Photos by Greg Johnston, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Centre 200 481 George St. Sydney, NS B1P 6R7 Cape Breton Screaming Eagles website Centre 200 website Year Opened: 1987 Capacity: 5,000 The Centre of Cape Breton Centre 200 is named in honour of the 200th anniversary of the founding of Sydney. The arena opened in 1987, as the home of the Cape Breton Oilers of the American Hockey League (AHL). In their nine seasons in Sydney, the Oilers won the Calder Cup once (1993) before moving to Hamilton, Ontario; this was around the same time all AHL teams moved out of the Maritimes. That franchise is now the St. John’s Ice Caps. Hockey returned to Sydney when the Granby Predateurs moved prior to the 1997-98 season. The Screaming Eagles have won their division once and have reached the conference finals twice, but have not advanced further. Marc-Andre Fleury is celebrated as one of the greatest former Eagles players. His #29 jersey hangs in the rafters. Food & Beverage 3 Most concession stands in Centre 200 are located at one end of the arena in a large, open atrium with a high ceiling. The arena offers a basic array of food and drink options. Concessions are well organized with clear signage and with stanchions to avoid congestion at intermission. Quality of food is as expected at a stadium. Prices are reasonable, ranging from $2.75 for a hot dog, up to $5.75 for poutine. Other concessions offer snacks or cafe items. For vegetarians, your options for a high protein meal are non-existent. To quench your thirst, Pepsi products from the fountain or bottle are available. A small variety of Molson and Coors beer are sold by the can. Be sure to bring cash as concessions do not accept credit cards. Two ATM's are available on the concourse. Vendors do not walk the aisle, so you will need to visit a concession stand for a desired item. Overall, the concessions are well maintained and clean, with enough food and drink options to satisfy your cravings. Atmosphere 4 The game day atmosphere inside Centre 200 is exciting for the hockey enthusiast, however the exterior atmosphere is car-dependent and underwhelming. The arena is connected to a casino with bright lights, a well-designed parking area, and sidewalks for the pedestrians. In contrast, the arena's window wall entrance is basic, with poor pedestrian connectivity to the adjacent businesses, major streets, and parking areas. The arena is built with an appropriate symmetry and rhythm of brick, concrete, and glass on the bottom, and corrugated metal siding above. At the right angle, a fan can look through the glass and see the interior seating bowl, which adds to the anticipation of entering the arena. The brightness and openness inside the arena sends a chill of excitement for the event. The concourse runs around the rink with continuous views of the game. The lower seating bowl offers great viewing angles to catch all the action without fans in front obstructing the view. The rink is surrounded by eleven rows of seats except for seven rows at one of the ends. An upper level is located on one side of the rink. It consists of 15 rows with good viewing angles. However, avoid seats in the first two rows (row L & M) due to a railing obstructing the view, and the last five rows (V thru Z) because of poor sound quality and the inability to see the scoreboard. The blue plastic seats are in good shape but with no cup holders. Skyboxes are located on the opposite side of the rink and separate from the main concourse. The four-sided scoreboard hanging from centre ice is small and simple with a good video display. In-game promotions and entertainment is kept simple. Young kids get the chance to play hockey at the intermission to the delight of the crowd. The mascot, Screech, is seen during player introductions and seemingly disappears for the rest of the game. Arena acoustics are fairly poor, as sound from the PA announcer echos around the building. A simple, eclectic mix of music from classic maritime to the classic jock rock songs plays between whistles. Neighborhood 3 Sydney was a booming city back during the two World Wars as the local steel mills were vital to the success of the allied forces. Since then, the economy has been depressed. The steel mills have closed and the population has decreased significantly. Much of the downtown core is still stuck in the past, with out-of-date storefronts and vacant lots. However, a significant effort has made the waterfront a tourist destination. A boardwalk along the Sydney River provides a peaceful walk away from car traffic. The North End neighborhood of Sydney is a pleasant area to explore. Historic houses and churches line the streets dating back to the late 1700s. Centre 200 is located just off George Street, a major thoroughfare of the city, on the fringe of downtown Sydney. Though it is possible to walk from downtown to the arena, the pedestrian access is poor and dangerous, especially at night. George Street is lined with commercial areas including a few bars and restaurants. For lodging, the Cambridge Suites and Holiday Inn are located a few blocks away along the waterfront. For a good dining experience, head to the Governor's Pub & Eatery. Located in the home of Sydney's first mayor, it specializes in home cooked meals and fresh seafood. Fans 4 Screaming Eagle fans are some of the most knowledgeable and attentive fans in the QMJHL. The first seven years saw large crowds at Centre 200, with an average of around 67% of capacity. However, average attendance has steadily declined. Lately, Screaming Eagle games average just under 50% capacity. Fans are fairly quiet throughout the game, but let their feelings be known for good shifts by the home team or questionable calls by the referee. Even without ushers, fans know not to move to or from their seat during play. Overall, the fans are passionate in a unique way. Instead of yelling loudly, they concentrate on the plays and are respectful throughout the game's ups and downs. Access 4 Direct flights to Sydney are available from Toronto and Halifax. A road trip from Halifax takes a scenic 4 1/2 hours. This small city has a population of around 32,000, so the arena is convenient from everywhere in town. To arrive by foot requires a 10-15 minute walk from the downtown core. However, almost everyone drives or takes a taxi. Plenty of free parking spaces are available behind the arena. A CBRM Transit stop is located in front of the arena along George Street and connects Sydney with Cape Breton University, Glace Bay, along with other surrounding communities. A ticket cost $1.75 for a local ride or $3.25 from outlying areas. The main entry is clearly marked by a large illuminated "Centre 200" sign along a two-story window wall. Inside the atrium is the box office and will call. A second entrance is located on the opposite side of the rink. Once doors open, access around the arena is simple and straightforward. The concourse is open to the seating bowl with plenty of room to either walk around or relax during intermission. There are plenty of table seating areas or lounge around with friends in the artistic Adirondack chairs. The arena has plenty of restrooms throughout the concourse. Even during intermission, none of them has a line outside the door. Getting to your seat should not be a problem. With the open concourse, it is easy to see the section numbers, and visualize a route to get there. Very few ushers are available to help if you do happen to get lost. A few security personnel are around, but are not approachable, as most are focused on the game or their cell phone. Patrons in wheelchairs have only three sections to choose from. Unfortunately, all three are located at corners of the rink. Return on Investment 5 Prices for individual game tickets are reasonable for witnessing the highest level of junior hockey. Tickets are $16.75 for an adult, with discounts for seniors, youth, and children. Screaming Eagles offer a "build your own" half season ticket pack for those who can't make every home game. Family packs called "4 for $44" are offered on Sunday day games and includes a postgame skate on the ice. Birthday packages are available for a group of eight or more, including a birthday mention on the video board. The openness of the arena, along with reasonable prices and great viewing angles, help create a memorable overall experience for the fans. Centre 200 checks all of those boxes. Extras 4 +1 for the video booth replaying opponent goals. In-game operators realize that Screaming Eagle fans are also true hockey fans that enjoy seeing great plays, even if the opponent makes that play. +1 for the banners of the arena that celebrate former Screaming Eagles players (Fleury), teams (2003-04 Division Champs), and even the Cape Breton Oilers 1993 Calder Cup championship banner. +1 for Hockey Heritage Hall of Fame. Located in concessions atrium, past local players, referees, and announcers are celebrated with their picture and jersey encased in glass. +1 for the simplicity of the in-game experience. The focus is on the game, not on any theatrics or pyrotechnics. Final Thoughts If you are looking for a place that promotes the action on the ice without all the glitz and glamour you find in many arenas, this is a great venue to see a hockey game. Many arenas are loud, and try too hard to raise the energy of the fans. This becomes distracting and unappealing to the fan and hockey enthusiast. If you enjoy hockey at its purest, a visit to Centre 200 is a must.

Photos by Miles Markiewicz, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Caesars Superdome 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr New Orleans, LA 70112 Sugar Bowl website Caesars Superdome website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 72,003 The Sugar Bowl at the Superdome Note: Sports venue name changed from Mercedes-Benz Superdome to Caesars Superdome July, 2021. There is no greater spectacle in college football than thousands of fans from two schools coming together to play the most important game of the year on a neutral site. It was different last year because for one of the teams, the Allstate Sugar Bowl was the SECOND most important game of the year. It’s one of the many improvements that the College Football Playoff provided in this new era of the game. The great cities of Pasadena and New Orleans were privileged enough to be chosen to host the first “final four” of college football. New Orleans has all of the culture and festivities that make it one of the best destinations in the United States. Located in downtown New Orleans, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is the pride of the sports community. This venue has already hosted Super Bowls, NCAA Tournament Final Fours and BCS National Championship games. You will feel something special in the air walking from the French Quarter to the Superdome to the beat of thousands of college football fans competing rival cheers. In the case of the 2015 tilt, the exclamations of “O – H” were met with a response of “ROLL TIDE”. Hopefully, you get to see the Superdome for the first time at night because of the way the colors light up its silver exterior. It’s a beautiful sight next to the skyline of the city and leaves a great first impression. Food & Beverage 4 When the Superdome is not hosting the biggest events in sports, it is home to the New Orleans Saints. All of the NFL amenities are available upon any visit, including some excellent food and beverage options. If you have the time and the access, Copeland’s on the club level is “A Signature Blend of Hometown New Orleans” that offers some great seafood and jambalaya bowls famous to the area. After that, you can have a drink at the bar at Copeland’s. Rotolo’s Pizzeria is also a good option for some fantastic cheese sticks. There are also great options available at the concessions, but the lines get pretty long and you’ll end up missing some of the game because of the wait time. These items range from $5.50-$10.75 and include nacho fries (recommended), buffalo chicken sliders, and roast beef debris fries. Also authentic to Louisiana are the Po’ Boys. If you don’t catch one of these submarine sandwiches on Bourbon Street, make sure to try one at the stadium. The “specialty” concessions feature BBQ items at around $12 but may be the best food in the stadium. The pigskin Po’ Boy, pulled pork nachos and smoked BBQ wings are all great choices. The best place for adult beverages is Flavors & Flavors Daiquiris to indulge in some fun drink options authentic to the bayou, including the famous hurricane flavor. Other drink options include large draft beers ($9.50), regular soda ($4.75) and bottled water ($4). Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere really begins when the teams make their way onto the field through the tunnels for the official introductions. The noise that is generated under the dome is nothing compared to what is heard on television. For the Sugar Bowl, both sections of fans engage in a battle of their own: who can drown out the other with fight songs and eruptions after touchdowns are scored. Being under the roof creates an environment of escape, where there is nothing but the two teams battling for the College Football National Championship Game appearance and the pride of their school. The video boards are not very impressive because they are not proportionate to the immense size of the facility, so don’t expect to see helpful replays. Any seat in the stadium provides an adequate view of the action, even if you find yourself at the top of the bow of the upper deck. Neighborhood 5 New Orleans is home to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, one of the best areas to have a good time in the entire country. This area alone attracts millions of tourists every year for various events and festivities. The first thing you’ll notice are the large amounts of daiquiri/fried chicken bars located every few feet. Start the night with one of these New Orleans treats and you won’t switch to anything else (unless you’re brave enough to try the hand grenade at Tropical Isles). The most fun you’ll have is grabbing a drink at one of the local hangouts like My Bar @ 635 and making your way to the balcony in true New Orleans style. This is your best chance to get on SportsCenter if you’re in town for the Sugar Bowl (camera crews explore the streets at night looking for some good shots of crazy fans). If you’re in the mood for a brew, check out Huge A** Beers for some of the largest alcohol containers you will ever see. Passing by other fans with these large containers will remind you of why you love Bourbon Street. No trip to New Orleans is complete without a trip to Pat O’Brien’s Bar for the original hurricane. They also have a piano bar, but make sure to get there early because it fills up fast. Harrah’s is a fun time for some blackjack or slots after the game and offers first class service at the hotel for guests in town. Fans 5 Alabama and Ohio State have some of the best fans in college football. When these two fan bases combine their efforts at a game of this magnitude, the result is pure magic. It’s fun to see the student sections counter each other – Alabama with the storm of maroon and white pom-poms, Ohio State with a rendition of jumping and chanting to Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes. Once the game begins the tension in the air could put the intensity in the heart of any fan. Every move that was made on the field came with a generous reaction from both sides. A venue like the Superdome creates this interaction between fans because it’s such a great place to watch a game. The facility has so many great moments in sports history and every fan is there to be able to say they witnessed the next one that made its mark – “I was there”. Everybody wants a story. Access 3 Everything in New Orleans is said to be walking distance, but the journey from Bourbon Street will still take about 40 minutes on foot. If you are driving to the game, the traffic is an absolute nightmare and the parking is overpriced ($20-$30). There’s so much congestion on game day that the stadium really isn’t that accessible unless you’re on foot. The Superdome is elevated. You will have to find your gate through massive amounts of people and it can get unsafe if you’re not careful. Arrive early and you shouldn’t have as much of a problem. Once inside the stadium, the concourses are too small to hold the large amount of people and the lines for concessions and restrooms never seem to shorten. You will miss some of the game if you venture to one of these lines. Plan accordingly. Return on Investment 5 It’s no secret that tickets to these big college football games are not cheap, but the Superdome creates a truly unforgettable experience for fans. You’ll never forget the roar of the crowd after your favorite team scores a touchdown or the agonizing feeling of watching the opposing team put six on the scoreboard. There are ways of managing your finances if you decide to throw down the money for a trip to the Superdome. Avoid parking by walking to the stadium, even if you have to spend a night in one of the hotels in the city. Spend your time drinking on Bourbon Street to avoid standing in line for a beer and get a basket of fried chicken before the game to avoid standing in line for food. No matter what you decide to do the experience will be worth it, whether it’s for the Sugar Bowl or a New Orleans Saints game. The atmosphere can’t be beat. Extras 5 One point for the comfortable temperature inside the stadium, especially on a chilly January night. The history of the venue earns another point because you will keep picturing all of the great moments that have happened in the Superdome. A night on Bourbon Street for New Year’s Eve deserves its own story. One more point for watching your alma mater hoist the Sugar Bowl trophy, though I guess this would be a 50-50 shot. Final Thoughts The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is an experience every major sports fan should have, especially if your school is participating in the Sugar Bowl. It will not be a semifinal game for the playoff again until 2018, but this would be the best time to check it out because it is college football at its best. The addition of the French Quarter and Bourbon Street just adds to the excitement. Arrive in town with the appropriate funds and you will have the time of your life.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Nissan Stadium 1 Titans Way Nashville, TN 37213 Music City Bowl website Nissan Stadium website Year Opened: 1999 Capacity: 69,143 Music City Football, College Style Nissan Stadium opened in 1999, and has hosted the Music City Bowl ever since. The stadium is also home to the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, as well as the FCS Tennessee State Tigers. The stadium is located on the east bank of the Cumberland River, right across the water from downtown Nashville, and has a capacity of 69,143. Besides football, the stadium is also used for concerts, soccer matches, and other events. The Music City Bowl pairs teams from the ACC and SEC, and is currently sponsored by Franklin American Mortgage Company. Food & Beverage 3 Nissan Stadium offers a wide variety of food and beverage options, including plenty of alcohol, but has been criticized for long lines during games. Prices are typical for pro stadium fare, but are more than you would pay at a college football venue. Concession choices include brand names such as Logan’s Roadhouse, Jack Daniels, Papa John’s, and Bojangles, as well as locally-themed restaurants such as Nashgrille and Titan Tavern, plus some generic stands. All of the typical fare is available, such as burgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, barbecue, hot dogs, and pizza, as well as less common items such as fried shrimp and turkey legs – these items range in cost from $4.50 to $10. You can also find snack items such as nachos, cotton candy, pretzels, funnel cake, fries, and peanuts for around $4 to $6. Drink options include coffee, bottled water, soda from the fountain or in bottles (Coke products), and Gatorade – these cost $4 to $5, except for the souvenir cups, which are a little more. You can also get beer and a wide selection of cocktails, including frozen margaritas, starting at $9. They also sell non-alcoholic beer for $5. Atmosphere 3 The Music City Bowl is one of the more marquee games of the bowl season, and as such, draws a pretty good crowd. In addition, the game is played in a pro stadium, which means a great venue with comfortable seats, good sightlines, and lots of amenities. All of the seats at Nissan stadium are plastic, bucket-style chair backs with cup holders, so they are pretty comfortable. But the best thing about the stadium is the mammoth scoreboards in each zone – each is several stories high, and makes it easy to see replays, even if you are way up in the cheap seats. You will also see numerous Nissan automobiles on angled platforms above the entry gates, as well as in the end zones, and there are plenty of covered tables on the concourses below each scoreboard where you can recline while you dine. And of course you will see plenty of signage from Franklin American Mortgage Company, the bowl’s title sponsor. The entertainment during the Music City Bowl is a little underwhelming. As with most bowl games, you can watch both bands perform during halftime, and each team will do their usual display when they come onto the field before the game, including typical stunts like billowing smoke, running out of a giant inflatable helmet tunnel, and the usual mascot antics. There is also a bomber flyover, crewed by at least one alum from the participating schools. But there are no giveaways to be had, and souvenir stand prices are a little on the high side for items such as Music City Bowl pins, shirts, and hats. Neighborhood 5 Nissan Stadium is within walking distance of downtown Nashville, so there are plenty of great restaurants nearby, and more than enough to do if you come for the weekend, or even a week or more. It is very easy to get downtown via a pedestrian bridge over the river, where you will find plenty of restaurants, including Broadway Brewhouse and Wildhorse Saloon. Broadway Brewhouse has a huge beer selection and a lot of great food you wouldn’t expect from a bar, while Wildhorse Saloon offers live music, dancing, lots of great food and drinks, and a crazy atmosphere, especially after dark. But if you just want a quick snack before or after the game, there is actually a gas station in Nissan Stadium’s parking lot – not the greatest fare from a quality standpoint, but a lot cheaper than what you will pay inside. Nashville offers plenty to do if you want to spend some extra time before or after the game, including mainstays like the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum (which actually includes quite a bit from Elvis). However, there are also some other attractions which may not be as well known, but are every bit as worthwhile, such as cruising down the river on the General Jackson Showboat, or visiting the Johnny Cash Museum, Centennial Park, or Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, which is actually a working cotton farm – you can even pick some as a souvenir. There are too many hotels to mention, but you will find plenty in the downtown area, or further away (closer to the airport) if you are looking to save some green. Getting to and from your hotel will be pretty simple, as the stadium is crisscrossed by a couple of different major freeways. Fans 4 Some teams from the ACC and SEC are closer than others, so depending on who is invited, you may see a little more of one color than the other. But whichever teams show up, the crowd is sure to be intense – you won’t necessarily see a sellout, but the fans will be very loud and very into the game. Nissan Stadium holds nearly seventy thousand at full capacity, and just before kickoff the Music City Bowl will be pretty packed with fans from both sides, perhaps forty or fifty thousand strong. You will see a lot of movement during the game as fans make their way to and from the concession stands and facilities, but there will still be plenty of crowd noise as both sides cheer their team on for the final game of the season. Access 4 Nissan Stadium is easy to get to, since it is located near several freeways, and there is a pedestrian bridge that goes to downtown. There is also a sidewalk on the I-24 overpass that you can use if you park on the same side of the river as the stadium. Parking in the lots right outside the stadium will cost $25, but I never recommend these, because they take too long to get out of after the game. You are probably better off parking on the other side of I-24 (on the east side of the stadium) or near downtown (on the other side of the river, to the west) where you can find spots for $10 or $15 – either of these locales are only a short 5-10 minute walk from the stadium. You may also be able to find free parking along the street in either area. There are entrances on all sides of Nissan Stadium; the ticket office is on the north end if you need will-call or did not purchase tickets in advance. Since there are so many entrances, the lines to get in are not very long, and move very quickly. Be aware that security is a little tighter at pro stadiums than at college venues, so you may have a problem if your bag or purse is too big. There are several ramps dotted around Nissan Stadium that take you to the upper levels, and there are also some pretty massive elevator complexes you can use to make the approximately seven-story climb. In line with the car theme, the elevators have giant pictures of tires marking their locations. Surprisingly, using the elevators is actually a lot quicker than you might think – there are multiple elevators in each bank, so there is rarely a line to get on. Return on Investment 3 Tickets to bowl games can be pretty expensive, especially if you want to sit in the lower level. But if your favorite team is in the game, it is generally worthwhile, depending on how far you have to travel. At the Music City Bowl, tickets in the upper deck start at under $40, including Ticketmaster fees, so you can save a little money by waiting to buy them at the door, which shouldn’t be a problem, as they won’t sell out. Unfortunately, the upper level seats aren’t that great, since they are so high up, and sneaking into a better section is a little hit or miss, at least until late in the game, since they do check tickets in some areas. In fact, they even check tickets before letting fans get on the elevators, which is one reason they don’t have much of a line there. That said, you are better off buying a lower-level ticket, which could be $100 or more. Or you could buy the cheap seats and try to stand on the plaza in one of the end zones. Extras 3 The ridiculously huge video boards are a big plus, and having the cars dotted around the stadium is interesting. Also, the location is very hard to beat, with so many great attractions within walking distance. Final Thoughts Attending the Music City Bowl is a great opportunity to visit Nashville, which would be well worth your time. You are also guaranteed a pretty good match-up between two Power 5 teams, so this is a great bowl game to choose when you are making your holiday football plans. Make sure you plan extra time to take in the sights, and remember to dress warmly for this night game under the lights.

Photo Courtesy UC Santa Barbara Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.71 UCSB Events Center University of California Santa Barbara Isla Vista, CA 93117 UC Santa Barbara Gauchos website UCSB Events Center website Year Opened: 1979 Capacity: 5,600 Five Men Enter The UCSB Events Center is so named only as a formality. In every capacity except official, the arena is known as the Thunderdome. The 5,600 seat multi-purpose arena was opened in 1979 and simply called the Campus Events Center. Its fierce reputation didn’t fully take shape until just under a decade later when the team started to see increased success and increasing crowds. In 1987, the team throttled Jim Valvano’s NC State team at home in front of a raucous crowd, and the stadium became known from then on as The Thunderdome. With a nickname like the Thunderdome written across the arena facade, the UCSB Events Center atmosphere had better not disappoint. Fortunately, it doesn’t. UC Santa Barbara itself is a general member of the University of California system and home to over 22,000 students. Located 100 miles northwest of Los Angeles and 8 miles northwest of Santa Barbara along US 101, the UCSB campus rests on the scenic coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The Gauchos compete in the Big West in all sports and are better known for soccer and water polo, although their basketball program has had sustained periods of slight national relevancy. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at the Thunderdome consist of pretty average stadium food, so there’s not a whole lot of spectacular to report here. The variety is decent enough and the hot dogs are much better sized than average (and piping hot). Pricing is definitely reasonable, with nothing on the menu exceeding $5. It’s enough to meet standard expectations and the taste isn’t substandard, so you could do worse at a small school venue. But there’s nothing here to jump out of your seat for. Atmosphere 4 Let’s call this a very pleasant surprise. The atmosphere at the Thunderdome lives up to its name and rivals a lot of much bigger name basketball schools. Right away, the “Thunderdome” lettering above the door surrounded by two giant banners lets you know there is passion and energy ahead of you. And once the Thunderdome starts rocking, it’s easy to get wrapped up in the occasion. The arena itself has a very unique and decorated feel. From the giant banners at either end of the court identifying the Gaucho greats to the wooden rafters holding the scoreboard over mid court, the Thunderdome is anything but a cookie cutter arena. Surrounded by four sections of bleachers, the arena takes almost a cross shape with the court being the center. The bleachers on either side of the court are large and rise up to the height of the wooden rafters. The end court bleachers go back about half the distance of the sideline rafters and back up to wall length banners of Gaucho legends such as Richard Anderson, Don Ford, and Brian Shaw. The student section actually seems to surround the court on three sides, demonstrating the passion on campus for Gauchos basketball. The band sits behind one of the baskets and is very engaged throughout the game, but is often drowned out by the other students. A student leads the cheers and performs raps and chants that really work to get the crowd fired up. It’s truly a great small school atmosphere. Neighborhood 5 For a lot of people, Santa Barbara is a city from an 80’s soap opera. In real life, it’s a place where everyone and everything is beautiful. The city itself is a very expensive place to live or visit, but it’s more than worth it and there’s plenty to do. Make a long weekend out of this trip and enjoy this beach side paradise. Things to see in nearby Santa Barbara include the Old Mission, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Art Museum, historic city hall, the Museum of Natural History and of course, the beach. Nearby you can catch a boat to the Channel Islands National Park. Wine country also surrounds Santa Barbara for those looking for some more rustic settings. And if nothing else, the mountain drives inland from the city are absolutely beautiful. Hotels are abundant in the area as well, but expect to pay a little bit more to stay in the immediate Santa Barbara area. For those looking for more affordable options, a 20 to 30 minute drive north and south along 101 will offer accommodations in the smaller surrounding towns. If you’re willing to spend the extra money I’d strongly recommend staying near the heart of town so you can walk the beautiful streets of Santa Barbara. Restaurants are incredibly easy to find. I could list an endless amount of excellent options, but one of my favorite parts of Santa Barbara is the random cozy cafes that line the streets downtown. Brunch is an art form on the main streets, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore. Fans 4 What make the Gaucho faithful so great are the students. The student section all but surrounds the court and extends all the way to the rafters on the sideline section. Gauchos basketball is the place to be on campus on game day. During the game, it’s loud and energetic. A student leads the chants, raps, dances and creates all around energy at every opportunity during the game. The fans chant, stomp the bleachers, cheer, make signs and generally make the moniker of the Thunderdome come to life. The band also engages continuously with the fans and has their own set of chants, cheers and actions. Overall, the Thunderdome boasts a pretty intimidating home court advantage. Access 3 Santa Barbara is pretty easy to navigate as the 101 hugs the coast through the city. UCSB is located about eight miles northwest of the city directly along 101. Traffic is light and it’s easy to get around the area. Potentially the only issue with access here is the distance to the major hub of Los Angeles. Because of the mountains and the coast, the only way to get anywhere is to follow the 101. Los Angeles is about 100 miles southeast which can make for a lengthy drive. There is really nothing to the north of Santa Barbara until you hit the Pismo Beach area. There is a smaller airport in Santa Barbara basically right next to campus, so there is an option to fly directly into the Santa Barbara area as well. But it’s likely to be a bit costlier than using the major hub of LAX. Once on campus, the stadium is easy to find and is a part of a larger athletic complex with shared parking. There are two lots immediately outside the arena and a parking garage if both lots fill. Parking is an inexpensive $3. Stadium access is easy as well. The gates nearest the parking structure are for students only, so you’ll want to circle around to the parking lot side and enter from the main gate below the Thunderdome logo. You enter at court level which makes any handicapped seating easy. The cheaper tickets are up a flight of stairs in the upper half of the bleachers. Restrooms and concessions can be found in the corners of the arena and are easily accessible from anywhere. Return on Investment 4 There are a lot of passionate fan bases and wild atmospheres in college basketball, but most of them can’t be had at this value. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not claiming this is Duke, UCLA, or Kentucky. But it is a very good atmosphere for the level of college basketball you’re getting. For a $12 ticket, $3 parking and $5 meal, you’re getting quite a show. Extras 3 For all the good things about a UC Santa Barbara game, it’s actually pretty straightforward and there aren’t a ton of frills. The setting of Santa Barbara is clearly a plus that not many schools can compete with. And the Thunderdome name and atmosphere definitely are worth the visit. Final Thoughts Basically, this is a prototypical great small school atmosphere. The passion, the venue and the setting combine to make a trip to UCSB to see the Gauchos a very worthwhile investment.

