, so if you specifically want a burger, cookies, or Dippin’ Dots, make sure you bring some cash. But all of the other items can be purchased from the main stands, which take cards. Atmosphere 3 Alumni Coliseum is a decent basketball venue, with a good crowd, and some nice features. Alumni Coliseum appears very imposing from the outside, but seems a little smaller once you get inside. The basketball court itself only has seating on three sides (along both sidelines and behind one backboard), but the video screen is located behind the opposite backboard, so is easy for all fans to see, even though it is not that big. See a video of the layout here: One nice feature of Alumni Coliseum is that the walls in the concourse are lined with trophy cases and plaques showcasing different teams’ accomplishments, as well as commemorating notable players and coaches. There are also flags outside on the plaza, and massive posters for both the men’s and women’s basketball teams adorning the wall outside the front entrance. Most of the seats are wooden bleachers, but there are three sections of metal chair backs (lower level along both sidelines, and upper level on one sideline). The lower-level chair backs are reserved for donors, but the upper-level chair backs are definitely worth the extra $2 they cost, since they are more comfortable than the bleachers. Neighborhood 2 There is not a lot to do in the small town of Richmond, besides visit the university. However, there are several decent restaurants near Alumni Coliseum, and the town has a little Civil War history, as well. About a mile from the stadium, near I-75 on your way into town, there is a Hooters and a Logan’s Roadhouse, either of which would make a fine hangout for before or after the game. But if you are looking for something more local, check out Madison Garden on Main St (northeast of Alumni Coliseum) – Madison Garden offers pretty standard bar fare, including wings and burgers that they are well-known for, but the real draw is that they serve over 175 different beers. Richmond was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War, and there are a couple of monuments in town memorializing the battle, including the Visitor’s Center and Battlefield Park. There are a number of hotels about a mile from Alumni Coliseum, ranging from Holiday Inn to Comfort Suites. Most of them are located off I-75 to the west of the venue, but there are also a couple on the northeast side of campus. Fans 3 The fans at Alumni Coliseum are very loud and supportive of their team, and the venue draws a pretty good crowd. During a typical game in a good year, a men’s basketball game will draw between 4,000 and 5,000 fans, or about two-thirds full. Most of the fans wear team colors, and stay fairly loud throughout the game. The student section is clearly marked, but the students do not seem any louder than the rest of the fans, if not less so. Regardless, the concourse is absolutely deserted while the game is going on, so that definitely shows how engaged the fans are. Access 4 Alumni Coliseum is easy enough to find in the daytime, since it is located on a hill and is thus very visible. However, at night, it is a different story – the venue is surrounded by other campus buildings, so the only way you can really get there is from the main drag. Parking is free right outside the Coliseum’s main entrance (on the south side), so that is a major plus. Most fans enter on that side, and there are two ticket booths there, one of which only takes cash. Since the crowd is small, the concourse is rarely crowded and there is plenty of room to move around. There are more than enough bathrooms to accommodate everyone, and the lines at concessions are almost non-existent since there are multiple stands you can buy from. Once you get into the arena itself, there is a walkway that divides the upper and lower seating areas so you can still watch the game as you make your way to and from your seat. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to EKU basketball games are very cheap and concession prices are very reasonable. The atmosphere is not over the top, though, so unless you just want to see a game, there are other venues nearby which provide a lot more energy. Ticket prices are $10 for general admission, and $12 for upper-level chair backs ($8 for youth). Nothing at the concessions stands is over $5, and parking is free. Extras 2 Alumni Coliseum has some great architectural features, some of which are more easily seen during the day, such as the impressive entrance and the plaza outside, but the wooden ceiling is also notable. Having the trophy cases and plaques on display inside is also a nice touch, instead of having them hidden away in some museum far away. Final Thoughts Alumni Coliseum has some nice features but the crowd, while decent, is on the small side and probably won’t blow you away. That said, if you live nearby, it may be worth a visit to take in a game here, but it may not be a venue to travel very far for.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Henderson Center One John Marshall Drive Huntington, WV 25755 Marshall Thundering Herd website Henderson Center website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 9,048 Jam the Cam! Cam Henderson Center was built in 1981, as part of a deal with the West Virginia state legislature – legislators affiliated with Marshall refused to support funds to help build Mountaineer Field at West Virginia University unless Marshall also received a facility. The Center was originally designed to hold over 10,000 fans and had a retractable floor (so that other sports could be played there), but due to construction problems, the retractable floor was eventually replaced, which led to the current capacity of 9,048. Cam Henderson Center is named after former basketball, baseball, and football coach Cam Henderson, who coached at Marshall in the 30s, 40s, and 50s. Henderson is known for originating the fast break and 2-3 zone defense, which are major components of modern basketball. The Center is currently home to the Marshall University basketball teams, but is also occasionally used for volleyball and tennis. Food & Beverage 2 Cam Henderson Center doesn’t have a great selection at its concession stands, but fortunately, college basketball games are not very long. There are only two main dishes (hot dogs