Photos by Martin McNelis, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.14 Hillsborough Hillsborough Stadium Sheffield, England S6 1SW Sheffield Wednesday website Hillsborough website Year Opened: 1899 Capacity: 39,812 A Traditional English Soccer Stadium Hillsborough is the home of Sheffield Wednesday in the Yorkshire district of Owlerton, which is where the club’s nickname of ‘the Owls’ is taken from. The club and its ground are steeped in history. The club have played here since 1899 and the modern day capacity is a couple of hundred short of 40,000. The team were relegated from the Premier League at the turn of the millennium and have suffered a number of highs and lows since, with the team even finding themselves in the third tier of English football in this time, under the tutelage of several managerial appointments. The club are presently in the Championship (second tier) in the 2015-2016 season, and have achieved some stability on and off the pitch in recent years. Hillsborough can boast being a popular choice with the English FA (Football Association) as a neutral venue for cup Semi Finals and for Internationals, most notably during the 1966 World Cup. It was also used during the 1996 UEFA European Championships, hosting three fixtures between Turkey, Denmark, Croatia and Portugal in group play. Hillsborough is synonymous with the 1989 disaster which saw 96 Liverpool fans lose their life due to crushing in the Leppings Lane end (known today as the West Stand) when they played Nottingham Forest in the F.A Cup Semi Final. The irony is, that for all the media and reporting on one of the most tragic events to take place at a soccer venue, Sheffield Wednesday were not even playing. The stadium has undergone a number of changes following the Taylor Report which saw all seater stadiums being compulsory in England following the events of April 1989. It would certainly not be out of place should Wednesday achieve promotion back to the top flight in the future. Food & Beverage 4 There are a number of food kiosks in each stand which are well staffed with easy access and minimum queueing. The concourses are wide to allow fans to pass through or stand at the side and eat. There are also a number of televisions mounted on the walls or suspended from the roof showing a mixture of old games and goals, along with the Sky Sports channels. There are plenty of options to choose from including burgers, hot dogs, pizza and a variety of different pies. A lot of English clubs seem to have a deal with ‘Pukka Pies’ and their advertisements can be found around the internal walls and the pitch side hoardings. There are also a number of different beverages to choose from, hot and cold, including different types of lager and beers. The prices are reasonable and in line with what you would pay in, say the city centre. Despite being served in the standard plastic tumbler for health & safety reasons, the lager is decent. Atmosphere 4 Hillsborough is a friendly venue, and this is noticeable from engagements with the stewards to the staff in the club store, programme sellers and food kiosks. All four stands are covered and provide a good view of the pitch, though there are two corners of the stadium that have had seats added to increase capacity and they are out in the open. Some English stadiums have one specific point where fans congregate and generate an atmosphere, but Hillsborough has two, the North Stand and the Spion Kop behind the home fans’ goal. Wednesday fans are also notoriously known for their drum and band that play a variety of instruments during games. They also follow the English national soccer team and can be heard during international matches. Hillsborough is impressive both inside and out, and is a must for any ‘ground hunter.’ Hillsborough has signs of both modern development and the past. The Main Stand has upper and lower tiers and was designed by Archibald Leitch, a famous architect known for his work in a lot of soccer grounds going back to the early 1900s. The Main Stand’s facade is very modern with a new roof, corporate/executive facilities and office space upgraded within the last twenty years. There is a large scoreboard which is elevated above a police control office and sits between the West and Main Stand. It displays the teams, subs, officials and during the match it provides advertising, announcements, old goals and re-runs of match action. The North Stand is single tiered, which runs the length of the pitch and has SWFC in white against the blue seats. Both the West and Kop Stands behind each goal are converted terraces, from standing areas to all seated and each have four supporting pillars, which may obscure your view. As the stadium is situated on the River Don, there is a small bridge that you need to negotiate to access the Main Stand. To the left of the bridge is where you will find the Hillsborough memorial to the fans who died there in 1989. It has become something of a shrine, with scarves and flags from many clubs up and down the country. ‘Ozzie the Owl’ is the club mascot and he can be seen pre match. There are announcements made before the match and at half time. During the match you will hear music played by the ‘fan band,’ which is not everyone’s preference, but it does add to the occasion. Tickets are available in all stands for just about every home game, with away supporters accommodated in the West Stand. The rows are spaced out well with decent leg room. The pitch is close to the stands which means you will get a more than reasonable view of the action. The two uncovered sections tend to be for overspill from the North and Kop ends and unsurprisingly are the cheapest areas within the stadium. Neighborhood 4 Wednesday’s neighbours and rivals, Sheffield United are based near the city centre, however, Hillsborough is approximately three miles further out. Along the way there are a number of pubs, shops, fast food outlets and a couple of cash lines/ATMs. There is a train, tram, and bus service which runs regularly and all of these will take you within a few minutes walk to the stadium. You can also get a taxi, which will set you back around £8. The Old Crown, Penistone Road is for home supporters and The New Barrack Tavern accommodates home and away fans. Both are about a five minute walk from Hillsborough. There are also a Burger King and McDonalds on route from the city. Fans 4 Hillsborough features vocal fans, with songs and music created throughout play, which adds to the atmosphere and occasion. Despite some hard times, Wednesday still attract a home gate of around 22,000 for home matches. Access 4 All entry points to the stadium flow well, with minimum queuing both internally and externally. There are plenty of transport options. Whether you arrive by bus, tram, or train it will not set you back any more than £3, and all options are minutes walking distance to the ground. A taxi journey varies from around £6-£8. There is also street parking and official parking areas in and around Hillsborough. Public transport is well served. Entry to the ground is by ticket (scanned at the gate upon entry), but the club have been experimenting with a designated cash turnstile for certain fixtures. Return on Investment 5 Tickets, merchandise, and refreshment prices are reasonable and competitive with other similar clubs. With a vibrant, friendly atmosphere, if you can get a decent game to entertain you, a visit to Hillsborough provides excellent value all round. Tickets for cup games are halved or discounted which encourages more families or young kids out to the games, as it can make it more affordable for the average family. Extras 4 The official match programme is a very good read, impressively edited and produced. The shop also sells some DVDs and books for between £1 and £5. Final Thoughts The site of Hillsborough is now more than a soccer venue due to the events of April 1989. The subsequent police cover up that has seen the families challenge the official findings, has seen it become something of a shrine, with the name of the stadium regularly in the limelight. It is something that Sheffield Wednesday will have to live with, but it is an impressive, nostalgic stadium which is memorable for soccer reasons, given that it has hosted many matches over the years. Many a ground hopper will take pleasure on ticking this one off their list.

Photos by Andrei Ojeda, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Firestone Fieldhouse 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90263 Pepperdine Waves website Firestone Fieldhouse website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 3,104 Catch Some Waves Sitting atop a hill overlooking the ocean, Pepperdine University with its trees, grass, and other of nature’s beauty surrounding its campus, without a doubt has to be one of the most scenic campuses in the country. Should you find yourself driving north on Pacific Coast Highway, as you approach Pepperdine you may notice a tall tower marked with a cross overlooking PCH. That is Phillips Theme Tower, one of the more recognizable landmarks on campus. Though this holy landmark does its best to bring positive vibes, it has also been involved in its share of controversy. Not far from the tower and a stone’s throw from Firestone Fieldhouse is Alumni Park, a grassy hill overlooking the ocean that makes for a nice tranquil pregame destination. Just kick back, bring the picnic basket full of goodies along with the picnic blanket, and become one with the cool ocean breeze. Then, of course, there is Firestone Fieldhouse, an intimate venue with a capacity of just over 3,100, perfect for a school with a small student enrollment. That’s not to say that support for the local five is not in evidence, as crowds here can be vocal. Food & Beverage 3 There is only one concession stand that serves the entire venue. Your basic stadium fare is available including hot dogs ($3) bratwursts ($3.50), frozen lemonade ($3), popcorn ($2.50), and chips ($1.50). Aside from the standard fare, specialty sandwiches are also available, including a Caprese sandwich for any vegetarians ($7.50). Vending machines are also on site dispensing bottled Coke products for $1.50, the norm for what you would probably pay for a bottled soda at any vending machine. Kudos for not hiking up the prices on the sodas as most any venue would do. Atmosphere 4 Fans show a great amount of enthusiasm, often times stomping on the wooden floors of the bleachers during various moments to create added noise in their attempt to help halt the visiting team. One of the nice things about watching a game in such an intimate venue is that the seats are never too far away from the floor, and interactions between the coaches, players, and officials can definitely be heard. Because of the close proximity between the stands and the court, officials are never too far away from any in-game commentary fans may have. Neighborhood 5 Words just can’t describe the scenery that surrounds this intimate campus. One of my favorite on-campus sites is Alumni Park, a 30-acre grassy hill that overlooks the Pacific Ocean with breathtaking views of Pacific Coast Highway looking northward. The park is open to the general public so if you should have time to kill before a game (I highly recommend that you do), you may want to bring a picnic blanket, lay it out over the grass, and just soak in the local scenery. Alumni Park also makes for great recreational use, as evidenced by the locals playing a little soccer and football. Also nearby for those of you who are into ancient art and architecture is The Getty Villa, located about 10 minutes south of campus on Pacific Coast Highway. Duke’s Malibu is a popular spot among the locals. Various drink specials are offered every night after 4 PM for Aloha Hour. Depending on the time of year, with its beachside location, you may even see some of the ocean’s wildlife as whales and dolphins can be seen out onto the distant waves. Fans 4 During my most recent visit, it was an afternoon where no pep band or mascot would be spotted, but the fans that did show up proved that they would not need either to get them involved, as they made plenty of noise on the wooden bleachers throughout the entire contest. The fact these fans did not need much to maintain their high energy level throughout the contest speaks highly of those in attendance. Access 3 Though there is really only one major route to arrive by, the view driving along PCH, especially when driving in the afternoon, can be worth the drive to Malibu alone. Unfortunately, Malibu is far from any major locations in Los Angeles. With practically no lodging options nearby campus, chances are great that your drive will be quite a distant one. Also, because you will be arriving via PCH, if arriving from Los Angeles, Santa Monica or points south, traffic can also be an issue, especially if driving during the week, so be ready for your patience to be tested. As you do arrive on campus you will be driving up a hill toward the parking area. The lot, offering free and ample parking, is highlighted by the markings of numerous basketball courts on the black asphalt. I imagine the lot is also used for recreation as well with hoops set up on each court during non-game events. The seating areas are divided by two levels. The lower level is made up of wooden bleacher seating on both sides of the court. While the bleachers can be great for creating noise, the seating is pretty cramped and walking the aisles can also require quite an effort. The upper level, not far from the court, offers actual seats. However, some of those seats can be obstructed by television camera crews. Overall, the seats up here offer a great value and are the best choice. On the south end is a crystal clear video board that also acts as the main scoreboard. While there are scoreboards located on each end of the court, the one on the south end is the most informative, displaying player stats throughout the game. Return on Investment 3 With tickets ranging from $15-$25 the costs, especially for the $15 general admission seats in the upper level, are pretty reasonable. While its scenic location may be worth the drive, the downside to that is that for many, the drive will be quite a distance. Should you make the effort to catch a game here at Pepperdine, I highly recommend that you make a day of it by taking in some of the local pre/postgame spots mentioned. This would be a great way of rewarding your effort in coming out to Malibu. Extras 3 Inside the venue, as you walk through the lobby is a display of Pepperdine’s National Championships, mostly accomplished by their men’s volleyball teams. Banners of their National Title accomplishments are also displayed on the south end inside the arena. If there was ever a category for originality, the pep squad would definitely rank high just for the fact that they come dressed in orange jumpsuits. Final Thoughts I left impressed by the school’s spirit squads, from their yell squad decked out in orange jumpsuits to the dance team, known as the Pom Squad. Of the various dance teams I’ve had the chance to observe, not including USC or UCLA, Pepperdine’s Pom Squad would rank at the top when it comes to originality in both dance routines and presentation. Given the venue’s small capacity, you will never be far from the action. While the commute to Firestone Fieldhouse can take a toll if done regularly, the scenery surrounding the campus and an enthusiastic atmosphere for the home team will certainly be a more than rewarding experience.

Photo Courtesy of Jose Carlos Fajardo, Contra Costa Times Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 University Credit Union Pavilion 1928 Saint Mary’s Rd. Moraga, CA 94556 Saint Mary’s Gaels website University Credit Union Pavilion website Year Opened: 1978 Capacity: 3,500 Moraga Hoops McKeon Pavilion (pronounced mc-CUE-in) is the home gym for the Saint Mary’s Gaels men and women basketball teams. The men’s team has been a top “mid-major” team over the last decade and has made some noise in the NCAA Tournament. Overall, Saint Mary’s has appeared in eight NCAA Tournaments after winning three conference tournaments and six conference regular seasons. Their best showing was making the Elite Eight in 1959. Additionally, they made the Sweet Sixteen in 2010. McKeon Pavilion has served as the home court for the Gaels since 1978 and has a capacity of 3,500 fans. Saint Mary’s has plans to renovate the aging facility to accommodate 500 additional fans, luxury suites and video boards as well as an athletic training facility. In the meantime, the Gaels still enjoy a great home court advantage. A game at McKeon Pavilion is one of the best college basketball experiences in Northern California thanks to quality of play and the intimate setting for a game. Note: The venue's name changed from McKeon Pavilion to University Credit Union Pavilion in Dec 2019. Food & Beverage 2 There is one main concession stand on the entry level concourse. Here you will find hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and other staples. Upstairs, you’ll find snacks like chips and candy. Both concession areas serve bottled water and soft drinks. In short, eat prior to getting to McKeon Pavilion and just supplement it with a snack or a soda. Atmosphere 4 There is not a better college basketball atmosphere in Northern California going right now than a Saint Mary’s home game. If California or Stanford have a good year it’s possible either of them could supplant the Gaels in this category. However, year in and year out, my money’s on McKeon. The seating is the one downside. Everything in the upper level is bleacher seating in hard, plastic form. One side of the gym has no seat pads, while the other side does ($10 more). There is very little leg room between benches which can make for an uncomfortable experience at times, but certainly serves to pack 3,500 spectators as close to the court as possible. You cannot access the lower level at anytime without a ticket for that area. Being almost 40 years old, McKeon Pavilion feels its age. There is no video screen showing replays or advertisements but that furthers the gym-like vibe. There is one small scoreboard at one end of the court and a larger one, complete with stats, at the other. “Gael Force,” the Saint Mary’s student section, stands on the bleachers opposite the team benches. Clad in all red, they keep the energy level high throughout. Though the students are raucous, it’s just as likely to see older couples and families with small children at McKeon. McKeon Pavilion is split into two main sections; lower and upper levels to your right and lower and upper levels to your left upon entry. The one exception to the mirror image is the Hall of Fame Lounge with its seats hanging over one end of the court, giving a unique perspective. Since Randy Bennett arrived in Moraga there has been an influx of Australian talent (e.g., Patty Mills and Matthew Dellavedova amongst others) and they now display an Australian flag in the gym. This, and the “Aussie-Aussie-Aussie” chants are sure to make these players right at home. Neighborhood 3 McKeon Pavilion is located on the Saint Mary’s campus in the town of Moraga, just 15 miles from Oakland. However, as most games are on weeknights during rush hour, it can take up to an hour to get to Moraga from the more urban areas of the Bay Area. Moraga has a population of less than 20,000 and is a quiet, but beautiful place. Rolling hills and tall redwoods allow for beautiful day hikes in the area. Being located on campus, though scenic, is not conducive to grabbing food or drink prior to or after a Gaels basketball game. Your best options are in downtown Moraga or Rheem Valley. Here you can find Lamorinda Pizza, Italian restaurant Amaroma, and Asia Palace (mostly Chinese). Regardless of where you eat prior to the game, you will be getting back into your car to get to McKeon. Since you’re driving, maybe check out nearby Orinda for La Piazza or Hanazen for sushi. Moraga is a mostly sleepy community where you can enjoy being outside or catching a movie. This portion is one of the more affluent of the Bay Area so you’re options for dining reflect that. You won’t find a row of sports bars where you can catch a game on a big screen. Fans 4 Like many students sections in college basketball, Gael Force remains standing for the duration of the game. They lead chants that the whole gym gets involved with and are the catalysts for big runs by the hometown team. The Gaels seem to benefit from playing in a small town, somewhat secluded from the otherwise busy and bustling Bay Area. They are not only the hot ticket in town, but the only. The community seems to embrace them as their own, with many members of the community alumnus of SMC. There is a perception about the fans being a little uppity at SMC. This may be true but I didn’t find it to negatively affect my experience. Access 2 Moraga is somewhat secluded from the rest of the Bay Area. The nearest freeways (13 and 24) are more than 5 miles away, accessible only by winding roads, with one lane going each direction. That doesn’t begin to tell the story of getting to McKeon. Though it’s only 20 miles away from San Francisco, it can take well over an hour to get to Moraga during rush hour. This is not unique to the Moraga/Lafayette area but certainly affects a trip to see the game. It’s not only an issue of getting out of the city as it backs up on the other side of the bay on 580 and 24. Keep traffic in mind as most college basketball games are held on weeknights. For many Bay Area residents avoiding traffic can be solved by taking a BART train. Unfortunately the nearest station is 5 miles away, so it is not walkable. Riding a bicycle is an option from the train station and would be a nice ride through the rolling hills, but isn’t advisable as there aren’t many street lights from the station into town. It’s not much easier when you get inside the venue. The bleacher seating in the general admission area leaves literally no room for people to pass in front of seated spectators. Even standing up to let fans by is tricky as there really is only room for one person to stand at a time. Other seating looks to be more accessible. Even the parking lots, though inexpensive at $5, are a good walk away from the venue. Return on Investment 3 Tickets have increased in recent years. A general admission ticket is now $15, with an identical seat across the court with seat cushion going for $25. These are starting points and go up depending on the opponent. Largely, single game seats in the lower level are unavailable as they are swooped up by season ticket holders. It would be nice to see them lower the price for sparsely attended non-conference games like when I saw the Gaels take on Morgan State. Concessions, though limited, and parking at a great value bump up the overall return a point. Extras 3 There aren’t many state-of-the-art extras at McKeon Pavilion. Rather, the extras consist of the historical value, the nostalgic nature of the gym and the atmosphere of this elite mid-major squad. The elevated area behind one backboard for some season ticket holders is cool, albeit strange, aesthetic. This area has risers filled with comfy folding chairs and plenty of legroom. They have typical contests throughout the game including a 3-point shooting contest which, on the night I attended, was won by a young man with use of only one of his arms. Very impressive. Lastly, the Gaels proudly display their retired numbers and championship banners for men’s and women’s hoops as well as the full trophy case in the main entrance concourse.