and Philly cheesesteak) and only a handful of other items, including kettle corn, popcorn, pretzels, Cracker Jack, candy, and chips. Prices are on the low side, however; everything costs between $2 and $4, except for the Philly cheesesteak, which costs $7, and the kettle corn, which costs $6 and only comes in a large bag. Drink options are exactly what you would expect from a stadium – you can get soda, bottled water, Gatorade, coffee, hot cocoa, or fresh-squeezed lemonade. Drink prices range from $3 to $6, depending on beverage choice and size. There is no alcohol available in Cam Henderson Center, as it is located on campus. Atmosphere 4 Cam Henderson Center provides a decent atmosphere, with great crowd noise and comfortable seating in most areas. The Center is constructed of brick and cement, and has very unique architecture, with walls that angle in until about two-thirds of the way up, when the top portion begins to angle back out. The side facing the dorms also has a series of angled support columns. The inside of the Center is also unique – unlike many basketball arenas, which have plenty of seating on all four sides, at Marshall almost all of the seats are along the sidelines, with only a few seats behind each backboard. The seats along the sidelines angle up sharply, due to the architecture, but since the Center isn’t very big, this doesn’t create any vertigo problems. Most of the seats are chair backs, with the most comfortable ones located in the lower level – seats in this area are padded. There are a few sections with bleachers, namely behind the backboards and at the very top of the facility. There is also plenty of signage inside Cam Henderson Center, in the form of banners commemorating tournament appearances, as well as wall-size pictures of notable former players on the walls out in the concourse. Marshall basketball provides typical entertainment during the game, such as the cheerleaders performing and the mascot playing games with kids during breaks in the action. However, Marshall also does a good job trying to get involved in the local community – for example, during halftime, the cheerleaders perform with local junior cheerleader squads, and the Center also supports pet adoption by bringing animals needing homes in during games. Neighborhood 3 There isn’t much in Huntington besides the university, but there are some interesting attractions around town, and several places to eat before or after the game. The most well-known hangout is Fat Patty’s, which is located on 3rd Avenue, not far from the Center. Specializing in burgers, Fat Patty’s offers a full bar, large TVs, and two happy hours (4pm-7pm & 10pm-1am), and is a big hit with the locals, thanks to its casual atmosphere. There are also plenty of other restaurants along 3rd Avenue, including fast food, as well as fine dining. One of the interesting things you will see dotted around Huntington are painted sculptures of locomotives, which are sponsored by local businesses and painted by local artists. These sculptures are meant to commemorate the importance of railroads in the area’s history. There is also a one-room schoolhouse museum not far from the Center – check out the video to see one of the sculptures and the museum: Fans 4 Marshall basketball fans bring lots of energy to the Cam Henderson Center, and almost all fans show up wearing green. While the Center may not always sell out, there is still a great showing, with a crowd of at least seven or eight thousand strong during a typical game (80-90% capacity), especially later in the season during conference match-ups. The crowd cheers loudly throughout the game, and cheers of “We are Marshall!” and “Let’s go Herd!” are frequent. Most of the fans stay in their seats while the game is going on, so the concourse is pretty deserted, except during halftime. Access 3 Parking during Marshall basketball games is surprisingly difficult, but bathrooms are easily accessible inside the Center, if you know where to look. Cam Henderson Center is located across the street from the football stadium, which has four times the capacity, so it seems like there should be plenty of parking during basketball games. However, most of the regular parking areas, such as the lot outside the football stadium and the nearby parking decks, seem to be reserved for pass holders, and I did not see a single cash lot. The only place to park is on one of the nearby streets, so it might take some time to find a space. On the plus side, street parking is usually free, unless you park next to a meter (these are only free on Sundays). The main entrance is on the 3rd Avenue side, which is closer to parking for most fans, but you can get in on the opposite side. Moving around the stadium is fairly easy, since the concourse is pretty wide, but you may have to fight some lines during halftime. In the seating area itself, there are lots of walkways facing the court, so fans can move around and still watch the game. The bathrooms tend to have long lines during halftime, but if you walk around to the end of the concourse (behind the backboard), you won’t have to wait – this part of the concourse is pretty deserted, since most of the seats are along the sidelines. Return on Investment 3 Attending a game at the Cam Henderson Center is a good experience, but is probably not worthwhile cost-wise, unless you are able to buy cheap tickets. Tickets start at $10 for general admission (nosebleed seating), and go up to $25 (seats closest to the court). While the atmosphere is certainly fun and the crowd is solid, I am not sure the experience is worth $25, especially if you have a large group. Plus, even though the concessions are cheap enough, they are not all that fulfilling, and parking is a little bit of a hassle. It would be a good idea to buy your tickets online in advance, because the cheap seats may sell out if you wait until game day. Extras 3 The architecture is very unique, and it is nice to see that the administration tries to support the community by letting local groups participate on game day. Also, it is a lot of fun to drive around town and do some train-spotting for the colorful sculptures. Final Thoughts If you come to Cam Henderson Center for a game, be sure to arrive early, so you have less trouble finding parking. Also, be sure to wear green, or you definitely will look out of place!