Photos by Marc Viquez, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 UW Milwaukee Panther Arena 400 W Kilbourn Ave Milwaukee, WI 53203 Milwaukee Wave website UW Milwaukee Panther Arena website Year Opened: 1950 Capacity: 9,652 The Big Black Wave in Milwaukee The Milwaukee Wave holds the honor of being the United States’s oldest professional soccer team, debuting in 1984 as members of the American Indoor Soccer Association. Throughout six different indoor leagues, three venue changes, six retired jersey numbers, and six championships, the Wave have played continuously in the city of Milwaukee since the Reagan administration. The Wave joined the Major Arena Soccer League in 2014 in the renamed UW-Milwaukee Panther Arena. The arena opened in 1950 as the Milwaukee Arena and has been known by multiple names that include the MECCA Arena and the U.S. Cellular Arena. The 9,500-seat capacity for the Wave creates an ideal canvas for one of indoor soccer’s biggest draws in attendance figures. The arena saw a $10.5 million renovation in 1998 that included a new video scoreboard, refurbished seats, wider concourses, and lighting and sound improvement. For a facility that was built in the mid 20th century, it holds up quite impressively with unobstructed views and excellent sightlines. The Wave has played in six major indoor soccer leagues, but continue to be a popular entity within the sports community of Milwaukee with an educational outreach program that has reached 70 schools, popular kids club packages, and being a child-friendly destination. The team and the arena make for a perfect setting for spending an afternoon or evening watching indoor soccer. Food & Beverage 3 There is a nice selection of menu options at the arena, with many of them including a type of sausage sandwich, but then again this is Milwaukee, so what do you expect? The hot dog, bratwurst, and Italian sausage sandwiches are well worth the price of between $4.50-$5. They are fresh, tasty, and come with the option of grilled peppers and sausages. There are more exotic sausage varieties that include apple and gouda and chipotle cheddar that are priced at $7. The arena also serves hamburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, pretzels, popcorn, pizza and ice cream cones for fair prices. RC Cola, 7Up, Big Red and Sun Drop soft drinks are served at the concession stands and beer prices start at $7 for domestic bottles. All of the products are hot, fresh, and quite delicious. Perhaps a basket of cheese curds added to the menu sometime in the future? Atmosphere 4 The Wave has been one of the better teams in terms of attendance in indoor soccer and continually draw well to their home games. It is amazing how much the atmosphere can be altered when you have 3,000 plus fans rooting for the home side. However, there is much more to the atmosphere than just the sheer presence of fans and supporters. The Wave does a great job creating theme nights for their 10 home games that include Ghostbusters Night, Hot Wheels Night, and Superheroes and Princesses Night. During breaks between periods and halftime, there are activities on the field that you would find in many minor league baseball stadiums. There are three-minute games of bubble soccer during halftime for fans, dancing contests, dizzy soccer shootouts, and t-shirt tosses into the crowd. Then there is the all black turf that has been well received by players and fans. The synthetic playing surface was installed before the start of the 2014-15 MASL season and results have been positive. The color of the surface grabs your attention and creates another vibe for the sport of indoor soccer. There is also an array of music played throughout the game that runs the gamut from Metallica, Van Halen, Taylor Swift, and Spice Girls.“Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis is played after every Wave goal scored, and a lucky fan receives an autographed soccer ball that is kicked into the stands after each goal scored. After each game, the Wave tour around the field and allow fans to walk on the turf to seek autographs from players. There is a rich history with the club and the six championship banners adorn the wall of the coliseum behind the goal, along with banner honoring six retired numbers. There is a section on the main concourse for merchandise featuring the Wave’s colors of black, neon green, and light blue. The team sells a commemorative neon yellow arm sleeve that the Wave players wear in honor of former teammate Brett Wiesner who passed away in 2014. A portion of sales of arm sleeves goes towards a fund in his name. Neighborhood 5 The arena is located in the downtown section of Milwaukee and near many of the city’s eclectic neighborhoods of bars, restaurants, museums, shops, and other points of retail. The Historic Third Ward, Fifth Ward, and Waterfront districts are a short walk or taxi ride from the facility. The Milwaukee Brat House is an ideal spot for a bratwurst sandwich and fried cheese curds, and the Wisconsin Cheese Mart allows visitors to sample numerous types of cheeses and enjoy a few pints in the Uber House next door with many of the beers priced around the $4 mark. The Ale Asylum is located on the waterfront and features Cuban tacos and curry chicken sandwiches. In Red Arrow Park, take a break from eating and drinking, and enjoy some ice skating with the friends, family, or that special someone. In the Historic Third Ward District are Cafe Benelux, Water Buffalo, and the Wicked Hop that offers amazing options for brunch or just enjoying some great atmosphere. Across the street is the Milwaukee Public Market that is home to fresh fish, meats, a wine and beer bar, cafes, retail, and other culinary delights. Down the road in the Fifth Ward is the Milwaukee Brewing Company that offers tours on Saturdays and the Central Standard Craft Distillery for $4 Bloody Mary’s done the old-fashion way on Sundays. A little further away by car, Honey Pie Cafe serves one of the best pies anywhere. The bourbon fudge and blueberry cream pies are worth ruining your diet. Fans 4 The Wave has a truly dedicated brass of supporters who have been attending games since 1984.These are not your ordinary fans.They cheer, shout, and scream when things are not going their way on the black turf.The Wave faithful are concentrated on the action on the field and do a great job of creating much of the atmosphere here at the arena.They will also serenade the team after a victory at home and pay respect to former players who make appearances at games.The MASL needs more fans like them at every city in the league. Access 4 The downtown setting makes it rather simple to get off of I-94 and find the arena. Parking is $5-$10 and if it is a Sunday or after 6 PM, meter parking is free. The closer you are to the arena, the more of the chance that the parking price will be around $10. Once inside the facility, it easy to get around to the bathrooms and concession stands. You will not be able to completely walk around the seating area without bumping into seating and railings, but for a building that was built in 1950, it is still a great gathering spot for the 21st-century sports fan. Return on Investment 3 The price options for tickets range from $16.50, $21.50, $26.50, $31.50, $46.50, and $56.50. The $16.50 price point is well worth the admission price to the Wave, but a $46 and $56 price tag seems somewhat high for indoor soccer, even though it is for seating in the first three rows of the arena. Compared to other teams in the league, the Wave ticket prices are somewhat on the higher side. However, the team is a first-class organization and worthy of a visit to any stadium traveler. Extras 4 The Wave receive extra points for their black field surface, another point for the admiration the team gives to its fans during the game that includes kicking autograph soccer balls into the stands, a third point for its user-friendly website to find out about tickets and schedules, and a fourth and final point for being the longest-running professional soccer team in the United States. Final Thoughts All indoor soccer games should be like a Milwaukee Wave game experience. The sport has seen its up and downs since the original Major Indoor Soccer League ceased operations in 1992, but the Wave have managed to be an anomaly in a sea of defunct indoor soccer franchises. Attending a Wave game should be on a list for any sports enthusiast who may or may not enjoy soccer. I have to commend the Wave for being a top level organization and if I ever find myself back in Milwaukee, I look forward to attending another game.

Photos by Paul Donaldson, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 Turpin Stadium 468 Caspari St Natchitoches, LA 71457 Northwestern State Demons website Turpin Stadium website Year Opened: 1975 Capacity: 15,971 Fork ‘Em Demons! Turpin Stadium, home of the Northwestern State Demons football team, provides a great environment for NCAA DI-FCS football. Though times have been rough for the Demons on the field as of late, the combination of a great stadium experience and being located in one of the best small towns in America makes attending a Northwestern State football game a memorable experience regardless of the overall record. Turpin Stadium was constructed in 1975 and has a current seating capacity of 15,971. The stadium layout features an east and west grandstand with a video scoreboard in the north end zone and the Jack Clayton Plaza and fieldhouse in the south end zone. The overall experience is highlighted by a great pre-game and halftime performance from the Spirit of Northwestern (SON) marching band and spirit squads as well as a nice tailgating atmosphere in Donald’s Demon Alley. Food & Beverage 2 Turpin Stadium offers the basic stadium fare but is a little light in terms of variety or specialty items. Permanent concession stands are located on both the east and west sides of the stadium under the grandstands. Traditional game day grub includes hot dogs ($3.50, $4 with chili & cheese), hamburgers ($4), nachos ($4), and Frito pies ($4). Snacks are available ranging from popcorn to peanuts, plus a few other typical items like chips and candy. You’ll also notice a Domino’s pizza cart in the concourse serving up sliced pizza. The clear favorite at Turpin is the loaded nachos, which comes with a heaping pile of chili, cheese and peppers. Your beverage options are headlined by bottled Coca-Cola products and PowerAde for $3.50. Alcoholic beverages are not sold at Turpin Stadium. The main stands accept debit/credit card, but you may want to bring along some cash for the Domino’s pizza cart. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere at Turpin Stadium for a Northwestern State Demon football game has lost some luster as the program has experienced some rough stretches on the field. However, Turpin Stadium is still a great venue for FCS football and there are several game day elements which help make it one of the better environments in the Southland Conference. Turpin Stadium has the traditional west and east grandstands with no seating behind the end zones. The west grandstand offers two tiers of seating. The best seats are along the 50 yard line on the west side in the lower deck. Visiting fans will find friendlies in the northwest side of the lower deck in Sections J & K. The student section and the band will be located on the east side of the stadium. The Turpin Stadium scoreboard is equipped with a small video replay screen located in the north end zone. The south end zone holds the Jack Clayton Plaza and fieldhouse. While almost every college football program features spirit squads and a marching band, Northwestern State comes through with one of the best programs in the conference. The Spirit of Northwestern (SON) Marching Band nearly fills the entire playing surface during their excellent performances. They are complemented by the Demon Dazzlers dance team and Demon Heat color guard. Vic the Demon is NSU’s costumed mascot. You’ll notice him making his way around the stadium posing with fans. ROTC members man a canon in the north end zone, which is fired after Demon scores. On third downs, the sound of a belting bell is played which fires up the home crowd. The tailgating scene outside Turpin Stadium is definitely a highlight of the overall experience. Also, the Demons do a great job of memorializing past legends and historic moments through the west side concourse. Neighborhood 4 Turpin Stadium is located on the campus of Northwestern State University in the beautiful small city of Natchitoches, Louisiana (pronounced “Nack-a-tish”). While there’s not much immediately surrounding the stadium outside of college buildings, the stadium is located just two miles from the historic downtown area along the Cane River. While in town, be sure to try the unique regional dish of Natchitoches, the meat pie. And your best bet for a classic one is at Lasyone’s. The Pioneer Pub is a great stop after the game for a few local brews and a pub style menu. Mama’s and Papa’s are two separate restaurants located next to each other on Front Street and feature two different styles of menus and atmospheres. Try Mama’s for some good fried seafood. While in Natchitoches, a stroll down the river side in the historic downtown area is a must. The streets are decorated with potted flowers along the sidewalks and the Cane River is in view. This provides for a beautiful and relaxing stroll. There’s a great small town feel here that justifies the title of “Best Southern Small Town” bestowed by USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice award. While Natchitoches isn’t littered with amazing attractions, there are a few good stops for entertainment while in town, outside of the scenic views. Be sure to stop by the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and the Bayou Pierre Alligator Park. Natchitoches is locally known as the Bed and Breakfast Capital of Louisiana. One of the more popular stays is the historic Steel Magnolias House, the original site of the famous movie filmed locally. The Front Street Inn offers a comfortable stay in the downtown area, and the Best Western by I-49 offers a good value. Fans 3 The Demons haven’t given fans much to cheer about lately. Though it may seem like decades to some NSU faithful, it wasn’t that long ago that Northwestern State was a perennial conference title contender. Despite a somewhat diminished on-field product, Demon fans still turn out to support their team (though in lesser numbers than in years past). Typical attendance is around 10,000, but can dip to around 6,000 at the tail end of tough years. There are a few neat fan traditions at Demon football games. For one, you’ll definitely notice the NSU “fork ’em” hand signal, as fans proudly put it high in the air during the fight song and after big plays. Also, near the end of the fight song, fans join together in belting “beat the hell outta (insert opponent name).” The student section is known as the “Inferno” and can be a raucous group to deal with when the Demons are winning. However, with the recent rough stretch on the field, the Inferno has been a few flames short of the fire it once was and has the potential to be. As the only game in a small town, Northwestern State seems to have a ton of untapped potential for an amazing fan-made environment. If the Demons can find a way to string together a few conference title contending seasons, the Turpin Stadium experience will likely burst back onto the Southland Conference scene as one of the best. Access 4 Turpin Stadium is very accessible both in terms of getting to the stadium and moving around once inside. The Northwestern State University campus and Turpin Stadium are located just off I-49. One of the few drawbacks is the rural location of Natchitoches (not conveniently located near any major cities or airports). Several of the parking lots around the stadium are reserved, but you can find paid parking close by in the Prather Coliseum lot ($10) and, if you don’t mind a short walk, there’s plenty of free on-campus parking north of Turpin. Two ticket booths are located on both ends of the west grandstand. You’ll want to make sure to enter on the side you plan to sit since there isn’t a way to cross over to the other grandstand once inside. You may experience a short line at the ticket window, but it moves quickly. You’ll walk through the entrance without much of a hassle. Once inside the stadium, there is plenty of room to move around from the spacious concourse underneath the grandstand to the aisles and rows in the stadium. If you’re planning to sit in the upper level on the west side, there are two ramps leading up on both sides of the concourse and an elevator in the center. Restrooms are a bit dated, but large enough to handle typical crowds. Be sure to check out NSU’s game day guide on their website for tips on navigating Turpin Stadium and enjoying your game day experience. Return on Investment 4 NSU Demon football provides a minimal overall investment and the return is great. The price for premier seating at Turpin is one of the lowest in the Southland Conference at only $20. General admission is available for $15, which is about middle of the road within the Southland. Though the concessions menu is limited, the price is manageable. Nearby parking is $10, but free parking is available within walking distance. It’s hard to beat the value of Southland Conference match-up or in-state battle for the overall cost. Extras 2 Demon football games at Turpin Stadium feature a few extra elements which help to elevate the overall fan experience. Northwestern State does an excellent job in memorializing the past under the west grandstand. The columns along the concourse are decorated with pictures of Demon football legends including Mark Duper, Terrence McGee, Marcus Spears, Jackie Smith, and Bobby Hebert. You’ll also notice historic team pictures and shots from legendary games. Donald’s Demon Alley is the place to be during pre-game. Complemented by the recently constructed Collins Family Pavilion, you’ll find plenty of purple-clad fans cooking up pots of jambalaya, grilling boudin, and firing up barbecue pits in front of a festive scene that includes a live band.

Photos by Jason Karp, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.29 Holt Arena 550 Memorial Dr Pocatello, ID 83209 Idaho State Bengals website Holt Arena website Year Opened: 1970 Capacity: 12,000 The Dome That Time Forgot Here’s a trivia question: What is the oldest indoor football stadium still in use? The answer, of course, is Idaho State University’s Holt Arena; home of the Bengals. Holt Arena opened in 1970 as the nation’s first indoor football stadium on a college campus and is predated only by the Houston Astrodome. The arena also houses the home court of the Idaho State Bengals men’s basketball team, ISU’s indoor track and field programs, and it hosts concerts, track meets, rodeos, trade shows and many other events. Originally called the Mini Dome, Holt Arena isn’t really a dome at all. It’s an arched roof structure sitting right on top of the ground like a giant quonset hut. The shape is not unlike the numerous potato warehouses scattered all over southeastern Idaho. The building was the inspiration of former ISU athletic director Milton “Dubby” Holt who it might be said, was way ahead of his time. What the building lacks in architectural beauty it makes up in versatility. Idaho State is a charter member of the Big Sky Conference and competes in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) of Division I college football. Food & Beverage 2 Concession stands are located in the entrance corridors behind the grandstands on either side of the arena. The offerings are very basic, but prices are a bargain compared to any other division one college sports venue I’ve been to. A huge bucket of popcorn is $3, a hot dog is only $2, and a small soda is $2. There’s no beer on sale inside the arena, but there was beer available at a stand in the parking lot. Fans can exit and re-enter the arena with their ticket stub to enjoy some tailgating at halftime. Atmosphere 2 Walking into Holt Arena feels like entering a time warp. The late sixties and early seventies utilitarian motif has not changed. The molded plastic seats throughout the arena colored in drab orange, green, and gold will take you back to the Brady Bunch days. However, one huge noticeable improvement is the modern artificial turf that replaced the thinly padded brillo like surface that made Holt Arena feared by opposing teams. The current surface is the same used by the Dallas Cowboys. Another unusual feature is the goal posts hang from the ceiling, so that is one less obstruction for the players to run into. There are equally sized grandstands along both sidelines and no end zone seating. The seating is close to the action. There’s adequate leg room between rows and the plastic seats are more comfortable than the typical metal bleachers found in most college stadiums. The students and band occupy the south side. Visiting fans are located in Section M, also on the south side. With the Bengals struggling, the arena is a little more than half full, but even a small crowd can generate some good noise under the enclosed roof. The PA announcer does a good job of keeping the crowd informed on down and distance and tries hard to get everyone excited on 3rd downs with mixed results. Neighborhood 3 The setting around Holt Arena on the north side of the ISU campus is very parklike with wide expanses of trees and green space. In fact it would be quite a lovely setting for an outdoor stadium. This sentiment is reinforced by viewing ISU’s new practice field just south of the arena among the trees, grass, campus buildings, and the hills overlooking Pocatello. Unfortunately, the beauty of Pocatello’s surroundings is hidden under the ugly roof of Holt Arena during the game. Pocatello, with a population of about 54,000, is a nice clean town in southeast Idaho. There are an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities in the area including big game and bird hunting, fishing, and skiing. If touring the area, the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, an ancient volcanic feature, is well worth checking out. The ISU campus is located in a residential section of Pocatello just off of I-15. It’s convenient for visiting fans to stay at one of the many hotels off Pocatello Creek Road at exit 71 (one exit north of the ISU exit) such as the Clarion, Super 8, or Red Lion. There are also several restaurants there including Perkins and the Sandpiper. Downtown Pocatello is about 8 blocks west of Holt Arena via tree lined streets. When downtown, check out the Portneuf Valley Brew Pub, a nice find in a part of the country where brew pubs aren’t so common. Fans 2 Idaho State fans have been longsuffering as the Bengals haven’t won a lot of games over the years. But when the Bengals do have a winning season, such as their fantastic run in 2014, and the fans show up in greater numbers, Holt Arena becomes a significant home field advantage. But even in the midst of a tough losing season, the Bengal fans that make it to Holt Arena wear their Bengal gear with pride and cheer with enthusiasm. I’ve always found Bengal fans to be polite and friendly to visiting fans. They’re just out to have a good time and don’t seem to take things too seriously. Access 3 In the far flung, widespread Big Sky Conference, Idaho State might be the easiest road trip for the most of the Big Sky teams. Pocatello is located at the junction of I-86 and I-15. Holt Arena is right off I-15. Take exit 69, follow Clark Street to S. 15th Avenue and you’ll come right to the huge paved Holt Arena parking lot. There is plenty of room in the large parking lot and the cost to park is only $5. The parking lot is immediately adjacent to the arena so it’s a short walk from your car to the entrances. The area around the arena appears to very walkable and bikeable from the rest of the ISU campus and the residential part of Pocatello. The two sides of the arena mirror each other with twin entry corridors. Once inside, the concession stands and restrooms are in the corridor with several portals leading inside the arena. Section numbers are well marked above the entrances. Pay attention to what section you plan to sit in. If you enter on the wrong side you will have to leave the building and go around on the outside. There is not a concourse inside the building to take you all the way around the field. Restrooms are clean and functional and there aren’t any significant lines or crowding. The staff at the entry doors and the entry portals into the arena are polite, friendly, and helpful. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices range from $17 to $24, parking is $5, and the concession prices are very reasonable. ISU football is a relative bargain compared to other division one football locations, and no matter how bad the weather is outside, it’s always warm and dry inside the dome. Extras 1 A bonus point for the kicking tee-fetching dog, all decked out in a Bengal jersey. The dog flawlessly retrieves the kicking tee off the field after every Bengal kickoff to a big round of applause from both home and visiting fans. Final Thoughts Holt Arena was built at a time when multi-purpose stadiums were all the rage. As the years have gone on, the multi-purpose stadium is fading into history. Holt Arena used to be ahead of its time. It could easily accommodate all of ISU’s sports teams in climate controlled comfort if scheduling would allow. But some sports just need to be played outside, and the building has fallen behind as other college teams spruce up their arenas and stadiums. Holt Arena is in need of some multi-million dollar renovations to bring it up-to-date. Perhaps opening up the sides to allow in natural light would help. Or better yet, construct a new, more reasonably sized basketball arena next door and then rip the roof off and have an outdoor stadium. I’m sure these ideas have passed through ISU – it’s just that such changes would cost tens of millions of dollars. And other than appearances, the building seems to be working just fine.

Photos by Paul Swaney, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Ewigleben Arena 210 Sports Dr Big Rapids, MI 49307 Ferris State Bulldogs hockey website Ewigleben Arena website Year Opened: 1976 Capacity: 2,493 Ferris State Hockey at Ewigleben Robert L. Ewigleben Ice Arena opened in 1976, a year after the Ferris State Bulldogs joined the ranks of the NAIA hockey. In 1979, the program made the jump to NCAA Division I. The first thing you need to know is how to pronounce that mouthful of a name. I am told that it is AVA-globe-in. Get that down and you’ll fit right in. Ferris State University is found in Big Rapids, Michigan – about an hour north of Grand Rapids. I was told that this is very much a hockey town, and it doesn’t take long to verify that. The arena itself is tiny, and this is a very good thing. The students fill the student end, complete with the pep band. The low ceilings and capacity of 2,493 seats make for an intimate and loud experience, especially when an intrastate rival is in town. Food & Beverage 4 The food selection is consistent with the no-frills approach of the entire arena experience, but there is still enough to get you through the contest. On the positive side, the prices are very affordable. I tried the hot dog ($2), and it was tastier than most that you’ll find at a small arena like this. I also tried the pizza ($2.50) which you will want to skip. The concession was pretty slow when I ordered about 40 minutes before the puck dropped. I asked what the Wing Dings were, and I was told they would take 30 minutes to make. OK, no wing dings then. I’m usually up for a hot beverage at a hockey game, and Ferris State offers coffee, cocoa, and cappuccino ($1.50/$2). I was also glad to see that you could get a donut with your coffee (75 cents). Slush puppies ($2), and Coca-Cola fountain drinks round out the menu ($1.50/$2). You can also buy a refillable travel mug ($4). There is no alcohol served at the game as this is an on-campus facility. Atmosphere 3 There is nothing remarkable about the building as you approach Ewigleben Ice Arena. Once inside, you won’t be blown away either. There is one large hallway that serves as the bridge between the ice arena and the basketball arena, Jim Wink Arena. All seats inside the arena are maroon plastic bleachers with adequate legroom and no cup holders. Only 11 rows deep, there is no doubt that you will have a good view of the action no matter where you end up. Aim for center ice as high up as you can. There are seats on three sides; the two ends and along the side opposite the team benches and penalty box. It is certainly unusual to only have seats on three sides, but it only adds to the intimacy of the facility. As the National Anthem winds down, you’ll hear the student section sing along with the line, …the land of the free, and the home of the DAWGS! The arena is too small to have a scoreboard hanging over the center. Instead, there are two fairly basic scoreboards on each end that give you just the necessary information; time, score, penalty information, shots on goal, and period. There is also a clock behind the penalty box. Neighborhood 4 During my visit, there was a pre-game party being held at the nearby Buffalo Wild Wings. I was told that this happens from time to time, and it certainly adds to the overall experience if you’re able to spend some time with the fans before a game. They have plenty of Ferris State sports memorabilia on the walls, so this is a good place to begin to build that bulldog spirit and ingest some delicious wings while you’re at it. Closer to downtown is The Gate & 7-10 Bar and Grill. This is also a good place to spend some time before or after the game, especially if you have your bowling ball and shoes with you. Fans 4 The doors open 60 minutes before the game begins. Fifty-five minutes before the game, the student section is already half full. You know it’s going to be a great atmosphere when the students are that anxious to get into the game. I would guess that the students take up 1/3 of the seating area, and they are standing throughout and doing a good job of leading the energy in the arena. The student section is known as the Dawg Pound, and they are engaged throughout the contest. There is also a pep band that sits near the students, helping to add to that collegiate atmosphere. The middle section of the crowd tends to be alumni and season, ticket holders. They are also very engaged, shouting encouraging words and referring to the players by their first names. The end opposite the students tends to be fans with families, or who more irregularly attend. This is the quieter end, and a bit less rowdy if that’s what you prefer. Access 4 There is only one main concourse with one large bathroom for each gender. It is adequately clean and I noticed no lines during the game. One minor inconvenience is that you need to keep your ticket on you as you will need to show it when going from the concourse back into the arena. Just make sure you keep it in your pocket and it won’t be a big deal. Parking is only $5, and there are plenty of spots. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for a premium game are only $16. This would include intrastate rivals like Michigan and Michigan State. In most games, the tickets are only $12, and with an arena this small there are certainly no bad seats. Food prices are much below average cost, and while there aren’t any amazing food items, the pricing is very fair. With parking at only $5, you can easily have a spot to park, a ticket, and something to eat and drink and still stay under $25 for the night. It is a great value, and well worth it. Extras 4 There’s a nice pro shop offering Ferris State apparel and hockey gear. The prices are quite fair, including jerseys for just $80, much less than what you will find in most arenas. Near the Ferris State bench, there is an area set up as “Date Night with the Dawgs.” It’s a table for two with a chef on duty right along the glass. The school gives away the date night of each home game to a season ticket holder. The Ferris State staff does a good job of injecting innovative ideas into the media time-outs and intermissions. My favorite was the first intermission shootout where kids got to have a breakaway opportunity against the FSU mascot. On the opposite end, members of the student section shot against the buffalo from Buffalo Wild Wings. A student with a Michigan State t-shirt was thoroughly booed, which was rather good fun. Speaking of the staff, this is one of those places where everyone you run into goes above and beyond. It is a simple premise to be friendly to your fans, but it is still difficult to execute with consistency. Tip of the cap to the game day staff for pulling it off.