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Titan Gym 800 North State College Blvd Fullerton, CA 92834 Cal State Fullerton Titans website Titan Gym website Year Opened: 1964 Capacity: 4,000 Where Titans Clash Named for the school’s nickname, Titan Gym was built in 1964 and seats 4,000 fans. Despite its age, a number of improvements in recent years have kept the gym serviceable for Division-I basketball. A new scoreboard, chair backed seating, and a redesigned floor are just a few of the renovations since 2012. Food & Beverage 2 A concession stand outside the main entrance serves up dogs, snacks and beverages at reasonable prices and includes hot dogs ($3.50) and polish dogs ($4). Both also come as combos with a bag of chips and a 16 oz soda for $2 more. Pepsi product fountain beverages are available in three sizes, 44 oz ($4.50), 32 oz ($3.50), 24 oz ($2.50). Coffee is also available for $2. Snacking options include nachos with cheese and jalapenos ($3.50), churros ($2.75), soft pretzels ($2.75, $3.25 with cheese), peanuts ($4.50), assorted candies ($3), sunflower seeds ($2) and chips ($1.50). Gatorade ($3.50) and bottled water ($2.50) are also available. If all you’re looking for is snacking options or bottled drinks, another snack stand is set up inside the arena just inside the concourse of the main entrance. Atmosphere 3 Several chants are heard inside of Titan Gym, some of which are choreographed after free throw makes. Banners honoring retired Titan hoopsters as well as national champion teams, along with murals of various student-athletes adorning the walls, definitely adds to the gym’s intimacy. In some ways the layout of the gym resembles that of Cal State Northridge’s Matadome. Despite the size of the venue, it holds sound extremely well and has a rather vibrant atmosphere. The dance team, winners of 14 National Division I Jazz Title’s, is always at peak performance, treating fans to a variety of dance routines to the tunes of various genres. This is quite impressive given their lack of local exposure compared to the more renowned local programs, USC and UCLA. Tuffy, Fullerton’s mascot, is a furry grey elephant voted upon by the students, and is very active throughout the game and in the stands, and is always happy to interact with his fans. The Stampede, the student section is rather sparse and lacks some of the traditional rituals at college basketball games. Also lacking in the section is the presence of student section specific shirts. This section could have used either some blue or orange. Neighborhood 3 The surrounding area around campus has a vast variety of pre and post game dining options, including your standard chains KFC, Panera Bread, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries. BIGS Fullerton is probably the best place nearby to pick up some wings. Beyond just the wings, they have weeknight specials as well as all sorts of fried pub food including sweet potato and curly fries. They offer over 40 beers on tap, so it could make for some good times. Oggi’s, a brewhouse that not only specializes in pizza but has a full dining area with multiple screens to view other sporting action, has several chains in Orange and San Diego counties, including Fullerton. Cal State Fullerton is a mere 10-15 minute drive from Anaheim so if you’re looking for other entertainment and dining options, downtown Disney is another option. If you don’t plan to pay the mouse a visit, parking for up to 2 hours is free, 4 hours with validation from local venues. Fans 3 As with most athletic programs, the fan support is a reflection of the product on the court. Though not filled to capacity, those who are in attendance are very active often making plenty of noise in their attempt to rally behind the home five. Because no seat is far from the action, any kind of unified noise the fans can create will definitely be felt by the players on the court. Access 3 The stadium is just minutes off of the 57, which quickly connects to the 5 and 91 freeways. Unfortunately the gym is not easily identifiable once you arrive on campus, so make sure you have some time to walk the campus and find it. CSUF is easily accessible from several major streets, however, you may want to do a quick online search before heading out as construction is being performed in several areas, particularly on State College Blvd south of campus. Parking for Titan Gym events are available on a “Park and Pay” basis for $2 an hour, with daily permits for $8. However, if the game you are attending is a weekend game, you may be in luck with some free parking. There is only one main concourse accessible to fans inside the main entrance. Fans wanting to access the concourse or seats will be walking behind the baskets or along the sidelines behind the courtside seats. Fans are permitted to walk outside the concourse to purchase concessions as well as stretch and walk around so long as they maintain their ticket stub. The restrooms are rather small, but with the size of the venue, fans are unlikely to experience any backups. The stalls actually have foot pedal flush values, something you don’t see every day. Return on Investment 3 Season ticket packages for men’s basketball are available for $468 for courtside seats and $168 for reserved sideline seats. Each season ticket package includes a per-seat donation to the basketball program. Otherwise, courtside seating is $40, reserved seating with chair backs along the sidelines are $13, general admission bleacher seating behind the baskets are $10, $8 for seniors 65 and older and $6 for children 6 and younger. All of these are reasonable prices for Division-I college basketball. Most seats are extremely close to the action, with sideline seats only 8 rows and general admission seats 15 rows deep so you’ll get a relatively good vantage point regardless of your seat. Extras 3 In the lobby of the gym, you’ll find the Titan Hall of Fame. Plaques commemorating the great athletes that contributed to the Fullerton program are recognized. Greg Bunch and Leon Wood are the two men’s basketball players that are honored here. Along the north side rafters, fans can spot the retired numbers of former Fullerton basketball numbers. These include Bruce Bowen (25), Cedric Ceballos (31), Greg Bunch (30), Leon Wood (20), Josh Akognon (1), Scott Cutley (2) and Rodney Anderson (4). Along the rafters on the south sidelines fans can spot the national title banners won from all of Fullerton’s athletic programs. Of course, when Tuffy isn’t busy hexing the visiting team he is roaming the stands always happy for photo opportunities with fans during breaks in the action. Final Thoughts The CSUF Titans are known nationwide for their dominant baseball program, who play at Goodwin Field, but their basketball program is worth checking out. The gym offers an intimate feel with no seat being far from the action. CSU Fullerton has produced some quality NBA players and perhaps eventually the basketball program may be that so-called Cinderella team that dances in March. Be sure to take some time to walk this beautiful campus, as well as the neighborhood before setting foot in the gym. Once inside, don’t be fooled by the small gymnasium as once the game starts, it has a rather big campus feel. Follow me @ good_drei on Twitter and Instagram for other pictures and happenings in L.A. and SoCal.