Photos by Ryan Norris, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.00 CEFCU Stadium 1257 S 10th St San Jose, CA 95112 San Jose State Spartans website CEFCU Stadium website Year Opened: 1933 Capacity: 30,456 The Other Spartan Stadium Editor's Note: The stadium's name changed from Spartan Stadium to CEFCU Stadium in mid-2016. San Jose State has fielded a football team since 1893 and won 16 conference championships in that time. Though they may be the third program you think of when thinking of Bay Area college football, the Spartans have a rich player and coach history that includes Bill Walsh, Dick Vermeil, Jeff Garcia, Joe Nedney, Steve DeBerg and perhaps most famous, Glenn “Pop” Warner. Spartan Stadium opened in 1933 and it has primarily been used for San Jose State football. Aside from the Spartans, the stadium has hosted various other minor and professional sports such as lacrosse and men’s and women’s soccer. Most recently, they hosted the San Jose Earthquakes of the original NASL (1974-84) and for their first stint in MLS (1996-2005). The stadium also hosted the Silicon Valley Football Classic from 2000-04 which was a bowl game that pitted schools from the WAC and the then Pac-10. 2013 turned out to be a transitional year for the Spartans. First, San Jose State moved into the Mountain West Conference. This creates greater television coverage and they play tougher competition, fit for a team looking to be nationally-relevant. In addition, their coach Mike MacIntyre left the school to take the job at the University of Colorado. MacIntyre had a very successful tenure at SJSU going 1-10 in 2010 and finishing 11-2 with a Military Bowl victory in 2012. Coach Ron Caragher has taken the reigns for the new phase of Spartans football. To continue this progression to the upper-echelon of Division I football, the university has approved the privately-financed Vermeil-Walsh Athletic Complex. This facility will house new locker rooms, coaches offices, meeting rooms, a hall of fame and athletic training facilities. It will be accessible from outside and inside Spartan Stadium. Food & Beverage 4 The food at Spartan Stadium has been much improved in recent years. They now have a more extensive menu to match their bigger crowds. At the main concession stands the offerings include tri-tip sandwiches ($8), nachos ($4.50) supreme ($6.50), chicken tenders ($8), Polish and Italian sausages ($6), linguica ($6), hot links and jumbo hot dogs ($6). Snacks ($4.50) include Craker Jacks, peanuts, sunflower seeds and soft pretzels. Candy ($3), churros ($3.50) and frozen lemonade ($4.50) are also available. Local Mexican chain Una Mas has a permanent stand near the south end zone and there are two local food trucks parked on the east side of the stadium. Bottled soda and water ($4) and coffee and hot chocolate ($3.50, $5) are the beverage options. Alcohol is not served at Spartan Stadium. Atmosphere 4 A small change has greatly upgraded the atmosphere at Spartan Stadium. A lot of the gray or taupe accents around the stadium have been painted the vibrant blue that the team uses in its uniforms. This has made a huge difference and makes it the stadium more identifiable with team that plays there. All along the very top of the seating are honorees from Spartans teams gone by. Names like Bill Walsh, Pop Warner, Jack Elway and Jeff Garcia highlight this list. A unique aspect of the stadium layout is that the west stands are a traditional boxed-off two deck layout while the east side has a gradual rounded facade. The bleachers, particularly the end zone ones, are certainly showing their age as the seating is bolted into the cement-covered hillside. Another quirky quality of Spartan Stadium is the column-like structure separating the fans from the field. I like the distinct railing as that is how I determined whether the Earthquakes were home or away when watching on TV as a kid. Neighborhood 2 The immediate neighborhood is mostly industrial, pretty vacant for a college football Saturday. The only crowd you’ll find is in the parking lot at the rambunctious tailgates. Spartan Stadium is located two blocks away from San Jose Municipal Stadium which is home to both the San Jose Giants and the Spartans baseball team. Unlike the Spartans basketball team that benefits from being on campus and near downtown, Spartan Stadium needs to be a destination for students. Since they aren’t on campus and aren’t near the bustling downtown area, its pedestrian pregame environment suffers. Driving to good bars and restaurants is a viable option, just ten minutes away. Fans 3 There are a good amount of diehard fans that attend Spartan football games. They are coupled with a resurgence of casual fans have returned to the fray with the successful program. It seems that the upward trend in attendance will continue once the North End Zone project and athletic complex is completed. The one unfortunate aspect is there are about 10,000 seats that are rarely filled on the second deck of the west side of the stadium. Perhaps they will begin to fill out on a consistent basis once SJSU is established in the MWC. In the Bay Area there are two NFL teams and two Pac-12 football schools so San Jose State can sometimes feel like a fifth wheel. However, playing in the Mountain West Conference and the school being a part of the CSU system, it has the chance to carve out its own identity in an area that has been dominated by the other four teams. Where in some regions the school becomes part of the community, it seems that the fans of San Jose State are almost exclusively alumnus. Access 3 Spartan Stadium is easily accessible from either 101 or 280 as exits are only a few blocks away. Parking lots are available on both sides of the stadium for a $20 fee. Getting around inside the stadium is easy as there is plenty of room to walk around most of the stadium. The one exception to this is the narrow walkway that goes up the gradual hill on the east side of the stadium. If your seats are in the middle of those stands, I’d recommend going around the backside and climb the steep stairs to the middle of the section. Unfortunately, the nearest train station is beyond a walk away. It would greatly benefit fans to have a viable public transportation option nearby like they do at Cal or Stanford. Return on Investment 3 $20 gets you a general admission ticket and you can sit near either end zone (I’ve found secondary market tickets for $2). $5 more gets you a reserved seat and a seat back. Chair seating is available in the center section on the west side and are mostly occupied by season ticket holders. Food, though expensive, has improved and you can now get a decent meal at Spartan Stadium. If you’re up for walking (the neighborhood is plenty safe) you can park a few blocks away to avoid the $20 parking charge. On a nice day, I’d actually recommend the walk that way you can stop in the student tailgating areas, complete with two DJs and games. Extras 2 The great football players from the program are honored at the top of the second level on the west side while the bowl wins are acknowledged at the top of the first level. It seems that there has been more acknowledgment of the history of the program in the last few years. I believe that those acknowledgments help to cultivate fan passion. Near where the Vermeil-Walsh Athletic Complex will be there is the Jeff Garcia Hall of Champions. On its website it says it opens 3 hours before kickoff and closes 1 hour before. Unfortunately, on my most recent trip it was closed at least 90 minutes before kickoff. Final Thoughts I have really enjoyed how much the stadium and fan base have improved over the last few years and look to continue attending games here and see the final product when the new athletic complex is completed.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 University Stadium 1111 University Boulevard SE Albuquerque, NM 87131 New Mexico Lobos website University Stadium website Year Opened: 1960 Capacity: 39,224 This Way to Albuquerque! Editors Note: The venue name changed from DreamStyle Stadium to University Stadium in Sept 2020. Home of the New Mexico Lobos football team, DreamStyle Stadium opened in 1960, has a capacity of just over 39,000, and sits not quite a mile above sea level (a mere 5,100 feet). The previous stadium, Zimmerman, held only 16,000, and was demolished to make way for the expanding UNM campus. Attendance at DreamStyle Stadium has been on the upswing for the past decade, and Lobos football has boasted average attendance over 30,000 in each of the past four years. See a brief tour of the stadium here: Food & Beverage 5 DreamStyle Stadium’s concessions offer everything you could ask for and then some, including stadium basics, local fare, and even traditional fair food, such as fried Twinkies. So where to begin? The main stands on the east and west sides offer basics, such as burgers (three varieties, all served with chips), hot dogs, corn dogs, and brats, but you can find additional items on the plaza along the north side, including pizza, pulled pork, boneless and traditional wings, turkey legs, sausage sandwiches (with or without pulled pork), chicken tenders, and even Navajo tacos. These items range in price from $5 all the way to $12 for the largest items. However, if you are more into snacks and desserts, you will find traditional items such as nachos, cotton candy, popcorn, peanuts, pretzels, and glazed nuts, as well as more exotic fare such as ribbon fries, fry bread, fried Twinkies, fried Oreos, fried ice cream, dessert nachos, caramel apples, root beer floats, and even roasted corn-on-the-cob. These items will cost between $4 and $7. Drink options are not as numerous, but provide a good selection. Note that like many college venues, no alcohol is sold on-site. However, you will find coffee, hot cocoa, and cappuccino, as well as Pepsi products, Gatorade, bottled water, and fresh-squeezed lemonade (about $4 to $7 per item). Atmosphere 3 DreamStyle Stadium has a modern feel, with premium seating on the south side, and regular seating on the north, east, and west. All of the seats are metal bleachers except the premium seating, which are plastic bucket-style seats. The mountains provide a nice backdrop, and the scoreboard above the north end zone is large enough to be seen by all fans. The east side has some nice landscaping on each end, including a stepped garden complete with local vegetation. The experience at DreamStyle Stadium includes the normal amenities, such as fireworks and the cheer squad running around with flags after home team scores, as well as two mascots (male and female). The band also does some unique formations, such as forming the letters U-N-M. There are ramps all the way around the stadium, so you can take in the game from multiple vantage points. You will also see flags from all of the Mountain West schools above the east grandstand. Neighborhood 3 There are several good restaurants near DreamStyle Stadium, as well as some local attractions nearby (mostly of the outdoorsy type). Traditional fare in the area is, of course, Mexican, and there are plenty of these restaurants near the stadium, such as El Modelo or Pasion Latin Fusion. However, if you are looking for something less traditional, you might try Kellys Brew Pub on Central Ave. Kellys is located in a converted body shop, and features house brews and a large menu. The number one attraction in Albuquerque is the Sandia Peak Tramway, which takes you across canyons and other beautiful terrain, providing fantastic views of the local landscape. The Tram is generally open daily from 9 am to 8 pm, but is closed occasionally in the fall for maintenance, so be sure to check the schedule. Fans 3 Fans at New Mexico are loud and involved, and wear team colors, but won’t always fill the stadium, depending on how their team is doing, or if the weather is too cold or too windy. In recent years average attendance has been over 30,000, but the crowd tends to get smaller late in the year as the weather gets colder. And if the Lobos do not have a winning record, the attendance also tends to drop. You will hear a lot of howling during the game (recorded wolf songs played through the loudspeakers) – for example, before the game, or after big plays, or during opposing third downs. You will also hear the crowd, who stay loud throughout the game, and cheer (or boo) at the appropriate times. Access 4 Depending on where you are coming from, Albuquerque could be a long drive up a lonely road, but DreamStyle Stadium is very easy to find. The stadium is right off I-25, and there is plenty of parking right off the freeway, for about $10 per car. There are entrances all around the stadium, and the east, west, and south sides are all connected by a long pathway/ramp that goes all the way around, so no matter where you park, it should be easy to get to your seat. The concourse is easy to move around, and most of it faces the field, so you can easily see the game while you walk to and from your seat. There are plenty of bathrooms, which are all very spacious, and there are plenty of concession stands, so the lines are not too long. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Lobos game is a great value for the money – concessions are reasonable, depending on what items you purchase, and parking is fair. Ticket prices are also very reasonable – tickets for adults start at only $16 ($11 for fans aged 2-18), and do not vary by opponent, like at many football venues. Tickets cost $5 more on game day, however, so be sure to purchase in advance. Extras 3 The mountains provide a nice backdrop, and the stadium is very well laid out and easy to move around. There is also a lot of school color, and the presence of the state flag and Mountain West Conference flags add to the effect. Final Thoughts This is a great stadium to visit if you are in the area. Be sure to check out the Tramway while you are in town to truly experience the mountain scenery.

Photo Credit Randy Bergeron, Sports Information Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 University Center W University Ave. Hammond, LA 70402 Southeastern Louisiana Lions website University Center website Year Opened: 1982 Capacity: 7,500 Get a Room at the University Center In Washington, D.C. there’s the Pentagon. Located in Hammond, LA there is an octagon where Southeastern Louisiana University basketball teams play their games in an arena called the University Center. The University Center opened in 1982 and seats a little over 7,500 fans. But, on my visit there I’d lose money to bet if over 500 people attended the game. Despite being a small university, competing in the Southland Conference, SLU lays it out for its fans to enjoy a basketball game. The SLU mascot is called Roomie the Lion. With a name like that it’s obvious the school likes to make things comfortable for its fans. The Lions aren’t really known for much, other than being the alma mater of Good Morning America anchor, Robin Roberts. However, through the use of the University Center, the Lions can charm you. Food & Beverage 2 The University Center doesn’t have any concession items that will amaze you, but the choices they have to offer are what you’d minimally expect anywhere. You get the basics: nachos, hot dog, popcorn, peanuts, and candy. Your drink selections are Coca-Cola products. Atmosphere 3 The atmosphere here is really relaxing. Almost to the point to where you might dose off for a quick nap. However, it wasn’t necessarily dull or boring because the university’s band entertains during media timeouts. The band plays traditional basketball music and you’ll hear the school’s fight song often. The setup is pretty unique. There is a courtside section for the “Top Cats” where the area is set up like a lounge bar and has a couple bar tables with high chairs. There is a platform with two lazy boys on it and not to mention the courtside seats that put your toes almost on the court. I’m pretty sure that area is for the prestigious season ticket holders. It looked worth the investment though. Neighborhood 4 Hammond may not be a famous city in Louisiana or the United States, but the downtown area is very unique and offers a lot. There are some really good bars and pubs there that serve good beverages and food. I’d recommend going to the Cate Street Pub, you might even catch them on a karaoke night and really have a good time. The University Center is a little over a mile from the downtown area and I highly recommend going to check it out. If you are looking for more of a sit-down restaurant, go to a Mexican restaurant called La Carretta and you’ll be in for a real treat there as well. If the downtown area is too much for you then there are other spots you can go that are even closer. You can choose between pizza, seafood, and barbecue within a reasonable distance. Fans 1 I was really disappointed with the fan support. The courtside fans were older people who were probably alumni. Maybe it was because the students were out on break that attendance was so low when I visited the University Center. However it was a conference matchup and I thought it would have some good support, but I was wrong. The Athletic Department tried to make the game entertaining with games like: test your TV show knowledge and shooting contests, but the fans never hyped up much. Access 3 Finding Hammond and the University Center was very easy. I hopped right off the interstate and drove straight to it from the exit. You can’t miss running into the campus with the arena sitting to the left and the campus to the right. It’s a huge green octagon! The parking was free, which always deserves an extra star. The parking lot is plenty spacious and convenient. I parked front row after showing up for the game a few minutes late. There weren’t many fans in attendance, but still even when the lot is full the walk to the arena isn’t a workout. Return on Investment 3 Southland Conference competition isn’t bad, especially the game I went to because it was two teams from south Louisiana going at it – a little pride on the line. The tickets, of course, aren’t expensive at all. You can get a seat for about $8. This is easily a $15 night if you’re out by yourself, but I really recommend taking that extra mile or so to the downtown of Hammond. Extras 1 I was really impressed with the “Top Cat” area and how it was set up. Next time I go, I will make sure to get a seat there and experience the Lions game from there. I feel that would be worth the investment. Final Thoughts All in all, the University Center is a clean, home-feeling arena that can really make you feel comfortable. Maybe even as comfortable as Roomie the Lion.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.29 Blaik Field at Michie Stadium 700 Mills Rd West Point, NY 10996 Army Black Knights website Blaik Field at Michie Stadium website Year Opened: 1924 Capacity: 38,000 The Greatest Gameday in America Virtually every sports fan has a bucket list of venues they would like to visit. Chances are there are some legendary names on these lists, such as Fenway Park, Lambeau Field, St. Andrews or Wimbledon. Some venues that should be on any sports fan’s bucket list lie further off the beaten path. In quaint West Point, New York, a town of only 6,763 people, is a venue that should be on any sports fan’s short list of places to go as you explore the planet. The people who work at Sports Illustrated agree, and they have been to a few places. In 1999 the magazine published a list of their top twenty sports venues of the 20th Century. In third place, behind only the old Yankee Stadium and Augusta National Golf Course, is Blaik Field at Michie Stadium, a small football stadium that seats only 38,000 people, and lacks many modern amenities present in other stadia around the world. In 2007 Sports Illustrated ranked their top college venues for all sports, and again Michie Stadium made the cut, coming in seventh place on this list. How does Michie Stadium find itself in such heady company? Simply put, this is the greatest game day experience in America. Watching an Army football game at Michie Stadium is more than just a game. It is part history lesson, part sporting event, part Fourth of July. Michie Stadium was named after Dennis Michie, class of 1892, who organized, coached, and managed the first football team at West Point in 1890. He was killed in action in Cuba during the Spanish-American War. Yes, that is how far back Army football goes, it predates the Spanish-American War. The 2015 season will mark the 125th year that football has been played at West Point. In 1999 the field was named after Earl “Red” Blaik, who coached Army to 3 consecutive national titles from 1944-46. Blaik Field at Michie Stadium celebrated its 100th season in 2014. Only 15 FBS stadiums in the nation, and only six east of the Mississippi, are older than Michie Stadium. Food & Beverage 3 Concessions at Michie Stadium do not stray very far from the basics. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the concessions is that every stand in the stadium is staffed by cadets, who work the stands to raise money for their various extracurricular groups Virtually every concession stand at Michie Stadium has the same menu, featuring hot dogs, nachos, and various snacks such as pretzels, popcorn, cotton candy, and cracker jacks. Coca-Cola products are featured at Michie Stadium, and can be purchased in popular souvenir mugs which feature free refills throughout the game. Fans looking for a little variety can find unique items at temporary stands located in the southeast entry plaza, where cheesesteaks, pizza, and sausage sandwiches can be purchased. Concessions stands tucked in behind the north end zone feature chicken nuggets, pulled pork sandwiches, French fries, and onion rings. Overall, the quality of the food at Michie Stadium is good, and the prices are comparable to other venues in the area. Atmosphere 5 The gameday atmosphere here at the Army academy takes a back seat to no other venue in the nation. It all starts six hours before kickoff, when the parking lots open for fans. Many fans do indeed arrive as early as six a.m. to set up their tailgates and begin the day’s festivities. While the tailgating scene at West Point is an active one, the experience is not the party atmosphere that you may experience at other schools in the country. This is a military base, after all. Many fans arrive early to watch the Cadet Review on “The Plain.” A full-dress cadet parade takes place three hours before every home game, weather permitting. Other fans opt to explore areas of the campus such as Fort Putnam, one of a series of forts and redoubts which date all the way back to the Revolutionary War. Another pregame option for Army football fans is Black Knights Alley, a fan fest which runs along Mills Road between Michie Stadium and Lusk Reservoir. Black Knights Alley features live music, an inflatable park, food and beer tents, the Army Football Tailgate Show, and other vendors. It’s a popular gathering spot for fans before the game, and watching the Army band and football team enter the stadium through a gauntlet of cadets is a highlight of the festivities. Things really get going about a half hour before kickoff. If visiting Michie Stadium for the first time, you will definitely want to be in your seat to witness the pregame show the Army puts on. To begin, the Cadet Regiment marches onto the field. Over 1,000 cadets take the field in formation to accompany the Cadet Glee Club and Army Band in the playing of the national anthem. The highlight for many fans comes next, as several Cadet Paratroopers jump from a helicopter, delivering the game ball and flags to Michie Stadium. Once the parachuters arrive, the Army football team takes the field, accompanied by the Army Rabble Rousers, mascots, American flag, and the week’s unit flag. Every week the team honors a different unit by wearing their patch on the game jerseys. As the team takes the field, they head over to the cadet seating section, where the team and fans salute each other before the game begins. The energy level does not wane throughout the game, thanks in large part to the efforts of the cadets who pack the east stands dressed in fatigues. The sight of 4,000 cadets standing throughout the game is a sight to behold. Every score by the Army team sets off a celebration, which includes the firing of the cannon located on the far shore of Lusk Reservoir, and the cheerleading squad taking the field to do push-ups. The greater the score of the game, the more push-ups the squad must perform. Neighborhood 4 The town of West Point is a small, quaint town of under 7,000 residents. Located about an hour’s drive north of New York City, the town of West Point is dominated by the Military Academy. Fans traveling from out of town will find no shortage of places to stay in the towns surrounding the Academy. Beyond the Military Academy, the Hudson Valley area surrounding West Point is a favorite spot in the fall to take in some incredible foliage. Bear Mountain State Park is a destination for hiking and other outdoor activities, and tours of the West Point campus are popular with sports fans and history buffs alike. Fans 5 Fans at Army football games are a mix of cadets, families, veterans, and football fans. Visiting fans travel from across the country to take in an Army football game, and it’s not unusual to find yourself sitting among families of cadets featuring generations of army vets from all over the country. Even if there was not a single civilian football fan in attendance, Michie Stadium would still rate well in this category due solely to the outstanding presence of the student body. The cadets, over 4,000 strong, pack the east stands and bring constant noise and energy to the stadium. The cadets stand throughout the game, taking a break only at halftime. The cadet section is so entertaining that at times it is easy to be so distracted as to forget all about the action taking place on the field. Access 4 With West Point’s rural location and necessary security measures, expect entering the Academy to take a little extra time. All things considered, the security measures in place can hardly be considered intrusive. Parking lots are scattered throughout the campus, some of which are located some distance from Michie Stadium. Lots are color coded, with different roads providing access to the different colored lots. Detailed directions can be found here. Numerous shuttles roam the campus taking fans from their respective lots to Michie Stadium. With the West Point campus located only 50 miles from New York City, there are no shortage of methods to arrive at the Army Academy. If driving, the campus is near I-87 and the Palisades Parkway. Bus service is available from the New York City Port Authority to the West Point Visitors Center, and rail service is available from Grand Central Station to Garrison, NY, right across the Hudson River from the campus. For fans looking for a unique method of transportation to an Army football game, ferries depart from greater New York to the West Point campus every game day. The seating area at Michie Stadium consists entirely of bleacher seating without backs. Seat cushions and chairbacks are available for rental. While walking around the stadium it is clear to see that it was expanded in a piecemeal fashion, as the different sections do not flow seamlessly. There are concourses underneath the stands in parts of the stadium, but to get around one must navigate a walkway located at the front of the seating bowl. If sitting in the first few rows, expect your view to be blocked by a steady stream of pedestrians. Opt for seats a little higher up for a better view. There are many concession stands and restrooms located throughout the stadium, and dare I say that lines move with military precision throughout the game, even at halftime. Still, many fans try and avoid these areas during these peak times. Unfortunately, getting back to your vehicle after the game can be most problematic. There are marked areas around the stadium at which fans can take shuttle buses back to their respective parking lots. With the limited roads around the stadium and the crush of fans all trying to get out simultaneously, the system bogs down easily. With the age of Michie Stadium and the organized nature of the Army, one might think the system would work more smoothly. With only a few ways off the base, departing your parking lot may also take a little while. Be sure to give yourself enough time to leave West Point after the game. Return on Investment 4 Army football utilizes variable pricing for their home games, with prices ranging from $35 to $50 for upper level or corner seats. Lower level seats range in price from $45 to $55. Parking in the various lots around campus costs $15 when purchased in advance, and $20 on game day. Purchasing in advance increases your odds of parking in a lot closer to Michie Stadium. Extras 5 Few, if any, sports venues in the country can match the history and pageantry that go along with a football game at West Point. First time visitors to Michie Stadium should be sure to set aside enough time to tour some of the campus, and to be sure to be inside the stadium in time to catch the pregame festivities. Visiting this area during the fall when the leaves are changing color makes for a most breathtaking view, and it’s no wonder that the area is a popular destination this time of year. From the pregame paratroopers dropping from the sky to deliver the game ball to the finale, where both teams gather in front of their respective fan bases to sing their fight songs, an Army football game is full of traditions that just cannot be found elsewhere. It is truly a special place in the world of college football. Final Thoughts “There is nothing like being at Michie Stadium on the banks of the Hudson River with the leaves changing during the third weekend in October. The scenery is incredible. And how about the inspiration drawn from being at such a historic landmark? You see the statues of MacArthur, Patton and Eisenhower. Then on game day morning, you have the pleasure of witnessing the Cadet Parade. And how about when the cadets sing ‘On Brave Old Army Team’? That is an unbelievable moment.” –Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN.com “West Point is all about chills, goosebumps and sentimentality. When you enter one of the Academy’s four gates, be prepared for a battle of the senses that is sure to be fought on several emotional levels. Army is power and strength, patriotism and pride, sad memories and hope-presented in a pastoral masterpiece.” –The Sporting News It’s almost surreal how the two disparate worlds of the military and typical college life intersect here at Michie Stadium. Take away the military fatigues and the historic surroundings, and those cadets dancing in the Black Knights Alley could be just another group of 18-22 year old students at State U. That group of cadets cheering on a young boy trying to reach the summit of the inflatable rock wall are just trying to enjoy a day of harmless distractions away from the responsibilities of the classroom. The difference here is that these young men and women have signed up to defend our nation and are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice. Win or lose, one is sure to leave Michie Stadium with a renewed sense of pride and confidence in the future of America. “I want an officer for a secret and dangerous mission. I want a West Point football player.” –Gen. George C. Marshall Follow Paul Baker’s Stadium Journeys on Twitter @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Meg Minard, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43 INTRUST Bank Arena 500 E Waterman Wichita, KS 67202 Wichita Thunder website INTRUST Bank Arena website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 13,400 Thunder Nation INTRUST Bank Arena is a sport and entertainment venue in downtown Wichita, KS and is the home of the Wichita Thunder minor league ice hockey team. The Thunder have been a franchise since 1992 and played 21 years in the now disbanded CHL (Central Hockey League). Beginning the 2014 season the Thunder moved to the ECHL and the games just don’t seem as much fun as they used to be (though the level of play is higher). The Thunder began play in the Brett Brown Arena and moved to the comfortable state-of-the art INTRUST Bank Arena in the 2010 season. The arena celebrated its fifth season of operation in 2015. The arena has an interesting architecture. Near one of the entryways there is a structure shaped like an airplane fin. I’m assuming this is honoring the aviation in the area as Wichita is known as the Air Capital of the World. Food & Beverage 4 An expected variety of food options are available at INTRUST Bank Arena at traditional high stadium prices. Some of the option available are: Chisholms East near section 101 offers vegetarian dishes such as wraps, salads, hummus, etc. Gotcho Nachos for Mexican (chips, burritos, and signature margaritas) The Dog Shack has your hot dogs ($4.00 – $9.00) depending on selection and most are served with kettle chips Rub my Belly Mesquite Smoked Barbeque offers sliders, nachos, bbq sandwiches, and sampler dinner ($9.00 – $11.00) Papa Johns offers pizza and other traditional Italian dishes Midway Grill has fried and grilled philly steak and chicken choices including two unique items: deep fried pretzels and deep fried vegetables ($6.00) Most combo baskets range from $9.50 – $12.00. A kid’s hot dog combo (dog, fries, and 16 oz soda) is $6.00 and may be your most affordable choice if eating at the venue. Draft beer (mostly the domestic variety – Bud, Bud Light, Miller Light, Shock Top, etc) is $7.50. The Irish Pub concession offers Guinness, Harp, Angry Orchard Cider, and a Uinta’s IPA for a little more variety. A Budweiser Brew Pub and Grill is located near section 110 for additional adult beverages. Pepsi (and Dr Pepper) is the soda of choice. Nice to see they have Dr. Pepper but I didn’t notice a stand with a Diet Dr. Pepper option. Atmosphere 3 INTRUST Bank Arena is a newer ECHL venue and celebrated its fifth season in 2015. It is an okay arena in which to watch a hockey game; somewhat the same as other newer venues with a few unique characteristics. It is easy to purchase a ticket at the venue (though tickets are an additional $2 – $5 when purchased game day). One must travel an escalator up to section 100 – which is different but not bad, and the concourse is plenty wide. To sit center ice, facing the bench, above the glass choose section 102, above row M (103 would be better but it looks like that’s sold out for Thunder games). The second level of the arena is curtained off to enhance the feel of a full crowd. All seats are cushioned, comfortable, and have cup holders. Attendants are not quite as welcoming as when the Thunder were in the CHL. One example is now you have to get a wrist band to purchase alcohol (not uncommon at all). But they didn’t check ID’s (I know I’m old and don’t look under 21 but why bother with the wrist band if IDs aren’t checked)? And, the band HAD to be on the right wrist (not the left) with no explanation except that’s what they were told to do. The temperature in the arena is fine; not too cold. A sweater or jersey will suit most fans. Scarves or gloves are not needed. Plenty of giveaways and promotions occur between periods: t-shirts, frisbees, chuck-a-puck and at the Halloween game I attended lots of candy was being distributed. At the same game, special messages were painted in pink on the ice for Breast Cancer Awareness – Pink at the Rink. Neighborhood 5 Downtown Wichita is a great city to visit. It has several museums and many art galleries. A six block sculpture walking tour is in downtown as well as an art walking tour. When visiting a Thunder game, be sure to take a crisp autumn walk to Old Town, a historic brick-lined neighborhood with many of the old brick warehouses renovated into shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. I would recommend visiting River City Brewery (in Old Town) to pass time before the game. It’s in one of the historic converted brick warehouses and it has a fantastic atmosphere, great food (one of the better burger/fries I’ve tasted in quite some time), superior tasting beer (try the IPA and any of the seasonal beers they might be brewing at the time of your visit), and excellent service. It also has lots of clever quotes and sayings hanging on the walls. A newer brewery/restaurant well worth visiting is The Hungry Heart. It is right next door, outside the north side of the arena and is a very comfortable place to have a drink (excellent beer offerings) and a bite to eat. I am told they are going to start brewing their own beers late in 2015. And to get one of the best barbeque in Kansas, check out Bite Me BBQ just a few blocks from the arena. Be sure to visit the Botanical Gardens, the Old Cowtown Museum and take a visit to the Museums on the River. Take time to marvel at the Keeper of the Plains structure at the meeting of the Arkansas and Little Arkansas rivers. Several hotels are in walking distance (1/2 mile) to the arena. I’d recommend the Hotel at Old Town located in a landmark 1906 warehouse building (don’t worry, all modern comforts are available). Some other hotels in the downtown area include Ambassador Hotel, Hyatt Regency, and Fairfield Inn and Suites. Downtown Wichita is a safe neighborhood in which to walk and I had no concerns walking back to the hotel after the game in the dark. Fans 3 Fans are into the game and the banter and they are vocal. The Thunder fans seem to like the fighting even more than the goals. Lots of cowbells can be heard. The one fan, Center Ice Steve, has been attending Thunder games since their inception. After every Thunder goal he yells “He Shoots!” and most of the fans yell back “He Scores!” It’s a nice tradition. Some of the die-hards notice a difference between the CHL and ECHL level of play; ECHL is faster. And, they are still getting use to the new teams in the ECHL and are glad to have some old rivalries back like the Colorado Eagles. The attendance for a Wichita Thunder game falls in the middle of the pack of other ECHL teams averaging 4,000 – 5,000 a game which is a tad lower than when they played in the CHL. Access 3 The security is not as easy as it used to be in the CHL days (or in the times we now live). After a thorough bag search each individual is wanded (outside the doors of the venue; not inside). It’s not a warm welcoming into the venue. Parking can cost up to $12 near the stadium. The Old Town area several blocks away has garages which are free to the public so those might be your best bet if walking up to a 1/2 mile is do-able for you. You may be able to find some free street parking south of the arena. Or, consider parking a distance away and riding the Q-Line. The Q-Line Trolley is a free trolley shuttle that can get you to the arena if staying at a hotel not within walking distance to the arena. Since it is such a new arena concourses are plenty wide, bright, clean, shiny, and people flow is smooth. Bathrooms are exceptional. The stalls are wide and contain a hook and a shelf, they’re automated and clean. There are plenty of them so there is no wait even between periods at a Thunder game Wichita Mid-Continent Airport is about 15 miles from the INTRUST Bank Arena. Return on Investment 3 Ticket prices seem to be on par with other ECHL arenas. However, the up to $5 extra when purchasing a ticket game day is excessive. The price for parking is a bit high, though there are alternate methods for parking and access to attending a game in Wichita. Game day programs are $1 and are worth the investment. Food and drink prices also seem a bit high. Overall, the return is low to average based on the overall experience. Extras 3 Plenty of banners and retired numbers are hung from the rafters at INTRUST Bank Arena for when the Thunder were with the Central Hockey League (CHL). None yet for the ECHL as they are a new member of that league. Kudos to the Thunder and INTRUST Bank Arena for proudly displaying the hockey history of the team. Stop by and say hello to the friendly folks at the Wichita Thunder Storm Booster Club table on the concourse. Merchandise (mostly clothing) is available at a team store though no hat pins or pennants are available for purchase. Final Thoughts If travel takes you to Wichita in the fall or winter, or if you live in the area haven’t yet been and you like hockey, a visit to a Thunder game is a worthwhile entertainment choice. Downtown Wichita is a walk-able city and has several hotels, museums, restaurants, and a variety of other tourist attractions.