Photos Courtesy of Golden Eagles Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.00 Hooper Eblen Center 1100 McGee Blvd Cookeville, TN 38501 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles website Hooper Eblen Center website Year Opened: 1977 Capacity: 9,282 Golden Eagles Soar at “The Hoop” Tennessee Tech University (TTU) is a 12,000-student state university located in Cookeville, Tennessee. Founded in 1915, it does put a major emphasis on engineering and technology-related fields of learning. Its largest majors by enrollment are Mechanical Engineering, Computer Sciences, and Chemical Engineering. However, it does offer degrees in education, liberal arts, agriculture, and nursing, as well. TTU competes in the NCAA Division I level of competition, as a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. The sports teams are known as the Golden Eagles, and the school colors are a very majestic purple and gold combination. Virtually every sign and store in town will incorporate these colors into their architecture in some way. The Golden Eagles basketball program calls the 9,852-seat Hooper Eblen Center its home nest. A majority of locals and students refer to the facility as simply The Hoop. The Hoop has gone through numerous renovations and expansions since being built in 1977. The basketball arena portion of the center is designed in a two-tiered seating arrangement, featuring cushioned chair back seats. It has the third-largest seating capacity in the OVC. The color scheme for the court, the lobby, and the signage are consistent in carrying out the purple and gold colors of the school. Tennessee Tech has made two NCAA tournament appearances, in 1958 and 1963. They appeared in the NIT in both 1985 and 2002. In addition to basketball, the Eblen Center also houses the volleyball program, two indoor tennis courts, and a student fitness center featuring handball courts, a pool, and a weight room. The Center also serves as the campus concert venue and hosts graduation ceremonies in the event of inclement weather. Food & Beverage 3 The food and beverage stands are numerous and are well-placed throughout the external concourse. Each stand has two TV monitors showing the game's action, and the play-by-play feed by the team’s radio announcer is piped into the area so you will not miss anything. The student section, known as the Eagle’s Nest, has its concession area inside the arena area. The Hoop features Pepsi products, with all soft drinks priced at $3. A small coffee goes for $2 and a large coffee is $3. The food offerings are fairly broad and are priced well. A sampling of the items available includes pan pizza ($5), cheese bread ($4), hot dogs ($3), nachos ($3), popcorn ($3), and chips ($1). Atmosphere 5 When you step into The Hoop’s inner court area, you will be struck by two things: 1) This does not look like an arena constructed nearly 40 years ago, and 2) it is a truly impressive facility for a mid-major conference. The athletic administration has done an admirable job in updating the facility to keep pace with, and in most cases, exceed its fellow OVC schools. The first thing to catch your eye will be the scoreboard, which provides a 360-degree view of the action on its video screens in HD. The graphics and images on the screen are crystal-clear. The school limits the advertising on these screens, preferring to focus on the game action, fan participation activities, and upcoming athletic events. The colors permeating the arena are also visually appealing. The seating areas are black, which makes the gold and purple of everything else pop out. There is a huge Golden Eagle at midcourt and the school name on the borders of the baselines. The basketball program does a great job of keeping the fans entertained throughout the game and also during breaks in the action. Timeouts usually feature a fan participation game, recognition of a special student, or a performance by the cheer squad and dance teams. During the half, the team stats are shown, as well as highlights from the first half. The seating area is extremely well designed, as there is truly not a bad seat in the house. No bleacher seating here… all comfortable, cushioned seats. The inner concourse allows people to navigate around the facility with relative ease. Tennessee Tech has “engineered” a very impressive fan experience… win or lose. Neighborhood 4 The Hoop is located on the Tennessee Tech campus, which is adjacent to both the historic downtown area of Cookeville and the Westside District. The downtown area has a thriving retail district and is well-known as a regional antiquing center. A majority of the entertainment and dining hot spots are located in the Westside Cultural District. Some of the more popular eateries in town are Crawdaddy’s, Blue Coast Burrito, and Mauricio’s. After your meal, make sure you stop by the Cream City Ice Cream Shop for some very unique flavor choices. A majority of the lodging options are found at exit 287 of I-40, which is just five miles from the campus. The hotels fall within the moderate/discount cost range, so it is very affordable for families. Fans 4 Cookeville finds itself halfway between the major market of Nashville and all of its professional and college sports to the west and the Vol Nation to its east in Knoxville. That does not mean that its fans do not share the same passion as its neighbors. We first need to recognize the student body at TTU, who fill one end of the court in their designated Eagle’s Nest seating area. Most of the time they are on their feet, and they are loud. The next set of fans is the alums, who attend the game in large numbers. They are easy to find in their gold and purple attire. The townspeople of Cookeville, whether they attended TTU or not, see the Golden Eagles as “their team” and form a large