Photos by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Joan C. Edwards Stadium 2001 3rd Ave Huntington, WV 25755 Marshall Thundering Herd website Joan C. Edwards Stadium website Year Opened: 1991 Capacity: 38,016 Fear The HERD! Joan C. Edwards Stadium was built in 1991, and is one of only two FBS stadiums named after women (the other is South Carolina's Williams-Brice). Originally constructed with a capacity of around 28K, several renovations later the venue now holds over 38K. Marshall's winning percentage at "The Joan" is well over 80 percent, one of the highest in the FBS. Food & Beverage 3 The concession stands at Joan C. Edwards Stadium offer lots of different snack items, including some unique fare, but only a couple of main dishes (hot dogs for $4 and grilled chicken sandwiches for $6). Snack options include nachos, peanuts, candy, popcorn, kettle corn, and several varieties of pretzels (regular, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate caramel). You can also find caramel apple chips - prices for these items range from $2.50 to $5. Drink options are almost as numerous, and include fresh-squeezed lemonade, frozen lemonade, coffee, cappuccino, hot cocoa, Gatorade, and Pepsi products in bottles or from the fountain ($3-$6 per item). No alcohol is served inside Joan C. Edwards Stadium. One interesting plus is that JCES allows re-entry during the game, unlike most venues, so you can grab something outside the stadium to eat (or drink) at halftime. The places right outside tend to get very crowded, though, so you may prefer to just stay inside. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Marshall football games is great - the fans are very passionate about their team, and honor the memory of those lost in the 1970 tragedy. For those who don't know the story (chronicled in the movie "We are Marshall"), a plane crash that year led to the loss of 75 football players and coaches. There is a memorial to these individuals on the outside of the stadium, and a fountain dedicated to them is located behind the student center - the fountain is turned off for games after November 14th, the anniversary of the tragedy. Like many mid-sized venues, Joan C. Edwards Stadium does not have a grandstand in the north end zone - the Shewey Athletic Building located there houses locker rooms and offices. There is continuous seating on the other three sides, most of which is metal bleachers, except for a few sections in the middle of the west side, which have chair backs. The stadium is compact enough that there isn't really a bad seat in the house. The most impressive entertainment at Joan C. Edwards Stadium is definitely the marching band - the white plumes on their hats contrast beautifully with their green uniforms, and the band does a lot of great formations, including a bison head, spelling out H-E-R-D, and the block "M." There is tons of green to be seen, and lots of tailgating before the game, and not just in front of the stadium, either - tents and fanatics spill out for blocks. Neighborhood 3 There isn't much in Huntington except for the university, but there are plenty of restaurants near the stadium, and the Marshall Memorial Fountain is definitely worth a visit. There is an Arby's and a McDonald's right behind the south end zone, and a pizza place and a Mexican restaurant right across the street from the north end zone. However, the best place to hang out before or after the game is at Fat Patty's on 3rd Avenue - Fat Patty's is a Huntington original that specializes in burgers, and is very popular with the locals, thanks to its casual dining experience, full bar, and large, flat-screen TVs. Fat Patty's has two happy hours (4-7pm and 10pm-1am), both of which feature drink specials and half-price apps. Fans 4 Marshall fans are proud supporters of their team - they show up well before the game, cheer with zeal, and stay until the end. The fans have adopted "We are Marshall" as their theme, and that spirit of unity is the driving force behind their loyalty. At a typical game, attendance ranges from 25K-27K, or about three-fourths capacity. The west stands (underneath the press box) tend to be the most full, and hence the loudest. Fans are loudest during opposing third downs, which is pretty typical, but the impressive thing is that here at Marshall, EVERYONE is on their feet for these downs, even the alums. And throughout the game, you will hear the fans on one side chanting "We are...," and being answered with a resounding "MARSHALL!" by fans on the other side. Access 4 Joan C. Edwards Stadium is easy to get to, only about 10 minutes from I-64, and near US Highway 60. Getting into the stadium is super easy, because they have gates all the way around, spaced only about 50-100 feet apart. Parking on stadium grounds requires a pass (which are hard to get), but you can park 3-5 blocks away for $5-$10. The concourses are plenty wide, and there are numerous bathrooms on the east and west side, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting around. And because they allow re-entry, a lot of fans leave during half-time, so the lines aren't too bad for the concessions or bathrooms. Return on Investment 4 Attending a Marshall football game is a great value - tickets start at $15 for end zone seats, and $35 for the sidelines. Parking is cheaper than most other venues, and concessions are reasonable. $15 is likely as cheap as you will ever see for a college football game, but since Joan C. Edwards Stadium rarely sells out, you may be able to find them cheaper on the secondary market. Also, if you really want to sit on the sideline, you could try buying the $15 tickets, and sneaking over the low wall that divides the east and west stands from the south side. Extras 3 Being able to leave and re-enter the stadium is a plus. A second point for the fountain and other displays commemorating the 1970 tragedy, which serves as a rallying point for fans. The bison-cycle ridden by the mascot, Marco, is also fun - it is trendy nowadays for mascots to ride motorcycles, but few of them are decked out to resemble the mascot. Final Thoughts Even though Marshall currently plays in Conference USA, possibly limiting the opportunities for top-tier teams to come to town, Joan C. Edwards Stadium is still worth a visit. Marshall is arguably one of the most well-known mid-major football programs in the country, thanks to the Hollywood connection, and "The Joan" is solid, thanks to its atmosphere, ease of access, and value for the experience.

Photo Courtesy of McNeese State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.86 Cowboy Stadium 700 E. McNeese Street Lake Charles, LA 70607 McNeese State Cowboys website Cowboy Stadium website Year Opened: 1965 Capacity: 17,610 Geaux Pokes! Cowboy Stadium is one of the premier venues in all of NCAA DI-FCS college football. While other stadiums may be bigger and feature more cutting edge amenities, “The Hole” offers a great family friendly atmosphere and regularly features a dominant on-field product. Located in Lake Charles, Louisiana and on the campus of McNeese State University, Cowboy Stadium serves as home field for McNeese State Cowboys football, a member of the Southland Conference. Constructed in 1965, Cowboy Stadium has received several major upgrades over the years, including the installation of the Sky Ranch, the three level suite and press box on the west side, and the Jack V. Doland Field House constructed in the north end zone. Cowboy Stadium is nicknamed The Hole because the playing field being built below the surface and surrounded on all sides. The stadium features a GeoMax2 artificial playing surface, a seating capacity of 17,410, and a video replay scoreboard. If you’re a fan of FCS level football or looking for family friendly sports entertainment, Cowboy Stadium is the place to be in Southwest Louisiana. Food & Beverage 3 Cowboy Stadium offers the expected stadium fare plus a few specialty items. For the typical stadium grub, Cowboy Stadium offers hot dogs ($3.50), hot links ($4.50), hamburgers ($4.50), and nachos ($3.50/$4.50). An assortment of snacks is offered as well including Cajun peanuts. Drink options are headlined by Coca-Cola products in a yellow souvenir style cup with the blue McNeese logo on it. Large drinks are $4.50 and small $2.50. Bottled Dasani water is $2.50. Be on the look out for the small red trailer inside both the west and east side concourses. This is where you’ll find our recommended concession item, a bowl of jambalaya for $4.50. They also offer a pulled pork sandwich. Other specialty stands feature fresh lemonade, Gatti’s pizza, and Kona Ice snow cones. Alcoholic beverages are not sold inside Cowboy Stadium and it is against stadium policy to bring in outside food or drinks. Atmosphere 4 The atmosphere at Cowboy Stadium is a true strength of the overall experience. The stadium is known as “The Hole” because of its unique design where the field is built below the surface and bowled in with grandstands on the east and west, and grassy berm on the north and south sides. The addition of the Doland Field House in the north end zone has really made Cowboy Stadium a striking presence for fans once you settle into your seat. There’s no denying The Hole is one of the elite atmospheres in all of NCAA DI-FCS. The spirit squads and band add to the overall atmosphere. The Cowgirl Kickers, cheer team, and The Pride of McNeese band really help contribute to the overall college feel and do a great job with keeping fans engaged. Rowdy is very interactive, roaming the sidelines and mingling with fans along the grandstand wall. The student section, along with the home team sidelines, are located on the east side of the stadium. McNeese has several great game day traditions which make the overall atmosphere something really special for fans. Just before each game, the horse and rider statue in front of the Doland Field House ‘comes to life’ as a Mystery Rider, and his horse Moon Dancer, make the walk down Common Street and into Cowboy Stadium. The Lake Charles Buccaneers man the canon in the north end zone, which is fired after each score. The Mystery Rider makes a presence onto the field just before kick-off to rile Cowboy fans up. A few other traditions include the Parapokes, the strong tailgating tradition, and the cowbell. Neighborhood 3 Cowboy Stadium is situated on the south side of the McNeese State University campus adjacent to the Cowboy Diamond and Track & Field Complex. McNeese State is located in the city of Lake Charles, Louisiana in the southwestern corner of the state, near the border with Texas. Lake Charles is a mid-sized city which thrives on the oil and gas industry, the gambling scene, and wildlife & fishery. While some restaurants are within walking distance of Cowboy Stadium, be sure to venture out and take in all of what this region has to offer. There are several restaurants to recommend while in town. Located just north of Cowboy Stadium is Mr. Bill’s Seafood Express. Don’t be alarmed on approach, the exterior doesn’t do the place justice. Stop in for some amazing fried seafood (definitely try the shrimp). Keeping in theme with Cajun cuisine, Darrell’s is further north of the campus near I-210 and is a great stop for drinks and poboys. The Darrell’s Special is a must and includes ham, turkey, and roast beef smothered in a roast beef gravy. If you don’t get your fill of seafood at Mr. Bill’s, be sure to check out Steamboat Bill’s. There are two locations in the area, but I prefer the one on the lake. This is a bit more of a sit-down and dine restaurant as compared to Bill’s and there’s some great boiled seafood on the menu. The Frosty Factory is a great place for a drink before or after the game. It’s centrally located off Common Street across from the stadium. You’ll find plenty to do in the Lake Charles area, depending on your preferences. The casino scene is a big draw with the L’Auberge du lac, Isle of Capri and Golden Nugget. Just outside of town you’ll find the Delta Downs horse racetrack. If you are looking for a chance to get outdoors, you’re definitely in the right place. The Adventure Trail just west of town over in the Sulphur area provides plenty of real estate for hunting, fishing, crabbing, sight seeing, hiking, and swimming at the beach. Stop by their office for a fun indoor walk through some of the sights you can expect to see while on the trail…the kids will enjoy it. There’s also seven area golf courses to enjoy. Both the L’Auberge and Isle of Capri casinos are also a great place to stay while in town as each also offers hotel services. Fans 4 Though it may pale in comparison to the size of FBS giants, the McNeese State fan base is strong, loyal, and proud, especially for an FCS program. The Cowboys have established a winning tradition in Lake Charles, and though they’ve traversed through a handful of down years recently, the McNeese faithful still show up in blue and gold for Saturday nights in The Hole. While attendance can vary depending on record and weekend opponent, expect to see between 12,000 -16,000 on hand at Cowboy Stadium. Average attendance typically has Cowboy Stadium around the top ten, which is good overall in the FCS, and by far the tops when compared to other in-state FCS programs. Speaking of rivals, there’s no doubt next door neighbor UL-Lafayette (located an hour east of town) is the team Lake Charles most loves to hate, however, their FBS status makes a trip to Cowboy Stadium unlikely in the current scheduling climate. Just across the state border is another regional rival in the Lamar Cardinals. Having recently reinstated football, the Cardinals and Cowboys have picked back up the rivalry in full force. Games with Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana are the next best attended. Fans are knowledgeable and engaged throughout the game. One of my favorite college football traditions is the playing of Joli Blon after Cowboy scores. Fans clap and sway together to this Cajun classic. *Note: Video courtesy of McNeese Athletics And opponents learn to “Fear the Cowbell” as McNeese fans love to let their cowbells ring after scores or on big defensive stands. Access 4 Cowboy Stadium is easily accessible off I-210 via I-10. There are several streets you can take to get from I-210 down to the stadium. The most commonly taken route is to exit I-210 onto Ryan Street, then take a left onto E. McNeese Street towards Common Street and the stadium area. If you view the parking map provided on the website, keep in mind that these spots are reserved for season passes. You’ll find game day parking east of the Lot C in a grass lot. Plenty of fans also park on the McNeese State campus and make the half mile or so walk over to the stadium. If you arrive early enough, you may also find side street parking down Common Street next to the baseball field. To pick up or purchase tickets, head to the north side of the stadium to the Doland Field House. Will call tickets are available just inside the door and tickets can be purchased to the left of the doors at the ticket windows. Expect a quickly moving line in both areas. There are three primary entry points to Cowboy Stadium, the northwest gate, northeast gate and multiple smaller eastside gates centrally located under the east grandstand. Traffic moves smoothly regardless of which gate you choose, so grab the one closest to you. The concourses under both grandstands are wide enough to get around easily. You’ll notice a concourse inside the stadium that crosses each grandstand allowing fans to get up and down to their seats. The east and west sides are connected by a pathway in front of the Doland Field House. Restrooms are a little cramped, but you shouldn’t run into any major problems. Return on Investment 4 Tickets start at $20 for general admission to Cowboy Stadium, with $30 for reserved seats. Personally, I recommend the general admission seats since all seats are regular bleacher style. However, keep in mind that will place you in the corners of both grandstands. Kids 4-12 get $5 admission and 13-17 are $10. Concession prices are reasonable and free parking is available if you don’t mind a short walk. Overall, the McNeese State football experience at Cowboy Stadium offers great value for the cost. Extras 5 There are several “extra” items which really help to push the Cowboy experience over the top: – First and foremost, Cowboy football has an amazing tailgating scene for the size of the program and fan base. The RV lots on the west side are always jam-packed and there’s plenty of tailgating on the east side as well. Everywhere you look, you’ll see blue and gold McNeese tents and BBQ pits going. Cowboy fans are friendly and quick to invite visitors for a bite to eat. – One of the really neat traditions, among others, is the parachuting “McNeese Parapokes” during pregame. Since 2004, these rabid McNeese fans parachute onto the playing surface simply out of love for McNeese. It’s a great sight to see for the little ones in attendance, but really, fans of all ages enjoy watching the Parapokes descend onto the field. – The Buccaneers of Lake Charles are a local group which man the touchdown canon in the north end zone. While there seems to be somewhat of a mixed review on whether fans love or hate the canon, it is definitely one of those extra items that make the overall experience unique. The canon is loud (the video below doesn’t do the sound justice), so be sure to prepare yourself, and your kids, that it will be fired after every score, including extra points and field goals. – McNeese does a great job of memorializing past gridiron greats and championships. The concourse under both the east and west side are filled with pictures of former great Cowboy players. On the Doland Field House, you’ll notice a listing of McNeese’s many conference championships. – There’s plenty more to add here which has already been mentioned within the review. From the fans ringing their cowbells, to the Mystery Rider, and the playing of Joli Blon, the experience at Cowboy Stadium is much more than your typical FCS college football experience.

Photos by Sean Rowland, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.86 Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium 1 Stadium Rd Stony Brook, NY 11794 Stony Brook Seawolves website Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium website Year Opened: 2002 Capacity: 8,300 Seawolves Making a Splash Stony Brook is a relative newcomer to the college football landscape as the program began play in 1983. Starting at the Division III level, the school has quickly worked its way up the ranks as they now compete in the FCS portion of Division I. In order to properly fit in with this division, a new stadium was completed in 2002 and named in honor of the state senator who pushed for the funding of the facility. LaValle Stadium is a decent place to take in a game, as the intimate seating set-up is combined with a growing fan base and student participation. The current school administration has grand visions for even more program growth, including controversial stadium expansions. At the moment, Stony Brook football is a nice fit for both FCS and their conference, the CAA as the stadium experience is generally good. Food & Beverage 2 For a relatively new stadium that looks to have a lot of room for concessions, there are surprisingly few options. Only two permanent stands exist and they offer the same general assortment of typical blah items including Soft Pretzels ($4), Nachos ($4.75) and Cheeseburgers ($6). Only the Wolfie Dog tries to spice things up with some Chili and Jalapenos on the hot dog. There are a pair of side carts that offer a little something different, one of them selling Oreo Churros, while the other features Mac & Cheese with a meat topping. Water, Gatorade and Bottled Soda is offered for close to $4. Fans are better off eating before or after the game. Atmosphere 3 The event starts with a new feature in 2015: Seawolves Town. A section of the main parking lot is cornered off to create a carnival-like setting geared towards families. Activities include games, mini-golf, food trucks and inflatables. The set-up is a nice attempt to engage and welcome fans before the game. A typical amount of footballs can be seen flying around the parking lot during tailgates, while inside, the game day atmosphere is decent. The Stony Brook Marching Band kicks things off with a pre-game concert and then players rush out of the tunnel with fireworks set off behind the north end zone. The full band is quite good and it is worth remaining in place for the halftime show. Wolfie, the Seawolves’ mascot, keeps fans entertained as well and the furry animal is popular with the students too. LaValle Stadium has a seating set-up that offers excellent sightlines, enhanced by the absence of a track, which enables seats to be closer to the field. Three sides of the stadium feature a set of bleachers only 8-10 rows deep and then much of the seating can be found in the upper deck located on the east side of the stadium. It is up here where the view of the game is best and I recommend setting up shop in this area. There are some red reserved chairbacks towards the middle, though the majority of seating is metal bleacher. Students sit on the opposite sideline and if there is any overflow, they are placed behind the south end. On the opposite end is a terrific scoreboard that features a screen with very high quality video. The school does a good job displaying team colors, noted by the splashes of red on and around the field. However, there is some missing character as the lack of a Stony Brook feel is notable in the concourse and by the total absence of recognition for conference championships, NCAA appearances and former players. Neighborhood 3 Though Stony Brook is marketed as being close to New York City, it is actually a good distance away, about an hour to the east on Long Island. The small hamlet’s location on the North Shore is somewhat rural and while Stony Brook may not offer a quaint heart of town, there is a decent section to check out. Located a few minutes northwest of campus and the centrally located football stadium, the Long Island Museum features a multi-building arrangement displaying local history, art and a huge collection of carriages. For a pre-game meal, head a bit further down the road to the Stony Brook Village Center, an idyllic shopping center built in the 1940s that looks much newer. Fratelli’s offers a quick bite with decent deli sandwiches, while Latitude 121 provides a sit-down option in a nautical-themed restaurant. Finally, before heading to the game, walk down to the marshy, tidal harbor. Just a short walk around this area that leads into the Long Island Sound will explain why the university is so heavily invested in marine research. Fans 3 The Seawolves are capable of drawing a sellout crowd, but it requires a big event like homecoming or a playoff game. Otherwise, LaValle Stadium typically features a game where the stands are 50-75% full. The crowd is engaged quite well as the noise and vocal nature of the cheering is more evident than what is seen at a lot of other Northeastern FCS schools. “Let’s Go Seawolves” is a popular chant and home team touchdowns are met with enthusiasm. An encouraging sign is both increased student interest and yearly rises in attendance figures. It will be worth monitoring the progress to see if Stony Brook can achieve more of a consistent interest as they strive towards their major campaign of further growing the program. Access 3 Once on Long Island, which can be a chore to drive to as it involves crossing an NYC bridge, the university is pretty easy to get to. By using I-495 (better known as the LIE), commuters can get off at Exit 62 and take Route 92 North. After about 10 minutes on this pseudo highway, the campus entrance will show up on the left. Parking for those without a season pass can be found next to the basketball arena, however, this lot can fill up quickly. Alternative options include the elongated parking area along Circle Road, which is actually a better option for less traffic when leaving. A path then leads to the athletic facilities and the football stadium. This parking area is also used for those that ride the Long Island Rail Road. The Stony Brook station is on the Port Jefferson line and the train option provides a good means of public transportation. From midtown Manhattan, it is nearly a 2 hour ride with train transfers. Movement around the stadium is excellent as open corners and 360 degree walkways make all seating areas easily accessible. The only shelter from weather is on the east side of the stadium as the upper deck provides some cover from the elements. While stadium access is great, the bathroom situation is surprisingly poor as the few restrooms available have little room inside. Return on Investment 4 Tickets generally average around $15, with the chairbacks costing a little bit more. While Stony Brook promotes buying tickets early by offering a $3 discount, that is cancelled by $4 in online fees. Check the type of game and if you are not a local, it is best to just get a ticket at the stadium. For the 2015 season opener, parking was free and if that remains the case through the entire season, it would be a nice deal for fans as it cost $10 for cars the previous season. Overall, the price is right for FCS and CAA Football. Extras 2 Explicitly written near the entrance gate are items not allowed and one of those items is an umbrella. My feelings are mixed on this policy, but when it is abundantly obvious that the stadium is not close to full, they should be allowed. That is why I applaud security for this event in letting fans bring in their umbrellas on what became a very rainy night. It never caused an issue for other fans being able to see and it was much appreciated in an attempt to stay relatively dry. Another point goes to the Stony Brook Marching Band. For a school that lacks a long history of tradition, the band ignores that and makes it seem like they have been here forever. The sound is terrific and their performance is quite enjoyable. Final Thoughts What Stony Brook has built over the last few decades is impressive and their LaValle Stadium home is a decent one. Though the university looks to get even bigger, fans should take advantage of the program that they have now. Follow all of Sean’s journeys at Stadium and Arena Visits.

Photos by Lloyd Rothwell, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Spotless Stadium Grand Parade Sydney Olympic Park, NSW 2127 Australia Greater Western Sydney Giants website Spotless Stadium website Year Opened: 1998 Capacity: 25,000 Giants of Sydney Spotless Stadium at Sydney Olympic Park was built to serve as the main baseball stadium for the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics and as the new Sydney Showground, home of the Royal Agricultural Society. This boutique stadium currently has a capacity of 25,000. A number of teams and sports have utilised Spotless Stadium over the years. The Bulldogs of the National Rugby League (NRL) called the Showground home for the 2001 season before moving across the boulevard to ANZ Stadium. For the summer of 2014/15 the Sydney Thunder, who had previously been based exclusively at ANZ Stadium, played several games at the venue, with the experiment likely to continue. The Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants entered the AFL in 2012. GWS represents Western Sydney, southern New South Wales and the ACT (each season they shift several home games to Canberra). With Western Sydney playing an increasingly large role in the national consciousness, it made sense to base the city’s second AFL club west of the Anzac Bridge. Initially the club had ties to the Blacktown area in the far western suburbs. They’re now based mostly at Homebush. Critics have been quick to jump on this, but the reality is that the Giants are still cementing their foothold in the region. They’ve got a significant battle on their hands too. Sydney is a notoriously fickle market, with rugby league and football (soccer) traditionally more popular than AFL. Plus they are competing with their popular crosstown rivals, the Sydney Swans. GWS predictably struggled through their first couple of years, but have gradually matured into a respectable force on the field with a pleasing game day stadium experience. Food & Beverage 5 Simply put, the food items at Spotless Stadium are streaks ahead of those normally found in Australian sporting venues. It’s a refreshing change to see such a wide variety of options, all of reasonable quality. The one thing that does meet pre-conceived ideas of stadium food at Spotless Stadium is the price, but the choices available make the dent in your wallet much easier to take. They say variety is the spice of life and that is true at Spotless Stadium. Take your pick of outlets including Mick’s Bakehouse (pies), Wally’s Hot Dogs (hot dogs), Jimmy’s Catch (fish and chips), Kebabish (kebabs), Bell’s Kitchen (burgers), Wok ‘n’ Bowl (Asian), and Subway. Quality is universally good, but expect to spend somewhere around $15+ per person for a decent meal and a drink. The Dessert Bar is also universally popular, yes, even at the footy in the winter. Any queues are well managed, with the longest wait likely to be for an ice cream. The offerings at the bar are fairly standard. Tap beer is Carlton Mid ($6), with Cascade Premium Light ($6). Red, white and sparkling wine are $6 while mixed drinks (Beam and Cola, CC and Dry, and Vodka) are $8.50. Soft drinks are priced at $4.50. The pies at Spotless Stadium are among the best you’ll experience at a sports stadium – there’s no soggy lukewarm pre-packaged pies here. Grab one on your way to your seat as a starter and then choose a main depending on what you feel like on the day. If you’ve got the kids with you then they’ll want dessert too. Atmosphere 3 The Giants as a club have worked very hard to create a memorable experience at Spotless Stadium. Expect plenty of opportunities for engagement and special events. Average crowds are still only around 10,000, but with on-field performances quickly improving, hopefully this number will grow. There’s generally a healthy smattering of opposition fans now living in Sydney who take the opportunity to see their team play live. The vast majority of the crowd at Spotless Stadium are currently accommodated within the seating bowl, with only a smattering in the stands. All the seats in this area are on a gentle slope and therefore are fairly close to the action while offering a good view of the entire playing surface. There’s a single large video screen at the northern end of the stadium and a small number of televisions behind the ground level seating on the eastern side. Both teams have their benches on the western side of the ground. Expect a pregame build up with interviews from the GWS media department, typical crowd engagement activities in between quarters, and junior AFL during halftime. These are fairly standard, however the Giants often have special promotions and post-match entertainment, and kick-to-kick on the ground after full time. The most recent match we attended saw Aussie rocker Shannon Noll performing at the main break and after the final hooter. The majority of home team fans are on the southern and western sides of the ground. As these areas have stands behind them they also hold the noise better. Sit here to make the most of the atmosphere, or if you want an afternoon in the sun, sit on the eastern side. If the kids are with you sit at the northern end where there is an interactive play zone under the scoreboard. Neighborhood 4 The Sydney Olympic Park precinct has over the years been transformed from simply a sports park to an entertainment destination. The park is a popular location for any number of social and family events, in addition to concerts and sporting contests. There are plenty of dining options nearby. There are restaurants covering fine dining, sushi, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, Italian and modern Australian, along with numerous fast food chains. Personally I think the Ribs ‘n’ Rumps chain offers among the best steaks in the business, so if I’m looking to eat before or after a GWS game, that’s where I’d be headed. A large portion of the surrounding area is other sporting venues; ANZ Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, Allphones Arena and more. The precinct hosts more than 5,000 events each year, which obviously means that there are often multiple events occurring on game day. This has positives and negatives. The big plus is that particularly when there are major events on, the Park will have more of a buzz about it. You may even have the option of seeing a GWS match before heading over to ANZ Stadium for a rugby league or rugby union game. The most recent day we attended, the NSW Waratahs were playing a night game at ANZ offering a great doubleheader opportunity. More generally, Sydney Olympic Park is located in the inner western suburbs of Sydney, 16km from the Central Business District. Hotels on site include (in decreasing star rating order) Pullman at Sydney Olympic Park, the Novotel Sydney Olympic Park, Quest Apartments, Hotel Ibis, and Ibis Budget Hotel. Dorm style accommodation is also available in The Lodge, managed by the YMCA. Fans 3 GSW has been slowly building their fan base as their identity grows. Thankfully they are starting to offer a more competitive and consistent product on the field, meaning they’re more likely to attract and retain casual fans. One negative we found was that lots of fans arrived late and were still getting to their seats for much of the first quarter which is a bit off-putting. Previously averaging around 10,000 per home game, this number appears to be rising as the Giants improve on the field and develop a lasting relationship with the community. An extra 5,000-7,000 fans per game would be an awesome prospect. The hardcore GWS fans can be found at the southern end of the ground with the opposition cheer squad at the northern end. The venue is very family friendly which bodes well for the future. The atmosphere amongst the fans has definitely improved in recent times. Access 3 Sydney Olympic Park is centrally located within Sydney, with several options for transport. Public transport to the area is good, with driving also possible. Access is possible by both train and bus. The Sydney Olympic Park train station is almost next door. The T7 line is accessible via Lidcombe station. If numerous events are on, then expect some congestion both within the major roads leading into the area and the various parking stations. Unfortunately there’s not really any escaping the $25 daily parking fee. The best advice is to arrive early and allow extra time if possible. Probably the easiest parking station to access for Spotless Stadium is the large P1 on Edwin Flack Ave, but all others are somewhat within walking distance. Either prepay online or before the game to avoid lengthy queues postgame. Once you’ve parked you’ll have a gentle level stroll towards the burnt-orange light towers of Spotless Stadium, with ANZ Stadium on your right and Allphones Arena on your left. All entry is through the southern end of the stadium with standard bag checks. Tickets are available online or at the gate. There’s plenty of ticket windows open with minimal wait if you haven’t elected to buy your tickets online. Once inside the stadium Spotless is easy to circumnavigate with plenty of options to stand and watch from different vantage points. The venue is wheelchair friendly and bathrooms are plentiful, clean and not at all busy. Return on Investment 4 A visit to Spotless Stadium is not cheap but compares well to other national level stadiums and sports when it comes to value for money. This venue is very pleasant and has been well maintained. Expect more once GWS builds a larger and more committed fan base. The cost of parking is the only realistic negative here. Cheapest Adult Ticket: $27 Parking: $25 Pie: $5 Drink: $4.50 TOTAL: $61.50 The big plus here is that it’s relatively economical to take children and there are great family ticket options. You’ll also find the obligatory Footy Record program for sale inside the entry for $5. Extras 3 The child friendly AFL Playground at the northern end of the ground is a fantastic idea. Plenty of families can be found in the area beneath the scoreboard having a kick, further reinforcing the concept of AFL football. Merchandise is available at several points around the venue, with plenty of the fan base decked out in Giants gear. Following the match we attended there was entertainment and an autograph session, plus the crowd was allowed to have a kick on the playing surface. Final Thoughts GWS at Spotless Stadium has always had the potential to be a great stadium journey. The giant improvements in consistency on the field sets the club up nicely for the future. Additional growth in fans will only solidify the experience that now exists.

Photo Credit Frank L Aymami III Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 UNO Lakefront Arena 6801 Franklin Ave. New Orleans, LA 70122 New Orleans Privateers website UNO Lakefront Arena website Year Opened: 1983 Capacity: 8,933 Let’s Hear It for UNO When most people think of New Orleans they think of things such as Jazz, Cajun food and Mardi Gras. However, there is a whole lot more than just that offered in the Big Easy. One item that few people outside of the city are aware of is the University of New Orleans Privateers basketball team. The Privateers have been around since the late 60’s and in 1976 made the jump from Division II to Division I. The Privateers originally started as a member of the Sun Belt Conference, but after hurricane Katrina they nearly stepped down to Division III due to a drop in enrollment. Instead they decided to remain in Division I and joined the Southland Conference, effective for the 2013-14 academic year. The Privateers play their home games at UNO Lakefront Arena, an arena built in 1983 with a capacity of 8,933. The arena has had its share of bumps and bruises due to hurricane seasons, with the worst being hurricane Katrina, which kept the arena closed for nearly three years due to substantial repairs. The arena is just the right size for the Privateers needs, but isn’t at the top of what the Southland Conference offers. Food & Beverage 3 The Privateers don’t shy away from giving fans plenty of options for food and drink. Since the arena is located off of campus you will have no problem finding a variety of alcoholic beverages. Some of the selections found on tap or in a bottle at Lakefront Arena include Budweiser, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Michelob Ultra, Fat Tire, and my personal favorite Abita. Beer prices are right on par with your usual stadium and arena averages. UNO Lakefront Arena also has a nice variety of food selections. The arena carries all your normal snacks and munchies such as chips, candy, popcorn, and pretzels. You can also find some fulfilling items like cheeseburgers, pizza and my favorite smoked sausage. The Privateers give you a nice variety all while offering it at a reasonable price. Atmosphere 2 The Privateers have moved to the Southland Conference and unfortunately they left their fans and spirit in the Sun Belt. The crowds have been a bit sparse. The pep band is nice and energetic, and gets the crowd on their feet on occasion; however the game is more of a social gathering or get together for most in attendance. Neighborhood 4 The arena is located on the outskirts of New Orleans. The neighborhood around the arena is mostly filled with gas stations, supermarkets, and fast food restaurants so I would highly advise going into downtown New Orleans for any nice meal. New Orleans has something for absolutely everybody, from great food to great music to even better entertainment. Some of the best seafood and Cajun food can be found in New Orleans as well as some of the best jazz music in the entire world. If you’re looking to party or hang out for some drinks then Bourbon Street is a great option. If the Lakefront Arena didn’t offer enough for your sports appetite then check out the schedules of the Pelicans, Saints, or Green Wave and you are almost guaranteed that at least one will be in town. Fans 1 I have seen the majority of basketball venues in the Southland Conference and I have to say that the Privateers are definitely at the bottom when it comes to their fans. The student section is almost non existent and the crowd consists of mostly older alumni. The fans that I observed had no interest in the game and were using it as a social gathering to catch up on all the latest gab. When the Privateers get any kind of run or nice play there is little to no reaction from the fans other than a light cheer here and there. The pep band does their best to try and get the crowd into the game, but it seems like the Privateers following isn’t quite there yet. Access 3 Access to the stadium is easy once you figure out exactly where you need to be. Parking at Lakefront Arena is free and is readily available within mere footsteps to the arena. The concourses are wide enough to allow for easy traffic around the arena, but the bathroom stalls are very narrow. Stalls are also located on the urinals which is strange especially since they are extremely narrow, making for some uncomfortable moments, especially if you are standing next to someone. Return on Investment 2 Tickets for a Privateers game can be found anywhere from $10-$25 depending on where you would like to sit. Ten dollars is about the most I would pay for an additional experience to Lakefront Arena, as the atmosphere and fans just leave a lot to be desired. If you are in the area and just need something to kill some time as a sports fan, then the Privateers are a viable option. Extras 2 There are not a whole lot of extras or perks when it comes to Lakefront Arena. The biggest bonus is that the Privateers is located in one of the best cities in the United States. If you haven’t visited New Orleans before, then make an excuse to do so soon. The other point I award is for the free parking. It is always great to see an arena that offers free parking in today’s age.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.57 The Ballpark E. Emerson Cummings Boulevard Old Orchard Beach, ME 04064 The Ballpark website Year Opened: 1984 Capacity: 5,500 Where The Ballpark Meets The Beach The Old Orchard Beach Surge are one of the four founding teams in the North Country Baseball League, an independent circuit with a backstory much more interesting and complex than most first year leagues can lay claim to. Originally proposed as the East Coast Baseball League, the circuit consisted of six teams, two in Canada, three in the United States, with a travel team to round out the league. Right before the season was to start, the Watertown team pulled out due to questionable finances and failed commitments from league management. The remaining U.S. teams followed suit, and reformed as the NCBL. Three weeks into the season the Newburgh Newts, who were playing their home games at Delano-Hitch Stadium, were evicted from their home park due to non-payment of rent. The Newts became a road team, leaving the NCBL with just two teams that had ballparks to call home. The league has persevered and will crown its first champion early in August of 2015. Several players from the NCBL have signed to higher-level independent leagues over the course of the season. The home of the Surge has a history equally as colorful as the league that calls it home. The Ballpark was built in 1984 to be the home for the AAA Maine Guides, which lasted only five seasons before moving to Moosic, PA. The park was unable to attract another baseball team, and was utilized occasionally as a summer concert venue as it sat mostly dormant. Over the years, the ballpark sat neglected, overgrown with brush, and was falling apart. It became a popular spot for drug use, fires, and vandalism. A lightning strike at the site caused a significant amount of fire damage in 2007. The town of Old Orchard Beach considered plans to sell the land for development, and it was a mainstay on Ballpark Digest’s endangered ballparks list. The tide turned for The Ballpark in 2008, when a volunteer group called the Ball Park Group began to clean up and renovate the ballpark for special events and ballgames. From 2011 to 2014 the Old Orchard Beach Raging Tide of the New England Collegiate Baseball League called The Ballpark home. Food & Beverage 2 There is one concession stand at The Ballpark, and it offers a limited menu consisting of hot dogs ($3), burgers ($4.25/$4.75), chicken sandwiches ($5), French fries ($3), and nachos ($3). Fans looking to snack can choose from pretzels ($3), cotton candy ($1), popcorn ($1.50), chips ($1), or candy bars ($1). Bottles of Pepsi products can be bought for $2. Ice cream novelties are available for $2 and $3.25. Really hungry Surge fans can purchase the “Big John” burger with double meat for $6. Fans looking for a more adult alternative can choose from several varieties of beer and wine. The beer garden at The Ballpark has bottles of Coors Light ($4), with bottles of Shipyard Ale going for $5. Glasses of wine are available for $5. Fans looking to purchase Surge gear will be find a limited selection of t-shirts and hats available at the souvenir stand. The Ballpark Concessions, Photo by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Atmosphere 1 Try as you may, there is just no way to create a festive atmosphere when a couple hundred people are scattered in a 5,000 seat concrete stadium. To their credit, the Surge staff do try, with music, games, and promotions throughout the game. The staff are very friendly and genuinely grateful to see the fans that do show up. Between innings games target the kids in the audience, and 50/50 raffles target the adults here. Neighborhood 5 The Ballpark is located in a secluded, wooden area adjacent to the Old Orchard Beach High School and behind the Old Orchard Beach Police and Fire Departments. There is little to see or do in the immediate vicinity of The Ballpark, but that changes in a hurry as you head towards the ocean. About a mile away from The Ballpark is the Palace Playland, the Pier, and other Old Orchard Beach attractions. The area, once one of the largest tourist destinations on the east coast, has been destroyed and rebuilt several times due to hurricanes, fires, and blizzards. The current incarnation of the beachfront is significantly smaller than past versions, but still attracts a great deal of tourist traffic during the summer, particularly from Quebec. It is not uncommon to hear conversations taking place in French during the summer months. The year-round population of Old Orchard Beach is under 9,000, but swells to several times this size during the summer. Interestingly enough, Old Orchard Beach is the closest oceanfront beach to Montreal, explaining the lure of the area to French Canadian tourists. In fact, most shops in the area have signs in their windows proclaiming “ici nous parlons Francais” (we speak French here). Fans 1 Rumor has it that the average attendance for Surge games hovers in the 200-250 range. On the day this writer visited The Ballpark, the crowd totaled just over 100 fans. My visit was on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, perfect weather for the beach and for keeping people away from The Ballpark, so 250 fans per game sounds very reasonable. The team has already cultivated some dedicated superfans, who show up regularly to cheer on the Surge. Most of the crowd at a typical Surge home game consists of families and people with some connection to the team. It’s not a place the casual fan shows up at on a whim. Access 3 Old Orchard Beach is easily accessible via Interstate 95 (Maine Turnpike). Simply take the Interstate 195 exit, which will quickly turn into route 5. The Ballpark is located just off of Route 5 behind the Police and Fire Stations, and next to the high school. Fans seeking alternate methods of transportation to the seaside town will be pleased to know that Amtrak’s Downeaster train stops just feet from the beach during the summer months. From there, The Ballpark is a short cab ride away. Once inside The Ballpark, there is more than enough room to spread out. The concourse is located underneath the grandstand, and is more than large enough to accommodate even the largest Surge crowd. One major drawback of the concourse area is that it isn’t paved or landscaped, so fans with unsteady gait should step carefully. Also, if you can help it, don’t look up. The underside of the seating bowl is not the most attractive view one will come across at a ballpark. Despite the great efforts of the volunteers who have tirelessly worked at renovating The Ballpark, it still has an unfinished feel to it. The concession stands and locker rooms at The Ballpark are built to resemble the pine cabins typically seen in lodges and campgrounds in this area. The bathrooms are new, clean, and more than large enough for any Surge crowd. Return on Investment 4 Tickets for Surge games are sold as general admission, with lower bowl seats selling for $8 and upper bowl seats for $5. There is nary an usher in sight at The Ballpark, so fans sit wherever they please. There really isn’t a bad seat in the place. Parking is free in the large lot behind The Ballpark. Concessions are reasonably priced, so a night at The Ballpark will certainly not break the bank. Extras 2 The experience at The Ballpark is a bare bones one, to be sure. The staff are friendly and helpful, which goes a long way towards covering up the shortcomings of the ballpark. Still, ballpark aficionados will undoubtedly enjoy visiting this once endangered field. The locker rooms here are located in a separate building located behind and underneath the seating bowl, meaning that the players have to walk the concourse through the crowd after the game to get to their lockers. It was an autograph hound’s nirvana back in the day, and that tradition continues today. The Surge players were more than accommodating to any children wanting their items signed. Final Thoughts After spending a day at The Ballpark many fans will marvel over the fact that this ballpark was ever considered adequate for AAA baseball. It’s even more unbelievable that Sports Illustrated once called The Ballpark the best ballpark in minor league baseball. It was only used for five seasons before the Guides moved on to the greener pastures of Moosic, PA and the equally unattractive Lackawanna County Stadium. Still, it’s a monumental achievement that it is still standing and in usable condition. Kudos to the volunteers who gave their time, energy, and money to preserve a ballpark that would have easily faded away into history. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Paul Baker, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.43 Leary Field 175 Parrott Ave. Portsmouth, NH 03801 Leary Field website Year Opened: 1956 Capacity: 1,000 Baseball on the Seacoast Baseball has been played at the site of Leary Field in downtown Portsmouth, NH since the late 1800’s. Originally named South Playground, the field was renamed after Portsmouth mayor John J. Leary in 1956. Leary Field is located in a residential neighborhood within walking distance of downtown Portsmouth. Named one of “America’s Prettiest Towns” by ForbesTraveler.com and ranked fourth in Outside Magazine’s “Top 20 Towns in America”, Portsmouth is nationally recognized as a top vacation destination. The Mavericks are a charter member of the Futures League, having previously played their home games at Bert George Field on the campus of Spaulding High School in neighboring Rochester. The club moved to downtown Portsmouth for the 2013 season, investing $50,000 in Leary Field to build new dugouts, seating areas, and other improvements to the facility. Now in their fifth season, the Mavericks have yet to reach the playoffs. Food & Beverage 2 There is a concession stand located underneath the main grandstand, which offers your basic ballpark fare. Hot dogs ($2.50), pizza slices ($2.00/2.50), and nachos ($3.00) are the featured items. Local favorite Napoli Deli offers half-sandwiches ($3), and kids meals are sold here, served on a Mavericks Frisbee ($5). An extensive list of snacks are available, including popcorn ($1), peanuts ($2), caramel corn ($3), and cotton candy ($3). In addition, candy such as ring pops, freeze pops, and the like are sold, including the cheapest concession item this writer has ever seen at a ball game, a piece of double bubble gum sold for five cents. Thirsty Mavericks fans can choose from cans of Pepsi products ($1.50), Gatorade ($2), Red Bulls ($3), or bottled water ($1). Alcoholic beverages are not sold at Leary Field. Atmosphere 2 Fans used to the in your face, boisterous atmosphere present at most baseball games today will be surprised at the laid-back presentation at a Seacoast Mavericks game. The presence of the PA is limited to simple announcements of upcoming batters and lineup changes. Music is played between innings and batters, but unless you are sitting right near the PA announcer, you probably won’t even hear it. There is an emcee who handles what between innings contests are held for the children in attendance. Water balloon tosses and chase the mascot races are held, but distractions are held to a minimum here. Baseball purists will enjoy the atmosphere, but many fans will have to get used to the bare bones presentation. As is the case with most summer collegiate games, the crowd is made up primarily of families. Part of the fun at a Mavericks game is watching the children run around in the vast grassy areas of the first base side. Many of the children in attendance spend most of their day chasing foul balls around Leary Field, and can be as entertaining as the action taking place on the field. Neighborhood 5 Portsmouth is a small city of just over 21,000 residents located on the New Hampshire seacoast. This historic seaport and summer tourist destination is located about an hour north of Boston. Leary Field is located in a residential neighborhood just a short walk from downtown. This downtown area is loaded with restaurants, shops, and attractions. History buffs will enjoy attractions such as the USS Albacore Museum, which features one of the Navy’s first nuclear submarines, and Strawbery Banke, a historic museum featuring homes and exhibits from colonial times. Fans interested in culinary pursuits will undoubtedly enjoy downtown’s several eateries and brew pubs, with Portsmouth Brewery, among others, all located within a few city blocks. For visiting fans looking for a different kind of dining experience, The Friendly Toast features unique breakfast food all day long served in a kitschy setting. There are many lodging options downtown for fans wanting to stay in Portsmouth, but fans interested in saving a few dollars may opt for one of the hotels located away from downtown by the rotary. Kittery, Maine is located just across the Piscataqua River, and boasts many attractions of its own. Fans 1 Since moving downtown for the 2013 season, the Mavericks have averaged just shy of 400 fans per game, consistently ranking them near the bottom of the Futures League attendance rankings. Based on the crowd present for a Sunday afternoon game, these figures are greatly inflated. Access 2 Leary Field is located a couple of blocks from downtown Portsmouth, but can be difficult to find when driving. Most visitors to Portsmouth will arrive by Interstate 95. The Market Street exit will bring drivers downtown, where it will be necessary to navigate many of downtown’s narrow streets to find Leary Field. Portsmouth is a very walkable city, but can be tough to drive in for out of towners. Fans coming to Portsmouth for a Mavericks game can park on the streets that surround the field, or to better save your windshield, in the parking lot beyond the outfield next to the Library and Middle School. This lot is a short walk from the field, and also free of charge. Once inside Leary Field, fans can sit in the old covered grandstand, which sits close behind home plate and offers spectacular views of downtown in the distance. Fans not wishing to look through fencing often choose a set of metal bleachers on the third base side, which are not obstructed by any netting. There is plenty of room all around the field for fans to sit at one of many picnic tables on the first base side, or to spread out on their own blankets or lawn chairs. Fans should be warned that while the area behind the concourse is paved, access to much of the field requires navigating dirt paths or grassy areas. Fans with unsteady gait may wish to stay in the grandstand area. There is a pair of small bathrooms located behind the main grandstand. Return on Investment 4 The Mavericks charge $5 for admission, with seniors and children receiving a $2 discount. Children under age 6 are admitted for free. Parking is free either on the streets surrounding Leary Field (just be aware of time restrictions if parking on-street), or in the large lot next to the public library and middle school. With inexpensive concessions, a night at a Seacoast Mavericks game is a very affordable entertainment option for baseball fans in the Portsmouth area. Extras 1 There isn’t a whole lot going on at Leary Field that can be considered extra. The Mavericks deserve kudos for going the extra yard for young visitors who attend games. During birthday parties at Leary Field, a couple of Mavericks players take time out of their day to greet the young fans and play catch with the birthday boy or girl. It’s a genuine touch that you won’t ever see in bigger ballparks. Judging by the smile on the birthday boy’s face, it’s a memory he won’t ever forget. Final Thoughts Playing in a league full of old minor league parks, Leary Field simply doesn’t measure up in terms of amenities. If you enjoy old-school charms and proximity to one of the country’s best small downtown areas, then Leary Field is the place for you. The Futures League currently ranks behind their New England summer collegiate brethren in the Cape Cod and New England Leagues, but the play and caliber of talent is improving quickly. The league just celebrated their initial first round pick, and 30 Futures League alumni were selected in the 2015 Major League Baseball Entry Draft. Going to a Futures League game is an affordable, attractive alternative to minor league games in the area. Follow Paul Baker’s stadium journeys on Twitter and Instagram @PuckmanRI.