contingent of the audience. It is an hour or more, through some major traffic, to see a sporting event elsewhere. TTU also is preparing the next generation of Golden Eagles through its Hoop Troop program aimed at youth, who for a very low price get season tickets, a t-shirt, and perks like serving as ball boys or participating in some on-court activities. Tennessee Tech does a masterful job of stirring up its fans through coordination between its cheer squad, dance team, and the IT team running the electronics. A simple cheer of DEFENSE reaches a whole new level when the scoreboard/sideboards, the cheer/dance squads and the fans all come together in a choreographed way. Access 4 Getting to Tennessee Tech is very easy via I-40, the main east-west interstate in Tennessee. It is located off the Cookeville exit (exit # 286). You will then head north into Cookeville, following the numerous Tennessee Tech University directional signs. Once on campus, you cannot miss the Eblen Center, as it will be the first building on your left as you enter through the main gate. Free parking is available immediately in front of “The Hoop” in the athletics parking lot. The nearest airports to Cookeville are Nashville International Airport (located 79 miles west of TTU) and Tyson-McGhee Airport in Knoxville (100 miles east of TTU). Once inside the Eblen Center, you will find its design to be very fan friendly. The closest entry from the parking area is through the lobby located at the front of the building. It is quite spacious and several gate personnel will be available to guide you to your seats. The lobby also features ticket purchase windows, as well as trophy cases filled with awards earned by the various Golden Eagle teams. The concourse encircling the outside of the court area is wide and provides frequent concessions stands, and restrooms. You should not encounter any long lines as a result. Once inside the arena, you will be pleasantly surprised to find very comfortable seating, as Tennessee Tech seats are wider than those found in most arenas and they also provide excellent legroom. Return on Investment 5 Tennessee Tech provides an excellent return on investment for a family. Tickets are $8, with discounts available to students and members of the Hoop Troop. Prices at the concession stands are very reasonable and the parking is free. The athletic department often schedules doubleheaders, with the women’s team playing the early game and the men’s game as the nightcap. So your $8.00 allows you to see two games for the price of one. Historically the women’s teams at TTU have been a powerhouse, going to many more NCAA tournaments and OVC championships than the men’s teams. Extras 3 The scoreboard at Tennessee Tech far exceeds anything you would expect to see at a mid-major school The Tennessee Tech Sports Hall of Fame salutes the Golden Eagles of the past with displays throughout the outer concourse. One of the more unique offerings at a traditional engineering school is the Appalachian Center for Craft. This facility uses technology to create art in such media as glass, ceramics, metal, and wood.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.29 Ford Center 5600 Division St. Evansville, IN 47715 Ford Center website Evansville Purple Aces website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 10,000 It’s All Aces in Evansville The Ford Center in downtown Evansville, Indiana has been to the home to the University of Evansville men’s’ basketball program since 2010. The construction of the $127.5 million facility helped bring the university into the 21st century replacing the 54-year-old. The venue hopes to be the centerpiece of entertainment for the city incorporating a gorgeous design that is both modern and contemporary. The facility holds 8,930 spectators for basketball games and features 21 suites that can accommodate a wide range of individuals, curved spaces that offer wide open window scenes to the downtown area, and every seat is padded for comfort. It is the type of venue the city has been searching for and very impressive for a basketball team in the Missouri Valley Conference. Food & Beverage 3 There are various concession areas throughout the main concourse that offers hot dogs, bratwurst, chicken tenders, pizza, mini corn dogs, French fries, popcorn, pretzels, and nachos. The prices are reasonable, and there is something for everyone. The more unique options are highlighted by chipotle cheddar burgers, loaded nachos with chicken or beef, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and grilled chicken sandwiches. The nachos are big enough to share for two and are a bargain at $8. If you are with the kids, they will enjoy chicken tender baskets and Dippin’ Dots ice cream. Bud and Bud Light cans sell for $7.25 a can and local Carson’s Red Dawn and Tin Man Rivet are on tap for $8. Wine and well drinks are also available costing between $7.25-$8. Atmosphere 3 There is a large contingency that attends games throughout the season. The arena is a modern facility that would look beautiful and stunning in most major downtown locations. It does not have a lot of history or character, but it’s a beautiful place to watch a basketball game and when you’re surrounded by thousands of screaming fans, it’s easy to get into the game. For these reasons, the atmosphere borderlines on good to great. There are two levels of seats inside the Ford Center, but the majority of the seating upstairs is closed off by a black tarp. The bottom section on one side is wide open and features a party area that serves alcohol. The arena feels like a hockey facility that also incorporates basketball, but there are still some great views and angles inside and outside of the court. The main halls outside of the playing area may remind many of the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, where