Photos by Brian Helberg , Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 4.57 Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium 4601 Ontario St Vancouver, BC V5V 3H4 Canada Vancouver Canadians website Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium website Year Opened: 1951 Capacity: 5,132 Baseball Done Right North of the Border at The Nat Referred to locally as The Nat, Scotiabank Field at Nat Bailey Stadium has been home to baseball fans in Vancouver, British Columbia since 1951. Originally named Capilano Stadium, the historic facility was rebranded following the death of Vancouver icon, Nat Bailey, in 1978. Bailey was a part owner of the former Vancouver Mounties baseball team, and was beloved in British Columbia for founding the White Spot restaurant chain. Scotiabank Field was added to the lengthy name in 2007. The Vancouver Canadians are the Short Season Single-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. They play in the Northwest League, and the C’s won the league for three consecutive seasons from 2011 to 2013. Vancouver was awarded with the prestigious John H. Johnson’s President’s Trophy in 2013. The award is handed out annually to the top Minor League franchise in baseball. The C’s were busy expanding Nat Bailey Stadium in the offseason prior to the 2015 season. They added nearly 1,000 seats to raise their capacity to 6,013. The Hey Y’all Porch in left field is brand new, as are the seats lining the left field baseline. You will not find a 64 year-old stadium in better shape than The Nat. Food & Beverage 5 Nat Bailey Stadium has a solid collection of food choices, sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. The main eating area is located in the concourse behind home plate. Food stands line both sides of the wide walkway. The Canadians do a great job on the classic baseball cuisine. Hot dogs and hamburgers are aplenty, and they are tasty too. The C’s also have a wider array of food available, including sushi and pizza. The ‘Nooner’ burger is perfect for day games, as it is topped with egg, bacon, cheese and the patty. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure you stop by the mini donut stand. It is the last hut on the back wall as you head towards the first baseline on your way back to the grandstand. The tiny treats are topped with cinnamon and brown sugar. They may not be the fanciest donuts you will ever see, but they are undeniably delicious. The donuts are a favorite among Vancouverites, and are doled out generously by the friendly vendors. It’s hard to miss the Hey Y’all Porch in left field, and that’s lucky, because you are going to want to try their famous fried chicken and iced tea. The whole area is a new addition to the stadium, and is a hub of activity for fans looking to mingle during the game. If you are attending the game in a group of 30 or more, the Hard Rock Casino Barbeque Picnic in the Park is the perfect place to take in Canadians baseball. Fans get a seat at a table under an umbrella down the right field line, plus all you can eat barbeque for just $40 a person. The Vancouver area is home to many delectable craft beers, and naturally The Nat offers the best of the best. Named after the famed ski resort, the Whistler Brewing Company highlights the assortment of adult beverages. If the more traditional brews are more to your liking, you can find all the typical beers throughout the ballpark as well. Atmosphere 5 The atmosphere at The Nat is truly special. Fun is the goal, and the C’s have succeeded in this department. It is a beautiful stadium, highlighted by a view of the regal Queen Elizabeth Park. There is a wide range of ages working at the stadium, and everyone is extremely helpful and nice. It is very family friendly at the park. There are special sections designated as alcohol free that might be good for families with small children. There are always kids baseball teams in attendance, and thus the stands are filled with young people. A pair of kids sang the National anthems (and rather well I might add) the most recent night I was there. Also, the club let a few youngsters throw out the ceremonial first pitches. There are a few different kinds of seats. The grandstand area features wooden bleachers. The seats in the lower section behind home plate and the seats down the left field line are both made with a combination of plastic and metal. The C’s have a number of special events in between innings designed to entertain fans of all ages. At the end of the 4th inning is the sushi race. Every game, four sushi mascots race down the right field line, competing for pride and for mini donuts. The grounds crew is famous for their work on the diamond, and for their dance moves. At the end of the 5th inning, the crew trots out onto the field and dances along to a (usually embarrassing) song. The night I was there, the grounds crew left it all on the field dancing along to the New Kids on the Block hit, “Step by Step.” At the end of the 6th, the fans get a little exercise by doing the chicken dance. The Canadians’ DJ puts the chicken dance song on blast, and the whole crowd dances along in unison. Neighborhood 4 Nat Bailey Stadium is located in central Vancouver, essentially sandwiched in between Cambie St. and Main St. It is largely residential in the immediate proximity to the park. However, Cambie and Main are just a few blocks away, and both streets boast impressive lineups of restaurants and bars. While the walkability of the neighborhood may not be on the Major League level, it is more than adequate for a Single-A stadium. Queen Elizabeth Park is considered by many to be one of the most picturesque green spaces in the city. There is a lush floral conservatory, and plenty of walking trails. Seasons in the Park is a first class restaurant featuring breathtaking views and Northwest cuisine. Fans 5 The Canadians have dominated the Northwest League in recent seasons, and their fans have grown accustomed to winning. They are very knowledgeable and take great pride in their team. Even if the C’s go down big early, the crowd never loses their enthusiasm. There is a very balanced cross section of fans at Nat Bailey Stadium. There are equal numbers of families, young people, retirees and hardcore fans. There is a laid back feel for the most part, and rowdy spectators are not a concern. Fun is the reason most of these fans show up, and winning is just a bonus. Access 3 If you are a native Vancouverite, you will likely have little trouble getting yourself to Nat Bailey Stadium. If you are a visiting fan from out of town, you may find the area more difficult to navigate. If you are coming by car, prepare for plenty of traffic. Vancouver is famous for its congestion, and driving through the heart of the city during rush hour can lead to some white-knuckle moments. However, signs leading you to the stadium are easily spotted on Cambie and Main Street. Parking is reasonably priced at $7, and there are ample spots. The main lots are located behind home plate and in the outfield behind the right field fence. The stadium is just one level, and there is a chance your vehicle could take a direct hit if you park behind home plate. There are no stands in right field, and a home run ball could find your windshield if you choose to park in the outfield. Being that Nat Bailey Stadium is located in a residential neighborhood, street parking is extremely limited, so choose one of the lots, but don’t go too close to the stadium when choosing your spot. SkyTrain presents an intriguing option for fans. The SkyTrain is essentially a monorail system that runs through Vancouver. It may not be the most attractive transportation system, but it is a very efficient way to get around. The nearest SkyTrain station (King Edward) is located just over a kilometer away from the stadium. Another public transportation option is the bus. You can get to within 3 blocks if you take the buses that run along Main St. Taking the SkyTrain or bus will cost you between $2.75 and $5.50 depending on the time of day and distance you are traveling. Return on Investment 5 The C’s do an amazing job providing fans with bang for their buck. Tickets are very economical, ranging between $14 and $25. You can find great seats in the grandstand behind home plate for $14, or you can sit in box seats closer to the action for $18. Sitting in the WestJet Diamond Club will run you $25, but they are considered the best seats in the house. Seniors (55+) can sit in the grandstand area for $11, and disabled seating can be found along the left field line for $11. Food is a good deal for fans as well. You can pick up a hot dog for $5, and a foot long for $7. Burger’s cost $6.25, and pizza is reasonable at $6 for a large slice. Pretzels won’t break the bank at $5. Sugary treats are affordable, with mini donuts listed at $5 and ice cream at $4.50. Sushi is priced between $8 and $10 depending on the kind you want. Craft beer is currently $7.50 a glass. All told, you can take in a Canadians’ game for a fraction of the cost of attending one of the other major sports games in Vancouver. In fact, you can watch a professional baseball game in a very enjoyable setting for roughly the same price as going to the movies. It is hard to beat the C’s return on investment. Extras 5 The Canadians offer many promotions throughout the regular season. Every Sunday is an A&W Family Fun Sunday. Kids can take home anything from a batting helmet to a jersey on Sundays. There are also bobblehead giveaways featuring some of the more prominent players who have recently donned a Canadians uniform. The C’s occasionally provide fans with opportunities to meet some of their favorite ballplayers from the past. The 2015 season will feature appearances from Tommy John, Devon White, Pat Hentgen and Tony Fernandez. The highlight of the promotion schedule has to be the fireworks extravaganzas. The Canadians entertain fans with special post game fireworks after most Saturday night home games. In 2015 there are nine dates, and you don’t want to miss them. There are multiple places to buy C’s gear at Nat Bailey Stadium. The first hut is located outside the stadium by the main entrance, where you can purchase hats and tees. Inside you will find a larger team store area near the end of the concourse on the third baseline. You can buy the same merchandise as outside, but there are a few additional items (jerseys, memorabilia, etc.) up for sale too. There is a manually operated scoreboard in left-center field, and a giant video screen in center field shows replays. There is a storied history with the C’s in Vancouver, and the organization does a fantastic job educating the public inside the ballpark. Murals and showcases discussing the history of the club and the famous names that have made stops in Vancouver line the main concourse. You get a great sense of how the franchise got its start, and how they have evolved into the one of the top Minor League organizations today. There is a large kids play area in the left field corner that features an inflatable slide. The C’s offer fans the opportunity to sit in non-alcoholic sections. Most teams have these types of sections, but these particular seats are in prime locations behind home plate. Inebriated fans are not much of an issue at The Nat, but these seats would be perfect for families with young children. Perhaps my favorite extra is the special Canadians car that delivers pitchers into the game from the bullpen in left field. The car itself is a golf cart type of vehicle wearing a C’s hat for a roof. It drives the incoming hurler to the edge of the infield before heading back to the ‘pen. Final Thoughts While the actual baseball being played on the field may not be Major League quality, Nat Bailey Stadium offers a first class experience for fans of all ages. It is an enjoyable and affordable way to spend an evening in Vancouver. The people who work at the stadium are very polite and helpful. The fun factor cannot be beaten, and wandering around the stadium gives spectators a sense of childlike joy. I highly recommend you take in a game at The Nat if you are ever lucky enough to be in Vancouver, BC.

Photo by Aaron S. Terry, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 1.57 Joseph J. Jaroschak Field 200 Lincoln Hwy Jersey City, NJ 07306 Saint Peter’s Peacocks website Joseph J. Jaroschak Field website Year Opened: 1990 Capacity: 500 Nothing to Strut About Saint Peter’s baseball field is part of the Joseph J. Jaroschak Field “complex”, which is located in the southwest corner of Lincoln Park in Jersey City, NJ – the complex also includes the Saint Peter’s softball and soccer fields. Lincoln Park, opened in 1905, is a large urban park operated by Hudson County, and is divided into two sections, with multiple athletics fields on the east side (closer to the city), plus a golf course and Joseph J. Jaroschak Field on the west side (adjacent to the Hackensack River). Funds to build the complex were donated by Mary Lou Jaroschak in 1990, and the field was named after her late husband, a wealthy Hudson County resident. Food & Beverage 0 No food or beverages are sold at the stadium, so you will need to bring your own. Atmosphere 1 The baseball portion of Joseph J. Jaroschak Field is not much more than a community field, and what facilities they have are a bit dilapidated. There is no scoreboard and no stadium lighting, with just two small sets of quasi-temporary metal bleachers – one for the home fans and one for the visitors. The press box consists of a small wooden shack that can only fit two people, and the bathrooms consist of Port-A-Johns, which are shared with the soccer and softball fields. The field is natural grass, and the dugouts and press box are badly in need of paint and roof repairs – the dugouts also don’t seem to be large enough, so the coaches sit on folding chairs, and some of the players sit on empty buckets in front of the dugout during the game. Rumor has it both the baseball and softball fields used to have scoreboards, but they were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy – it is possible some of the other damage occurred then as well. For a quick tour of the venue see the video: Neighborhood 3 Joseph J. Jaroschak Field is bordered on the west side by the Hackensack River, with Highway 1/Highway 9 on the south side, and the rest of Lincoln Park on the east and north. The neighborhood near the park appears pretty sketchy, and does not feel very safe. However, if you are looking for something to do in the area, New York City is only 6 miles away, just across the river from Jersey City. There are also myriad hotels and restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the athletic complex, way too many to name, due to the urban sprawl around NYC – you can pretty much find any kind of food you want, but the traffic is of course terrible. On the plus side, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are on the same side of the Hudson River as Joseph J. Jaroschak Field, so should be easy to get to from here. Fans 2 Despite the super-high population in the area, the baseball stadium at Joseph J. Jaroschak Field does not draw a huge crowd (only 100-200 on average). This is probably due in part to the lack of facilities, but also the traffic and difficulty getting here. About half or more of the fans are here for the visitors; in fact one of the two sets of bleachers is practically reserved for them. The Peacock fans who do attend cheer pretty loudly when there is a great play, but are pretty blasé the rest of time; about one-third of them sport Saint Peter’s gear, which is not sold at the stadium. While most of the fans sit in the stands, there are a good number who stand along the fences, which are chain link all the way around, so you can watch from anywhere. Access 2 Joseph J. Jaroschak Field is inside Lincoln Park in Jersey City, NJ, and is a little hard to get to, first because of the very heavy traffic in the area, but also because of the bridges, which always add congestion – recall that Jersey City is flanked by the Hackensack River on the west and the Hudson River on the east. But Lincoln Park does have a couple major freeways that go by it, and the park has several entrances. Once you get to Lincoln Park, to find the baseball field just head toward the southwest corner of the park by following the one-way quasi-circular road that goes around it (depending on which website you use this curvy road could be called either Lincoln Park, Lookout, Lakeview, or Tennis Court Drive). Once you get to the blue track (the kind people run around), turn right and follow that road until it dead ends at a parking lot, then walk toward the river and you will see Joseph J. Jaroschak Field – the baseball portion is on the other side of the soccer and softball fields. On some websites this dead-end road will be called West Park Drive, but there is no sign actually posted. There are no standing restrooms, just Port-A-Johns, but at least parking is free, although you do have to walk a bit from the parking lot to get to the baseball field. Return on Investment 1 Even though it is free to attend Saint Peter’s baseball games, I cannot recommend it, due to the severe lack of facilities and the difficulty in getting here. There are several other schools nearby, so even if you want to see your team play on the road, I would suggest visiting one of those stadiums instead. Extras 2 If you do attend a Saint Peter’s baseball game, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are nearby and well worth a visit, so one point for those. Another point for New York City, which is just across the river with all its myriad attractions, so if you choose to stay the weekend, maybe take in a whole series, you will find plenty to do if you can handle the traffic. Final Thoughts Saint Peter’s is a very small school, so I can understand the lack of facilities due to the lack of budget. However, there are plenty of other options in the area if you want to see a baseball game – heck, there are even better baseball fields inside Lincoln Park itself.

Photo Courtesy of Coastal Carolina University Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Springs Brooks Stadium 965 Landon Loop Conway, SC 29528 Coastal Carolina Chanticleers website Springs Brooks Stadium website Year Opened: 1981 Capacity: 2,500 The Real Teal Deal Supporters of the Coastal Carolina Chanticleer baseball program really have something to crow about, as the team has moved into the new $10.2 million Springs Brooks Stadium. The stadium has seats for 2,500, but will be able to hold up to 6,000 fans once an extensive system of berms down the baseline and a boardwalk spanning the areas behind the outfield walls are completed after the 2015 season. The new roost boasts a three-level layout, with locker rooms on the first level that connect directly to the dugouts, a second level dedicated to a majority of the seats, concession areas and merchandise sales and the top level dedicated to private covered verandas and luxury suites. These changes allow Coastal Carolina to move the NCAA Regionals it has hosted many times back on campus, instead of using the nearby Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ minor league stadium. An added bonus to the new construction is the addition of a new indoor training facility. The Coastal Carolina baseball program has been very successful over the years, taking part in 10 NCAA Regionals, two NCAA Super Regionals and nine Big South Conference Championships. 45 Chanticleer players have been drafted by Major League Baseball over the history of the program. In addition to its conference schedule, Coastal takes on baseball powers including Georgia Tech, FSU, Michigan, Clemson and North Carolina. Food & Beverage 4 There are two concessions stands in the stadium, with a much broader offering of foods than most college parks. Entrees include hot dogs ($3), grilled chicken sandwiches ($6), brats ($6), cheesesteaks ($6.75) and nachos ($4). In addition, they have waffle fries ($5), popcorn ($2), Cracker Jacks ($4), peanuts ($4), chicken tenders ($3) and pretzels ($3). Drink selections are sodas ($2 or $4 depending on size) and water at $2.50. You certainly will not go home hungry from this ballpark! Atmosphere 4 Springs Brooks Stadium can be very favorably compared with its sister stadium, TicketReturn.com Field at Pelicans Ballpark, in Myrtle Beach. The seating is what you would find in a major league or minor league park, as they have molded plastic seating with cup holders on the back (premium seats behind the plate even have a padded seat, which is easy on your bottom). In addition, the field has several corporate suites on the top level. There is a picnic area on the end of the third base concourse and a covered veranda on top of the stadium along the first base side. This is a really great place to watch a game on a hot, humid afternoon in South Carolina. The school also utilizes these areas to promote its great baseball pedigree, as pennants line the front facing of the upper levels for each of the Chanticleers’ conference championships or NCAA tournament appearances. The audio visual package for this stadium is also above what you typically see in a college stadium. The sound system is close to concert quality, and the scoreboard is entertaining, as well as informative. The whole package has been a huge hit with the fans, and there has been a large increase in attendance thus far. Neighborhood 4 Springs Brooks Stadium is located on the 620-acre Coastal Carolina campus. More than 9,000 students attend the school, mostly in Liberal Arts Studies. However, Coastal is also well known for its Marine Sciences and Wetland Biology curriculum. The campus is located in Conway, South Carolina, a suburb of Myrtle Beach, and has a population of 16,000. You are probably going to spend most of your time in Myrtle Beach (see the Myrtle Beach Pelicans stadium review referenced above for a list of things to do on the Strand) but you owe it to yourself to spend at least one evening in Conway. It has a much quieter, more laid-back feel compared to the “Beach.” As far as places to eat and drink, I recommend the Crafty Rooster, a restaurant with a broad menu and great selection of craft beers. For shopping, I suggest the old fashioned PaPa’s General Store, which stocks items you probably haven’t seen since your childhood. The Blackwater Market on Main Street offers both shopping and dining options in an old historic mansion. For a truly wonderful and peaceful night, the Cypress Inn B&B is hard to beat. It overlooks the Waccamaw River and is located very close to the marina, where you can take a two-hour river cruise or walk on Conway’s Riverwalk. Fans 4 Coastal Carolina fans love their sports, and why not? Both the basketball and baseball teams have a long history of success in the NCAA playoffs. Getting a ticket has not been easy in the past, as the Chanticleers have a large season ticket base between the students and the many retirees in the area. However, with the new stadium, the capacity has been increased threefold. You will also find that the alums and retirees prefer the reserved seats, while the student body gravitates toward the picnic area and the food counters that line the top of the concourse. You will hear lots of rooster calls during a rally or when Chauncey the Chanticleer gets up on top of the dugout to lead cheers. (Explanation: Coastal Carolina once was a division of the University of South Carolina… the Gamecocks. When Coastal Carolina gained its independence, it simply crossbred the Gamecock with a teal seabird and it resulted in a Chanticleer.) Access 3 Coastal Carolina University is located along the Grand Strand area of the South Carolina coast. It is located 15 miles from Myrtle Beach, 95 miles from Charleston, 150 miles from Columbia and 173 miles from Charlotte. The most scenic and direct way to reach the area is US Highway 17, also known as the Coastal Highway. You would then get on Highway 501, which will take you directly to Coastal Carolina University. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is served by many airlines and is about 12 miles from the campus. The large increase in seating exceeds the parking area immediately surrounding the field. To remedy this situation, fans can park for free in the school’s commuter student lot and ride a free trolley, which circulates every 15 minutes between the stadium and the commuter lot. Once you reach Springs Brooks Stadium, you will immediately appreciate that being a new stadium, accessibility is a priority. The leg room is much more comfortable than in most stadiums and the concourse/boardwalk areas are wide enough to prevent gridlock. Elevators run from field level to the top of the stadium, and every section has seating for persons with disabilities on the concourse level. Return on Investment 3 As you can tell, Coastal Carolina has not cut any corners in constructing this beautiful stadium. However, this does come at a financial cost. The concession offerings are as varied as any college facility I have been to, but the prices are also higher than average. Ticket prices are tiered at $10-$20, which is also higher than most college parks, but most parks do not match the amenities that Springs Brooks has. The parking is free, and you will definitely see some well played baseball when the Chanticleers are at home. Extras 3 World famous Myrtle Beach is only 15 miles from the campus and offers numerous beach activities, great restaurants and its own Boardwalk. Coastal Carolina is also surrounded by more than a dozen golf courses within a 20-minute drive of the campus, so you can play a round in the morning and make the game in the afternoon. The weather is another great extra, as many teams from the Northeast play their early spring games in Myrtle Beach due to its very temperate climate, and their fans travel well to the area to escape winter’s wrath. Final Thoughts Coastal Carolina University is going to be a tough team to recruit against once college prospects see Springs Brooks Stadium. Add to that a great baseball heritage and an excellent academic tradition on a very modern campus with a beach less than 20 miles away, and it’s an offer that will be tough to refuse.

Photo Courtesy Fresno State Athletics Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.71 Pete Beiden Field 1620 East Bulldog Lane Fresno, CA 93740 Fresno State Bulldogs website Pete Beiden Field website Year Opened: 1966 Capacity: 5,757 Beiden’s Bulldogs The Fresno State Bulldogs of the Mountain West may not be the first team that comes to mind when you think of college baseball tradition, but that doesn’t mean the program isn’t lacking in this category. Pete Beiden Field’s namesake won 600 games over 21 seasons as head coach of the Bulldogs from 1948 to 1969. More recently, the Bulldogs are famous for their improbable run to the 2008 national title from a lowly 4 seed in an NCAA Regional. Basically, this is like a 13 seed or lower winning the NCAA basketball tournament. Overall, the team has over 30 NCAA tournament appearances making them one of the more successful long term baseball programs in D1 baseball. Pete Beiden Field opened in 1966 as Varsity Park, but that name was changed in 1972 to honor the recently retired legendary coach. The stadium seats an impressive 5,757 capacity, although it has never formally reached that attendance. The largest D1 baseball program in the San Joaquin Valley, the Bulldogs only true competition for fans in the area is the AAA minor league Fresno Grizzlies that play at downtown Chukchansi Park. Beiden Field offers a much different experience and feel than its downtown Fresno professional neighbor. Food & Beverage 3 Beiden Field doesn’t necessarily offer the widest food selection in baseball, but the open grill behind home plate fills the concourse with the smell of burgers and brats and adds a great touch to the venue. The best options are the grilled food items that run from $6-$8 and include burgers, brats, chicken sandwiches and hot links. Some of the other specialty items available include pulled pork nachos ($7.50), a bowl of Pardini’s Homemade Chili ($4.50) and Clam Chowder ($4.50). Other menu items include nachos ($6), hot dogs ($4.50), chili dogs ($5.50), soft pretzels ($3.50), pizza slices ($5) or even a whole pizza ($17). A variety of snacks are available too for under $5, including churros and gourmet popcorn. Pepsi products are available for anywhere from $3-$5 depending on size. Gatorade is available for $4 and coffee/hot chocolate is available for $3. There are no alcohol sales at Beiden Field. While the pork nachos are delicious and the clam chowder or chili are tempting, it’s hard to pass up the smells wafting from the grill. A freshly grilled brat or a double cheeseburger are ideal options for the game. Atmosphere 2 There’s nothing particularly intriguing about the atmosphere at Pete Beiden Field, mostly because it’s an older and somewhat bland ballpark with very little in terms of attendance. Short of some of the historical aspects of the park, there’s not a lot special here. The stadium itself is pretty plain in design, with one large grandstand bowl extending from beyond 3rd base around the infield and past 1st base. Because the stadium tends to be generally devoid of fans, seating is pretty cozy. You can definitely stretch out and put your feet up. Unfortunately, this means there’s not much in terms of energy in the park. The field itself looks nice enough, if not a bit thin in terms of grass. The nicest part of the park is the plaques, banners and statues all around honoring Fresno State tradition. Of particular note is the large statue of Pete Beiden on the 3rd base line. Unfortunately, the park seems dirty and old, and even the concourse display of famous players seems largely unkempt. There is very little in terms of promotion going on at a Bulldogs game. Occasional T-shirt tosses and are about as engaged as things get. Outside of the normal music and effects, nothing special happens here. There is no covered seating a Beiden Field, which can be difficult because the Fresno heat can get quite intense. You’ll have plenty of seating options available, as attendance is generally sparse. But most of the seats are pretty similar in view and there’s not really an upside for anywhere in particular. All seats have chairbacks, so this at least is more comfortable than bleachers. Neighborhood 3 Beiden Field is located right on campus in the middle of the Fresno State sports complex. Bulldog Stadium (football) is immediately adjacent and the softball stadium is across the street. The area itself is pretty bland, with streets laid out in a grid pattern filled with strip malls. There’s not a lot to do within immediate walking distance, so expect to drive to the game. There are several popular local restaurants that are worth checking out. Dog House Grill is only a few blocks away and is famous for its California tri-tip, but make sure you arrive early because it’s almost always packed. If you drive north into Clovis you’ll find Sequoia Brewing Company, which offers great craft beers and good food. The Tower District is not particularly far and is home to a variety of trending local bars and restaurants as well. If you’re in town for a long weekend, there’s quite a bit to do within a short drive. Yosemite National Park is a straight shot north and you can be there in a little over an hour. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are about 90 minutes southeast. Fresno is also home to the AAA Fresno Grizzlies, although it’s a pretty tame minor league baseball experience. Most of the local hotels are along Shaw Avenue just two blocks south. The closest option is the University Square Hotel, although it’s not the highest quality option. Just to the east under the Rt 168 bridge you’ll find a Holiday Inn Express and a Hilton Garden Inn, which may suit the picky traveler a bit better. Fans 2 Fresno State is a clear case of the stadium being too big for the fan base. The size of the venue itself makes the ballpark seem even more empty than it actually is. Fresno State actually ranked 42nd in attendance in D1 baseball in 2014. You wouldn’t be able to tell that by visiting the park. In general the stadium feels very empty and is oversized for their small base of loyal fans. The stadium has never truly reached capacity. At Pete Beiden Field you’ll clearly be able to identify the few that are passionate Bulldogs baseball fans, mostly because they will be the only few making any noise. For the most part, the smattering of fans are there to put their feet up and enjoy some ballpark food. It’s largely a quiet crowd with the occasional cheering or heckling of the opposing team. Access 4 Fresno State’s campus lies near a few major routes that cut through Fresno from Rt 99, which is the main corridor in and out of the city. Rt. 41 and Rt. 168 run north on either side of campus and provide quick access in and out of the city. Parking is free and easy and since the stadium is rarely crowded it’s generally pretty easy to get around. With free parking and easy access, there’s no reason to not drive to Beiden Field. Otherwise, a cab may be your best option to get around the city. Parking is free in a large lot just beyond the left field wall with the main entrance beyond 3rd base. It’s rarely crowded, so access to the lot is very simple. Generally, you’ll move in and out of the lot very freely. Baseball tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the main gate on the 3rd base line from what appears to be a shed. This is the only gate for ticket purchases, so it can be a bit of a choke point at times if there’s any sort of a crowd. Moving around the stadium is generally very easy. There’s not a large crowd and the concourse is wide. Restrooms are located on both the first and third base lines. They aren’t particularly clean, and this is a theme for the park as a whole. In general, the park is a bit dirty and old. Return on Investment 3 While a trip to Pete Beiden Field isn’t particularly expensive, you’re not getting a whole lot back in return. The result? This is all pretty much average. Free parking, a $10 ticket and about average food prices means it’s a pretty cheap night out. This would generally rate higher, but the venue doesn’t really warrant more than that cost. Extras 2 The primary extras you’ll find here are all built around team tradition. The large statue of Pete Beiden, the display of Fresno State greats in the concourse and the championship decals on the outfield wall all remind you that despite the humble surroundings, there’s a relatively rich history to this program. Final Thoughts Fresno State’s baseball program has had some success in the past. Unfortunately, the stadium doesn’t fully live up to expectations. This is one of those teams that would be better served with smaller, shinier venue. It’s a good enough place to kick up your feet and enjoy a game in the less than crowded grandstand, but the amenities and frills just aren’t really here.

Photos by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.14 MetLife Stadium 1 MetLife Stadium Dr East Rutherford, NJ 07073 AMA Supercross-East Rutherford website MetLife Stadium website Year Opened: 2010 Capacity: 81,000 Motorcycles in the Meadowlands In the late 1980s and early 90s, New Jersey’s Giants Stadium was an annual stop on the AMA Supercross Tour. After a two-decade absence, the motorcycles returned to the Meadowlands in 2014. Things changed in 20 years. Bikes became more powerful, stadiums became bigger, and energy drinks became a thing. But at the end of the day, dirt bike racing is still pretty much the same. So, New York area racing fans were happy to see Supercross stop back in for the 2014 racing season, and were even happier to see the race continued through 2016 and possibly beyond. We attended the 2015 edition and came away impressed by the event, but just a little bit underwhelmed in an overwhelming venue. Food & Beverage 4 MetLife Stadium is, debatably, America’s most modern large outdoor stadium. For its $1.6 billion dollar price tag, it better be. Things here are bigger and perhaps better, including the food selection. Hot dogs, pizza, burgers, burritos, chicken fingers, sandwiches, all the way down to fried clams, it’s pretty much all available. Most options taste pretty good, and the walk around this gargantuan venue to find the stand that satisfies your craving might even burn off some of the calories that you’re bound to take in. Kosher stands are a welcomed sight to New York’s large Jewish and Muslim population. The 2015 edition of the race allowed all fans to bring in outside food in clear plastic bags. Each fan was also allowed one sealed bottle of a non-alcoholic beverage less than 20oz, but the size limit was not rigidly enforced. Pepsi products are readily available inside for $5-$9. Craft beers are available, but fans might need to hunt for them. Monster Energy drinks are the title sponsor of the race. We didn’t spot any inside, but we could have missed them. Variety is good. Prices aren’t terrible. Things taste good, but nothing is truly amazing. Atmosphere 3 The 2015 edition of AMA Supercross at MetLife Stadium was nationally live televised on FOX. TV viewers caught a few races, but they didn’t see the preliminary races that began at 9am, and they didn’t get much of a look at the pit area just outside the stadium. Truth be told, the pits are almost as much of a fanfest as they are a working pit facility. True moto-X fans can spend 8 hours here soaking in the ambiance, but most casual fans will turn up just before the bigger races begin in the mid afternoon. Riders thunder in with entrance music and fireworks as bikini-clad models cheer them on. In the stands, some fans cheer for their favorite riders, while other cheer on the spectacle. Holding this race in one of the United States’ flagship venues is both a blessing and a curse. The venue is comfortable: fans have lots of leg room, concourses are roomy, and video screens make sure that no one misses an important moment. But the roominess also means that fans are spread out. The sheer size of MetLife Stadium means that even a respectable crowd of 60,000 leaves the venue a quarter empty. Fans can hear the bikes, but do the bikers hear the fans? It’s hard to say. Overall, the atmosphere here is good, but not extraordinary. In fact, that’s an apt description of MetLife Stadium in general. Neighborhood 2 Rumor has it that legendary union boss Jimmy Hoffa was buried around here as the Meadowlands sports complex was being constructed in the mid-70s. The story is plausible: despite its proximity to Manhattan, there wasn’t much happening in New Jersey’s Meadowlands until this complex opened. Even now, with the Meadowlands experiencing its second life (MetLife replaces the original Giants Stadium, and the neighboring Izod Center arena is vacant), there isn’t much around despite the stadiums and their parking lots. A horse racing track still exists, while a mega-mall and indoor ski slope sit vacant in partially-complete development limbo. NYC Skyline Behind Acres of Parking, Photo by Gary Butterworth, Stadium Journey In spite of, or because of the remote location, MetLife boasts a respectable tailgating culture. Aside from this, there’s nothing to bring you to MetLife before or after your event. Hang out in nearby Manhattan, or maybe even Newark. Fans 3 Supercross flies under the radar of most sports fans, and even of many motorsports fans. It has a following, but not enough of one to have fan rivalries or any other unpleasantness. At the 2015 Monster Energy Supercross race at MetLife Stadium, a variety of riders brought fans, but the majority of those in attendance simply wanted to see a few good races. Fans cheered at the appropriate times, both with and without prompting from the video boards. Some turned up in team gear. The majority of the crowd, though, was as varied you’d expect at a non-mainstream event in a major market. Access 3 Parking started at $30 for the 2015 race. Knowing this in advance does little to cushion the blow as you pull into MetLife’s sea of parking. For the 2015 edition of Monster Energy AMA Supercross, the NJ Transit train to the Meadowlands from New York City did not run. Instead, direct bus service was available from Manhattan, or fans could take NJ Transit trains to Seacaucus Junction in New Jersey and transfer to bus there. For future editions of the race, fans relying on public transportation should inquire about specific transit operations. For those coming from New York, mass transit may be the better option, even if connections are necessary. In addition to the high price for parking, traffic congestion around the venue is an annoyance. MetLife tries to make life easy for all fans, but the sheer size of the venue makes that difficult. Handicapped parking is still a long walk from entrance gates. Once inside, accessible seating exists, but can still be a hike from entrance gates. Fans with no mobility issues can fully enjoy MetLife Stadium in all its enormity. Though the first two annual Supercross races saw large crowds, the stadium was not sold out, and fans had plenty of room to move around. Return on Investment 4 The AMA Supercross tour doesn’t show much love to the northeast. In the two decades between New York-area events, fans in the most populous part of the US were left out in the cold. With the return to New Jersey’s Meadowlands, Supercross fans in the northeast can now see their sport on their own turf. And with such a large venue, organizers are able to offer enough price points to entice fans from all walks of life. Additionally, 2015 saw Monster Energy offer fans free access to the pit areas in exchange for an empty Monster can. Extras 3 Perhaps more than anything else, the “Party in Pits” sets AMA Supercross apart from other events at MetLife Stadium. The opportunity to get a little closer to the riders is appreciated, especially at such a large stadium. The variety of Supercross rider gear at the souvenir stands is also impressive. Final Thoughts The return of AMA Supercross to MetLife Stadium is a blessing to dirt bike fans in the northeast United States, as well as the fan who likes seeing events that are just outside the mainstream. Though the event and stadium aren’t quite “can’t-miss,” those with an interest in checking out Supercross in person are likely to be satisfied.

Photos by Daniel Armstrong, Stadium Journey Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.57 Duffy Bass Field Gregory St Normal, IL 61761 Illinois State Redbirds website Duffy Bass Field website Year Opened: 1988 Capacity: 1,500 Redbird Renovation For more than 25 years the baseball program at Illinois State University has called Duffy Bass Field home. The original structure featured limited seating and was lacking in many modern amenities. In 2006, then-athletic director Dr. Sheahon Zenger unveiled the Redbird Renaissance Capital Campaign, the purpose of which was to propel Illinois State’s Athletic Complexes into the 21st century. Along with the renovation of the baseball diamond, a new softball stadium, a new east side grandstand at Hancock Stadium, and an upgrade to Redbird Arena were included in the master plan. The $3.2 million renovation saw Duffy Bass Field transform from what could have been considered a temporary structure into one of the premier venues in the Midwest. The new stadium features a gated complex with seating for over 1,500 spectators, fixed concession stands, restrooms, team dugouts, and a press box unparalleled in mid-major baseball. The stadium, which is nestled into the northwest corner of the Redbird’s athletic complex, was rededicated on May 9th 2009. The name was changed from Redbird Field to Duffy Bass Field in honor of long time ISU coach Duffy Bass, who coached the Redbirds for over 20 seasons and led them to capture the 1969 NCAA College Division National Championship. Since the project was completed in 2009 the stadium has received other upgrades including a new LED scoreboard in 2010 and a $360,000 Field Turf infield in 2013. The Redbirds have consistently finished in the top half of the Missouri Valley Conference since the renovation including a league championship and impressive playoff run in 2010. Duffy Bass Field has the honor of hosting the Missouri Valley Conference Baseball Tournament for the first time in its history in 2013. Food & Beverage 3 You won’t find anything other than typical ballpark fare at Duffy Bass Field. The selection includes hot dogs, hamburgers, Polish sausage, nachos, popcorn, candy, soft drinks (Pepsi), and hot chocolate. All items are reasonably priced and range from $1.50-$4.50. Atmosphere 4 The stadium is extremely visually appealing. The new Field Turf infield features a Redbird logo and is very classy looking. The natural grass outfield is very well manicured as well. In fact, before the installation of the artificial surface Illinois State was twice awarded the Professional Grounds Management Society’s Honor Award for excellence in playing surface. There is also a picturesque backdrop to the stadium with trees in left field; the towering new grandstand of Hancock Stadium in center; and Horton Fieldhouse, Redbird Arena, and a state of the art scoreboard in right field. There is a great view from every seat. The three sections directly behind home plate are plastic stadium seats and the rest of the fixed seating is backed metal bleachers. Grass along both baselines extends to the outfield fence and serve as overflow. The sound is good throughout the stadium. Although I was thoroughly irritated by the public address announcer by the end of the game. ISU has a great student following which adds tremendously to the atmosphere at any collegiate sporting event. It is just an overall great place to see a game. The only downside is that the surrounding terrain is rather flat so wind can be a problem during some contests so dress accordingly. Neighborhood 3 There are few options within comfortable walking distance, but there are plenty of options nearby if driving. My personal recommendation would be paying a visit to the Pub II. The Pub has been named one of the best college bars in America by Playboy magazine. You will find a large selection of food and beverages at a reasonable price. Order the cheese balls, you won’t regret it! Two other options would be either paying a visit to the Uptown Normal area which has a vast selection of dining choices and retail outlets, or a strip of bars along Beaufort Street which are catered to the students. Either way, visitors should be mindful of parking signs to avoid an unexpected ticket or the chance of being towed away. Fans 4 With its success in recent seasons, Illinois State’s baseball program has built up a faithful following. A half capacity crowd is typical for the Redbirds. All fans seem to be attentive to the action on the field, are knowledgeable about the game of baseball, and are interested in ensuring their team prevails in the contest. The visiting team often has a fairly large fan section which is located along the third baseline and they are treated in a respectful and welcoming manner. Access 4 Parking is no problem at ISU events. There is a large lot located directly outside the stadium and in the rare event that it fills up there are parking lots down Adelaide Street next to the soccer and softball stadiums. The concourse is wide and easily navigable and the entire experience is handicapped accessible. Restrooms are located past the concession stand on the first base side. They are very well maintained and large enough to accommodate the crowd without much of a line if any. Return on Investment 5 The experience is well worth the price of admission, in fact I would have gladly paid more. Illinois State Redbirds baseball is presented free of charge. Admission to every regular season Illinois State contest is free as is parking so the only place you can incur expense is through concessions. I enjoyed my visit and would have gladly paid something. Extras 2 I like the view of the athletics complex beyond the outfield. Overall this is a very appealing and high quality stadium. Illinois State did a fantastic job with this renovation. The new ballpark is a complete 180 from what they had before. Best of all, it’s FREE! As the cost of attending a live sporting event is rising in all leagues across the nation this is a very welcome surprise.

Photo Courtesy of FDUKnights.com Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 2.00 Naimoli Family Baseball Complex 1000 River Rd Teaneck, NJ 07666 Fairleigh Dickinson Knights website Naimoli Family Baseball Complex website Year Opened: 2011 Capacity: 500 A Curious Little Ballfield Fairleigh Dickinson University is New Jersey’s largest private institution, founded in 1942. As of 2015, it is the state’s largest private institution of higher education with approximately 11,619 students. There are two campuses in the state in Madison and Florham Park, as well as Metropolitan Campus in Teaneck and Hackensack outside New York City in Bergen County. The Metropolitan Campus is where the school competes in NCAA Division I athletics and are known as the Knights, while the Madison/Florham campus competes in NCAA Division III athletics and use the Devils nickname for its sports teams. The Knights baseball team have called the Naimoli Family Baseball Complex home since the spring of 2011. The field features both a synthetic infield and outfield playing surface, while further improvements will feature lighting, stands, and a press box. Food & Beverage 0 There is no food or beverage served at the complex, and it is wise to either eat before your arrival or bring your own food to the game. A very common occurrence at many baseball fields across the copious college campuses in the country. However, there are many fast food choices nearby that are easily accessible to the ballpark that could help out in a pinch. Do not be surprised to see a few fans brown bagging it during the ballgame. Atmosphere 2 The baseball field is recognizable from Route 4, but it does feel somewhat hidden from the rest of the FDU campus. The ball field stands directly below the very busy state road that connects commuters to New York City via the George Washington Bridge. It is a very peculiar place for a baseball field, and there is not a lot of room for many things that are common at ballgames for the fans. The main issue is that there are very few spots to grab a seat at the game, with the exception of a couple of movable small wooden bleachers near home plate. The majority of the fans either stand, bring their own chairs, or will find a sporadic plastic chair to use to watch the game. This is not your most fan friendly baseball complex, but this is due more to its cramped spacing and proximity to the highway up above than anything else. A small scoreboard stands down the third baseline, while the entire field is heavily enclosed with netting to prevent foul balls from striking cars down the left field line on the highway. The backstop itself looks like it would be better off behind a t-ball field. The outfield walls are decorated with the name of the complex, and the all synthetic field is in immaculate condition featuring the college name and logo down the first and third baselines. Neighborhood 4 The FDU campus stretches between the cities of Teaneck and Hackensack. These two cities are a mix of residential and urban. The best part about attending a FDU game is that you are in close proximity of many places to eat and shop. The Shops of Riverside is a mall that features well known chain franchises including P.F. Chang’s, Cheesecake Factory, Friday’s, Smashburger, and Houston’s. There is also a Hooters and several other local pizza parlors nearby, but the best place for a pie is at Brooklyn Pizza. It is a must before or after the game with their coal oven pizza and in-house mozzarella which give their pizza a one of kind taste at a low price. Also, try the fried ravioli, a somewhat rare treat in this part of the country. If you’re in the mood for more Italian food, then Donn Pomodoro is an excellent choice, especially for brunch on Sundays. Fans 1 There are not too many places for the fans to sit and cheer on their Knights baseball team, and perhaps this is why there are so few fans who attend the game. The ones who are in attendance, make sure they are heard loud and clear. Access 2 The baseball complex can be a bit of a hassle to access for the first time. There are not too many clear signs for drivers and one could get lost or frustrated trying to figure out where the baseball field is. Add rush hour traffic from the city into New Jersey, and you have the makings for a few headaches. The best way to reach the field is to drive past the campus, under the Route 4 bypass, and make a right into the field house parking. Once you are there, park your car, and take the tunnel to the ballpark – one of the most original ways to arrive to a baseball game and a little fun to take photos inside. Return on Investment 2 Even though there is no cost for admission, attending a game is definitely left up to the imagination. Without proper seating, concessions, and even bathrooms, returning for games in the future might be limited for an average customer. There are many other college ball fields that do not offer a lot of seating, but it is usually compensated with a large grassy hill or a small knoll to spread out a blanket to enjoy the game. Unfortunately, this does not exist here at FDU. Extras 3 One star for the quirkiness of the stadium’s location that includes a somewhat secret tunnel entrance. A second star for its all synthetic turf and lack of a dirt infield. For the type of weather that exists in New Jersey during the spring time, there is less of a chance for rain outs due to flooded fields. A third star is not baseball related. Just beyond the outfield walls is the university’s soccer field. A rather basic configuration, but one that should be noted as the first professional home to US Men’s National Team Goalkeeper and New Jersey native Tim Howard. In 1997, a then 18-year-old rookie began his professional career with the North Jersey Imperials of the United Soccer League posting a 0.99 GAA before moving up Major League Soccer and eventually the English Premier League. Final Thoughts The game that I attended most recently was quickly washed out due to a wintery mix of rain and snow. Unfortunately, few were in attendance due to the gunpowder skies and chance of precipitation. However, I am not sure how many more would have been at the game due to the limited and lack of seating. The university does have plans to add lighting, a press box, and more seating to the complex in the near future. Perhaps the much needed updates could be just what the baseball field needs to enhance the fan experience at the game.