open concept windows, arched wooden paneling, and modern design add a special ambiance. However, there seems to be a lot of empty space inside the arena that seems wasted. For example, the majority of fans convene in about half of the concession area and are not spread out all around the concourse where there could be more food options set up. There is a lot of room for portable stands, merchandise tables, and information kiosks that could add a lot of potential to this arena. Neighborhood 3 The Ford Center is in a nice part of downtown that appears to be up and coming. Fans walking the streets before and after the game are within a stone’s throw away from the Backstage Bar and Grill, Milano Italian Cuisine, and the Children’s Museum. Less than two miles away is Franklin Street which offers a few additional great restaurants including Lamasco Bar, Gerst Haus, and on Saturdays from late June to September the Franklin Street Bazaar. Tin Man and Carson’s Brewery are two great places for craft beer, especially Carson’s where one can sample 25 different beers including Vanilla Cow, Sweet Leaf, and Red Hot Harlot, cinnamon-infused honey blonde ale. Tami will serve you quite well in the tasting room. There are plenty of lodging options in Evansville. They include the Fairfield Inn, Courtyard by Marriott, Hilton Garden Inn, Holiday Inn Express and Suites, and Baymont Inn & Suites. The only decision is price and location, but you’re sure to find a nice price somewhere in town. Fans 4 Everybody loves a winner and when the Aces are winning the fans come out in masses. Everywhere you look around the arena there are fans sporting the colors of purple and orange. You can also hear the decibel levels reach outstanding proportions based on the number of buckets scored by the home team. They really enjoy a winning team and when they play inside a beautiful arena, you’re going to have some loud and passionate fans. Access 4 Being a downtown location you would think it would be difficult to find a parking spot. However, that is not the case for the Ford Center. There is free parking a couple blocks away from the arena in vast lots. Many locals complain about the distance, but the walk does not seem to be that much of a problem. Inside the arena, there are plenty of restrooms that serve both men, women, and families. Return on Investment 3 The tickets are reasonable for most basketball games played at the Ford Center. One could grab a ticket for as low as $15 or as high as $45. It all depends on how much you want to spend for a college basketball game. When you include free parking and affordable concession prices, you have a pretty good deal. Extras 3 The arena has all the bells and whistles of a modern 21st-century sports and entertainment facility. The fans are incredibly loud inside the facility. It might just be the acoustics inside the building, but the cacophony from the 6,000 or so in attendance is ear piercing In the main lobby, there is a very nice display of Aces history that includes the five Division II championships won by the team between 1959 and 1971 under legendary coach Arad McCutchan, along with famous alumni including Jerry Sloan. There is also a memorial to the 1977 Air Indiana Flight 216 crash that killed 24 members of the basketball team. Final Thoughts What I enjoy most about the Ford Center is that the modern, sleek, and state of art facility is perfect for the city. It does not try to be something it’s not. It’s a great entertainment option for southwest Indiana and should be home for Purple Aces basketball for many more decades. It’s definitely an eye-catching facility, and being able to take in a game at affordable prices with free parking makes this a great option.

Photo Courtesy of Murray State University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 CFSB Center 1401 State Route 121 North Murray, KY 42071 Murray State Racers website CFSB Center website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 8,602 A Hidden Gem in Basketball’s Heartland It’s hard to deny the state of Kentucky’s richness when it comes to college basketball, and Murray State's CFSB Center shouldn’t be lost in the shuffle. It’s tucked away near the Tennessee border, and is absolutely worth the scenic drive to witness a game. Completed in 1998, the Racers have enjoyed a distinct home-court advantage in this venue for nearly 20 years. It embodies everything that mid-major basketball is all about, which is passionate fans to go along with a loud atmosphere. The building itself is impressive for a program out of the Ohio Valley Conference, and the interior has the perfect layout for its capacity crowd of over 8,000. The Murray State basketball program usually gets lost among the more traditional Kentucky powerhouses like the Louisville Cardinals and Kentucky Wildcats. Once you get past those two elite programs, Murray State makes a great case for the being next in line. If there’s a big conference matchup on the docket, or an in-state rival, then you better expect a packed house at CFSB Center. Food & Beverage 4 There is more than the just ordinary offered at the concession stands, which is always nice to see at smaller venues. Drinks are all fairly priced at $3, with choices including bottled water, Pepsi products, and even Starbucks coffee. You can also indulge yourself with “bottomless” soda for $7. As for the food, there are several options that go beyond the usual. You have your classic hot dog for only $3, and add chili and cheese for 50 cents more. You can go with a bratwurst for $3.50. You can get the classic soft pretzel for $5. The lower priced items include a box of popcorn ($2.50) and wide variety of candy ($1.50). The cinnamon bites, which are offered by Culver’s restaurant, are $4.50 and an interesting alternative. There are also a couple separate food and beverage carts with nachos and lemonade. All of the choices are great and anyone should be able to find something they can enjoy. The only qualm is that the concession stand ran out of hot dogs right before tip-off during my most recent visit, so there was a delay to having more available. Atmosphere 5 This experience lives up to the hype of experiencing some excellent mid-major basketball in a basketball-rich state like Kentucky. You instantly feel the intimidation that the home crowd can generate in this building. It almost has a vertical feel to it, putting the fans right on top of the court. I certainly witnessed how loud this place can get, and it wasn’t even at capacity during my visit. There really isn’t a bad view of the court no matter where you sit. However, the television cameras can block your sight line if you’re sitting too far towards the front in the upper bleachers. Since it is general admission seating up top, you shouldn’t have a problem moving to another seat to get a better view. Perhaps the best view is from the concourse area, if you don’t mind standing. The lower sections have chair back seats, while the upper sections are bleachers. You get to see all of the banners hanging from the rafters, and the CFSB Center has a lot of them. There are several retired numbers and championship banners spanning back to nearly a century ago. It reminds you that you’re seeing a program with a lot of history and tradition. Neighborhood 3 You have to realize that Murray is located in a rural part of the country where you can drive 20-plus miles between towns. The city of Murray has plenty of fast food dining options, but not much after that. There are a few casual dining restaurants available, and most of them are located near the CFSB Center. Your best bet to try something new would be Tumbleweed Tex Mex Grill and Margarita Bar. It’s within walking distance of the CFSB Center exits. In terms of bars or nightlife, there isn’t anything noticeable in the immediate area. Additionally, there is an Applebee’s nearby to the arena. This is a gorgeous part of the country when it comes to national parks and other outdoor activities. If you like doing things in nature, then check out Land Between the Lakes. It’s a massive recreational area that offers boating, walking trails, camping, and wildlife. It is a pretty decent drive away from any major cities, with Paducah being the closest at approximately 45 miles, and Nashville being over 100 miles. Fans 5 You would have to be wearing some serious blinders not to notice the extreme passion that Murray State fans bring with them to support their Racers. The home fans always cheer for a made basket, but these particular fans are alert and make their presence known on a whole other level. Virtually every fan is wildly into the game from start to finish. The building is also small enough to voice your displeasure to the referees, and there are several fans who take on the role of heckling them. The majority of the fans stay for the whole game, or at least until less than two minutes to go when the game is out of reach. They are loyal and create a lot of momentum when the Racers make their runs. Additionally, they are friendly and welcoming to visitors. Access 2 There’s no easy or direct way to get to Murray. It’s not located off of any interstates, meaning you have to use state highways for a good 30-40 miles, depending on which direction you’re coming from. If you’re coming from the Nashville area, then I recommend coming down Interstate 24, leaving you with a few state highways to make the rest of your journey. You can use Interstate 40 if coming from the West, and then go North on Highway 641. Just be prepared to use some highways that don’t have a lot of gas stations, so plan accordingly as this area can get desolate. As a first-time visitor, it is somewhat confusing on where to park. The construction surrounding the area in 2016 makes it even more confusing, but there are helpful staff that direct fans to park next to the football stadium. There are two sets of restrooms in the lone concourse area, and they are kept very clean with plenty of space. Return on Investment 5 You can’t beat the bargain of attending a game at CFSB Center. The product on the court really helps this score, and you can’t ever argue with free parking. The concession prices are less than expected, further helping the overall return on investment. Ticket prices basically come in two forms; general admission is a mere $10, with reserved seating in the lower bowl at $16. It’s a great value for some quality mid-major basketball. You can take the family out for an enjoyable evening at a very fair price. Extras 3 The hospitality of the fans and staff is an excellent bonus. You shouldn’t worry about bringing the family to an event here as the environment is family friendly, presented by a courteous staff. I wasn’t sure what the attendance would be on a weeknight for a team that isn’t performing at its usual high level. Despite the circumstances, the fans showed up in impressive numbers and supplied a strong home-court advantage. There were multiple occasions when the fans literally had the place at a deafening level, and that earns them an extra. Another extra goes to the quality of the band. They are involved in the game with chants, while playing some great tunes to feed into the college basketball atmosphere. Final Thoughts It is a very positive experience at CFSB Center that may exceed your expectations. You should certainly plan a visit if your team has an upcoming game here, or if you’re just in the area and enjoy seeing high quality basketball in an intimate college basketball arena like CFSB Center. Just plan accordingly as CFSB Center is nestled away in the rural area of southern Kentucky.

Photos by Steven Burke, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 CEFCU Arena 702 W College Ave Normal, IL 61761 Illinois State Redbirds website CEFCU Arena website Year Opened: 1989 Capacity: 10,200 Where the Redbirds Fly The Missouri Valley Conference is synonymous with college basketball, and while not one of the more well-known programs in the venerable conference, the Illinois State Redbirds provide a great game experience in central Illinois. Opened in 1989, Redbird Arena is a 10,200-seat facility on the campus of Illinois State University in Normal, IL. Redbird Arena is also home to the ISU women’s basketball team as well as the women’s volleyball team. Note: In Nov 2022, the arena name changed from Redbird Arena to CEFCU Arena as part of a naming rights and sponsor agreement with the credit union. Food & Beverage 3 Redbird Arena has the usual items in reference to food and beverages. The concourse is lined with permanent concessions stands all featuring the same basic items such as hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, polish sausages, candy, and soft drinks. Prices range from $3-$4 for entrees, $2-$4 for candy and snacks, and $3-$5 for beverages. The inside of the concourse has several free-standing specialty options. A Mexican inspired stand serves nachos and walking tacos ranging $5-$7, the Papa John’s stand serves individual pizzas all costing $7 with choices of cheese, sausage, and pepperoni. All of the permanent concession stands on the concourse accept cash or credit cards, while all the specialty stands only accept cash so plan accordingly. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Redbird Arena has improved in recent seasons as one of the great players in Redbird history, Dan Muller, has returned as head coach and reinvigorated the fan base. A renewed interest from fans along with aesthetic upgrades has kept Redbird Arena competitive with other mid-major venues. The die-hard basketball fans are rewarded with an upgraded video scoreboard above center-court along with new ribbon boards spanning the upper deck facade along both baselines. The ribbon boards track individual player stats while the center-court scoreboard keeps track of the points, game clock, and team statistics. For families attending games, a variety of contests during team and media timeouts keep the crowd excited and involved. Overall Illinois State does a great job creating an atmosphere that is welcoming to all in a town where the Redbirds are the highest level of entertainment. Neighborhood 3 Redbird Arena is located on College Street in an area of campus that houses many of the ISU athletic facilities, providing a real sense of being on a college campus. As for the neighborhood, it mostly consists of a mixture of university buildings. However, in the Bloomington-Normal area, you are never far from retail or food and beverage options. Many chain options are available in the immediate area and you will drive past most of them on your way into town. A few popular destinations in the area that aren’t of the chain variety include Avanti’s, Schooners, and Destihl Restaurant & Brew Works. Avanti’s is an Italian restaurant, while Schooners is a sports bar. Schooners is famous for itdeep-frieded pork tenderloin sandwich, which is so large that they ask you how many buns you would like with it. Destihl has become fairly well known in Illinois in recent years for their beers including their wild sour series. Fans 4 The student section at Redbird games is pretty lively, many students are dressed in crazy costumes and carrying giant cutout heads of the players and coaches that have become so popular in recent years in college basketball. The student section is located behind one of the baselines as is customary in many college basketball settings and they do their part to rattle the visiting team. The students create an intense raucous atmosphere, and are into the action on the court the entire game. The students are located right next to the pep band and the two seem to do a good job feeding off of each other to create a great college basketball environment. The Redbirds also seem to have a dedicated group of fans from the community. Some are no doubt alumni, but others are just fans of the game. In this area of central Illinois entertainment choices can be limited and that appears to work to the benefit of Redbird basketball as they are the main show in town. Access 4 Parking in the vicinity of Redbird Arena is plentiful and affordable with some lots even being free. While you may have to walk a few blocks from one of the free lots, you can’t beat the price. The school does offer free parking with shuttle service from lots near the ISU golf course as well. While leaving the area around Redbird Arena is generally quick and easy, larger crowds can create a small traffic jam while leaving. Remain patient however as attendants do a good job of directing traffic while vehicles are leaving. Return on Investment 5 The Redbirds host some high quality opponents in the Missouri Valley Conference and offer a great return on investment. Lower level tickets range from $22-$25 depending on the opponent and all lower level seats provide an excellent view of the action. Upper level tickets range from $9-$14 for adults and $6-$9 for children under the age of 12. While all of the seats in the upper level have a great view of the court there are some issues with viewing the new ribbon boards. If you are an intense follower of the action on the court and keep an eye on individual player statistics such as points and fouls be aware when choosing a seat in the upper level. The new video board above center court obscures your view of the ribbon board if you are seated behind either baseline. If seeing these statistics are important to your enjoyment of the game look for a ticket in the lower bowl or on the sides of the upper bowl. Extras 3 An extra point for the school and their understanding of the community involvement in athletics. Recently the school worked out a deal with Heartland Community College, allowing Heartland students to attend Redbird basketball games at a discounted ticket price. Heartland, which doesn’t have a basketball program, has many students from the local area that grew up Redbird fans and this agreement allows them to enjoy the games at an affordable cost. The agreement also allows the Redbirds to sell more tickets and connect with the community so it is truly a win-win situation. Another extra point for the school keeping their connection with former #1 draft pick and the greatest player in program history, Doug Collins. The Redbirds play on Doug Collins Court and there is a statue outside Redbird Arena featuring Collins and his coach, Will Robinson. All programs need to know and celebrate their history while looking to the future. One last extra point for the unique Teflon roof of Redbird Arena, it provides unique lighting for games and also separates the interior of the building from some other sterile arena interiors.